| The new sport of sand skiing is just beginning to | | | | need skis, preferable older ones as sand, even fine |
| take off. For many of us, the experience of skiing in | | | | sand, is an abrasive and over time can remove |
| shorts and short sleeve shirts will be a new | | | | material from the ski's running surface. |
| adventure - one that lets us enjoy skiing and stay in | | | | Sand blindness, like snow blindness, can cause a |
| shape all the seasons of the year. | | | | temporary vision loss. To prevent it, you'll need a |
| What is sand skiing? It is simply the brand new | | | | good pair of UV resistant sunglasses or goggles. You'll |
| extreme sport. From Palm Springs, California to Dubai, | | | | also need ski poles to push past some of the denser |
| from Abu Dhab to Idaho, it's the latest extreme | | | | spots of sand. |
| craze. | | | | Sand skiing is usually done in warmer environments - |
| There are two types of sand skiing. Downhill and | | | | so dress accordingly. Wear light clothing and if the |
| cross-country both of which more or less mirror their | | | | sun is intense, wear a hat to protect your head. |
| snow ski counterparts. | | | | Finding the Perfect Sand |
| Downhill sand skiing involves finding a dune, hill, or | | | | Snow skiers are very familiar with the different |
| mountain, climbing to the top of it and skiing down it. | | | | types of snow, for example skiing on powder is a |
| Is it fun? Lots - except for the part where you have | | | | much different experience than skiing on packed |
| to climb up the hill. You'll find no ski lifts, no trams, not | | | | snow. It may surprise you that sand skiers have |
| even a rope tow. If you want to get up the hill, you | | | | similar experiences. Coarse sand gives a much |
| have to climb it on your own. Nevertheless, the lack | | | | different experience than fine sand. Wet sand is |
| of these niceties doesn't seem to have prevented | | | | much harder to traverse than dry sand. |
| newcomers from being drawn to the sport. | | | | As you get more into the culture of sand skiing, |
| Cross country sand skiing involves skiing finding a nice | | | | you're hear the terms "fast sand" and "slow sand". |
| long scenic stretch of sand covered land, strapping | | | | Fast sand is great, you'll feel as though you're gliding |
| on the ski boots and skis and having at it. Nothing | | | | on glass. It's almost effortless. Slow sand can be a |
| strengthens the muscles and increases stamina like | | | | grind, like slogging through quicksand. And there are all |
| cross country sand skiing. | | | | sorts of gradients in between. Skiers looking for |
| Whether you do downhill or cross country sand | | | | perfect sand is much like the prototypical surfer |
| skiing, this is fantastic exercise. If you're not in shape, | | | | looking for the "perfect wave". |
| this sport will definitely get you in shape. If you're | | | | So skiers rejoice. No longer are you confined to the |
| already in shape, sand skiing will keep you fit. | | | | winter season. With sand skiing, you can not only |
| The Essentials of Sand Skiing | | | | enjoy your sport year round, you can enjoy it in |
| So what equipment does a sand skier need? Pretty | | | | almost any place in the world. |
| much the same as a snow skier. You'll of course | | | | |