Volcano Boarding – Hike Volcanoes, Help Kids

What better way to spend a day than sliding full pelt down an active volcano that’s way overdue an eruption, wearing an oversized bright yellow onesie and safety goggles… twice.

The minute we arrived in Leon, Nicaragua we could tell this was the thing to do here. You can’t walk through the streets of León without spotting one of the many tour companies offering a trip to risk your life at the infamous Cerro Negro Volcano, or someone wearing a top telling you that they have survived to tell the tale.

Naturally, we had to give it a try. We chose to go with Quetzaltrekkers, a non-profit, volunteer run company that donates all profits to locally run projects supporting disadvantaged youths. Hike volcanoes, help kids. Plus they are the only company who allow you to board down twice so it was a no brainer.

Time to go…

After being kitted up with all the necessary gear, and an hours drive through mostly farmlands, we got our first glimpse of the black slope we would be throwing ourselves down.

Hiking boots on, boards on our backs we were ready to go. The ascent takes around 40 minutes and it was pretty tough but do-able with a few water stops on the way. There are some magnificent views to be seen too! What we found the most difficult part to this hike was the strong winds that turn the board on your back into a sail. There were a few hairy moments where I thought I would be boarding down the volcano a little sooner than expected, but the group made it to the top unscathed!

After dumping our gear, we spent some time admiring the views, seeing the crater and marvelling at how hot the ground was! Then it was time to gear up and get going.

The slope was actually steeper and longer than I had thought. From the starting point, you can see some of the slope, then the volcano disappears from sight. Too late to change my mind now. Clinging onto the rope for dear life, leaning back as much as I dared (lean back to go faster) I was off! I had a pretty good start, quite smooth and relatively fast. The rest of the way? Well it was a very bumpy unco-ordinated ride down… but it was fun! At the end you come to a natural stop (thank goodness) and say your thank-you’s that you made it down without face-planting volcanic gravel.

Then comes decision time… Do you want to do it all again? I think about half of us decided to give it another try so after a quick snack and drink we were back off. Second time round is never as fast. This is because the smooth part of the boards will be totally rubbed off from the first run. Some people were a lot slower, some still managed to get some good speed.

We were very grateful for our lunch of veggie burritos before the drive back to Leon for a quick debrief by the team, chosing your free t-shirt and a well needed shower. It’s amazing how many teeny tiny stones make it into your hair!

Our Trip

Company: Quetzaltrekkers

Cost: US$30pp

Includes: All equipment (board, onesie, gloves, goggles, bag), transport, water, snack, lunch, tshirt

You need to bring: good shoes, bandana, sun cream, sunglasses

Are you visiting León and thinking of going volcano boarding? Let us know your thoughts in the comments box below

* Happy Travels *