"Who's the who" of this sandy site?

Here's the quick biography:  I'm Ron Masters, and I live in Palm Bay, Florida. 

Palm Bay isn't exactly known for it's premium sand, so I find myself traveling to various places in search of the "good stuff". I work as a Systems Administrator at Wuesthoff Hospital by day, but will jump at most opportunities to build something sandy.

You'll often find me building sculptures with some of my best friends and family. Among the current "crew" of Sandcastling.com are:

 

Sandcastling.com's Crew of Helpers/Sculptors/Packers
	Ron "GuitarRon" Masters	Palm Bay, FL
	Ty "Pilot" Adkins	Fruitland Park, FL
	Wally "The Packer" Frederick	West Melbourne, FL
	Ryan "Drums-a-Lot" Earnhardt	Florida State University
	Stephen "Daniel-San" Frederick	University of Central Florida

"I could never do that. I don't have that much patience."

Consider this:  Maybe your life is too hectic. Maybe you need to slow down and try something that works on that patience thing. It might be sandcastles, it might be learning a new instrument, or maybe something that really tests your patience: actually listening to a telemarketer's sales speech! Ok, ok. Don't go that far! Start with some sandcastles.

"What's it made of?"

It may come as a shock... but sand. Yes, sand is the main ingredient. Of course, there is some water in there too. (When I really want to shock the lifeguards, I tell them I put barbed wire inside. That always gets 'em going! -- Of course, I'm just kidding. No internal bracing is necessary. Just sand, water, and a pinch of oregano.)

"Why are you so happy?"

Ah, happiness. 
I heard it said once that happiness depends on happenings, while joy.... why that can always be present.

"How do you make it stand?"

There's basically two methods: The stack it by hand "pancake" style, and the pack it in forms using lots of water, sand, and a 15-lb tamper. I tend to choose the forms method since this allows a more massive structure. (see also the last question)

"Doesn't the tide wash it away?"

In some cases, yes. But I usually look for the high tide mark and then build above that. The number one reason for that "cool sandcastle from yesterday" not being on the beach the next day: someone jumped on it, or kicked it down. Yes, sad, but true. Even though it may take 11-hours to build one, it still only takes 4-seconds to knock one down.

"How can I learn how to do build sculptures like yours?"

Since I'm asked this question so much, I decided to start creating a video that would show step-by-step the process by which I make up a gigantic sculpture (or even a small backyard one). The video is still in production, so stay tuned for more info. 

 

The two first place winners of the 17th Annual American Sandsculpting Festival pose for a quick shot. Sand carver extraordinaire Michel LePire (Invitational Masters winner) and Ron Masters (Florida State Championship winner.)

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