Sand Castles: Build it like a Pro
Not all sands are created equal. One of the most important factors in achieving a solid sand sculpture is the type of sand used. Contrary to what most people believe, those ocean sands do not yield the best sand sculpture material. Ocean sand is very old. Due to the constant roll of the surf the grains have been worn smooth and have round edges. This makes the ocean sand react like marbles! So the land locked folks of the world usually have the best sand.
Safety tips
- Remember you can be up high so watch your step!
- Be aware of your tools. Watch where your shovel is and your co-workers, when digging close together.
- Watch your toes!
- Beware of Sand stomping monsters. They are everywhere!
Harrison Lake in California lays claim to having the best sculpting sand in the world. They also hold the Guinness World record for the highest sand sculpture ever built. The record stands at 12'. Harrison Lake has glacial sand which was deposited on the shores by the currents. This sand is young. Unlike ocean sand, it is cubic with sharp edges. This feature gives the sand a lot of surface area. This in turn, gives the water smooth, flat areas with a lot of surface tension. This surface tension holds the sand
together and makes the sand sticky. The sand at Harrison is very fine and feels like silt.
The West Coast Technique
Build a form. Start with a sheet of 1/2” plywood, cut into 2’ widths. This gives you 4- 2’ x4’ boards. Cut slots 1/2” by 1’ deep into the boards at least a 1/2’ from each end. This will create inter-locking slots, and allow you to create different sizes of forms.
Plan your sculpture. Each level you build should be a foot smaller than the level below it. This gives you a footing of 6” around each level just like the great pyramid at Giza.
Soak the sand you are going to build on. Assemble your form and fill, level and soak your first platform leaving a puddle on top. Start hauling your sand from afar, while you’re not tired. This will help keep your energy high and your structure from crumbling. Keep adding water! Compacting can be done effectively with a board that has a rope
attached to each end. Hold the rope and stomp with your foot.
Add your next form to the top and repeat the process until you reach your desired height. Keep it wet; dry sand has no strength.
The fun stuff. Start carving the castle of your dreams!
Sand sculpture is truly an art for novice engineers and budding artists alike. Half the fun is learning to work with the limitations of the sand while still expressing your ideas. When designing, keep in mind it is difficult to extend things horizontally or build high vertically. All the same, who doesn’t like to play in the sand!
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