This is Cerro Negro, a volcano that appeared suddenly in 1850 as a result of the Cocos tectonic plate subducting under the Caribbean tectonic plate at a rate of 9 cm every year and as such is one of the most active volcanos in Nicargua.

It has errupts on average every 8 years, and hasnt kicked off for 13 years, so its overdue and experts are expecting a large erruption very soon.

So whats the best thing to do at a place like this? How about climb up it and then throw yourself down the slopes at 70kph!

So off we went from Leon in the morning on the back of a truck, bouncing around the dirt roads until we arrived at the volcano. From there we grabbed our boards and began the 1.5 hour hike up the volcano in scorching heat.

Half way up we had a good look at some streaming sulphur vents (very smelly), and had a cracking view of the surrounding area. What is particually stunning is the sudden change of landscape from the black rock and ash of the volcanos to beautiful fertile hills of bright green.

The volcano landscape itself is truly stunning, was like another world, (check out the photo gallery for some more photos)

So up we continued and then reached the top (726m above sea level). We put on our bright yellow overalls, gloves and goggles and then all there is to do is let go and enjoy the high speed, out of control sledge down the slope!

First thing to notice and that it is very steep, very slippy (lots of oversteer!) and lots of rocks and ash hitting your face, going into you mouth, ears etc.

After reaching the bottom and looking like coal miners, clearing our mouths of ash and rock, we had some tasty lunch and then back up again for another go!

Emily decided once was enough for her so she hung out at the bottom and became offical photographer. Shortly after Emily took this photo of Dave coming down he lost control and wiped out.

Hang ten duuuuuuuuude!!!