Windward slope (dunes)

The windward slope is the side of a sand dune that faces the prevailing wind. Wind pushes sand up this side towards the crest, so the windward face is usually long, gradual and relatively firm, which makes it the natural side to climb.

On the other side lies the leeward slope, or slip face, where sand falls over the crest. It is often much steeper and softer, and from the windward side you cannot see how big the drop is.

Dune riding tips: climb the windward side with steady momentum in a suitable gear, slow down before the crest, ride it at an angle or stop just over the top to see what lies beyond, and descend the leeward side straight down with weight back. Reading wind direction helps you predict the shape of dunes ahead.