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Nicaraguan Volcano In New Boarding Craze
Nicaraguan
Volcano In New Boarding Craze
Forget snowboarding – volcano boarding is
the hot new adrenalin craze among travellers.
Thousands of tourists are reportedly heading
to the foothills of Nicaragua's Cerro Negro
mountain to experience the thrill of
hurtling down the active volcano at speeds
of more than 50km/h.
Wearing bright orange jump suits, knee-pads
and safety goggles, thrill seekers speed
down the 725m (2380ft) volcano – known to
locals as the "Black Mountain" – on plywood
boards.
Created by Bigfoot Hostel and Green Pathways
Tours in 2005, owner and manager Phillip
Southan says the adrenalin ride has rapidly
gained popularity.
'This is the fourth year and to date we have
taken over 10,000 people on this tour," Mr
Southan said.
"What we offer is a tour for everyone with
absolutely no experience necessary. One of
the greatest attractions of the tour is that
you get a bit of everything."
The tour starts with a 40-minute drive to
the base of the volcano, where riders are
taken on a 45-minute hike to the summit of
Cerro Negro.
Participants then get to grips with the
board during a lesson on a five-metre
practice run. Then it's all downhill…
literally.
Mr Southan says riders can reach speeds of
up to 68km/h during the hair-raising 500m
descent down the volcano.
But falling off is the least of their
worries.
Cerro Negro is one of Nicaragua's most
active volcanoes. It has erupted 20 times –
most recently in 1999.
Mr Southan says all safety precautions are
taken and considered when taking boarders on
the volcano.
"When you are on top you will have the
opportunity to walk in to the crater, up
close with a smoking volcano. But the
biggest risk is the risk is getting some
scratches if you fall off," he said.
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