Volcano boarding in Nicaragua

Want to go Volcano boarding in Nicaragua? Volcano or sand boarding, whatever you wish to call it is becoming a popular activity in northwestern Nicaragua. It is most commonly practised on Cerro Negro, Central America’s youngest volcano which is still currently active. Last erupting in 1999, Cerro Negro could erupt again at any time. Since its birth in 1850, Cerro Negro has erupted approximately 23 times.

Today over 15,000 people have volcano boarded down the slopes of Cerro Negro to speeds as fast as 90km/h.  The sport has become known to the New York TImes, BBC News and Survivor Nicaragua. CNN named volcano boarding #2 on the “thrill seekers buck list: 50 things to do before you die”. Reader’s Digest also rated the experience as “# 4 on the Death Defying Travel Destinations”. Participtants of Survivor Nicaragua also slid the slopes of Cerro Negro.

What is volcano boarding?

Volcano boarding was created in 2004 by a fellow Aussie! It involves a skinny wooden board with a rope as a handle, an ugly jump suit, safety glasses and gloves. Once you are well equipped with your personal protective equipment you jump on your board and you slide down the face of the active volcano.

How dangerous is volcano boarding?

I met a girl who broke her leg while volcano boarding.  She said there were absolutely no safety instilled in practice, no safety equipment, no briefing, it was a mess. while in hospital she met a guy who had been there two weeks already suffering from a head injury. Was I scared? Um yes! And was I going to be volcano boarding, I didn’t think so!

Why I changed my mind?

I was travelling with a group of people who reminding me that travelling was all about experiencing the adventures along the way, living in the moment and taking advantage of opportunities as they release themselves to you. I’m not the kind of girl put my safety on the line so I decided to sign up rather than miss this opportunity and be aware  and wary of dangerous situations.

The reality of volcano boarding

Honestly, it was fine. Volcano boarding is only as extreme as you let it be. An Israeli guy in my group let us all know he was a dare devil and intended on breaking the record. He set off all bold and brave only to get stuck half way down and needed to push off again. You can go as safe as you like using your feet to slow you down and leaning backwards and go as fast as you like by doing the opposite.

Why should you try volcano boarding?

Life is a journey and is meant to be filled with new experiences that challenge us and open our eyes to new horizons. Volcano boarding is something famous to Nicaragua you can not only say you’ve slid down an active volcano but you can to take in some incredible views while you are at it. 

Cost

Usually between $20 – 30 which gives you the equipment you need for your sand boarding as well as transportation to Cerro Negro.

Tips

We booked our volcano boarding through Lazy Bones hostel. The $20 fee went directly back to the employees of Lazy Bones. However Bigfoot hostel created this local attraction and participants wear the iconic orange jumpsuits with this group.