There are certain summers that stick with you—not because everything went smoothly, but because life had a way of handing you exactly the lessons you needed. My internship in the state of Washington, the summer of 1980, was one of those. Back then, I was a junior at Iowa State, trying to line up all the things I thought would guarantee a good job after graduation: solid grades, some campus involvement, and most importantly, that golden ticket on any engineering résumé—an internship in your field. So I spent the spring sending out application after application, collecting a thick stack of rejection letters in return. It became routine enough that some days I’d find myself laughing at how efficiently companies could say “No thanks.” My dorm room wall was full of “flush letters” and I treated it like it was a badge of honor.
Creating Your Beautiful Life
Sandboarding
Creating Your Beautiful Life
Sandboarding
Sand dune surfing, also known as sandboarding or sand sledding, offers an exhilarating and unique experience for adventure seekers and outdoor enthusiasts alike. Imagine gliding down towering sand dunes, feeling the rush of adrenaline as you carve your way through the sandy terrain. Whether you’re a seasoned surfer or a first-time thrill-seeker, sand dune surfing promises endless fun and excitement.
The allure of sand dune surfing lies in its accessibility and simplicity. Unlike traditional surfing, which requires access to ocean waves and specialized equipment, sand dune surfing can be enjoyed in desert regions or sandy landscapes with minimal gear. All you need is a sandboard or sled and a willingness to embrace the thrill of the ride.
One of the most iconic destinations for sand dune surfing is the vast desert landscape of the Arabian Peninsula, where towering dunes stretch as far as the eye can see. In countries like Oman, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates, adventurers flock to popular dune sites such as the Wahiba Sands and the Empty Quarter to test their skills on the sandy slopes.
Similarly, the expansive dunes of the Sahara Desert in North Africa offer endless opportunities for sand dune surfing enthusiasts. From Morocco to Egypt, travelers can embark on guided tours or rent equipment to experience the thrill of surfing on golden sand dunes that rise hundreds of feet into the sky.
Closer to home, regions like the American Southwest boast stunning sand dunes perfect for adventurous souls seeking a taste of desert excitement. Places like the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes in Death Valley National Park or the Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve in Colorado provide the ideal backdrop for sand dune surfing adventures. The video shown above was filmed in Colorado. While I wasn't standing majestically on a board, my experience from a lower perspective was thrilling enough for me.
Part of the fun of sand dune surfing lies in mastering the technique of riding the dunes. Beginners may start by practicing on smaller slopes, gradually building confidence and skill before tackling larger dunes. With a bit of practice and determination, riders can learn to carve turns, perform jumps, and even navigate steep descents with ease.
Beyond the thrill of the ride, sand dune surfing offers a unique opportunity to connect with nature and appreciate the beauty of desert landscapes. As you glide down the slopes, you’ll be surrounded by sweeping vistas of rolling dunes, shimmering sands, and endless horizons. It’s a breathtaking experience that allows you to immerse yourself in the natural wonders of the desert environment.
Safety is paramount when engaging in sand dune surfing, as the activity carries inherent risks. It’s essential to wear appropriate protective gear, including helmets and padding, to prevent injuries from falls or collisions. Additionally, riders should be mindful of weather conditions, such as high winds or extreme heat, which can impact the stability of the dunes and pose additional hazards.
Sand dune surfing offers a thrilling and unforgettable adventure for outdoor enthusiasts of all ages. Whether you’re gliding down towering dunes in the Arabian Desert or carving turns in the American Southwest, the thrill of riding the sandy waves is an experience like no other. So grab your board, embrace the adventure, and get ready to surf the sands of excitement!
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The Internship That Changed Everything
Long Lake Summers
There are seasons in life you don’t see coming—chapters that don’t announce themselves with fanfare, yet settle so deeply into your memory that years later you can still smell the lake water, feel the pull of the tow rope, and hear the hum of a boat engine echoing across a still summer evening. For me, one of those chapters began the moment I graduated from Iowa State in May of 1981 and took my first real job at 3M. I was barely 22, carrying that mix of confidence and cluelessness that only a new graduate can pull off, and ready to step into the adult world.
Hero of the Beach
When I think back to my childhood— maybe around nine years old—there’s a very specific smell, a very specific feeling, that comes rushing back: the scent of ink and old paper from a stack of Marvel comic books. It’s funny how memory works. I can’t remember what I ate last Tuesday, but I can still picture—clear as day—the cover of The Amazing Spider-Man #56 with the Daily Bugle headlines screaming "Spidey joins Doc Ock" sitting on the floor of my bedroom, or the way the corner store rack looked when I spun it, hoping for a new issue of anything with the red-and-blue web-slinger on the front.