How does one build a sandcastle?

**JPaul** · 08-09-2009, 06:26 PM

Originally Posted by Mr. Mulder

You look cool in the green and white top, Mouldy.

**KushBlow** · 08-09-2009, 10:15 PM

Originally Posted by Mr. Mulder

Fixed it for you

**IdolEyes787** · 08-10-2009, 02:17 PM

**Barbarossa** · 08-10-2009, 02:34 PM

Originally Posted by 100%

Please advize.

First dig a trench in the outline of your castle. You have to set out your territory before rival beach-dwellers decide to sit on part of the area that you want to build in. The surplus sand from the trench should be used to form the hill that your castle will sit on. The trench itself will become the moat, so if you want to include a bridge, then leave a small section of the moat undug. You can then hollow out a tunnel right at the end of the project.

If you hollow out your tunnel too soon, then it will dry out and collapse, or some kid will step on it before you've finished and the effect is ruined.

When you have completed your trench, you need to shape your hill into a dome shape. Map out where the turrets should stand, and where any additional battlements should be scooped out of the sand. Extra points for creating a completely defensible position.

Plateau out the top of the dome, and sculpt your keep. Some people will use specially shaped buckets for this. This is cheating. use standard round buckets, and create the walls yourself, by squashing sand flat between your hands. Create battlements by carving out the top of the walls using a lollipop stick. Then work your way down the hill adding the extra towers and turrets in the same way, using a smaller bucket if desired.

Any extra sand you need can be taken from outside of your marked area. This is free sand not reserved by anyone else. This will also stop anyone else getting too close to your masterpiece.

The central part castle is now finished. This is when you can tunnel out your bridge in the moat.

You can make it even more impressive by digging a channel out to sea, and creating a "harbour" which allows water to enter your moat and slosh all around impressively. Note that this will drastically reduce the lifespan of your castle.

A wall around the outside looks good now, and also add more towers and buildings around the outside to give the impression of a fortified medieval town. Be creative, make one of them look like a church or something.

If you have judged the tides right, by now you have an impressive creation that a growing number of beach dwellers will look upon with awe, envy and even a bit of fear at your l33t sandcastling skills.

If you haven't however, you have about 5 minutes before the whole thing gets washed away by a succession of quick and heartless waves.

Anyway, that's what I do. Variations are Egyptian pyramids with sphinxes (looks good but you've got to get the angles right), or just dig a huge hole and bury yourself in it.

Good luck!

**{I}{K}{E}** · 08-10-2009, 03:09 PM

**Barbarossa** · 08-10-2009, 03:11 PM

I'm sorry, but those are just the tools for the job

That would be like replying to the question "How do you build a car?" with a picture of a spanner.

**{I}{K}{E}** · 08-10-2009, 05:58 PM

As every kid knows, you'll need a bucket and shovel for hauling the necessary ingredients - water and sand - to your mini construction site. These basics certainly come in handy for building up castle walls and digging out your moat. If you use your hands, be careful of sharp shells or discarded refuse as you dig down.

Also scout around for discarded paper cups to form your turrets, along with smooth beach glass and seashells to decorate and strengthen your completed sand fortress.

Along with traditional castle building techniques, also try sand "dribbling". All you'll need is extra water mixed in with your sand to make a slurry or wet sand "mud". Then steadily drip the slurry onto your foundation for a wild and imaginative effect.

**100%** · 08-10-2009, 06:57 PM

Sand Architecture is too complex so i made a quicky Buddha instead.
His face kept falling off.

Originally Posted by Barbarossa

by now you have an impressive creation that a growing number of beach dwellers will look upon with awe, envy and even a bit of fear at your l33t sandcastling skills.

Indeed..
His small posture, and adorableness, had its benefits

Spoiler: Show