Oregon has long been known for its diverse outdoor activities, from towering hikes to charming mountain towns, making it a paradise for nature lovers. Yet, one of the state’s most unique offerings is carving a new path for adventurers: sandboarding. This unconventional form of surfing is gaining traction, with one Oregon park claiming a world-first distinction.
While Oregon is already a hotspot for traditional surfing, thanks to its expansive Pacific coastline, the cooler waters have kept it from being as widely associated with the sport as neighboring California. However, the latest twist on surfing is making waves—this time, on sand rather than water.
The World’s First Sandboarding Park
Sand Master Park in Florence, Oregon, is the world’s first purpose-built sandboarding park, offering an entirely new way for thrill-seekers to engage with the outdoors. The park is set against the backdrop of towering sand dunes along the Pacific Coast, providing a playground for sand surfers to glide down the dunes. Though sandboarding is practiced in various parts of the world—from the sweeping dunes of Peru’s Huacachina oasis to New Zealand’s Ninety Mile Beach—Florence’s Sand Master Park is the first venue designed specifically for the sport.
The concept of sandboarding mirrors that of surfing and snowboarding, with participants strapping boards to their feet and navigating increasingly steep sand dunes. Depending on skill level, boarders can also perform tricks and jumps, further adding to the excitement of this adrenaline-driven sport.
A Growing Community
Spanning 200 acres, Sand Master Park has become a hub for the growing sandboarding community in the United States. Much like skateboarding, snowboarding, and traditional surfing, sandboarding is more than just a sport—it’s evolving into a full-fledged culture, with passionate enthusiasts and an expanding fanbase.
While the Oregon park stands as a trailblazer, it remains to be seen whether more purpose-built sandboarding destinations will emerge across the country. For now, enthusiasts continue to flock to places like Utah’s Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park, known for its natural sandboarding opportunities.
As sandboarding grows in popularity, it’s clear that this unconventional way to “surf” in Oregon is becoming a distinctive addition to the state’s outdoor adventure scene. Whether this unique sport will inspire more dedicated parks in the future or remain a niche pursuit will be determined in the years to come.