Sandboarding is one of the most fun things to do in the Sahara, and the dunes of Erg Chebbi in Merzouga are one of the best places in Morocco to try it. You do not need any experience, it costs very little, and children and adults usually end up laughing all the way down. But like any sport, it is better with a few simple rules.
This guide answers the questions travellers ask us most: is sandboarding safe for beginners, how does it compare to snowboarding, the best time of day, what to wear, how to fall without getting hurt, and how to fit it into a desert tour.
What is sandboarding?
Sandboarding means sliding down a sand dune on a board. There are two ways to do it:
- Sitting or lying on the board, like a sledge. This is the easiest way and perfect for children and first-timers.
- Standing on the board, like snowboarding, with your feet in simple straps. This needs a little balance and a few tries.
The boards are usually waxed on the bottom so they slide better on the sand. Unlike a ski resort, there is no lift: you walk back up the dune after each run, which is the hardest part.
Is sandboarding safe for beginners?
Yes, generally it is safe when you follow a few common-sense rules. Sand is softer than snow when you fall, and sandboarding is much slower than snowboarding because sand creates more friction. Most falls end with you sitting in soft sand and laughing.
The risks are small but real: twisting a knee or wrist when falling awkwardly, going down a slope that is too steep, sun and heat, and sand in the eyes. A good guide chooses the right dune for your level and shows you how to start.
Simple safety rules
- Start on a small, gentle slope, not the highest dune.
- Go down feet first, never head first.
- Check that the bottom of the slope is clear of people, camels and vehicles.
- When you fall, let go and fall backwards onto your bottom. Do not try to stop with your hands.
- Take turns: one person at a time on the same line.
- Drink water and rest between climbs.
Sandboarding vs snowboarding
| Sandboarding | Snowboarding | |
|---|---|---|
| Speed | Slower, more friction | Faster |
| Falls | Soft sand | Snow and ice can be hard |
| Getting back up | You walk up the dune | Ski lift |
| Equipment | A board, sometimes simple straps | Board, boots, bindings, warm clothes |
| Learning | Fun from the first run | Usually needs lessons |
If you already snowboard, you will find your balance quickly. If you have never done it, start sitting down and try standing once you feel comfortable.
How to sandboard, step by step
Sitting (easiest)
- Sit on the board at the top of a gentle slope, feet in front.
- Hold the front of the board or the sides.
- Push off with your hands. Lean back a little to go faster, use your heels in the sand to slow down.
Standing
- Put your feet in the straps, sideways on the board, like on a skateboard.
- Keep your knees bent and your weight slightly on the back foot.
- Look down the slope, not at your feet, and keep your arms out for balance.
- To slow down, lean back onto your heels and turn the board slightly across the slope.
- If you lose balance, sit down backwards. It is the safest way to fall.
Most people manage a short standing run after a few tries. Ask your guide to show you first.
The best time of day
- Late afternoon: the best time. The sand is cooling down, the light is beautiful, and you can combine it with the sunset camel ride.
- Early morning: after sunrise, the sand is cool and firm, and the dunes are quiet.
- Avoid midday in summer: the sand can be very hot and the sun is strong. In June, July and August, sandboard only early or late.
In winter, the middle of the day is pleasant and the sand is never too hot. Read The best time to visit Morocco and the Sahara.
What to wear and bring
- Long, light clothes to protect your skin from the sun and from sand rubbing when you fall.
- Closed shoes or socks for climbing, or bare feet in the cool hours.
- Sunglasses to keep sand out of your eyes. A scarf (chech) for your face if it is windy.
- Water and sunscreen.
- Leave your phone in a zipped pocket or with your guide. Sand and phones do not mix.
Full list in Before your Sahara trip: what to know and pack.
Sandboarding with children
Children usually love it. For young children, the sitting position on a small dune is perfect, with an adult at the bottom. Older children and teenagers often learn to stand faster than adults. Keep the climbs short, take breaks and bring plenty of water. Read Morocco with kids.
Where to sandboard in Merzouga
Erg Chebbi has dunes of every size, from gentle slopes near the camps to very high dunes of around 150 metres. You do not need the highest dune: a medium dune with a smooth face and a clear bottom is ideal. Most desert camps have boards and the staff know the best slopes nearby. Read Erg Chebbi: the dunes of Merzouga.
How to add sandboarding to your trip
Sandboarding is easy to include in a desert tour: during the afternoon before the camel ride, after sunrise the next morning, or during a full day in the dunes if you stay two nights. You can also combine it with a 4x4 tour, quad bikes or a visit to Khamlia. See our experiences in Merzouga and our Sahara desert tours, and tell us when you book that you want to try it.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need experience to sandboard?
No. Beginners start sitting on the board on a gentle slope. Snowboarding or skateboarding experience helps if you want to stand, but it is not necessary.
Is sandboarding dangerous?
It is generally safe if you start on small dunes, go down feet first and follow your guide's advice. Falls are usually soft. The main things to watch are steep slopes, the heat and sand in the eyes.
What age can children sandboard?
Young children can slide sitting down on small slopes with an adult nearby. Standing is easier from around school age, depending on the child.
Is it like snowboarding?
The movement is similar, but sandboarding is slower, falls are softer and you walk back up instead of taking a lift.
When is the best time to sandboard in Merzouga?
Late afternoon and early morning, when the sand is cooler and the light is beautiful. Avoid midday in summer.
Keep reading: Erg Chebbi: the dunes of Merzouga · Luxury or standard desert camp · Experiences