He is known as one of the best local sand sculptors, though he says it is not a serious avocation.

"People are in awe that we're up 8, 10, 12 feet," said Mr. Feld, 51, a horticulturist and 20-year sand sculptor.

The show follows a team of sand sculptors as they travel to various locales to create elaborate sand structures for their business clients.

A team of six talented sand sculptors travel all over the world to create unimaginable, massive masterpieces made from sand.

Matt Long - sand sculptor from New York, great at carving figures and fine details.

Other members are geologists, sand sculptors, building conservationists and hobbyists from 34 states and 13 other countries.

"The biggest mistake people make is not using enough water," said Mr. Feld, a professional sand sculptor who says he supports himself with prize money and teaching and appearance fees.

In this two-part special, 16 sand sculptors try out their wizardry on Pacific Beach in San Diego for a $15,000 prize.

We have what we think is the first recorded sand sculptor in 1897," she said, "a man named Philip McCord.

He is known locally as one of the best sand sculptors around, but in the world of competitive sand sculpturing, Mr. Muhs is only a dabbler.