Clearly Swakopmund is a tourist town. Hotel managers, activities instructors and shop-keepers all wait for the next crop of tourists to roll in be it on overland trucks or in group tours from Germany (most likely). Tourists are ripe for the picking, too, looking for adventure and ready to embrace a new experience.  At the same time there’s something comfortable about the place.  It’s young, exciting, energetic.  People play by day and dance and drink by night…a true party town.

Sandboarding was a great experience.  Never having snowboarded (or eve snow skied) before, we weren’t sure how we’d do, but with a little prepping and practice we were careening down the dunes in no time.  The hike back up was tough, but well worth the effort.  I was “goofy-footed,” leading with the opposite foot than most right handed folks.  That meant reversing all the instruction we got, but it did seem more natural.  Turns were tough, but everyoune was encouraging and supportive, and we had a wonderful time.  There was even a chance to take a few slides on the lay-down run at the back of the dune. People reached speeds of over 70 kilometers per hour lying on a flimsy piece of greased particle board.  A DVD of the whole day was part of the price, and it was ready back at the hotel that night.

Dinner that night was at Neapolitana.  My ostrich steak was amazing, and we al had a good time reliving our past few day’s activities.  I think the most fun was had by Esther, though, who snuck off with her skydiving instructor.

To see a wipeout click here