You should Be Learning How to Build Sand Castles in Port Aransas

The class that I didn’t know I needed – Sand Castle Lessons in Port Aransas

Here’s my confession – I’ve never liked building sand castles, nor have I ever been good at it (the latter may be the reason for the former). But after talking about taking a class from Mark Landrum, the Port Aransas Sandcastle Guy for years, I finally signed our group up.

It was a great decision. And what I love even more is that it’s fun for all ages, making it an awesome idea for multi-generational trips.

I’m always on the lookout for unusual tours, classes, or experiences that are specific to where I’m visiting. We go annually to Port Aransas with our good friends, Katherine and James.

I asked last year if anyone was interested, and they all said no, so this year I didn’t ask and I just signed us up.

Meet Mark Landrum, the Sandcastle Guy

First, I looked at reviews that consistently shared that Mark is a friendly guy who makes learning about sand castles fun. He’s been doing it for just over 20 years, and when he’s not making sand castles, he’s substitute teaching at the local high school.

And not to foreshadow, but we did meet a former student who is a server The Phoenix restaurant that confirmed that he is a great teacher.

Mark is originally from Tulsa, Oklahoma but a sand castle lesson at 43 years old changed his trajectory. He loved it so much that he decided to move to Port Aransas and in time, he was able to go full time and quit his career in information technology.

What the Lesson Is Like

Mark is often hired by local hotels and local neighborhoods like Port Royal or Cinammon Shores for lessons. He also does private lessons or events. He is also actively involved in Sand Fest, an annual sand building contest that brings builders from across the world to the island and helps raise tons of money for educational scholarships.

I reached out to Mark 2 weeks before his trip and grabbed his last open slot – a 1.5 hour lesson for beginners. He also has a 2.5 hour class where you can learn more. He teaches all levels.

Mark gave me his number and had me text him with our mile marker location on the day of the lesson. I didn’t think to ask, but he fortunately brought all of the tools we needed including 5-gallon buckets (in tact and modified) as well as carving tools that he’d fashioned out of disposable plasticware.

He gave us the option to each build our own tower or to have some people build and other people to be helpers. In hindsight, we probably should have had the 2 kids work together on one tower, but I think it really depends on how interested your kids are going into the activity.

He taught us how to make a strong base and also the pancake method. We learned how to make a slurry of sand and water.

He took the time to explain why we were doing the steps that we were doing and the science behind it which was really helpful. If you like Cook’s Illustrated, he’s the equivalent of the sand castle expert. You certainly leave learning what a “crenulation” is and how to make one.

Admittedly, my kids bowed out halfway through. My 10-year old son complained of the sun and he was getting red. My daughter is at an age where she doesn’t really want to be seen with us, so I was just happy that we got her for as long as we did. Mark said that most 12 year old kids are totally into it which I would think they would be.

But the next day, my son and later, our friend James, each independently worked on their own sandcastles using techniques that we had learned the previous day. Our entire group of 6 agreed that it was worth the time and experience.

Why It’s So Memorable

First off, I’ve never seen this as an activity anywhere so it’s sheer uniqueness was appealing. I also loved how he showed us how to build something that most of us have attempted in our life with varied (but often disappointing results).

Given that the activity can be done by anyone at almost any age, it’s a great thing for solo travelers all the way to multi-generational trips or groups.

You can even add your own branding if you want and take a special photo opp. And at the end of the day, you’re left with only memories and photos. That doesn’t take up much space in a suitcase:)

How to Book a Sand Castle Lesson

Mark has an official site: www.sandrum.com which is where I got his contact information initially. He also mentioned that he’s active on Facebook as the “Port Aransas Sandcastle Guy.”

Make sure to book in advance, especially during spring break, summer, and holidays.

Tips for First-Time Sandcastle Students

Bring water, sunscreen, and a hat.
Start with a shorter lesson if you aren’t sure how it would be received – our lesson was just over an hour and a half and that was about right. We were all losing steam at the end although we were also obsessed with getting our creations as good as we could.
Be prepared to get a little sandy!
Take lots of photos before the tide rolls in.