2006 Sand Blasters San Castle Competition
Pacific Beach California Sept. 30th & Oct.1
SAND BLASTERS turns sand sculpting into a major competitive television event -- one with an interesting twist. Eight teams comprised of two world-class sand sculptors each potentially have up to eleven hours to create a sand masterpiece. In addition to the usual challenges the sculptors face -- time limits, weather and sand quality -- one more obstacle must be overcome before any of these teams have a chance at winning a share of the $20,000 prize money - explosives! Periodically, through random selection, one of these works-in-progress is blown-up and the sculptors must start from scratch with whatever time they have left. It is a race to the finish to see which team can overcome the odds and beat out the competition.
The Travel Channel did just that as part of its Sand Blasters competition at the foot of Thomas Street in Pacific Beach Saturday, Sept. 30, and Sunday, Oct. 1, from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The event was taped as part of the network’s Beach Weekend 2007 broadcast, and the public was invited to come witness the creation … and the destruction.
Eight, two-person teams battled for a $20,000 prize. The teams had 11 hours over the weekend to complete their sculptures against the usual obstacles of time, weather and sand quality. However, organizers have included an unexpected hurdle: explosives.
Periodically, one of the sand castles in-progress was blown up, forcing the sculptors to start over from scratch.
Come with us to the sandy beaches of Pacific Beach San Diego as we cover this weekend of sand castle fun and entertainment.
* Photos by Sean Callahan for SoCal Beaches Magazine & Pacific Beach Online