Central Oregon Coast's 'Dr Dune' Center of Show in Florence: Sandboarding as Art

Published 01/18/26 at 3:55 a.m.
By Oregon Coast Beach Connection Staff

(Florence, Oregon) - Florence - internationally recognized as both Oregon's Coastal Playground and The Sandboarding Capital of the World - is highlighting the work of one of its most influential innovators. Throughout January and February 2026, the Florence Area Chamber of Commerce is hosting a special art exhibit featuring handcrafted sandboards created by globally known sandboarding pioneer and artist Lon Beale, widely recognized as “Dr. Dune.”

The exhibit, hosted at the Chamber's Visitor Center and Art Gallery at 290 Highway 101, showcases sandboards as both high-performance sporting equipment and distinctive pieces of functional art.

Lon Beale founded Sand Master Park, the world's first sandboarding park, located at 4981 Highway 101 in Florence. He also co-founded Dune Riders International, the governing body for competitive sandboarding worldwide. Over the past 20 years, he has coached world champions, welcomed ESPN and FOX Sports to televise competitions, and helped position Florence as a major destination for adventure sports.

Beale's artistic career is equally notable. With more than four decades of experience as a graphic designer, he has operated Xwest Custom Apparel in Southern California, taught design in schools and correctional facilities, and mentored countless students in photography, airbrushing, screen printing, Photoshop, and design fundamentals.

His fusion of visual art and athletic performance is central to the new exhibit.

Bettina Hannigan, President/CEO of the Florence Area Chamber of Commerce, said: “Lon Beale is a true artistic genius.”

Sandboards as Custom, Collectible Art

The exhibit includes eight handcrafted sandboards and two sand sleds produced under Beale's Florence-based brands, Venomous Sandboards and Monarch Sandboards. Each piece blends digital design with hand-painted artwork, featuring themes that range from wildlife imagery to vivid, semi-psychedelic patterns.

“My goal is to help people see sandboards as functional art,” Beale said. “They're meant to be ridden - but also proudly displayed, much like a custom guitar. A personalized board becomes a reflection of its owner.”

Beale, who also designs custom guitars, has contributed to the evolution of the sport through innovations such as wet-sand sandboards and sand sleds, expanding access for riders of all ages and abilities.

After exploring sandboarding terrain around the world, Beale and his wife, Robin, selected Florence as the home of Sand Master Park in 2000.

“Florence has some of the most rideable sand on the planet,” Beale said.

Beale also talked to Oregon Coast Beach Connection a few years ago about the coveted and rare “singing sands.” Florence is one of the few areas in the world that has this.

The Florence Area Chamber of Commerce Visitor Center and Art Gallery is open Monday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at 290 Highway 101 in Florence.

For more information, call 541-997-3128, email info@FlorenceChamber.com, or visit FlorenceFun.com.

- Florence Oregon Virtual Tour, Map

Volunteer inquiries may be directed to Visitor Center Manager Lisa Brandow at vcmanager@FlorenceChamber.com. For Chamber membership, programs, and advocacy, contact Bettina Hannigan at bettina@florencechamber.com.

Oregon Coast Hotels for this event - South Coast Hotels - Oregon Coast Vacation Rentals - Where to eat - Maps - Virtual Tours

 

Oregon coast on the downlow (rates, that is), in Lincoln City and Cannon Beach
Exceptional hotel deals in Cannon Beach and Lincoln City. Cannon Beach reviews, Lincoln City reviews

Retro Beach Rental in Newport a Tiny, Cozy Oregon Coast Gem
A little vacation rental called View House Cottage. Hotel reviews, Newport lodging, Newport hotel reviews, Lincoln City hotel reviews, Newport vacation rentals

South Oregon Coast Hotels
S. Coast Hotels: Reedsport, Winchester Bay, Coos Bay, Bandon, Gold Beach, Brookings. S Coast Hotel Reviews

South Oregon Coast Hotels
S. Coast Hotels: Reedsport, Winchester Bay, Coos Bay, Bandon, Gold Beach, Brookings. S Coast Hotel Reviews

More About Oregon Coast hotels, lodging.....

More About Oregon Coast Restaurants, Dining.....

Washington Coast / Oregon Coast Articles (stories are random: hit reload to see different articles)

Washington / Oregon Travel: Gas Prices Jump More Than Usual As War Heightens
Sharper rise because of crude oil and other factors. Traffic, travel tips

Cannon Beach Comedy Festival Returns to Laugh It Up on North Oregon Coast
March 13 - 14 at the Coaster Theatre with an open mic. Cannon Beach events

Major Hike to Oregon Coast's Cascade Head Shut Down for Repair, Geotechnical Study
You won't be able to use one of two routes. Lincoln City, safety, Neskowin, Pacific City

Police Arrest Man for Breaking Into N. Oregon Coast's Historical Big Red, Using As Home
The building had also been robbed of pipes and copper by other thieves. True Crime, Astoria, Warrenton

March 30 is 132nd-Year Celebration at Oregon Coast's Beloved Heceta Head Lighthouse
Food, live music and history, but no trip to the top. Florence events, Yachats events

From Taking In Cool Oregon Coast Colors on the Patio to Seaside's Action
Review of Seaside's Seashore Inn on the Beach: spectacle with breakfast and your dog. Seaside hotel reviews

Animal Cruelty Petition Could End Up Banning Most Hunting and Fishing in Oregon
PEACE Act / IP28 could affect the meat industry, farms; but group says need to strengthen laws. Marine Sciences

Oregon Coast's Fishing Industry Reaches Record Economic Impact
After tumultuous pandemic years it bounced back and soared.

Back to Oregon Coast

Contact Advertise on Oregon Coast Beach Connection
All Content, unless otherwise attributed, copyright © Oregon Coast Beach Connection. Unauthorized use or publication is not permitted