Wear hiking sandals, shoes or sneakers to climb the dunes. Store them in a backpack while you sled or board down with your socks on or off. Bring water and sunscreen (the Dunes sit at 7500 feet altitude and the sun is intense!) Be prepared for a change in weather as well. Visit www.nps.gov/grsa for information on Great Sand Dunes National Park.

Dry sand is best for control. Wet and hard sand will make you go faster with less control. Sand that is just wet on the surface will stick to the board in patches, slowing you down. Try to find the driest sand.

DO: Sit down on the padded seat with your feet on the grip tape. Hold on to the handles and point the sled down. To steer, lean from side to side or drag your hands. Drag your hands in the sand to slow down. Sledders 60 pounds or lighter should use the smaller sleds.

Use the wax we give you; apply it to the middle of the sled where most of the weight is. Apply it after each run. Sand grain, temperature, slope angle and direction will affect how well the boards and sleds slide.

DON’T: Slide on flat or sudden transitions at the bottom of a slope so you don’t get thrown off headfirst!

DO: Insert your bare feet or with socks in the bindings by stretching the heel strap behind your heel. To change your stance to your dominant foot, undo the Velcro on top of the binding and slide the heel strap to the opposite side and reattach. Put weight on your back foot to get more speed. Steer by pressuring your toes or heels. Always start on less steep slopes and work up to steeper ones.

Use the wax we give you; apply it to the middle of the board where most of the weight is. Apply it after each run. Sand grain, temperature, slope angle and direction will affect how well the boards and sleds slide.

DON’T: Get the boards or sleds wet. Our equipment is wood and water will damage it. In case of damage to the equipment, you will be charged repair fees.

Don’t slam boards and sleds (like falling out of a car or shaking sand off). This can crack and chip the edges and you will be charged a repair fee. We have a brush for you to wipe sand off the boards when you return them.

Avoid rocks at the bottom of some dunes. Climb higher to find finer sand.

Don’t leave boards and sleds unattended. If stolen, we will charge you $275.