Tips for building a bigger sandcastle

There are few more iconic images of a beach vacation than the sandcastle. At once, whimsical and ephemeral, the sand castle makes the perfect family project for a Gulf side afternoon. Of course, there’s an art to building the perfect sandcastle and even a bit of a science. How does one go about creating their very own masterpiece?

Take a Lesson with Beach Sand Sculptures

Beach Sand Sculptures offers lessons that teach all the best, time-tested methods for constructing sandcastles. Visitors are encouraged to bring snacks, sunscreen, and a little shade. It may also be a good idea to order a sandcastle kit ahead of time to have the best tools to build and detail your creation. The professionals at Beach Sand Sculptures can show a novice how to build three foot high structures and how to use brushes and melon ballers to create exquisite, realistic details. Reserve a two hour tutorial and become the master architect of your own sand palace!

Practice and Patience

Like any activity, practice makes perfect when it comes to crafting the sand castle of your dreams. It takes some time to master all the techniques and to figure out the perfect ratio of sand to water. But with a little time and patience, anyone can raise towers and sculpt parapets with the best of them.

Start with a Good, Dense Base

Like any well-designed structure, a sandcastle needs a sturdy foundation. Dig a circular, moat-like trench in the sand, somewhere safe from incoming waves. Pile the sand in the center and fetch a bucket of water. Fill the trench with water that you can use to gradually wet the mound in center. The foundation needs to be tightly compressed, so pack the wet sand as tightly as you can.

Don’t Add Too Much Water to Your Sand

The key to a perfect sand castle is to use the ideal ratio of water to sand in your building materials. Too little water and the sand won’t hold its shape. Too much water and you end up with muddy sludge. A good tip is to have a water source nearby — either a full bucket or a trench dug in the sand and filled with water. This way you can add a little water at a time to the sand you’re shaping. Packing the sand tight after adding water helps it drain excess moisture better and makes for stronger material for sculpting.

Good Sand (Ours is the Best)

Any sound construction begins with great materials. Fortunately, the beach sand of Destin-Fort Walton Beach is sugary soft and offers a nice building material for any grand keep. Better yet, It makes it a pleasure to crouch down in the soft, sun-warmed dunes with the family while you build your castle.

If you’re looking for a sunny afternoon activity, perfect for the family vacation, you can’t go wrong with building a sandcastle. Follow the tips above, and you’ll be building in no time!