Tips and Tricks To Winning The Point Reyes Sand Sculpture Contest

/ Ken Patrick Visitor Center/

The Annual Sand Sculpture Contest at Drakes Beach in Point Reyes is scheduled for Saturday, August 23, 2025, from 9:00 AM to 3:30 PM. Whether you're sculpting solo, as a family, or with a group of friends, creativity and preparation are key to making your mark in the sand. As a seasoned participant in this exciting coastal competition, here are some proven tips and tricks to help improve your chances of placing well:

Plan Your Design Ahead of Time
Come with a rough sketch or concept. Originality helps, but so does execution — make sure your idea is achievable in the time frame.

Bring the Right Tools
Don't rely on just your hands. Essential tools include:

  • Buckets for hauling water

  • Shovels and trowels

  • Plastic knives, spatulas, and brushes for detailing

  • Straws (for blowing away loose sand delicately)

Checklist
Bring a food, lots of water, lotion, hats, towels and be prepared for weather of any kind. Dress in layers and keep hydrated.

Scout the Sand Early
Arrive early to find the best patch of sand — ideally moist, fine-grained, and easy to compact. Avoid areas that are too dry or too close to the tide line.

Choose a Category
When you register, the solo adult category tends to have less people signed up than the group category. Less competitors increases your chance to win. I chose the recycle category and won first place.

Team Up Effectively
If working in a group, assign roles — someone handles water, someone builds, someone details. Coordination boosts efficiency.

Use the Water Wisely
Mix water into the sand as you build — wet sand compacts better and holds its shape longer. Create a "slurry" (a thick sand-water mix) for base layers.

Work from Top to Bottom
Always start at the top of your sculpture and work downward to avoid damaging completed sections.

Focus on Strong Shapes and Negative Space
Deep carving and defined edges catch the judges' eyes. Arches, tunnels, and clean lines show skill and ambition.

Add a Finishing Touch
Use natural materials like shells, driftwood, or seaweed (if allowed) for accents. Clean up any stray sand for a tidy presentation. Pay attention to small details like textures, patterns, and shapes. Use cool final touches such as rocks, grind stones to a powder for different colors, seaweed, shells, and recycled plastic are all fair game. These can make your sculpture stand out to the judges.

Mind the Clock
Keep track of time — allocate specific periods for building, detailing, and final touch-ups.

Have Fun!
Remember, it’s about creativity, community, and enjoying the day by the ocean. Win or not, you'll walk away with sandy hands and great memories.

By incorporating these tips into your sand sculpting process, you may increase your chances of creating an eye-catching sculpture that could land you in a top spot at the contest.

Good luck!