Snowboarding, skiing, sledding… if you’re anything like me, you’ve probably done them all. There’s nothing like riding down the slopes, primarily through fresh powdered snow. But I bet there’s one thing you might not have heard of: volcano boarding! But what exactly is it?
Volcano boarding is when you ride a sled down the side of a volcano. The sled is typically made of wood, tin, or metal. Boarders can choose to stand like they would on a snowboard or sit on the sled. However, you’re boarding through toxic ash and soot.
Volcano boarding isn’t as well known as other sports, such as skiing, snowboarding, skydiving, or bungee jumping. So, I’m going to take you through and explain what exactly volcano boarding is so that you can decide if this is something you want to add to your ‘must-do’ sports list!
What is Volcano Boarding?
Like snow sledding, volcano boarding involves carrying a sled up a hill and then sliding down it. However, the terrain and the weather you’re doing this is entirely different from the ice and snow one might be used to.
Also, instead of the plastic sleds, you will use a wooden one because the surface will melt the plastic. Remember that the hike will be even more strenuous as the wooden sleds are much heavier to haul.
Getting on a volcano requires a lot of patience and skill, as it’s more challenging than sledding in the snow. This needs one to be fit, as you will be doing this in a much hotter environment. Plus, it can be harder to breathe, ultimately taking a toll on your body during the climbing phase.
Who Invented Volcano Boarding?
Journalist Zoltan Istvan claims he came up with the idea for volcano boarding. He first visited a volcano to board down in 1995, and his experience was shown in a short segment on the channel.
Istvan has categorized volcano boarding into two different types: active and inactive. The former includes going down an active volcano that’s constantly erupting and releasing lethal gases and lava, while the latter has going down a dormant volcano that’s relatively safe.
Where Can You Go Volcano Boarding?
Due to the nature of the activity, volcano boarding can only be practiced on volcanoes that have recently erupted and created a hardened lava slope.
Also, since volcano boarding involves sliding down a volcano’s lava slope, it must be done on a hill that’s formed on top of the volcano itself. This means ash boarding should not be practiced on nearby hills created by wind-blowing ashes.
Where Are The Best Places To Go Volcano Boarding?
While there are over 1,000 volcanoes in the world, not over 1,000 destinations allow volcano boarding, as it’s a hazardous sport that can only be done in certain places.
After thorough research, I’ve come up with a list of the top six ideal places to try your hand and volcano boarding:
Nicaragua: Cerro Negro
One of the most active volcanoes in Nicaragua is the Cerro Negro, which erupted in 1999 and created a lava flow that led to the creation of an ash-covered dune on its surface.
Due to the activity’s popularity, volcano boarding has been added to the list of tourist attractions in Leon, Nicaragua.
Watch Robbie V go volcano boarding on Cerro Negro is the video on YouTube.
Vanuatu: Mount Yasur
The volcanic activity and accessibility of Mount Yasur make it an ideal location for volcano boarding. It draws thrill-seekers and adventure-seekers from all around the world due to its natural beauty, an active volcano, and unique combination.
Watch a group sandboard/volcano board on Mount Yasur 8 years ago in this YouTube video.
Italy: Mount Etna
Mount Etna is the largest active volcano in the European Union. It’s nothing new for locals to enjoy skiing on the snowy slopes of Mount Etna during the winter season. But, since volcano boarding has taken off recently, people are now using this volcano as a place to board.
Japan: Mt. Fuji
Due to the dangerous nature of the volcano’s slopes, the government of Japan has restricted the activities of volcano surfers on Mt. Fuji. Because this is an active volcano, you do need to seek special permission to climb it, as well as board on it.
Indonesia: Mount Bromo
Another volcano boarding destination is Mount Bromo, which is located in East Java, Indonesia. Unlike other active volcanoes, it’s not a mount but a volcanic plateau, making it look like you’re boarding on a hill instead of a deadly volcano.
Guatemala: Pacaya Volcano
The volcano known as the Pacifica has multiple craters and has produced numerous eruptions in the past 500 years. Its most recent explosion took place in January 2021. This area has plenty of “fresh” slopes ideal for volcano boarding.
What Equipment Do You Use for Volcano Boarding?
Although volcano surfing isn’t considered a sanctioned sport, it’s commonly practiced by recreational extreme sports enthusiasts. After all, if it gets our adrenaline pumping and is relatively safe, why not!?
But what exactly are you supposed to use for a sport like this?
The necessary equipment you need to be able to go volcano boarding is:
- Goggles
- A wooden or metal/tin board (Do not use plastic)
- Gloves
- A wetted-down head wrap in case it gets hard to breathe
- Long form-fitting pants
- Long sleeve form-fitting shirt
- Backpack
- Water
- SOS Kit
- Sturdy hiking boots
Remember that the terrain in which your boarding is still made of toxic substances, no matter how long ago the volcano erupted. That’s why protecting your skin, eyes, and lungs is essential.
Most riders find a good amount of dust while riding down, so you will need the wet head wrap to cover your nose and mouth to keep the toxic dust from entering your respiratory system.
And, as always, it’s best to have water with you no matter where you’re going. The SOS kit should contain an emergency phone as well.
What Clothes Do You Wear Volcano Boarding?
Some companies provide users with goggles and a prison-like style jumpsuit in case they accidentally destroy their equipment. Others provide gloves, small bags to carry water, and clothes up the volcano.
To avoid getting injured, you must have good hiking boots and sturdy shoes with good soles. A head wrap is also necessary to protect the nose and mouth during the slide.
It’s a good idea to have long sleeves and long pants to protect your skin while boarding the volcano. This way, you’re covered if the company you chose doesn’t provide a jumpsuit.
Do You Need to Hike the Volcano?
You need to hike up the volcano to get up into position. This is the hardest part of the journey, as it’s usually a strenuous hour-long hike, depending on where you go.
The heat and the heavy equipment can make this feel even worse, so ensure you’re in the best shape possible before attempting this sport!
Is Volcano Boarding Dangerous?
Yes! Volcano boarding is very dangerous. Surfing volcanoes is an extreme sport, and you must be very careful while doing so. There are various risks involved in this activity.
One of the most common risks people can encounter while surfing a volcano is falling and getting cut by volcanic ash. And if you’re boarding down an active volcano, there’s a chance you can get hit with pieces of molten lava.
It’s essential that you find a place where this sport is practiced. Even though it’s not regulated, you must ensure you’re boarding with a reputable company and in an area where this is allowed. This is vital for your safety.
Is Volcano Boarding Worth it?
It’s not every day that someone can say they’ve ever surfed or boarded down a volcano. Volcano boarding is worth it if you love adrenaline and trying new things!
However, if you like to get straight into the action and don’t care much for hiking or climbing, then this may not be for you, as you need to hike up the volcano’s side to board down.
Final Thoughts
Extreme sports are about more than just following the usual conventional regulated sports. It’s about pushing your boundaries, which volcano boarding does.
However, please keep in mind that you’re boarding through a large number of irritants. So, if you have respiratory issues such as asthma or are out of shape, you may want to wait until you get these things under control before attempting.
Also, remember that this sport is only meant to be experienced where there are established companies who oversee the process. Without permission, doing this on a volcano can result in severe injury or death.
Jamie is the founder of Action Sporter. He is the chief zipline writer and the lead editor. He has 5 years of zipline experience being a tour guide in Newfoundland. Most of the time you can find Jamie adventure traveling, hiking, skiing, skateboarding, or anything action related!
