Plan Ahead: Before starting to sculpt, have a clear idea of what you want to create. Sketching your design on paper can help you visualize the final result. Think of an idea that is current, unique from all others on the beach and that the judges might not have seen before. Check the Internet and news for inspiration. Print it out and refer to it while you are creating your masterpiece.

Carve Strategically: Use a variety of tools such as shovels, buckets, spatulas, and brushes to sculpt your creation. Each tool can help achieve different textures and details.

Choose the Right Sand: Arrive early and be sure to allow enough time to finish. Look for sand that is slightly damp, as it is easier to sculpt. Avoid sand with large pebbles or shells. Compacting the sand tightly will give your sculpture more stability. Use buckets or forms to layer the sand and pack it down as you go.

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.

Add Water: Spraying water lightly as you sculpt can help solidify the sand and prevent it from crumbling.

Work from Top to Bottom: Start sculpting from the top of your design and work your way down. This way, any sand that falls will not damage already completed sections.

Detail is Key: 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.

Practice Makes Perfect: Don't get discouraged if your first attempts don't turn out as expected. Like any skill, sand sculpting takes practice to master.

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

Finally: Have a fantastic time. This is a fun project to plan out and do with friends and family members of all ages. 

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!