Overview of Sand Master Park
Sand Master Park is a 200-acre park in Florence, Oregon, known as the “Sandboarding Capital of the World.” It offers a thrilling experience with sandboarding on pristine dunes, suitable for beginners and advanced riders alike. The park, established in 2000 by Lon Beale (“Doctor Dune”), is a hub for sand-related activities and family fun on the Oregon coast.
Activities and Pricing
Visitors can take sandboard lessons, which last one hour and include board rental for up to 24 hours, free wax, parking, and dune access, with costs estimated at $35-50 per person. Equipment rentals include sandboards and sleds, priced from $10 to $25 for up to 24 hours, depending on the type. Annual events like sand sculpting clinics and the “Circles in the Sand” labyrinth draw in October add to the experience.
Location and Nearby Attractions
Located on Pacific Coast Highway 101, the park is easily accessible and near other Florence attractions, such as the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area, offering larger dunes for more adventurous rides. Other nearby spots include Jessie M. Honeyman Memorial State Park and the Florence Historic District.
Tips for Visitors
For the best experience, visit during summer months (June to August) when rain is less likely, affecting sand conditions. Bring comfortable clothing, sunscreen, and water, and wear safety gear like helmets and goggles to ensure a safe adventure.
Key Points
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Sand Master Park in Florence, Oregon, is the world’s first sandboard park, offering unique sandboarding and family-friendly activities.
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It provides sandboard lessons, rentals, and hosts annual events like sand sculpting and labyrinth drawing, with estimated costs around $35-50 per lesson.
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The park is located on Pacific Coast Highway 101, with nearby attractions like Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area for extended adventures.
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Research suggests summer months are best for visiting due to optimal sand conditions, and safety gear like helmets and goggles is recommended.
Imagine gliding down a massive sand dune, the wind rushing past your ears, and the feeling of freedom as you control your sandboard. That’s the thrill of sandboarding at Sand Master Park in Florence, Oregon. Known as the “Sandboarding Capital of the World,” this park offers an unmatched experience for adventure seekers and families alike. Established in 2000 by Lon Beale, also known as “Doctor Dune,” Sand Master Park is the world’s first sandboard park, spanning 200 acres of pristine sand dunes with beginner and advanced slopes, located just minutes from the Pacific Ocean on Pacific Coast Highway 101.
Historical Context and Founder’s Vision
The park’s history is rooted in Beale’s passion for sandboarding, which began in his childhood in the Mojave Desert. His global travels collecting sand samples led him to conclude that Oregon’s sand is among the top five in the world for sandboarding, due to its unique grain size and texture, making it ideal for sliding. Beale opened Sand Master Park to share this thrill, and it has since become a landmark for sandboarding enthusiasts, offering a blend of adventure and coastal beauty.
Understanding Sandboarding
Sandboarding is akin to snowboarding but performed on sand dunes, requiring balance and control as riders slide down slopes. It differs from snowboarding due to the sand’s higher friction, necessitating waxed boards for smoother rides. Florence’s dunes, part of the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area, provide a perfect setting, with the park offering access to both small, beginner-friendly dunes and larger, more challenging ones nearby.
Activities Offered at Sand Master Park
The park is a hub for various sand-related activities, catering to all ages and skill levels. Here’s a breakdown:
Sandboard Lessons
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Duration: Lessons are one hour long, taught by DRI-certified instructors.
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Inclusions: Each lesson includes board rental for up to 24 hours, free sandboard wax, free parking, and free dune access.
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Cost: Pricing is not explicitly listed on the official website, but based on a special package (“Sand Blast” at $140 for two people, including lesson and rentals), it’s estimated at $35-50 per person. This includes the lesson and rental, making it a cost-effective option for beginners.
Equipment Rentals
The park offers a range of rentals, with prices detailed as follows:
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Equipment Type
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Price for Up to 24 Hours
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Additional Day Price
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Discount Sandboards, Skim & Boogie Boards
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$10
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$10
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Standard Sandboards & Sleds
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$16
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$12
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Performance Sandboards
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$20
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$16
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Pro Sandboards, Surfboards, Wetsuits
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$25
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$25
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Sand Goggles and Helmets
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$5
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$5
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Rentals are on a first-come, first-served basis, but lessons ensure reserved boards, enhancing convenience for visitors.
Annual Events
Sand Master Park hosts free annual events that add cultural and artistic dimensions to the visit:
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Sand Sculpting Clinics: Visitors can learn the art of sand sculpting, often held during specific weekends, though exact dates vary annually.
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Circles in the Sand Labyrinth Beach Draw: This event, held each October, involves creating and walking through a labyrinth drawn in the sand, promoting community engagement and artistic expression. For instance, in 2023, it was scheduled for October 14 at Driftwood Shores Resort, coordinated with local transportation services for accessibility.
Safety Considerations and Visitor Tips
Safety is paramount at Sand Master Park, given the physical nature of sandboarding. Visitors are advised to wear appropriate gear, including helmets and goggles, to protect against sand and potential falls. Comfortable clothing that can get sandy, closed-toe shoes, sunscreen, and ample water are recommended. Summer months (June to August) are ideal for visiting, as rain can make the sand less suitable for boarding, affecting both safety and enjoyment. The park’s guidelines, often shared during lessons, emphasize following instructor advice to mitigate risks.
Nearby Attractions and Regional Context
Sand Master Park’s location on Pacific Coast Highway 101 makes it a gateway to other Florence attractions. The Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area, a short drive away, offers over 40 miles of dunes, perfect for extended sand adventures. Other notable spots include:
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Jessie M. Honeyman Memorial State Park: Known for its lakes and trails, ideal for post-sandboarding relaxation.
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Florence Historic District: Offers charming shops and historical insights into the area’s maritime heritage.
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Siuslaw River Bridge: A scenic spot for photography and exploring the region’s natural beauty.
These attractions enhance the visitor experience, making Florence a comprehensive destination for adventure and leisure.
Frequently Asked Questions
To address common queries, here’s a detailed FAQ section:
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What is sandboarding?
Sandboarding is sliding down sand dunes on a board, similar to snowboarding but on sand, requiring balance and control. -
How does it differ from snowboarding?
It requires different techniques due to sand’s higher friction, with boards often waxed to reduce resistance, unlike snowboarding’s smoother surface. -
What should I wear for sandboarding?
Wear comfortable, sand-tolerant clothing, closed-toe shoes, and consider a hat and sunglasses for sun protection, with helmets and goggles for safety. -
Are there age restrictions for activities at the park?
The park is family-friendly, with activities suitable for all ages, though children should be supervised by adults for safety. -
What are the best times of year to visit for sandboarding?
Summer months (June to August) are best, as rain can affect sand conditions, making it less ideal for boarding. -
How much does it cost to rent equipment or take lessons?
Rentals range from $5 to $25 per day, depending on equipment type, with lessons estimated at $35-50 per person, including rental and extras. -
Are there any nearby accommodations or restaurants?
Florence offers hotels, motels, and campgrounds, with options like Driftwood Shores Resort and Three Rivers Resort nearby, plus numerous seafood restaurants.
Key Takeaways and Visitor Planning
For a memorable visit, plan during summer for optimal conditions, book lessons in advance for reserved equipment, and explore nearby attractions for a fuller experience. Sand Master Park’s blend of adventure, family fun, and cultural events makes it a must-visit on the Oregon coast, ensuring thrills without breaking the bank.
This survey note incorporates all gathered details, ensuring a comprehensive guide for anyone planning to explore Sand Master Park and its offerings.
Key Citations