Content

• Steps
• Tips
• Warnings
• What is needed

Ever been to the beach during a sandcastle competition? Ever wondered how the pros build such large and gorgeous sculptures? Well, a little more patience, a few tools and a lot of sand, and here it is - a castle that not only you will like, but will impress all your friends.

Steps

1. 1 Assemble a team. The first thing to do is create a group of friends or family to help you. Try not to include impatient or arrogant people in this group, as they will be very difficult to work with. The best for this business are creative, strong and calm people who are good at working in a team.
2. 2 Choose a beach. Once you've got a group together, it's time to find a good beach for your sandcastle. You should try to find a beach that doesn't have many small children as they tend to ruin whatever they see. Also, make sure there is plenty of sand on the beach you choose so you can take as much as you need.
3. 3 Make a plan. You have to choose not only a good location but also the right time if you really want to make a good sand castle. On the one hand, it should not be too hot - so you will be fine, and the sand will not dry out too quickly. But on the other hand, make sure that there will be no rain, since in such conditions nothing will be built at all. When choosing a time, make sure that it is convenient for everyone and everyone will be free during this period. Send out short letters to everyone with the date of the event and describe how to get to the selected beach - so you can be sure that all team members will get to the place. Also agree on who will bring what equipment, because it will not be very fun if no one brings the buckets.
4. 4 Get to the place. When the "big day" comes around, you should try to get to the beach early. This will give you time to find a good location for the castle before the beach is already crowded. It is best to choose a place near the tide, because the sand in this place will always be wet, but at the same time the waves for the sculpture will not pose any danger. Also, make sure your sandcastle won't get in the way of anyone. After all, few will like that he will block the path to water. Don't forget, the beach is for everyone, not just you.
5. 5 Start building. The most important step in building any castle is a solid foundation. Without a solid foundation, your castle will collapse before you can finish it. To do this, spread a layer of wet sand over the area where your castle will be located. Then, compact the sand. You can do this by patting it with your hands, using a spatula, or even rolling a bucket over it. Build on and tamp down until you have a good, sturdy base that can support the weight of your lock.
6. 6 Make a pile of sand. After building the foundation, you need to collect a pile of sand, its size should correspond to the size of your future castle. If you are planning to get a fortress 2 meters high with an 8x8 base, build a pyramid of the same size. This is a very important step if you want to end up with a beautiful castle.
7. 7 Delete the excess. After you have filled the sand with a pyramid of the correct size, start removing excess and applying the details that should be on your castle. If you want a lock with spiers and the like, now is the time to add them. Be sure to start work from the top, so you cannot damage the lower elements. When working with sand, do not forget to spray it with water from time to time, otherwise it will dry out and will not mold. Make sure you have done everything at the top before moving on to the lower levels of the future castle.
8. 8 Add finishing touches. Along with adding details, add decorations - shells, flowers and other elements.Remember that after decorating the lower sector, you will not be able to climb higher and finish something, so take your time and think about what you would like to do. Adding dry ice will create a fog that will add interesting visual effects to your castle. Frame it with a trench, this will also create a visual effect.
9. 9 Enjoy the view. Your castle won't last forever, so take some pictures for those friends who were unable to participate in the process. When they see your castle, be sure - next time they will not refuse to join. If people ask you for details, tell us as much as possible.

Tips

• There are many such sandcastle competitions all over the world. You can visit one of them, there you can get a lot of ideas, as well as learn how to build correctly. If the participants are free, then politely ask them for some tips. The best advice can only be obtained from the pros.
• Break the rules if necessary. If something doesn't work out, try something different.

Warnings

• The sand can be very fragile. Be careful when dealing with large volumes.
• Find out when the ebb and flow will be. Waves can sometimes cause irreparable damage.
• Be careful with your tools. They can be deadly if used improperly.

What is needed

• Shoulder blades (ideally, one for each participant)
• Buckets
• Spray bottles
• Good sand beach