15 Tips To Building An Awesome Sandcastle This Summer

It's not really summer if you don't build sandcastles on the beach! Here are some tricks to making an epic work of art, and celebrate your achievement with a refreshing NESTEA®.

1. Find sand that's compact, not coarse:

derekadk / Via Flickr: derekadk

The best castles are built with sand that's wet. Dry and powdery and soft sand is good to wiggle your toes in -- not for castlin'.

2. Pick a spot to build that has a lot of open space:

Ed Coyle Photography / Via Flickr: joxur223

You don't want any other sculptures stifling your creativity!

3. Use lots of tools:

Port of San Diego / Via Flickr: portofsandiego

You can keep them in a tool belt!

4. Cut out the bottom of one of your buckets:

heatherdelv / Via instagram.com

This is what the pros do: they cut out the bottom of the bucket so the suction of the container doesn't get in the way of building the masterpiece.

5. Clear away all the seashells and stones:

Colin Bowern / Via Flickr: colinbowern

You don't want to build on them, as they are unstable. Don't lose them though -- you can use them later as decorations!

6. Get to work on building your base:

dsearls / Via Flickr: docsearls

The best sandcastles are methodically planned — so make a sketch of what you want to achieve, and don't neglect the foundation of your soon-to-be beautiful monument.

7. If you plan to go tall, go wide:

Anthony Quintano / Via Flickr: quintanomedia

And take your time, for pete's sake!

8. Decide if you're a moat person or not:

katiemariewood / Via instagram.com

Some people say moats give the structure a longer life (because if water hits it, it has some place to go), but others say water only weakens the base of the castle. Which team are YOU on?

9. Once you've reached peak height, start sculpting at the top and work your way down:

http://_e.t / Via Flickr: 45688285@N00

Think about it: would you rather have to rebuild a single bell tower or the whole entire edifice?

10. Experiment with different textures:

axisworks / Via Flickr: axisworks

Go hog wild!

11. When making corners and angles, shave away sand in thin sheets:

dsearls / Via Flickr: docsearls

It's much easier to take sand away than add it back on.

12. Make windows and doors for the people who will live in your sandcastle:

mjscutellaro / Via instagram.com

It's gotta be regal, ya know?

13. Straws are awesome tools, too!

Port of San Diego / Via Flickr: portofsandiego

They're great for helping you emphasize the smaller details.

14. Be aware of your surroundings:

kelsienicole5 / Via instagram.com

It's your art. Protect it from all those who threaten its existence.

15. And once you're done building, half the fun is seeing if your castle can survive the surf.

mindfrieze / Via Flickr: mindfrieze