Snowboarding Without the Snow
Marc Russo, Staff Reporter
mrusso@csumb.edu
After taking in wide-angle views of the Monterey Bay and the Pacific Ocean, the rider drops into the soft white sand, which sprays up in the air, obscuring the waves crashing into the coastline until he has completed his 40-foot descent down the sand dune.
Home to some world-famous surf, the Peninsula also hosts some pretty well-known sand. A much less visible sport than surfing, sandboarding has made a prominent home on the coastline as well.
The sport of sandboarding is most closely linked to snowboarding. In fact, sandboarding was first introduced in the 1970s, when snowboarding was just beginning to achieve popularity. However, it was not until the last decade that the sport started to gain more attention. Reportedly, the popularity of snowboarding has had an indirect effect on growth of sandboarding.
Unlike snowboarding, riding the sand can be done year round. All it needs is a sure slope of dry sand. Wet sand tends to be sticky, which makes sliding down the dune much more difficult for the rider.
The soft sand on the local dunes rides like powder on the ski slopes. Because of this, the rider’s stance is farther back, which keeps the nose of the board above the sand, facilitating a swift and smooth ride.
This seemingly up-and-coming sport has its own boards. The base is usually built with formica or laminex, which is harder than snowboards. While a true sandboard is recommended for better results, they are hard to find in board shops, so many riders use old snowboard equipment. Unlike snowboarding, however, sandboarding requires wax to be applied on almost every run. Without wax, the board will gradually slow down.
The sport already boasts enthusiasts world wide but is most common in desert areas or on coastal dunes. Without lifts, every run requires a trek back to the top. It is common to see dune buggies or quads used as lifts in the desert. But motor vehicles are prohibited on Peninsula dunes. A hike will have to suffice.
While Monterey Bay dunes are relatively moderate compared to the more popular sandboarding destinations, most of which are in South America, it offers some of the most accessible terrain for riders. The local area, according to the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary website, “has some 83 accessible beaches and 24 dune systems.”
Sandboard Magazine’s online addition has a link of places to ride world wide. Riders in Sand City have named one area, “The Pitt.” The website states, “There are a few chute runs and a couple of cliff drops, but the fast line to the bottom of the bowl and the ride up the far bank levee is what “The Pit” is famous for. The view of the Pacific is excellent, and sunsets are worth being there for.”
Junior and Liberal Studies major, Jeff Towle has sandboarded in both North and South America. “The Pitt,” measuring at about 50 feet tall, is a few thousand feet shorter than the sand he rode in Peru.“I have a new faith in Monterey hills,” said Towle. “This is the best place I’ve ridden since moving here.” The area has numerous lines to choose from. Riders can access long, gentle runs to the bottom or cliff lines measuring up to about 10 feet.
After reaching the bottom of the dunes the riders unstrap their bindings while taking in the view. They then catch their breath before the hike back to the top begins.