Sandboarding in Wadi Rum: A Fun Activity for Adventurers

Wadi Rum offers adventure seekers a unique opportunity to experience the thrill of sliding down magnificent sand dunes. Sandboarding has become increasingly popular among visitors looking for an adrenaline rush in this stunning desert landscape.

What is Sandboarding?

Sandboarding is similar to snowboarding but takes place on sand dunes instead of snowy slopes. Participants stand on a board and slide down sand dunes, experiencing the rush of speed while surrounded by breathtaking desert scenery.

The Best Dunes for Sandboarding in Wadi Rum

Not all areas in Wadi Rum are suitable for sandboarding. The best locations include:

The Red Dune (Al-Haswa Al-Hamra): One of the most popular spots, offering a good height and slope for beginners and intermediate sandboarders.

Dunes near Um Sabatah: These dunes provide longer runs and are slightly more challenging.

Al Qattar Dunes: Located in the eastern part of Wadi Rum, these dunes offer varied terrain for different skill levels.

Equipment and Preparation

Most tour operators in Wadi Rum provide the necessary equipment for sandboarding, which typically includes:

Sandboards (similar to snowboards but designed specifically for sand)

Wax (applied to the bottom of the board to reduce friction)

Safety gear (recommended, especially for beginners)

Pro tip: Wear closed shoes and bring a scarf to protect yourself from sand.

Techniques for Beginners

If you're new to sandboarding, here are some basic techniques to get you started:

Start on smaller dunes: Build your confidence before attempting larger slopes.

Proper stance: Position your feet shoulder-width apart with your dominant foot at the back.

Bend your knees: Keep your center of gravity low for better balance.

Lean back slightly: This helps prevent the front of the board from digging into the sand.

Use your arms for balance: Extend them outward like wings when needed.

Best Time for Sandboarding

The ideal time for sandboarding in Wadi Rum is during the early morning or late afternoon when:

Temperatures are cooler

The sand isn't too hot to touch

The lighting creates dramatic shadows on the dunes, perfect for photography

Avoid midday hours during summer months when temperatures can exceed 40°C (104°F).

Combining Sandboarding with Other Activities

Most visitors experience sandboarding as part of a broader jeep tour or desert adventure package. Popular combinations include:

Jeep tour + sandboarding

Camel ride + sandboarding

Overnight camping + sunset sandboarding

Environmental Considerations

When enjoying this exciting activity, remember to respect the desert environment:

Stay on designated dunes recommended by your guide

Don't leave any trash behind

Respect the natural landscape and local Bedouin customs

Is Sandboarding for Everyone?

While sandboarding is generally accessible to most visitors, it does require:

Reasonable physical fitness

Good balance

The ability to climb up dunes (which can be challenging in soft sand)

Children as young as 8 can participate with proper supervision, making it a great family activity.

Booking a Sandboarding Experience

Most Wadi Rum tour operators offer sandboarding as part of their packages. Prices typically range from 10-20 JOD ($14-28 USD) when added to an existing tour. Dedicated sandboarding sessions can be arranged with advance notice.

Sandboarding in Wadi Rum offers a perfect blend of adventure and natural beauty. The feeling of sliding down golden dunes with the magnificent desert landscape stretching to the horizon creates memories that last a lifetime. Whether you're an adrenaline junkie or simply looking to try something new, sandboarding should definitely be on your Wadi Rum bucket list.