Even before our flight to Laoag, I already made an arrangement with Glen Guererro for our sand boarding foray in Laoag. Because of its breathtaking landscape, the sand dunes of La Paz has become famous as shooting location for both local and foreign films. Panday and Himala are just some of the local flicks that can be associated with La Paz. As for the international movies, portions of Mel Gibson's Mad Max and Born on the Fourth of July starring Tom Cruise were shot here.Before going to La Paz we met Glen and the rest of Ilocos Sand Adventures team in McDonald's Laoag. And right after our merienda we drove our way to the baranggay La Paz for our sand boarding. What’s actually great about going to the La Paz is it’s accessibility within Laoag, getting there just took us 10-15 minutes. As soon as we arrived, we were basically mesmerized upon seeing these geological monument in Ilocos Norte. We took the opportunity to take pictures as our instructors were busy deflating the 4x4 tires.
Deflating the 4x4 tires
The Jeepers Creepers
Jerome,Pam of Leave the Cube, the wife, Neri comparing her sandboarding
foray here in Laoag and in Vietnam and TJ
TEBOW!!!
We rode a 4x4 pickup truck that seems a bit different compare to what I’ve seen in the net. I asked Glen about it and the reason behind is to avoid guest from falling out of the vehicle upon ascending the steep hills of the sand dunes. Track seems to go nowhere as we pulled off to a makeshift track for the 4x4, climbing a series of sand dunes and even before I can say <insert pinakamalutong na mura> the 4x4 has already took the plunge on the edge of an almost vertical inclined hills. I have yet to conquer my theme park paranoia so all I could managed was a scream. Being in the passenger seat, I just braced myself for a series of death-defying stunts as Glen revved up the 4x4 up, down and sideways.
Expect a roller coaster ride during the 4x4 ride
Breathtaking scenery
Golden-brown grass swaying with the wind
We eventually stopped in the part where we’ll be having our sand boarding activity. Sand boarding is basically the same with snowboarding ( I have yet to try this) but done on the sand. Everyone was excited the moment they saw Glen getting the boards ready. Basically to ride the board you just strapped your feet on the wooden sand board and wait to be pushed a by companion and enjoy the whizzing downhill experience.
It’s normal to get nervous on the first try but as you rush through the sand powders, the fear fades away just by hearing the cheers of friends and instructor. We were also taught of different position in sandboarding, there’s the standing, sitting down ,and even kneeling position. My favorite would be the standing position because it’s harder to balance. (yun oh!) Aside from balance, what’s even harder though is climbing up to highest slope of sands after falling down.Actually dito mauubos ang oras mo, ang hirap umakyat.
Me and the wife doing the sitting down position
It's the climb
After numerous attempts there will come a time when you’ll get bored because of the slow downhill rush. This is the time you’ll need to put a wax on the rear side of the board to speed up. I don’t have any idea if this is the same with what the surfers use in their surfboard.When the guys had enough of sandboarding, everyone gathered for some jump shots. The golden-brown grass entwining the Sand Dunes at La Paz, Ilocos Norte, is a sight to behold, especially when the orange sun begin dipping on the shadowy waters of the West Philippine Sea. We’ve waited til the sun bid goodbye before we go back to Laoag.
Here are some tips to enjoy your sandboarding adventure in Laoag:
- The best time to sandboard is during sunrise 0500AM - 0630AM) and sunset 0400PM-0600PM.
- Bring sunblock and sunglasses
- Bring something to cover you face, because believe me kakain ka ng alikabok dito
- Buy at least a 1L of bottled water
Contact Glen Guererro at 09088853669 of Ilocos Sand-Boarding Adventures for more information.
