Volcano Boarding 2.0: Nicaragua’s Ash Slopes Redesigned for Thrills

Published on September 21, 2024

by Zephyr Drake

Have you ever dreamed of sliding down a volcano on a board? Well, now you can make that dream a reality with Volcano Boarding 2.0 in Nicaragua. This extreme activity takes the popular sport of sandboarding to a whole new level, offering adrenaline junkies the ultimate thrill ride down the steep ash slopes of Cerro Negro Volcano. But what sets this experience apart from traditional sandboarding? The redesign of the ash slopes, making this adventure even more exhilarating. Read on to find out more about this one-of-a-kind experience and why it should be on your bucket list.Volcano Boarding 2.0: Nicaragua’s Ash Slopes Redesigned for Thrills

From Sand to Ash: The Evolution of Volcano Boarding

The concept of volcano boarding may sound absurd to some, but it has actually been around for over a decade. It all started with Darryn Webb, a New Zealand native and adventure guide, who came up with the idea of sliding down a live volcano back in 2005. He created a makeshift board out of a piece of plywood and made the stomach-churning plunge down the side of Cerro Negro, reaching speeds of over 50 mph.

While this first experience was rough and unrefined, it sparked the birth of volcano boarding as a popular activity in Nicaragua. Soon after, other tour companies began offering similar experiences, but it wasn’t until the introduction of Volcano Boarding 2.0 that this extreme sport truly took off.

The Redesign: A Faster, Smoother Ride

After years of refining and perfecting the sport, Bigfoot Hostel, the pioneer of Volcano Boarding, unveiled their newest invention – a redesign of the ash slopes of Cerro Negro. The new design features a smooth, compacted track with steeper angles, making for a faster and smoother ride down the volcano.

But how exactly did they achieve this redesign? It all comes down to science. The staff at Bigfoot Hostel worked closely with a group of geologists to analyze the different types of ash and their properties. After numerous tests, they found that a combination of small, fine-grained ash and larger, coarser ash created the perfect track for volcano boarding.

The Thrill of a Lifetime

So, what can you expect from a volcano boarding experience? First, you will embark on a one-hour hike up the 2,388-foot Cerro Negro Volcano. This active volcano is the youngest and most active in Central America, with over 20 eruptions in the past 100 years. But don’t worry, the experts at Bigfoot Hostel closely monitor the activity of the volcano to ensure the safety of their guests.

Once you reach the top, it’s time to suit up in protective gear – helmet, goggles, and jumpsuit – and get ready for the thrill of a lifetime. You’ll ride the specially designed board down the 41-degree slope, picking up speed as you go. The feeling of zooming down the volcano, with the wind in your face and the views of the stunning Nicaraguan landscape around you, is indescribable.

Why You Should Add Volcano Boarding to Your Bucket List

If you’re still not convinced that volcano boarding is something you should try, here are a few reasons to add it to your bucket list.

Unique and Off-the-Beaten-Path Experience

While many people come to Nicaragua for its beautiful beaches and colonial cities, volcano boarding offers a different kind of adventure. It’s a truly unique experience that you won’t find anywhere else in the world. And with the redesigned ash slopes, you’ll get to be one of the first to try this new and improved version of the sport.

Thrills and Adrenaline Rush

For thrill-seekers, volcano boarding is a must-do activity. The rush of speeding down the steep slope is a feeling unlike any other. Plus, there’s always an element of unpredictability with an active volcano, making it even more exhilarating.

Ideal for all Fitness Levels

While volcano boarding may sound like a physically demanding activity, it’s actually suitable for all fitness levels. The hike up the volcano can be challenging, but there are plenty of breaks along the way, and the staff is there to help if needed. And with the new design of the ash slopes, you don’t need any previous experience or special skills to enjoy this thrilling ride.

An Ethical and Sustainable Activity

Finally, you can feel good about choosing volcano boarding as your next adventure because it supports the local community and promotes sustainability. The activity is run by local tour companies, providing jobs and income for the local people. And with strict regulations in place to protect the environment, your volcano boarding experience will have no negative impact on the surrounding area.

So, what are you waiting for? Book your trip to Nicaragua and experience the redesigned thrills of Volcano Boarding 2.0 for yourself. It’s an experience you won’t soon forget.