FAQs for Using Your Snowshoes on the Sand for Fitness

To stay in incredible physical form for snowshoeing, you need a general training plan involving endurance training and other forms of exercise. This plan helps your muscles remember how to work when it is time for the snow. One activity you’ll want to add to your training plan is sandshoeing.

Here we answer your questions about using snowshoes on the sand or sandshoeing for fitness.

Sandshoeing is a great way to keep up your fitness during the off-season. Photo: Randy Philpotts

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What Is Sandshoeing?

First, what is sandshoeing? Sandshoeing is an outdoor sport practiced during leisure time for recreation, fitness, or cross-training. It’s as simple as it sounds. Grab your snowshoes and head to your nearest beach or dunes. Then, choose the intensity at which you walk or run. Sandshoeing can be a solo activity or a way to connect with others of all ages.

If you want to add an extra challenge and extra stability, you can use Nordic walking poles for sandshoeing. Nordic walking can improve fitness, especially for those unable to complete resistance training or high-impact sports. Nordic walking poles can also improve balance and reduce neck pain.

These poles can be height adjustable, are designed to propel you forward more quickly and use all the muscle groups. Unlike hiking, you don’t need to hold the poles vertically in front of the body but can orient them backward, like in cross-country skiing.

Read More: A Beginner’s Perspective: Breaking Trail on the Beach

Sandshoeing is simple: grab your snowshoes, head to the beach or dunes, and enjoy the view while working out. Photo: Randy Philpotts

Is Sandshoeing Cardio / Aerobic Exercise?

Cardio and aerobic exercise increase your heart rate and use oxygen. In sandshoeing, just like snowshoeing, you work your muscles and push your heart and lungs to work hard. On a long-term basis, this activity makes your heart stronger and more efficient.

So, good news: Sandshoeing is a good cardio exercise — especially if you go at a brisk pace of at least 3 miles per hour and get your heart rate up. Furthermore, walking for at least 30 minutes daily can further your cardiovascular fitness, strengthen your bones, and reduce the risk of developing certain conditions and diseases.

Read More: Reap the Health Benefits of Snowshoeing

C. King enjoys traversing the dunes while sandshoeing. Photo: Randy Philpotts

How Fast Can You Sandshoe?

Speed depends on intensity, but in my case, around 4 mph or about 24 minutes a mile.

My results show that you can increase – and maintain – your walking speed well beyond a brisk walking pace. Furthermore, if you can maintain this pace throughout your workout, this is excellent news for your heart and the rest of your body.

Read More: Build and Maintain Snowshoeing Endurance All Year Long

You can enjoy this cardiovascular activity alone or with others! Train for a 5k or go just for fun. Photo: Randy Philpotts

What’s a Good Time To Walk 5km?

Five kilometers equals 3.1 miles and is a great way to use your snowshoes on the sand for increased fitness. At a typical walking pace, you can walk a 5k in 45 minutes. You might take 60 minutes or more if you have a slower pace.

When choosing a 5K event, ensure it welcomes sandshoers with a long enough time limit so you can comfortably finish.

Read More: Sandshoeing for the WWF Nature 5K

Ready to sandshoe the next 5k on the beach! Photo: Randy Philpotts

Do I Have To Modify My Snowshoes?

If you are using aluminum models, you can remove your toe crampons. I use Redfeather Hike snowshoes, and this modification allowed a much more efficient stride with less sand resistance.

The lack of extra weight and less backsplash from the sand is also a plus. You will feel like you are floating across the sand, with great buoyancy, aka float on top of the sand.

Since the sand and saltwater can cause wear and tear on your snowshoes, even with modification, clean them after every outing to help preserve them.

Read More: The Sandshoeing Experience: Will Snowshoes Work on Sand?

Removing the toe crampon on your aluminum snowshoes can save weight and wear. Photo: Randy Philpotts

What Do I Need To Do To Prepare?

Make sure to stretch before, after a brief warm-up, and after to keep your muscles loose.

Also, stay hydrated no matter the temperature, and bring a beverage like water or Gatorade. You can also bring a small backpack for extras like energy bars and layers since it gets breezy by the shore.

Finally, carry binoculars and a camera to take in all nature offers.

Read More: What to Bring When Snowshoeing: Top Accessories for the Day Hiker

You can use any modern snowshoes on the sand. Just make sure to wipe/wash them off after your outing. Photo: Randy Philpotts

How Much Fun Is Sandshoeing?

In addition to fitness, using your snowshoes on the sand is fun! In fact, the fun is as unlimited as one’s imagination!

It all begins before sunrise… the moment I step outside my car. The air is crisp, the sun is just cresting the dunes, and waves on the ocean have a rhythmic syncopation all their own.

The first 20 minutes are spent hiking up and through the dunes to get the heart pumping. Then it’s on to deep sand off the dunes and ultimately out and across the flats to the shore. Here we meet the rush of the waves but not too close. I see the early surf casters fishing, birds flying overhead, and endless miles of sandy beach.

This article was first published on May 30, 2021, and most recently updated on June 29, 2023. 

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