The new sport of sand skiing is just beginning to take off. For many of us, the experience of skiing in shorts and short sleeve shirts will be a new adventure - one that lets us enjoy skiing and stay in shape all the seasons of the year.

What is sand skiing? It is simply the brand new extreme sport. From Palm Springs, California to Dubai, from Abu Dhab to Idaho, it's the latest extreme craze.

There are two types of sand skiing. Downhill and cross-country both of which more or less mirror their snow ski counterparts.

Downhill sand skiing involves finding a dune, hill, or mountain, climbing to the top of it and skiing down it. Is it fun? Lots - except for the part where you have to climb up the hill. You'll find no ski lifts, no trams, not even a rope tow. If you want to get up the hill, you have to climb it on your own. Nevertheless, the lack of these niceties doesn't seem to have prevented newcomers from being drawn to the sport.

Cross country sand skiing involves skiing finding a nice long scenic stretch of sand covered land, strapping on the ski boots and skis and having at it. Nothing strengthens the muscles and increases stamina like cross country sand skiing.

Whether you do downhill or cross country sand skiing, this is fantastic exercise. If you're not in shape, this sport will definitely get you in shape. If you're already in shape, sand skiing will keep you fit.

The Essentials of Sand Skiing

So what equipment does a sand skier need? Pretty much the same as a snow skier. You'll of course need skis, preferable older ones as sand, even fine sand, is an abrasive and over time can remove material from the ski's running surface.

Sand blindness, like snow blindness, can cause a temporary vision loss. To prevent it, you'll need a good pair of UV resistant sunglasses or goggles. You'll also need ski poles to push past some of the denser spots of sand.

Sand skiing is usually done in warmer environments - so dress accordingly. Wear light clothing and if the sun is intense, wear a hat to protect your head.

Finding the Perfect Sand

Snow skiers are very familiar with the different types of snow, for example skiing on powder is a much different experience than skiing on packed snow. It may surprise you that sand skiers have similar experiences. Coarse sand gives a much different experience than fine sand. Wet sand is much harder to traverse than dry sand.

As you get more into the culture of sand skiing, you're hear the terms "fast sand" and "slow sand". Fast sand is great, you'll feel as though you're gliding on glass. It's almost effortless. Slow sand can be a grind, like slogging through quicksand. And there are all sorts of gradients in between. Skiers looking for perfect sand is much like the prototypical surfer looking for the "perfect wave".

So skiers rejoice. No longer are you confined to the winter season. With sand skiing, you can not only enjoy your sport year round, you can enjoy it in almost any place in the world.

Ski boots are not just your ordinary boots. They are specialized footwear that are specifically used in skiing. They are also used to attach the skier to the ski with the help of the ski bindings. The combination of the ski, the boots, and the ski bindings is tightly controlled to transmit inputs from the skier down to the snow and help him glide along it.

The Search

Before you go and head to the ski shops, it pays to do some research work and surf for the best ski boots that will be appropriate for the type of skier you are. Don't be deceived by looks alone. It may be amazing and would look perfect on you but then when you step into the mountains, it just would not feel right. It may not serve you well, and you will end up not having a good slope experience. The Internet is just the right place to do your homework where there are loads of information and shops to do your search of the right type of boots for skiing.

The Right Type

Originally, ski boots resembled the standard and regular boots that were made from leather. As the sport of skiing gradually developed into a recreation, with more and more people getting into the sport, the boots for skiing became specialized too. There were boots just for Alpine skiing and for Nordic or Alpine tour skiing. They each have their own ski bindings that are not interchangeable for the varying ski disciplines. That is why getting the right type of boots for your slope experience should be precise because if they don't fit for your skiing style, then you are up for a lopsided skiing.

The Exact Fit

If the shoe fits, then it's good. But that doesn't hold true when getting your own ski boots. You also need to consider how the boots fit at the top of your foot just as they also have to fit at the soles. You need to fasten and secure every single clip to ensure that they will feel good up on the mountain. Make sure there is enough space to give room for your feet to move when you simulate any skiing position. It is best to have ski socks on when try the boots. As you bend your knees, in the same position that you are about to ski, make sure that you would not feel any kind of pain. Ski boots don't break in with time, so if you feel the pain now, there will always be pressure on your foot all the time.

Enjoy It!

Choosing ski boots is crucial. It should be very comfortable and has the exact fit for your feet. They should not be too tight as they would cause your feet to cramp and would lead to blisters. It would definitely kill the fun. Remember that skiing do not just involve gliding, you sometimes also make the jump. Don't spoil the fun! Get the right ski boots so you get to enjoy more hours out in the cold.