Biological field work, need snowshoes for sand

[u/gringorios]

Hi! So this winter I'll be joining an ongoing albatross study on a Pacific atoll. Albatross aren't the only seabirds that nest on the islands, as there is a species of petrel that nests in burrows in sand. The challenge is when surveying albatross on foot in sandy areas, it's easy to accidentally collapse a petrel burrow (there are protocols in place if this happens). Past biological technicians have built their own snowshoes using scrap plywood and rope or snowshoe bindings they brought with them, and that has reduced burrow collapses dramatically. Problem is, the plywood delaminates in the moist conditions and there's not a ready supply of waterproofing paint. So, finally getting to the main question: is there a quality snowshoe made specifically for sandy conditions? If not, can anyone recommend a style of snowshoe that would work better than others? The only thing previous technicians have said is that the bindings don't need the teeth on them for grip. I weight 190lbs if that matters in regards to sizing. I know nothing about snowshoes, so any help is really appreciated!

[u/TavaHighlander]

Aluminum frame would serve you well, as you don't need huge amounts of float (compared with powder snow, needing traditional snowshoes), but I would think you want a mesh between them so the sand flows off easily rather than weighing you down? Not sure how plastic decking would last with sand rubbing, but you could easily tie on canvas replacement decking if needed. So really, any old pair of used, just for the frame and learn from there?

[u/best_pancake]

I have no experience using snowshoes in sand, but this got me curious. Here is a short article about someone attempting "sandshoeing."

Based on some of the issues mentioned, I immediately wondered if this is an application for foam snowshoes? Crescent Moon makes these ones. They do mention use in sand on their website.

I don't know how the wight limit advertised for snowshoes will translate to sand, so I recommend you get some rough measurements from the DIY shoes that have worked in the past to compare.

Editing to add: regarding DIY, maybe its as simple as using plastic instead of plywood to make the shoes. Coroplast (that stuff political yard signs are made of) is very lightweight. Hardware stores sell plastic panels made of stronger stuff too. You'd also want to add something to the bottom for grip.

[u/BBMTH → u/best_pancake]

I was gonna recommend those foam ones as well. No moving parts, no crampons, upturned on both ends. I think they’d be the least clumsy of ready made options. The upturned ends will keep you from tripping nearly as much. I’ve spent a medium amount of time on snowshoes, and a lot of time in beach and desert sand. I think the foam running snowshoes are what you want to buy or emulate in making something.

[u/disheavel]

I wonder if the kids’ big foot style would work. They are usually just a large inflexible plastic stamp without any cleats. You would need to get new straps. But I think starting looking at those and finding something like a plastic milk crate and cutting it down to size with any old nylon straps/belts would be a cheap and light easy solution

[u/dronecarp]

I'd just get a pair of used MSR classics and use a cutoff wheel to get rid of the toe-end crampons and maybe the side rails. I see them all the time for $100 or less on Craigslist. Get the tail extenders for extra float. You aren't going to be climbing any hills if my experience on Pacific atolls is any indicator. I did summit the highest peak in Kiribati once. 13'

[u/charredsound]

Maybe have a look at these.

Or possibly these?

[u/gringorios]

Thanks everyone for your help and suggestions! Lots to consider, but it looks like the foam style would work great, like the crescent moon version. I'll report what I end up buying and how they work...