Sandboarding is one of the most exciting activities you can enjoy on a Dubai desert safari. Instead of snow, you slide on golden dunes, using a special board designed for the sand.
It’s easy to learn, fun for all ages, and gives you a thrilling way to experience the vast desert.
It combines the thrill of adventure with the beauty of the desert landscape, especially in the calm hours of the morning. Watching the sunrise while sliding down the dunes makes this activity even more memorable.
Whether you are a beginner or an adventure enthusiast, sandboarding is easy to try and always leaves you wanting another ride.
In this article, we’ll explore what sandboarding is, how it differs from snowboarding, and the key things to keep in mind before trying it.
What is Sandboarding and How is it Different from Snowboarding?
Sandboarding is an adventure sport where you ride down desert dunes on a board, much like how snowboarders glide down snowy slopes. Instead of icy mountains, your playground is the soft golden sand of the desert. It’s one of the signature experiences in Dubai and is easy for beginners to try.
At first glance, sandboarding looks similar to snowboarding; you strap your feet to a board and slide downhill. But the surfaces are very different. Snow is slippery and fast, while sand creates more friction, making the ride slower and easier to control. That’s why even first-timers or children can enjoy sandboarding without much training.
Key Differences from Snowboarding:
- Surface: Snow is cold and slick; sand is warm and textured.
- Speed: Snowboarding is fast and can be extreme, while sandboarding is generally slower and smoother.
- Equipment:
- Sandboards are specially designed with a harder, slick base so they can glide over sand.
- Snowboards are built for icy terrain and wouldn’t slide well in the desert.
- Sandboards are specially designed with a harder, slick base so they can glide over sand.
- Clothing: In snowboarding you need heavy winter gear, while in Dubai you just wear light, comfortable clothes and sunglasses.
- Location: Snowboarding requires mountains; sandboarding is done on dunes — which are softer and safer to fall on.
In short, sandboarding offers the same thrill of sliding downhill, but in a completely different setting; the golden desert instead of snowy peaks. For travelers from Europe or colder countries, it’s like trying a familiar sport but in an exotic environment.
Safety Basics and Top Dunes for Beginners
Sandboarding is safe and fun, but like any sport, it’s better when you know the basics. The desert dunes are soft, so falling doesn’t hurt as much as on hard surfaces. Still, a few safety tips can make your first ride smoother and more enjoyable.
Safety Tips for Beginners
- Posture is key: Keep your knees slightly bent and your body leaning forward. This helps you stay balanced and avoid tipping over.
- Start small: Begin with gentler dunes. Once you’re confident, you can try the steeper ones.
- Protective gear: Knee pads, elbow pads, and helmets are useful, especially for kids or first-timers. If you don’t have your own, many safari operators can provide them.
- Sitting vs. standing: Standing is the classic style, but beginners often enjoy starting in a sitting position. It’s easier to balance and lets you get comfortable with the glide before moving to a full standing ride.
Best Beginner-Friendly Dunes in Dubai
- Lahbab Red Dunes – Famous for their striking orange-red sand and a good mix of gentle and steep slopes.
- Al Qudra Desert – Quieter and less crowded, perfect for practicing in peace.
- Fossil Rock Area – Offers unique views with dunes that are great for both beginners and intermediate riders.
Trawey’s desert safari routes cover these popular dunes, so you’ll always find a spot that matches your comfort level. You get to enjoy the thrill of the ride against the backdrop of Dubai’s stunning desert sunrise.
How Sandboarding Fits into Trawey’s Morning Safari Itinerary
At Trawey, sandboarding is one of the highlights of our morning desert safari. it’s about enjoying the desert in a fun, safe, and memorable way.
A Morning Filled with Adventure
The day usually starts with a hotel pick-up and a drive out to the dunes. After the excitement of dune bashing, you’ll have time to try sandboarding.
Alongside this, the morning safari includes other activities like quad biking, camel rides, and photo stops to capture the sunrise glow.
Time for Sandboarding
We make sure there’s dedicated time for sandboarding so you don’t feel rushed.
Our guides explain everything step-by-step, from choosing your dune to learning the right stance, so even first-timers can ride smoothly.
Why Trawey Is Different
Not all safari operators focus on sandboarding, but we encourage every guest to try it, regardless of age or experience. It’s safe, lighthearted, and always brings smiles.
Kids, beginners, and even adults who are new to the desert quickly pick it up with the right guidance. Our team is there to assist, instruct, and cheer you on so you feel confident before your first slide.
Why Morning Safaris Are Special for Sandboarding
- Cooler temperatures make it more comfortable to be active.
- Softer sunlight gives better visibility and photos.
- Less crowded dunes mean you have more space to enjoy and practice.
With Trawey, sandboarding is an experience we want you to remember as part of your perfect desert morning.
Guest Reviews and Quotes About Sandboarding Fun
Sandboarding is often the activity that surprises guests the most during their desert safari. Many come expecting dune bashing or camel rides to be the highlight, but sliding down the golden dunes quickly becomes their favorite part of the day. Guests often describe it as easy to pick up, exciting for both kids and adults, and a fun way to connect with the desert landscape.
Tips for Balancing, Speed Control, and Safe Landings
Sandboarding looks easy, but a few simple techniques can help you ride more smoothly and safely.
- Start Sitting if You’re New
Beginners often find it easier to sit on the board first. Sitting gives you better grip and balance, making it less likely to fall on your first tries. - Practice Basic Balance
If you’re standing, keep your knees slightly bent and your feet firmly strapped. Lean forward slightly, not backward, to stay stable. - Control Your Speed
On steep dunes, speed can build up quickly. Use your heels to apply light pressure on the back edge of the board to slow down. Avoid locking your legs; a flexible stance helps you stay in control. - Safe Landings Matter
Falling is normal, especially when you’re starting out. Try to land on your side or back rather than putting your hands out first. The sand is soft, so injuries are rare, but a careful landing makes it even safer. - Choose the Right Dune
Smaller slopes are perfect for practice. As you gain confidence, you can move to taller dunes for more speed and thrill. Trawey guides will always suggest the right dunes depending on your comfort level.
With the right posture and practice, you’ll find sandboarding fun, safe, and addictive, one ride down the dune usually isn’t enough.
Sandboarding in Dubai is an experience that anyone can enjoy. Unlike snowboarding, there’s no cold, no heavy gear, and the soft desert sand makes it safe for beginners and kids.
Whether you’re sitting down for your first slide or standing tall on a steep dune, every ride brings laughter, excitement, and a sense of adventure.
With Trawey’s morning safaris, you also get expert guidance, the best dunes, and a safe, fun environment to try this activity. Add in the cooler morning weather and fewer crowds, and it becomes the perfect chance to experience the desert in a unique way.
Sandboarding is easy to try, fun to repeat, and unforgettable for all ages. That’s why it’s one of the most loved parts of every Trawey desert safari.
Book your morning desert safari with Trawey and enjoy the thrill of sandboarding along with many more desert adventures.
