When you’re planning your next Florida vacation, consider staying on Siesta Key. You won’t experience the giant crowds you find in tourist spots like Orlando and Tampa, so you can truly get away from the hustle and bustle of life. You’ll be left to explore the best white sand beaches of the Florida Gulf Coast, indulge in the freshest seafood around, and get to know the welcoming and friendly locals.
While you’re spending time on the sand, why not try your hand at sand sculpting? This skill is much more intense than your typical childhood sandcastle; however, it doesn’t have to be intimidating! Simply step out of one of our Siesta Key condo rentals and employ these tips on sand sculpting for beginners!
Consider the Sand
The most important part of sand sculpting is, well, the sand! Not all sand is created equal, so you’ll want to be mindful of the grains you’re using for your masterpiece. In general, it’s best to use finer sands and angular grained sands. On the beach, walk along the waterline and look for places where the sand is packed hard.
You might want to occasionally dig down to find the better sand underneath the top layer. Try to avoid lots of rocks or shells.
For a quicksand test, grab a golf ball-sized wad of wet sand and roll it into a ball. Use your palm to flatten the ball of sand in the middle, and move your hand in a circular motion that lets the ball roll around. If the sand sticks together, you’re in luck!
Get the Right Tools
Once you found the right sand, you’ll need the proper tools. Luckily, you don’t need a lot of fancy equipment to make an incredible sculpture. You’re definitely going to want a shovel, especially if you plan to make a tall sculpture. You’ll also need a large bucket, preferably a five-gallon plastic bucket that you often find in a restaurant or paint store. The traditional plastic children’s sand buckets can do the trick for smaller sculptures, but if you really want a large masterpiece, the five-gallon buckets are worth the investment. Bonus: you can use your big bucket to carry the rest of your equipment!
Beyond these initial tools, whatever else you use is really up to you. For something simple, you can just use your hands! If you want to know how to build a sandcastle with lots of bells and whistles, you might need a few more gadgets. But don’t go out and buy a bunch of fancy equipment; you can simply look around your rental unit or grab some tools from your home before you leave! Simple household items like spatulas, measuring spoons, straws, gardening spade shovels, and wooden shish kabob spears are all great for creating those tiny details.
Learn from the Pros
If you want to get some inspiration or see what some hard work can lead to, don’t miss out on the Siesta Key Crystal Classic Sand Sculpting Competition! This sand sculpting festival will add a unique and exhilarating item to your itinerary, allowing you into the underestimated world of sand sculpting. This world-renowned competition brings together sand master sculptors from all over the world to create absolutely stunning masterpieces in the sand.
Stay In Siesta Key
Find out more about our stunning vacation rental properties today and prepare yourself for the best summer vacation you’ve had in years.
Every year, around 24 competitors have just 24 hours to create their sculptures, broken up into a four-day festival. You can come out and watch these experts at work as they create stunning pieces of art. Past sculptures have included classics like a massive sandcastle to unique works like a Game of Thrones inspired piece! In years past, the Crystal Classic has featured both a doubles and solo competition, allowing you to witness even more talent.
When you come out to spend time on the beaches of Siesta Key, try your hand at sand sculpting. You might be surprised at how fun it is! Best of all, it’s easy to get in on the action just by stepping outside of our Siesta Key beachside villas.
