The boys have caught the snowboarding bug. Since we’ve come home from Germany they’ve been watching YouTube reviews of snowboards and related gear, watching extreme snowboarding videos, begging to try the indoor slope at Ski Dubai, and counting down the days until the winter X-games begins (today).
Last weekend we were in Dubai for a soccer tournament so of course we had to stop by Mall of the Emirates to see how much it costs for a visit (or an extended membership) to Ski Dubai. Not that we have much free time to drive up to Dubai on a regular basis, but the boys can dream . . .
We didn’t have time to hit the slopes, but they found a store in the mall that had snowboards and boots on clearance. Deep discounts. $300 boots were selling for only $80 and snowboard/binding combos for under $200. They snapped them up and have been itching to use them. I had the bright idea that we use what’s available so we headed out to some nearby dunes to try sand boarding.
Waiting for the camel herd to clear the road. Aw, the babies.
Gearing up.
We picked up a cheap skim board and some sandboard wax to see if we could make our own sandboard for less than $250. (The cost of the experiment? $30) We need to add some handles and some grip tape to the top so we don’t slide off, but other than that, it works perfectly.
Josh and Camille of Arabia, hiking the untouched mountain of sand
Josh flew down the hill on the waxed board. The hard part was holding on to the edges and not sliding off the sides. It needs to be rewaxed every few runs, but it only takes a several seconds to swipe it on.
Testing the snowboard. It grips a bit more than on snow and the boys had to lean back to keep the nose out of the sand, but they said the ride was fun.
It took a few times to get the hang of it, but they all were skimming down the sand by the end of the afternoon.
And the falls don’t hurt . . .
It would be nice to have a chairlift or a tow rope instead of hiking back up the hill, but it makes for a great workout.
When it wasn’t their turn on the board, it was just as fun to climb up and roll down the hill. No equipment needed.
After today I think they are going to want an actual sandboard. Something to give them more speed and maneuverability. A bit more money, but cheaper than paying for hours at Ski Dubai.
I was happy reclining in the warm sand and soaking in the sun — peace and quiet on a warm beach without the ocean.
We’ll be finding the powdery fine sand in everything for the next few weeks. Worth it.