Sandboarding (sometimes spelled Sand Boarding) is similar to snow boarding. The main difference is that it takes place on sand dunes. Even though they resemble snow boards, there are sand boards that are made specifically for the sand.

Sandboarding is a sport similar to snowboarding where participants ride downhill on a hard board made of formica. Experienced riders can perform tricks and stunts similar to those performed on a snowboard. Sandboarding mostly takes places in the desert or near beaches, and owes much of its popularity to year-round availability.

Ride and perform tricks on a board, while going downhill on sand dunes.

There are no written or standardized rules for sandboarding. There are however restrictions on where sandboarding can take place. These restrictions are mostly based on wind, property and dune conditions.

Early accounts of sandboarding can be traced back to ancient Egyptians, who were known to slide down sand dunes on planks of hardened pottery and wood. Photographs have also been found of sandboarders around World War II. As surfing grew popular in the 1960s and 70s, sandboarding grew popular as well. The rise of snowboarding in the 1980s and 90s further fueled sandboarding's growth. Today, the sport is played around the world, with competitions annually held in many different countries.

Dune Buggy (optional)
Helmet
Padding
Sandboard

A helmet and padding should be worn at all times.

Strong legs and thighs are essential, as few sandboarding areas have lifts to get participants to the top of dunes. Prior experience in riding and controlling a snowboard is also helpful.

Dune - a mound or ridge of sand formed by the wind

Sandboard - harder version of a snowboard, made out of formica and laminex

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sandboarding
http://www.boarding.com/other/sandboard/sand_age.html