I was noticing the sand problems on the first day we were riding it. It's just from the sand in the queue getting caught up in the wind. You have to remember how light sand is, and how easy the wind can carry it, and the wind usually blows in the direction of the first drop, so most of the time, you get a quick blast in the face with sand. Not fun by any means, but easily forgotten as you are trying to hold yourself in the seat!