Clusters of students dressed in swimsuits and beach attire skimmed, slipped and splashed at the President’s Pavilion lawn Friday for the yearly Sandblast event.
Student life coordinators worked to bring the Sandblast tradition to home grounds for the first time ever this year with an array of attractions like volleyball, skimboarding and a Slip ‘N Slide to turn Dixie State College’s campus into one big beach party. Students also enjoyed hot dogs, music, an after-party dance and even fanny pack making, absolutely free of cost.
Jay Nilsson, a senior business major from Santa Clara, said the Sandblast is one of the more lively events.
“This is my style,” Nilsson said. “I’m into the whole beach volleyball and skimboarding thing—that’s what I like.”
Karson Webster, a freshman elementary education major from Yreka, Calif., said the Sandblast was a great chance to get out and do something fun.
“It’s upbeat, and everyone’s smiling and having fun,” said Jessica Tuttle, a freshman nursing major from Springville.
Apart from enjoying the beach-like environment of the Sandblast, Nilsson also said he enjoyed the company.
“There are a lot of good-looking people here,” Nilsson said. “People that didn’t come missed out. Free food, people dressed in less clothing—it’s all great.”
Lindsey Myers, a freshman general education major from Salt Lake City, said she thought the skimboarding was the coolest thing at the event.
Event coordinators crafted a skimboarding lane out of plastic lining, turf from the old football field, and a whole lot of water.
Student Life Vice President Sami Warnick, a senior business major from Wanship, said she was happy the skimboarding was a success.
“I was nervous about it at first,” Warnick said. “I didn’t know if it would work, but it turned out great.”
Skimboarders skimmed down the slippery turf and attempted various tricks off jumps and ramps. Event coordinators even organized a skimboarding competition, which student body president Brody Mikesell won.
Free fanny pack making was another Sandblast success.
“The fanny packs were a hit,” Warnick said. “They were gone and everyone still wanted more.”
Madison Pennie, a sophomore communication major from Alpine, said she liked attending the Sandblast on campus this year because students could participate for free. Previous years, students were required to pay an entrance fee when Sand Hollow Aquatic Center hosted the event.
“Also, everyone knows where this is and we don’t have to drive all the way to Santa Clara,” Pennie said.
Robert Hughes, a sophomore paramedic major from Moreno Valley, Calif., said he thought holding the Sandblast on campus was a great idea.
“They have the space to do it, so why not?” Hughes said.
All in all, students seem to agree that the Sandblast was another successful social event.
“[These events] make college a lot of fun,” Myers said.
