 Juliana Gabriel |
Juliana Gabriel
Oregon - USA Sponsors: Venomous Sandboards Sand Master Park Originally from Walnut Creek, California, Juliana has lived the last decade in the beautiful Oregon rain forest. Beautiful evergreens surround this sixteen year old along with lakes, streams, the Pacific ocean and, of course, sand dunes. The Oregon dune system is a 50+ mile stretch of pristine coastal dunes and living in the city of Florence, Juliana is right in the middle of it all.
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Juliana told us, "I've always liked the dunes. They are awesome and there are many activities to do on them as well." So, one summer day Juliana 'Jewels' and her friends were a little bored with the usual and wanted to try something new. Juliana had done a little snow skiing and really liked playing in the frozen white stuff. Although she never boarded before she thought sandboarding sounded like fun even though it was completely new to her. "I told my friends, let's go rent some sand boards and try it out." They took a short trip north on highway 101 to Sand Master Park and got their first taste of sandboarding. That was all it took. "I just stuck with it," she smiles. It was the thrill of speed, the adrenaline rush, the exercise and especially having fun goofing off with friends that kept her coming back. "Last summer we made a sand jump into the lake at Honeyman Park with Suzy Elbow ( another talented young sandboarder ) and some friends". "That's the most fun I've had and it really sticks in my memory." Juliana also enjoyed boarding at Dogwood, with world sandboard champion, Digi Dias. Sand Master Park is the most challenging. "I saw the guys doing the rail slides and I wanted to try more things too." Juliana felt she could do the rail so she gave it a try and then another and another. Before long she was sliding to the end and riding it right off into the sunset. "I cut my toe the first time but that didnšt stop me. I want to do more rail slides and jumps next season.". Sand Master Park has a program for local youth called 'After Hours' where they open the park and game room up to local kids free of charge. Juliana and her friends, Suzy Elbow and Joelle Glover, quickly became regulars at the park. |
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"One big reason I like sandboarding is that it's so different. Not too many people do it," Juliana points out. "It's fun, new and unique. You can do it year round in rain or sun." Yes, those are all factors that are drawing more and more people into sandboarding. People who are adventurous, creative and not afraid to have a great time on the sand streaking down the dunes and right out across the water or up and over a jump then sailing through the air... hey, just like Juliana! Her friends describe Juliana as a 'chocaholic' and say if she's not on the dune she's up and down the highway in her silver Volkswagen Bug. Juliana's house is kind of the hang out too. Getting together at Juliana's to watch movies, eatin' popcorn, listen to good music or chatting in the hot tub isn't uncommon. Sound's like the place to be. Juliana started competing in 2003 but she rides because she loves it. That is the motivation. We are looking forward to seeing more of her at future events. With so few females in competitive sandboarding Juliana is some what unique in the world and helping to pioneer this sport on the Oregon coast. Not to mention, having a great time at it along with her friends as well as the Sand Master Park staff. Why not... "Sand never melts." |
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Want to see more female sandboard pilots? Click this link! Female Pilots by Lon Beale Sandboard Magazine 12/04 |
