Volcano boarding can be a thrilling and unforgettable experience – but only for those willing to face its steep hike up. Plus, its 15 pound board makes for quite a feat of physical prowess!
An Australian invented volcano boarding after witnessing a Frenchman racing down an active volcano erupting with balls of lava that broke his bike and broke bones during their attempt.
Safety
Volcano boarding combines elements of snowboarding and winter sledding onto one board: your feet sit comfortably within their respective stance spaces on a rectangular board fitted with a rope handle for balance, as well as having a slippery bottom surface mounted along part of its bottom to help glide over gravelly volcano slopes.
Before leaving on your tour, your guide will go over how to ride a volcano board safely, providing some dust-proof goggles and jumpsuit. However, it is best to have one on hand should anything go amiss; alone could mean being too far from emergency services in case something goes amiss.
Volcano boarding is far safer than it appears or sounds, yet still poses risks of injury. Therefore, it’s vitally important that you follow your guide’s instructions precisely and wear appropriate gear in order to safeguard against volcanic rocks that might fly towards you from above.
Equipment
Equipment is key when it comes to volcano boarding. Most companies provide specially-designed boards similar to snowboards designed for durability and speed while traveling over volcanic rocks, including one featuring an outer metal layer for glide over lava at high speeds without melting or burning up.
Most tours will also provide you with a prison-like jumpsuit, Goggles and helmet for protection. In addition, be sure to bring one liter of water as well as energy-boosting snacks for optimal results.
Volcano boarding can be an exciting but dangerous undertaking, so you should always be ready for its inherent dangers. Injuries are always possible but so too is sudden volcanic lava eruption which could burn legs or feet if left unprotected. Travel insurance that covers volcano boarding activities would provide invaluable peace of mind.
Techniques
How you board down the volcano depends on both your courage and technique. Depending on your preference, you can either stand up like snowboarding or sit down like sledding; standing looks cool but is harder to control speed while sitting allows you to put down one foot when necessary and lean back when required; your guide will discuss all this prior to heading downhill.
Lava can be very hot, yet quickly cools off, making it safe for walking on with proper boots and an adventurous spirit. However, be wary when approaching flowing streams; closeness may result in gas inhalation which could suffocate you – this must be kept at a distance to ensure maximum safety!
Volcano boarding can be an exhilarating adventure, but safety must come first. When planning to volcano board for yourself it is crucial that you hire a tour with a guide who provides all of the required equipment and safety instructions – doing this will allow you to check this incredible experience off your bucket list!
Preparation
Volcano boarding can be an exhilarating and safe way to explore a volcanic landscape when done with proper preparation and guidance. To reduce risk of injury, hire a tour guide who provides instructions; it’s also important to stay aware of activity alerts or evacuation recommendations from local authorities.
Most commonly, volcano boarding carries with it the risk of falling off of a board, though most wipeouts typically only result in mouthfuls of rocks being inhaled by riders. More serious injuries could arise if someone rides too closely to an active lava flow.
To reduce risk, it is advised to wear long pants and apply sunblock liberally across your skin. Other essential gear includes a headlamp, gloves and protective helmet; warm clothing and water should also be brought along, as temperatures can drop dramatically during an eruption. In order to best prepare yourself for a lava trek experience, start training physically while learning how to navigate volcano surfing techniques.