The guy taking care of the boards were getting the boards ready. We were waiting for everyone to get on the top of the dune for a little briefing. My heart was probably beating fast. Was I afraid? Not really. I’d say I was excited. I lifted one of the boards and saw that the foot straps were now made of rubber instead of nylon straps. I noticed he was putting something on the rear side of the boards. It was wax, the liquid type that you use on your wooden floors. We never had that before either as this was my second time. The first was during the last year, during the first Lakbay Norte tour.

I asked the guy if the board I was using was already waxed and ready to use. He said yes, nodding his head. I tried to fit the board on my feet. Pretty comfy it was. Better than the last time. I was jokingly moving towards the edge of the dune slope and ask aloud? Pede na ba? (can i go?) No one was answering, so I jumped taking the silence as a yes.

I hit the bottom still standing up and thanks to the training I had from surfing, I enjoyed every moment of it. Then, Frank, the official Lakbay Norte videographer shouts at me. -  “Di pa kami, ready. Walang kumuha. Ulitin mo!” (We’re not ready yet, it wasn’t caught on film. Do it again!)

I’m an adrenalin junkie. If rush types of adventure are sold in bottles, id buy some. Sand boarding and a 4×4 ride at the La Paz Sand dunes in Ilocos Norte was the last major activity of Lakbay Norte for me before I head to the Floridablanca bus station and head back home.

Its my second time sand boarding but I was still so looking forward doing it again since it has been awhile since I did any type of boarding fun. Speaking of which, I should get my skateboard from my brother who claimed it as his own.

I could still imagine the rush that gets into my spine whenever I look down and think – Karlo, what are you doing?! But since the adrenalin junkie in me pushes me to the limit, then id simply jump in. This is one of the reasons why I’m eager to join Lakbay Norte.

This is Brian the crazy journalist – I say this because no broken arm could stop him from trying
out sandboarding. He even swam at a waterfall pool the day before this with his cast on.

Sandboarding in Ilocos Norte and even the Philippines was unheard until a couple of years ago, until a group called LEAD movement discovered the possibility of creating the adventure sport right in the heart of Ilocos. The La Paz sand dunes and the other sand dunes in Ilocos is no Dubai. It doesn’t have the perfectly shaped sand mountains, but the sand dunes of La Paz offered quite a similar adventure, thus, you dont need to book a flight to the Middle East just to experience another extreme adventure sport.


The Trip the Trip gang joined us during Lakbay Norte 2B

If you choose to go here, early mornings and late afternoons are always best as it gets really hot at noon because of the sand. With sand boarding, you can try it sitting down or standing up. Make sure your board has been waxed before your run for a faster, more thrilling ride.


Aboard a 4×4 on top of the tallest sand dune hill ive been to. We’re rushing down in a few seconds now…

The sand dune hills can be explored by 4×4. If youre the adventurous type, try to get the youngest driver. There’s this 14 year old kid whose name I forgot who drives really mad. It was great though as I’m addicted to getting thrilled and stoked.

LEAD Movement
Laoag, Ilocos Norte, Philippines
+63 (77) 772 0538
+63 (919) 873 5516

Lakbay Norte is brought to you by the North Philippines Visitors Bureau and the Manila North Tollways Corp. Our Ilocos Norte leg would is organized and supported by the Ilocos Norte Convention and Visitors Bureau. Join us next time as we Rediscover the North.