Adrenaline junkies think new extreme sport is the coolest thing going

The thought of racing down an active volcano with only a board for protection is enough to get most people hot under the collar.
But for thrill-seeking sports fanatics, boarding down a 2,380ft volcano at speeds of 50 mph is the coolest sport around.
Thousands of travellers are heading to the foothills of Nicaragua's Cerro Negro mountain to take part in the new sporting craze, according to its creators.

   

A volcano boarder shows how it's done as he makes his way down the 2,380ft high Cerro Negro in Nicaragua

Surfers, dressed in protective jump suits, knee-pads and helmets, can reach speeds of up to 80 km/h (50mph) on their specially-constructed plywood boards.
Phillip Southan, owner and manager of Bigfoot Hostel and Green Pathways Tours, said the unique trip is a world first.
'We started offering this trip on 2005 and its has become so popular,' the 26-year-old from Barbados said. 'This is a unique tour as nowhere else in the world can you board down an active volcano.

A group of boarders climb to the top of the volcano Cerro Negro summit before making the thrill-seeking 500m descent to the bottom

'What we offer is a tour for everyone with absolutely no experience necessary. One of the greatest attractions of the tour is that you get a bit of everything.
'Nicaraguan rural culture, hiking, amazing views, walking in an active volcano and then of course the high adrenaline boarding down the volcano.' 
Despite only starting the tours four years ago, volcano boarding has attracted more than 10,000 participants.
'This is the fourth year and to date we have taken over 10,000 people on this tour,' said Mr Southan. 'It is a 45 minute hike of easy to moderate difficulty.

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Boarders make their way down the volcano and reach speeds of up to 50mph

'Once you complete the 45-minutes around the back of the volcano to its summit, surfers can enjoy the amazing views and the experience being close to an active volcano. After a training session its a 500 metre descent down the volcano.' 
Standing at 726 metres, Cerro Negro is Central America's youngest volcano.

Born in April 1850 it has been one of the most active volcanoes in Nicaragua, which last erupted in 1999 - the 20th time in its history.

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A group of boarders are pictured at the foot of the volcano after taking part in the new extreme sporting craze

Yet despite its unstable reputation, Mr Southan insists that all safety precautions are taken and considered when boarding down the active volcano.
'When you are on top you will have the opportunity to walk in to the crater up close with a smoking volcano. But the biggest risk is the risk is getting some scratches if you fall off,' he said.
'Many years of experience has taken this tour to a level where it is safe but still fun and for some people a little scary. We are always working on ways to continue improving it for the future.