Florence, Oregon—The Sandboarding Capital of the World
Discover why Florence, Oregon, is the Sandboarding Capital of the World—fun, affordable, year-round adventure on the scenic Oregon Coast!
Sandboarding.
More fun, forgiving, family-oriented, and financially accessible than snowboarding.
Close your eyes and picture this: A fresh and gentle coastal breeze in your face. The scent of the nearby pine forest in your nose. The sense of free-flowing abandon while sliding down a slope of soft sand.
For under $20, you can rent a board for 24 hours and take it to any dune of your choosing—there are endless dunes for choosing—and no lift tickets, additional gear, or long lines required.
Sand Master Park, located at 4981 Highway 101 in Florence, Oregon, is the world’s first sandboarding park. It ranked #2 among the “Best Fan Favorite Destinations in Oregon” by Oregon Business Magazine, and in TripAdvisor’s top 10% of attractions worldwide as a “Travelers’ Choice.”
Why Florence?
Florence—officially designated the Sandboarding Capital of the World—is home to this one-of-a-kind attraction. And yes, these are the same dunes that inspired Frank Herbert to write his Dune sci-fi classics.
Florence offers some of the most rideable sand on the planet. The ocean rolls it around and deposits it on the beach, where it blows onto the dunes. This results in round grains of sand, almost like ball bearings, making for a smooth ride. The Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area—stretching 40 miles along the Central Oregon Coast—features towering, undulating dunes with sweeping ocean views and a mild climate that allows sandboarding year-round.
A Surging Trend for 2025
Sandboarding is gaining momentum. According to Booking.com’s Travel Predictions 2025, interest in high-energy adventures like sand surfing is on the rise. In fact, 42% of surveyed boomers said they’re ready to try sandboarding this year.
No surprise there—it’s affordable, eco-conscious, and loads of fun. Whether you’re a first-timer or a thrill-seeker, Florence makes it easy to jump “on board.”
Meet Dr. Dune
Lon Beale, known worldwide as Dr. Dune, is a globally recognized pioneer of sandboarding. He founded Sand Master Park in 2000 and co-founded the sport’s governing body, Dune Riders International.
“Florence already had the perfect blend: incredible terrain, easy access, and a community that welcomed and supported us from the start,” Beale said. “The great sand was just icing on the cake.”
A lifelong graphic designer and the founder of Xwest Custom Apparel, Beale moved to Florence from Southern California with his wife, Robin. He has taught graphic arts in schools and correctional facilities and channels his passion into functional art, such as sandboards and guitars.
Dr. Dune has coached world champions, hosted international competitions, and welcomed ESPN and FOX Sports to Florence to showcase the sport on a national stage.
Why We're the Sandboarding Capital of the World
According to Beale, Florence earned its title through more than just great dunes:
Home to Sand Master Park: The world’s first sandboard park, with more than 40 acres of dunes dedicated to the sport.
Unmatched Terrain: Massive, scenic dunes in the nearby Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area—perfect for all skill levels.
Year-Round Accessibility: Mild coastal weather makes sandboarding in Florence available all year.
Cultural Embrace: Local shops, rentals, lessons, and events have created a sandboarding culture that draws tourists and enthusiasts from around the world.
“Florence didn’t just participate in sandboarding—we launched it and built a whole community around it,” Beale added.
Innovation on the Sand
Beale is also the mastermind behind Venomous Sandboards and Monarch Sandboards—two of the world’s best-selling sandboard brands, handcrafted right here in Florence. His boards are sold worldwide and used by pros and beginners alike.
Beale didn’t stop there. He and his team developed wet-sand-compatible boards and sand sleds, making the sport accessible in all weather and to all skill levels.
“Sleds aren’t intimidating. You just sit and ride. It’s easy for anyone,” he said. “And the wet-sand boards let us operate year-round. That’s a game-changer. It sets Florence apart from other sandboarding destinations.”
Early in 2025, his vibrant boards were the featured art exhibit at the Florence Area Chamber of Commerce Visitor Center and Art Gallery (290 Highway 101), showcasing their brilliant color, craftsmanship, and artistry.
Beyond the Boards
“When we started, there were no sandboarding products. We had to invent everything from the ground up,” Beale explained. “Florence gave us the testing ground and the community to make it happen.”
Beale also sponsors Circles in the Sand, an interactive beach art experience held each October at Heceta Beach, just north of Florence. The event, led by renowned sand artist Denny Dyke, brings visitors together to enjoy intricate labyrinths carved in the sand—an eco-friendly, family-friendly event that beautifully ties together Florence’s love for sand, nature, and art.
A Global Impact
About 95% of visitors to Sand Master Park come from outside Florence, many from across the globe. Sandboarding has taken Beale and his team to nearly a dozen countries, and the sport continues to grow. Beale’s “sandbrary,” a library of sand samples that he’s ridden on around the world, is a fascinating exhibit in his shop.
Florence’s reputation has been featured in National Geographic, Outside, Esquire, Shape, Surfer Magazine, Sports Illustrated, and even the Guinness Book of Records. They've appeared on Guy Fieri’s Food Network show, in Oregonian and Travel Oregon features, and in more than 200 televised segments—including commercials for major brands like Chevy Trucks.
“Sand Master Park’s Facebook following is over 50,000, and one year we made Yahoo Search’s Top 10. That really put us on the map,” Beale said.
Ready to ride?
Visit SandMasterPark.com or stop by in Florence to rent a board, take a lesson, or just watch the action. With mild weather, world-class dunes, and a thriving sand culture, Florence is the best place on the Oregon Coast to experience the excitement of sandboarding.
