Volcano Boarding- an erupting adventure sports

NATRAJAN SIVA|A&W Mag

Not so new but not very popular also, today we bring to you one of the unknown extreme adventure sports activities getting popular among adventure freaks. The concept of volcano boarding may sound simple as sandboarding but in reality, it’s not so simple because it takes the concept to a whole new level though it is boarding down the hill what makes it thrilling and unique is that it has to be a volcanic mountain.

Now volcano boarding is, particularly of two types-
1.    Can be done through the active volcano where you will face flying molten lava and lethal volcanic gases which is quite dangerous;
2.    The other being boarding down an inactive volcano where there are fewer dangers.

Though in both cases a certain risk remains of falling from the board and taking unwanted injuries.

The stepping stones to the popularization of volcano boarding were put by a National Geographic Channel adventurer and journalist Zoltan Istvan who credits himself with inventing the volcano boarding sport on Mt. Yasur on the island of Tanna in Vanuatu in 2002.

How is done?
The whole adventure activity comprises of 2 phases one being hiking through the top of the volcano to come down boarding which in itself is a mesmerizing experience as it will be a paradise for hikers you’ll enjoy the scenic beauty from the top and may experience fast winds blowing throughout the whole time.
The other phase is taking your boards and getting to the “DROP ZONE” and start the thrill for a lifetime experience.

Preparations required
One has to follow the rules told beforehand to you set the trail on your boards down the mountain, and each and every individual is provided with a wooden board which makes going down the hill easier provided with crash suits to protect you from oncoming stones at your body.
The boards are equipped with a small metal piece with reduces fiction and gives you more speed and also the volcano boards have a rope in front for your hands as you lean back for maximum speed. Though they won’t help you to control the direction.
Protective glasses and leather gloves are other essential provided.

So, are you an adrenaline junkie who has this in his bucket list, if yes then pack your bags and head to locations like Costa Rica, Guatemala, Nicaragua.