Guia Beach Show Jericoacoara-Ceará-Brasil

SANDBOARDING
RADICALISM AND ADRENALINE OVER THE DUNES
Foto: Mardônio Paz Filho
Officially created as a sport in Brazil around 1986 in Florianópolis,
Santa Catarina, sandboarding is a sport that involves riding down sand
dunes standing on a special board, similar to the snowboard used in
the snow. Originally, it was thought of as an alternative for surfers on
the days when the sea was not good for surfing or as an improvement
to the ancient practice of the “esquibunda”, which consists of riding
down the dunes sitting on a small wooden board.
Sandboarding is more than just sliding down on a sand dune. You
can enjoy the sport in different ways, and use the board in different
ways. In general, competitions are divided into these main categories,
Big Air, Boarder Cross, Sloope Style, Slalom, and the manoeuvres are
divided into groups according to their main features.
In Jericoacoara, the first sandboarders to be known were the brothers
Toni and Maicon, sons of Seu Zé Patinha and Carlinhos, who ventured
on the sunset dune.
The sport has grown a lot in Jeri, and other dunes and tracks have been
discovered. Boarder Cross is the new trend. People practice it near the
Pedra Furada trail, and its 160-meter-long course surrounded by sand,
rocks, and tableland vegetation is in a breathtaking scenery. This new
category is also practiced in Via do Muriongo, in the far right side of
Malhada beach, where you can enjoy a shorter, but no less radical
descent, as well as a stunning sunset. For tourists, riding down the
sunset dune, on a sandboard or even on “esquibunda”, is still the most
popular attractions on the sands of Jeri.
Jericoacoara has become one of the main spots for sandboarding in
Brazil. According to Daniel Almeida, one of the best sandboarders of
the new generation, some dunes are more than 80 meters high in the
Jericoacoara National Park. Moreover, sun shines almost all year long,
and the constant winds are forever changing the topography of the
dunes, and bringing an extra challenge to the adventure seekers.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
The practice of sandboarding requires the use of some special
equipment. The board is made out of plywood or fiber, coated with a
formica board, stainless steel or plastic, and it has two handles on the
top to better secure your feet in the maneuvers. To gain more speed,
candle or wax chalk is applied to the bottom of the board, before each
ride.
The sport is usually practiced under the sun. Sunscreen lotion, a t-shirt
and a cap are essential. Water and energy drinks are indispensable too.
Finally, a towel is quite handy to remove the excess sand on the way
back home.
In Jericoacoara, you can find boards for rent in some hostels, in shops
along the seashore, and with the instructors who usually give classes
and offer this service at the sunset dune.
Jericoacoara. O paraíso é aqui | 97