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One thing Egypt isn’t short of is sand. Like several other areas of the world, Egypt hasn’t been slow in making the best use of this commodity either. Sandboarding – aka dry surfing or hot snowboarding – is a growing activity just perfect to experience on cheap holidays to Sharm el-Sheikh.

What is sandboarding?
Sandboarding is similar to snowboarding but on sand dunes instead of snow. Using your board you can skim down sand dunes just as you would snow and arguably it’s less dangerous.

What gear do you need?
There are all types of boards from jumpboards to racers. They are usually made from a mix of materials including wood, Formica, glass fibre or resin. There are also a number of different types of footstraps. Probably the best thing to do if this is your first time is to hire the equipment. If it becomes a serious hobby then is the time to invest in the equipment.

What do you wear?
There are of course a number of companies who have specialist t-shirts and jerseys but really just sensible clothing – t-shirt and shorts for summer or warm climates – is fine for your first time. What you will need is sun-bloc, some sand goggles, thick socks and good walking shoes.

Of course you can also buy wrist and knee supports which if you know these areas may give you trouble, it may be worth protecting them before you start.

How do you do it?
It’s always good to go with an organised group on your first time. The basic techniques for sandboarding though are to point your board downhill. Strap yourself onto it whilst sitting down and then stand up bending both knees. Face in the direction you will be going and keep your weight over the centre of the board.

Balance yourself by holding your arms out and shift your weight to your back leg and you’re off! In fact balance is the key just as with snowboarding. You can also start with lower dunes and work your way up to the higher ones as you become more confident. Once you’ve mastered the basic techniques you can practice until you’re confident and before taking it to the next level, jumping or spinning!

Where can you do it in Egypt?
Sinai is the spot for those wishing to experience sandboarding from Sharm or other resorts in this area. But you can also find great dunes in Siwa, Bahariya and El Fayoum Oases in the Western Desert and in the Qattaniya dunes just 2 hours from Cairo. There are a number of companies who run trips from Sharm el-Sheikh, Dehab and Cairo.

Like any excursion you take when you are on holiday, sandboarding trips try to give you all the added extras to make the experience the best. So you can expect air conditioned coaches to get you to the desert, 4 x 4s to take you to the slopes, small groups and BBQs. Day trips start at about £26.50 or 252 EGP.