León Nicaragua – Volcano Boarding 5

I picked myself up and took a look around; I began to feel a sting on my leg. I looked down and saw I had a descent size bloody scrape with gravel still in it. I ignored it and began to watch the others fly down the mountain. Amy had not made it down yet. I could see her still on the slope trying to make her way to the bottom. Two by two, the groups began to descend. I watched everyone flip, tumble and crash. Everyone had either scratches or bruises when they made it to the bottom, except for the super flier, Andreas from Germany. He was 1km/h shy of making the fastest male list.

Our Volcano Boarding Crew

A second tour operator stood at the bottom of the volcano operating a speed gun. Everyone was eager to find out their speed. My speed was 36km/h, the fastest girl of the day by a long shot and the girl with the biggest scrape too. Still, I felt a little proud of that.

Volcano boarding is probably not for everyone, but it is definitely an adrenaline rush. If you decide to go boarding down Cerro Negro, remember that not everyone enjoys it and you will end up with some scrapes and burns to show for it. Regardless, you’ll have an exciting story to tell.

Aracely Castellani

León Nicaragua – Volcano Boarding 4

Amy, a traveler from New Zealand, and I were ready to go. My heart was racing. When I heard Danny say, “Go!” I gave myself a push by forcing my body forward and I began to tap my heels: left right, left right, left right. Tiny bits of rock were pelting my face.

The sound of the board sliding against the gravel increased as I gained speed and descended further down the desolate volcano. The board began to turn and gravel started to burry it. I tried to remember Danny’s instructions and lifted one leg up to straighten my board, but there was no fixing it; I flew off.

I can’t really describe what happened, I was completely disoriented. I told myself, “Look for the board, get back on and keep moving.” Once I found it I mounted the wooden plank and continued to slide down the volcano: left right, left right, left right. I felt myself picking up speed again. I picked up my feet and began to feel the tiny rocks hitting my face quicker this time; my heart was racing even faster. Again, gravel took over and pushed me sideways and off again I went! This time I hit the ground a bit harder. Completely disoriented I looked for my board and mounted it once again. I made it all the way down the volcano.

Aracely Castellani

(to be continued)