The world's most skilled sand sculptors to compete on Season 3 of Race Against the Tide

Race Against the Tide returns to Bay of Fundy for a brand new season on July 16. Watch on CBC and CBC Gem.

CBC · Posted: Jun 15, 2023 9:49 AM EDT | Last Updated: June 23, 2023

Teams on competitors work on the beach creating sand sculptures. Behind them is a row of colourfully painted beach shacks. — Competitors work on New River Beach on the shores of the Bay of Fundy. (Riley Smith/Marblemedia)

Meet 12 of the world's best sand sculpting teams ready to compete in a rougher, tougher beach battle – tournament style. Only one team will win the grand prize and be crowned Race Against the Tide champions.

Race Against the Tide returns to CBC: Here's what you need to know

Debuting on CBC and CBC Gem Sunday, July 16 at 8:30 p.m. Find out how to watch.

Bob and Benjamin raise their hands in the arm in front of a colourful beach shack. — Race Against the Tide competitors Bob and Benjamin raise their hands on New River Beach. (Riley Smith/Marblemedia)

Bob & Benjamin

Bob and Benjamin are friends from Accra, Ghana and Acapulco, Mexico. Bob is considered to be the only professional sand sculptor working in Togo. Both have competed in sand sculpting competitions globally and being able to create life-like sculptures is what inspires them.

David rests his arm on Dmitry's shoulder. Both are wearing knee pads and standing in front of a colourful beach shack. — Race Against the Tide competitors David and Dmitry stand on New River Beach. (Riley Smith/Marblemedia)

David & Dmitry

David and Dmitrii are friends from Winlaw, BC, Canada and St. Petersburg, Russia. Dmitrii is known as one of the best sculptors in the world and has been carving since 2004. Since then, he's taken part in international sand sculpture festivals in more than 15 countries. David is a top Canadian sculptor who has participated in events in over 17 countries and has been crowned a world champion.

Jim and Anna embrace in front of a colourful beach shack. — Race Against the Tide competitors Jim and Anna embrace on New River Beach. (Riley Smith/Marblemedia)

Jim & Anna

Anna and Jim are a father and daughter duo from Launceston, Tasmania and Mparntwe, Northern Territory in Australia. Jim began sand sculpting at an event he organized to benefit his local community and had no idea that it would turn into his passion. Anna grew up on the beach watching her dad collaborate with artists from around the world and couldn't wait until it was her turn. Now a duo, Anna and Jim work together as an effective team stretching possibilities to create conceptual and fantasy sculptures.

JP and Calixto stand, smiling, in front of a colourful beach shack. — Race Against the Tide participants JP and Calixto stand together on New River Beach. (Riley Smith/Marblemedia)

JP & Calixto

Jean Pierre and Calixto are sand soulmates from Quebec City, Canada, and Acapulco, Mexico who met at a sand sculpting event and have been friends ever since. Calixto is often referred to as the first Mexican sand sculptor. Jean Pierre has over 20 years of experience showcasing his

works. The duo came in second place in the Doubles World Championship. These two work together seamlessly and always know what the other is thinking.

Mike and Rachelle stand on the beach in front of a colourful shack. — Race Against the Tide participants Mike and Rachelle strike a pose on New River Beach. (Riley Smith/Marblemedia)

Mike & Rachelle

Mike and Rachelle are a husband and wife team from Saint-Hippolyte des Laurentides, Quebec, Canada. They first discovered sand sculpting while on vacation on Madeleine Island when they spontaneously entered a sandcastle competition. Together they have sculpted for 16 years, with their name being "Think Big." They have won many Canadian competitions and their sculpture styles continue to evolve.

Thomas and Anique stand with their beaches to each other in front of a colourful beach shack. — Race Against the Tide participants Thomas and Anique stand on New River Beach. (Riley Smith/Marblemedia)

Thomas & Anique

Anique and Thomas from Groningen, Netherlands and Satellite Beach, Florida, USA, have known each other for close to 20 years. Thomas has been sculpting for 23 years. He's a World Champion who credits his degree in engineering as his ace in the hole. Anique has an illustration background and has been carving sand for 26 years. After competing all over world, there's only one competition still to win.

Alex and Thomas stand in front of a colourful beach shack. — Race Against the Tide participants Alex and Thomas stand on New River Beach. (Riley Smith/Marblemedia)

Alex & Thomas

Alex and Thomas are friends from Nelson, Canada and New York, USA. Alex competed in season two of Race Against the Tide but returns to the beach without his mentor Peter Vogelaar. Thomas, a mixed media sculptor with years of experience in the fast-paced production industry of NYC, is ready to join forces with Alex and take on this new challenge.

Brian and Dawn strike a pose in front of a colourful beach shack. — Race Against the Tide participants Brian and Dawn are excited to begin the competitor on New River Beach. (Riley Smith/Marblemedia)

Brian & Dawn

Brian and Dawn are a husband and wife team from Red Deer County, Alberta, Canada. They have been married for 24 years and working together as artists for more than 25 years. They started sand sculpting after creating snow sculptures together at the Winterlude Festival in Ottawa, Ontario. They believe their history of working together as artistic partners will give them the competitive edge they need to win!

Carlos and Franciso embrace in front of a colourful beach shack. — Race Against the Tide participants Carlos and Franciso pose on New River Beach. (Riley Smith/Marblemedia)

Carlos & Francisco

Carlos and Francisco are friends from Colima and Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. The two met when Carlos's original partner in a competition bailed out at the last minute. Carlos had heard rumors of the talented Francisco and went out to find him. Since then, they have competed together in numerous competitions. They competed together previously on Race Against the Tide season 1, and this year, they are ready to win.

Ludo and Inese stand with their backs against each other in front of a colourful beach shack. — Race Against the Tide participants Ludo and Inese pose on New River Beach. (Riley Smith/Marblemedia)

Ludo & Inese

Ludo and Inese are friends from Rotterdam, Netherlands and Riga, Latvia. Both Ludo and Inese studied the arts and discovered their passion for sand sculpting along the way. With close to 20 years of experience and the ability to carve everything and anything, this team is ready to bring it on this season of Race Against the Tide!

Marie-Line and Isabelle stand on the beach smiling in front of a colourful beach shack. — Race Against the Tide competitors smile on the New River Beach. (Riley Smith/Marblemedia)

Marie-Line & Isabelle

Marie-Line and Isabelle are professional multidisciplinary artists from Quebec, Canada. They've been carving ice and snow together for the past seven years. Now turning their focus on sand sculpture together, they each bring their own unique skill set to their craft. These two young apprentices are excited for the new adventure and determined to prove that they can conquer anything through their love of art!

Mike and Shannon strike a post in front of a colourful beach shack. — Race Against the Tide competitors Mike and Shannon stand on New River Beach. (Riley Smith/Marblemedia)

Mike & Shannon

Mike and Shannon are friends from Minneloa, Florida and Acworth, Georgia, USA. Mike and Shannon met on the beach while sand sculpting six years ago. Since then, they have competed together in numerous competitions. Their love for sand sculpting comes from its unique temporary beauty.

Watch Race Against the Tide on CBC Gem.