Volcano Boarding in Leon, Nicaragua

The sport of volcano boarding was first brought to Nicaragua’s Cerro Negro by the Australian former owner of Bigfoot Hostel Leon, Daryn Webb. Since he first had the great idea of skidding down an active volcano, various types of sleds were trialed, including a plastic table, before a reinforced wooden version was settled on.

To this day more than 25,000 people have careened down the sharp volcanic rock at speeds of up to 30 miles per hour. Bigfoot Hostel Leon is the biggest operator of day tours to the volcano, but there are various other companies based in the small, charming colonial city of Leon that will take you out for a day of extreme adventure.

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The trip includes all of the necessary equipment, which admittedly only extends to an orange jumpsuit and a board, as well as transport and a complimentary mojito when you return to the hostel after an exhilarating day skidding around on the slopes of a volcano. Anyone can participate due to the fact that gravity is the only thing controlling your descent, but be warned to keep your limbs tucked in to avoid any high-speed accidents on your way down. As with any extreme sport, the danger is what makes the experience exciting, but normal precautions should be taken.