Sports

BY ALEXANDRA CALAMARI

Lon Beale hits
the dunesMR. SANDMAN

Get a lesson in sandboarding from Lon Beale, the sport’s pioneer.

On a spring afternoon in 1972, teenager Lon Beale hopped on his first sandboard, which was really a converted water ski. Despite having no control, Beale was hooked as he soared down the hills of the Mojave Desert. He spent the next decade learning everything about board dynamics, and eventually designed ones specific to the sport. Beale established Dune Riders International in 1995, which became the official governing body of sandboarding. Now the publisher of Sandboard Magazine and director of Sand Master Park in Florence, OR, Beale took some time to give us an inside look at this fast-growing extreme sport.

How does it feel on a ride down a dune? “It feels a lot like you’re flying or gliding with a sense of weightlessness, the wind blowing in your hair, adrenaline pumping.

It is truly exhilarating!” What equipment do you need? “A sandboard and wax are essential, of course, but sunglasses or goggles (if it’s windy) are a good idea. You don’t really need safety gear since the sand is very soft. No shoes.” How fast can a boarder go down a dune? “On a modest dune, 50 to 55 mph, but some… are so tall and steep you could literally do 100 mph if you could stay on the board.” What goes into to choosing a dune? “The quality of the sand is a big factor. You want sand that is well worn so the grains are like little marbles instead of little rocks. The angle of the slope and variety of potential runs are factors. Convenience is a big plus; some of our favorite areas are so easy you can ride right down to them in your car… Damp sand is sticky so we tend to avoid it.” What are some tips for first-time riders? “If you can take a lesson, it will put you way ahead fast, but even without one you will have a great time. Keep your weight mainly on your back foot, and center your feet on the board. Flex your knees and hips. Don’t swing your arms around—just relax and have fun. Waxing the board correctly is a good start and will allow the board to glide effortlessly.”

SPORTING EVENTS CALENDAR

JUNE 7
Belmont Stakes
Belmont Park • Elmont, NY
Don’t miss the oldest and last of the Triple Crown events. The Belmont Stakes kick off for the 140th time at noon, though the Belmont Breezes (the race’s signature drink) will likely be flowing earlier.

JUNE 12-15
US Open of Golf Torrey Pines Course • San Diego, CA
Phil Mickelson and Tiger Woods will tee off at the first US Open in Southern California since 1948 and the second municipal golf course to host the event. One thing is certain: If their play isn’t up to par, at least the views will be.

JUNE 20-22
Toyota/Save Mart 350 Weekend Infineon Raceway • Sonoma Valley, CA
Just 30 minutes outside of San Francisco, you’ll find this raceway, the only place to catch the NASCAR Sprint Cup series in Northern Cali this year. Watch as defending champion Juan Pablo Montoya tries to keep in front on the 10-turn, 1.99-mile road course.