Tucked along Oregon’s stunning coastline, Florence has earned a unique reputation as America’s sandboarding capital. This small coastal town sits beside massive dunes that create perfect conditions for sliding down sand on specialized boards. While most beach towns are known for swimming or surfing, Florence has transformed sand into a thrilling year-round playground that draws adventure seekers from around the world.
Birthplace of Sand Master Park
In 2000, when most people were still figuring out what to do with sand besides build castles, Lon “Dr. Dune” Beale created something revolutionary. He established Sand Master Park right off Highway 101, marking the world’s first facility dedicated entirely to sandboarding. Spanning a massive 200 acres of carefully sculpted dunes, the park offers something for everyone. Beginners can practice on gentle slopes while adrenaline junkies tackle steep drops that rival snowboarding thrills. Unlike traditional snow sports that require mountains and cold weather, Florence’s unique geography created the perfect canvas for this innovative park that literally changed how people play on sand worldwide.
Full-Service Sandboarding Experience
Forget lugging your own gear or figuring things out alone. Sand Master Park operates like a well-oiled machine, offering everything from equipment rentals to expert instruction. Dune Riders International-certified teachers provide hour-long lessons that transform first-timers into confident riders. The park’s innovative “wet boards” allow sliding even when the sand isn’t perfectly dry, making this a true year-round activity. Your rental package typically includes not just the board but also wax, parking, and full access to the dunes. After mastering basic techniques, visitors can graduate to sand sleds or more advanced boards, extending their dune adventure throughout the day.
International Sandboarding Hub
What started as a local attraction has evolved into a global phenomenon. Florence regularly hosts the Sand Master Jam, drawing competitors and spectators from around the world to witness elite sandboarding skills. The town has become a hotbed of innovation, with companies like Venomous and Monarch Sandboards developing cutting-edge equipment right here. Even major networks like ESPN and Fox have featured Florence’s sandboarding scene, bringing international attention to this coastal community. Fall visitors might catch the mesmerizing “Circles in the Sand” event, where artists create intricate labyrinth patterns on the dunes, adding a cultural dimension to Florence’s sandboarding identity.
Oregon’s Magnificent Dune Playground
Step beyond Sand Master Park and you’ll discover why Mother Nature made Florence the perfect sandboarding destination. The Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area stretches an astonishing 40 miles along the coast, creating North America’s largest coastal dune system. Some dunes tower up to 500 feet high, dwarfing riders and creating an otherworldly landscape that feels more like a desert than a coastal town. The bare, rolling terrain provides endless riding possibilities beyond the structured park environment. The contrast between massive sand mountains and the nearby Pacific Ocean creates a dramatic backdrop that makes sandboarding here unlike anywhere else in America.
Year-Round Coastal Adventure Hub
Florence’s mild climate means sandboarding season never really ends here. While desert locations might scorch during summer and snow destinations freeze in winter, this coastal sweet spot maintains reasonable temperatures throughout the year. The convenient location just off Highway 101 makes Florence easily accessible for day-trippers and vacation planners alike. After riding the dunes, visitors can explore Jessie M. Honeyman State Park’s refreshing lakes, hike through coastal forests, or wander Florence’s charming historic district. This perfect combination of desert-like dunes and Pacific Northwest coastal beauty creates a uniquely versatile destination where sand sports meet seaside relaxation.
