Sand Boarding

Sand boarding is almost exactly like snowboarding except that it is done in the desert instead of snow-topped mountains. Although not as popular as snowboarding, sand boarding is quickly catching on as a fun recreational activity. It is a highly thrilling sport and riders can reach speeds in excess of sixty miles per hour, all on a simple board made out of fibre glass and wood. Unlike snowboarding, one can go sand boarding at any time of the year and good locations are easier to find. After all, it can be carried out at any place with large dunes, be it a desert or a beach.

Those interested in trying out the sport should try the Middle East region. It is, aptly enough, one of the best places in the world to try out this adventure sport. Although popular in countries throughout the Middle East, sand boarding has found a special place in Oman. The most popular spots in the country are the Bousher Dunes in Muscat and the Wahiba Sands in Sifah. One need not be an expert to ride here as there are dunes of different sizes and inclines found here.

Other popular activities in Oman include quad biking, dune bashing, mountain climbing and desert trekking. Dune bashing is an activity where people drive around sand dunes in four wheel drive trucks – it is a little scarier than it sounds as some dunes can be quite steep. Tourists visiting Oman should also think of taking a safari on camel back and spending a night at a Bedouin camp. Staying at a Bedouin camp is the best way to experience the desert at night and enjoy the famous Arabian hospitality.

There are many places in Oman that provide facilities for adventure desert activities. However, one can minimise the hassles of finding a good one by staying at proper Oman hotels that already come with such facilities. The Desert Nights Camp is one such hotel in Oman that provides facilities for a variety of desert-related activities such as trekking and quad biking. The accommodation on offer is stellar and guests get to sleep in large Arabian-styled tents that come with air conditioning. It is truly an excellent place to stay.

Angela Fernando is an impassioned travel writer who composes pieces under the pen name Sumaira Narayan. She loves writing about new and exciting places around the world and hopes to visit them all someday. Google+

Sand Boarding in NZ: An Exhilarating Ride Down Golden Dunes

Climbing atop a small board and flying down a snow covered hill at an exhilarating speed is a common snow sport that is known to many all around the world by the name of snow boarding. However, the idea of doing the same, but on a steep sandy hill is an activity that not many people have heard of let alone experienced. Such is the art of sand boarding which is also one of the many diverse activities and experiences the tropical island nation of New Zealand has to offer her visitors.

The island is riddled with sandy dunes that make for great sand boarding and one such location is Cape Reinga where there is a meeting of the Tasman Sea and the great Pacific Ocean. The dunes are absolutely massive and though the trek to the top is a tiresome exercise, the fast paced, exhilarating ride down, makes it absolutely and completely worth it.

A sand boarding experience, but with an intriguing and exciting twist is known as the Hokianga Express in Opononi. For those wishing to experience this interesting activity, take a boat from the jetty to the sandy dunes and experience sand boarding in a completely different way. These golden dunes will allow you to ride down a thirty metre slope and skim over the water, giving you the illusion of suspending gravity. The boat ride from the jetty can be booked according to your convenience and the entire experience should cost less than 30 dollars.

Sand boarding is an activity that can be abundantly found in this Paradise of the Gods and gives you an ideal opportunity to explore the amazing feats of nature as well. After a fun bout of sand boarding, opt to go for a walk or hike and see how these deliciously golden dunes mould together to make beautifully scenic imagery thanks to strong winds and rain.

When staying at New Zealand hotels, ensure to make queries regarding the closest sand dunes suitable for sand boarding for this is a kiwi experience you would surely not want to miss. When touring the country, opting for reliable accommodation is a must as you move from city to city. When on the west coast and searching for Greymouth hotels in the area, it is always sensible to opt for the hotel belonging to the reputed chain of Millennium & Copthorne Hotels NZ for it is sure to make your holiday in New Zealand, convenient and comfortable.

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