Looking for your next Dubai thrill rush? Experience the thrill of sandboarding in Dubai. Like we’ve mentioned, Sandboarding Tours in the Desert in Dubai is an extreme sport, and if you need a bit of excitement to get the adrenaline pumping, taking on the golden desert dunes under an open sky is the way to go. So, whether you’re an adrenaline junkie, a family, or a first-time visitor, this desert adventure is an ideal activity. Lahbab and Al Badayer’s expansive dunes make Sandboarding Tours in the Desert the ultimate activity to do in Dubai. Regardless of skill, the opportunity guarantees to be out-of-this-world fun. Prepare to feel the sand beneath your feet as you soar along the dunes and snap the sights and scenery along the way, and turn your Dubai desert safari into a memory of a lifetime.
What is Sandboarding?
Sandboarding Tours in the Desert is a fun dune sport similar to snowboarding , but rather than icy slopes, you’ll be sliding down soft, golden dunes. On specially designed sandboards, you can slide, glide, and even perform tricks on the towering dunes of Dubai. This name is fun, easy to pronounce, and family-friendly. No matter if you stand or sit on the board, the exhilaration of racing down the desert hills will be unforgettable. Sandboarding Tours in the Desert have gained enough popularity as one of the favorite dune adventures, if not the favorite, among tourists seeking a thrill while visiting the Dubai desert safari.
The History of Sandboarding
History of Sandboarding Sandboarding is a sport with a long and layered history. You see it back at the beginning of surfing, where Hawaiians would lie atop their boards and paddle out to surf waves.
The contemporary version of Sandboarding Tours in the Desert, though, was popularized in the California and Arizona deserts in the late 1970s. In here, locals also started sliding down dunes on small pieces of plywood or fibreglass. Sandboarding is a sport that has become increasingly popular in the last few decades and is now a global activity.
The sport has been included in national and international sporting events, showcased on TV, and even featured in movies.
Why Choose Dubai for Sandboarding?
Sandboarding. There is no place on earth better for sandboarding than Dubai. Sandboarding. This dune-racing dotty nation is just made for Sandboarding Tours in the Desert, its immense reds and goldens, particularly in places like Lahbab and Al Badayer. What tops it all are the arranged, neatly arranged desert safari tours where you can do sandboarding or take a ride on a camel, enjoy BBQ dinners, and much more. There’s no need to think about equipment or transportation, everything is all sorted for you. Plus, the warm weather and scenic desert views make it a fun and Instagram-worthy experience. Whether you’re a beginner or a thrill-seeker, Dubai has it all.
Top Sandboarding Locations in Dubai
Some of the most impressive dunes on the planet are in Dubai, and every site has something different to offer sandboarders. Here are the top locations:
- Lahbab Desert (Red Dunes): With this area’s high, red dunes, the Lahbab is the perfect destination for an exciting adventure riding the ever-shifting sands. It is one of the best places for beginners and pros alike.
- Al Badayer (Big Red Dune): This is one of the best locations for experienced riders with its tall, massive dunes. It’s great if you are in the mood for a little
- Al Faya Desert: A more peaceful place with smaller dunes, perfect for both families and anyone who’d like to enjoy a more placid desert & sandboarding activity.
- Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve: A lovely, protected part of Dubai that offers more than just sandboarding, with an opportunity to spot native wildlife, including Arabian oryx and gazelles.
Types of Sandboarding Experiences
When it comes to sandboarding, Dubai offers more than one way to experience the thrill. Here are the kinds you could like best:
1 . Stand-up Sandboarding: This is to sandboarding what you snowboard is to snowboarding. You take a position on the board and slide down a bank. With the tingle of slipping along on soft sand, you rush down the dunes.
2 . Sit-down Sandboarding: Ideal for beginners or families with small children, this technique will have you sitting on your board and cruising down slight inclines. It’s not as electric, but it’s fun.
3 . Tow-in Sandboarding: The adrenalin junkies will also offer tow-in sandboarding where they are pulled up the dunes by a 4×4 before you go tearing down them.
4 . Sandboarding for Kids: Some of the Dubai desert safari tours provide special gear for kids, so it is a fantastic family-friendly activity. Children can learn sandboarding with safety gear and at a slower speed.
Essential Gear and Equipment
For a great time, Sandboarding Tours in the Desert in Dubai, using the appropriate equipment is a must, not only for protection but also for a good game. Here’s what you’ll need:
Sandboard: Sandboards, like snowboards, are meant to glide on the fine sand. They come in various sizes, so be sure to pick one that matches your skill level and the dunes you’ll be riding.
Wax: Preparation is key, which is why sandboarding calls for a waxed board to provide less resistance and create a faster ride! Most tour operators will offer it, but if you are renting your board, you may want to request waxing too.
Protective Gear: Sandboarding itself does not carry an inherently high risk of harm, and elbow and knee pads and a helmet may provide some protection against injuries when practicing, and for use going further down steeper dunes.
Appropriate Footwear: Avoid sandals and flip-flops. “Closed-toed shoes with traction would probably be best because you need something to grip the sandboard,” she said, noting wedges and mules need not apply.
Best Times to Sandboard in Dubai
When organizing a sandboarding adventure in Dubai, it all comes down to timing. The best times to make for the dunes are:
- Winter (November to March): This is the Best time to go to Dubai for sandboarding. The temperatures have dropped, so the desert is cooler for exploring. Daytime highs are in the range of 20-25°C (68-77°F) , so it’s perfect for outdoor activities.
- Morning (6 AM to 9 AM): Early mornings are best if the heat is not ideal for you. The sand is cooler, and the early light is softer, for beautiful views and photos.
- Evening (4 PM to Sunset): During sunset sessions, beautiful golden-hour views are offered as the sun sets below the dunes. This is one of the busiest times for sandboarding, so you would want to book in advance if you want to see this magical time of red dune surfing.
What to Wear and Bring
Just like when you hit the desert for a sandboarding session in Dubai, you need to get dressed right to be in comfort and safety. Here’s what you need to wear and bring:
1 . Light, Comfortable Clothing: The desert heat in Dubai can be relentless, so put on something loose, light, and airy. Light hats, long sleeves, and lightweight pants also offer some protection for your skin from the sun.
2 . Closed-toe Shoes: Sandboarding requires a good grip, so do this with stable shoes, for example, sneakers or hiking boots. Don’t go for sandals or flip-flops, as they offer no support that you need.
3 . Sun Protection: The desert sun can be intense, so wear a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and lots of sunscreen. Anything less than SPF 30 may not provide all-day protection.
4 . Water Bottle: Stay hydrated! After all, the desert’s heat is known to parch you fast, and can drain your energy if you’re not cautious, so carry along a refillable water bottle to keep your energy at bay.
5 . Camera or Phone: Remember to bring your camera, and/or your smartphone, to take home those epic memories of the dunes. The desert provides amazing locations for photos, especially at sunrise and sunset.
Combining Sandboarding with Other Desert Activities
The best thing about sandboarding in Dubai is, you can team it with several other thrilling desert activities. Here are some options to inject a little fun into your desert outing:
- Dune Bashing: Wind down with a chilling session of dune bashing in a 4X4. That high-speed dash across the dunes is an adrenaline-fuelled pump of the heart to prepare you for the rush of carving through the sand on your board.
- Camel Riding: How about a calm camel ride through the desert after having snowboarded in the sand? It’s a nice way to unwind and see the dunes the old-fashioned way.
- Quad Biking: Have some off-road fun by hiring quad bikes to zoom around the great desert. It’s a fun, fast way to learn about the dunes before or after your sandboarding adventure.
- Traditional Bedouin Experiences: A lot of the Bedouin camps you will have a chance to enjoy part of the Bedouin tradition, like henna (a temporary tattoo), belly dance, or drink Arabic coffee, giving you a taste of the rich desert culture.
Booking a Sandboarding Tour
It’s simple to book a sandboarding tour in Dubai, and there are a variety of options to suit individual needs. Here’s what you need to know:
1 . Choose a Reputable Tour Operator: Search for companies with excellent reviews and experienced guides. A good tour operator will have all the equipment you need, from sandboards to safety gear, and they will make sure you have a safe, fun time.
2 . Tour Packages: Sandboarding can typically be signed up for as an addition to a desert safari excursion. Options for tours can be anything from half-day to full-day and include dune bashing, camel rides, and more. Choose one that fits your schedule and budget.
3 . Group vs. Private Tours: And if you are with friends or family, you might want to choose the private version of the tour for a more personalized experience. Group tours can also be a great way to connect with other adventure seekers.
4 . Booking in Advance: To ensure you have a spot during high tourist season (the winter months), you might want to consider booking your sandboarding tour in advance.
Safety Tips and Precautions
Sandboarding in Dubai is a thrilling adventure, but it also relies on safety. Follow these critical safety guidelines:
- Follow Your Guide’s Instructions: Always respect your guide and do what they tell you to do, in particular concerning guidance on the dunes and how to slide the sand with your sandboard.
- Stay Hydrated: The desert’s quite the dehydrator. Stand the heat by drinking lots of water before you begin sandboarding, during, and after.
- Wear Protective Gear: Sandboarding is a pretty safe sport, but you’re going to need to don knee and elbow pads and a helmet if you want to prevent injury, especially if you’re a newbie and hitting the slopes.
- Know Your Limits: You should begin on smaller dunes if you are new to the sport. Take it slow and learn at your own pace: identifying your skill level and not trying to do tricks that are too challenging or trying steeper slopes before you’re comfortable is essential.
- Take Breaks: And remember to take short breaks, to take the weight off your legs and to cool off in the shade. Exertion in the heat, by contrast, can easily result in heat exhaustion.
Capturing the Experience
The desert in Dubai provides some of the most amazing landscapes that would be perfect for taking memorable photos. Here’s how to photograph your sandboarding adventure:
Golden Hour Shots: The most ideal time for photos is during the golden hour, either early in the morning or around sunset. The warm, soft light is sure to give your photos an extra magical touch.
Action Shots: And be sure to take a photo as you whiz down the dunes. Professional photographers are also available at many tour operators to snap your hurly-gurly best.
Landscape Views: The continuous dunes, clear blue skies, and bold desert hues provide some stunning panoramas. Stop and capture a little bit of the gorgeousness of the desert around you.
Use Your Phone or Camera: Smartphones are fantastic for snapshots, but if you’re looking for quality images, bring along a camera with a nice zoom lens to create depth in the landscape and capture action shots of sandboarding.
Remember the Fun: More importantly, make the most of it! And those memories you’re making? Far more important than the photos, so don’t stress about getting the perfect shot.
Conclusion
The sandboarding experience in Dubai is an exhilarating experience that involves bursts of adrenaline, breathtaking views of desert dunes, and the kind of experience you simply cannot forego. From first-timers to expert riders, the Dubai dunes cater to every type of rider. Whether it’s the exciting rush of gliding down golden dunes or sharing your experience with other great desert activities, you won’t forget sandboarding! With the right equipment, some preparation, and a few safety tips at your back, you’ll be ready to tone up for the dunes and make memories that last a lifetime. So, pack your bags, grab your board, and get ready for the ultimate desert adventure in Dubai.
Read More:
- Top 12 Tips for Eco-Friendly Desert Safari Adventures in Dubai
- Top Tips for Enjoying Dubai Desert Safari with Children
- Why Quad Biking is a Powerful Thrill in Dubai Desert Safari
FAQs:
Yes, Sandboarding is safe with the right gear and training. Safety gear, including knee pads, elbow pads, and helmets, is usually provided by most of the tour operators. Be sure to follow your guide’s lead and try smaller dunes if you’re new at this.
No experience is required. ( Biking is downhill and of medium difficulty, while sandboarding is beginner-friendly, and most vendor has options for all levels.) No experience is necessary, and both first-timers and experienced riders will find the adventure enjoyable.
The optimal months for sandboarding is from November to March, when the weather is cooler. Best conditions: Early morning (6 AM to 9 AM and late afternoon (4 PM to sunset) when it’s cooler.
Absolutely! If you’re interested in mudboarding, a great desert safari activity, check out one of the options available on Klook. It’s a cool way to see the desert, and do something fun at the same time.