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Sand Sculpture Smashes Height Record in Hampton Beach
21 Jun
Summary
- Waterman's "The Height of Stupidity" sculpture set a new height record.
- The three-day contest battled harsh weather conditions.
- Klimenko's "Spiritual Affinity" secured second place with its intricate design.
Abe Waterman clinched the top prize at the 26th annual Hampton Beach Master Sand Sculpting Classic with his monumental sculpture, "The Height of Stupidity." This impressive 22-foot-tall creation, depicting an AI-powered robotic arm holding a skull above human figures with their heads in the sand, also set a new height record for the event. The three-day competition, held from June 17 to June 20, 2026, drew 10 master sculptors from around the world, each working with 10 tons of sand.
Competitors faced significant challenges, including a torrential downpour on the first day, high winds on the second, and scattered showers on the final day. Despite the elements, Dmitry Klimenko of Saint Petersburg, Russia, earned second place for his "Spiritual Affinity," a sculpture exploring the connection between souls, with an owl representing wisdom. Ilya Filimonstev of Moscow secured third place with "The Birth of Venus."
Karlis Ile of Latvia received the People's Choice Award and the Governor's Award for his sculpture "Waiting for the Sunrise," which explores themes of time and relationships. Abe Waterman also received the Sculptors' Choice Award, highlighting his dominance at the event. The sculptures remained on display for the public until June 28, 2026.
