Wanting to take your sandcastle game to the next level on your upcoming vacation to the Alabama Gulf Coast? With some top tips and a little help from the pros, you’ll be creating masterpieces in no time.
If you recall a childhood spent sitting in the sand with your plastic bucket and shovel, contemplating your next creation, then you know building the ultimate sandcastle takes a lot of strategy!
Luckily, if you hang out on Alabama’s beaches long enough, you might spot a sandcastle masterpiece built by the students at Sandcastle University.
Building a Sandcastle Like the Pros
Sandcastle University, a local business based in Gulf Shores, offers sandcastle-building classes for all ages and skill levels and will meet you and your group right where you are! They will teach you the best tips and tricks on how you can create your own magnificent sand sculpture. Just be prepared to get a little wet and really sandy!
In addition to hands-on learning in one of their classes, you can also have an expert from the Sandcastle University team come out to your location and build a customized sandcastle to celebrate any event, such as anniversaries, birthdays, engagements, reunions, etc.
We know school should be illegal on vacation, but Sandcastle University might be an exception! Visit their website today to learn more and book a class.
Top Tips for Building Your Masterpiece in the Sand
We’ve also gathered some sandcastle-building tips for you and your group on your next beach outing!
Sandcastle-building tip No. 1: Sand type is important.
Fine sand is easier to work with than coarse sand. You will also need wet sand for compactness, but don’t build too close to the shore—it’s only a matter of time before your work of art is taken down by a wave!
Sandcastle-building tip No. 2: Have the right tools.
You can of course dig, shape, smooth and even carry water with your own two hands, but having the right equipment will make your sandcastle building experience more easier.
Cheap tools are perfectly fine, but you will need more than one shovel and bucket to get the job done right. You will need a large bucket for hauling water and several small buckets for forming castle walls. Sticks and shells can be found along the shore for decorating.
Sandcastle-building tip No. 3: Location matters.
Location plays a big role in the success when it comes to building your sandcastle. If you build too close to the water, your sandcastle could be washed away in minutes. But, if you’re too far away, the sand might be too dry and unstable, which can make your castle extremely unsturdy.
You will also want to find an unoccupied stretch of beach where you can set up to build so you have plenty of room to work with. Also a secluded place makes it easier to not disturb other beachgoers.
Sandcastle-building tip No. 4: Teamwork is essential.
Building sandcastles takes a lot of work, so you’ll likely need an extra set (or more) of hands. Sandcastle-building is for all ages, so enlist the help of friends and family when taking on this fun task.
Sandcastle-building tip No. 5: Never leave sandcastles behind.
We know it can be difficult destroying something you’ve worked so hard on, but it’s important to remove any structures and fill all holes before leaving the beach for the day.
Sandcastles do not wash away overnight and can pose a hazard to sea turtles nesting and hatching on shore, as well as to people walking the beach at night.