Race Against the Tide – Season One [2021]

Who knew that building sandcastles could be interesting? Race Against the Tide mixes a beach activity with art and high-stakes reality games.

CBC converts a simple concept to the most Canadian competition I’ve ever seen. Teams of sand sculptors race to complete their works of art before the Bay of Fundy tide comes in, and the judges choose the winner moments before everything gets washed away.

Yes, it’s not a new concept. Thanks to the flurry of streaming platforms, you can find a reality show about literally anything and everything. However, there’s something about this one that made it super interesting. At least to me.

Filmed in August 2020 during the height of the pandemic, the show takes sand sculpting to an incredibly challenging, stressful level. I honestly can’t image myself being in their shoes.

One of the most poignant parts of watching the 30-minute episodes is at the end, when Fundy’s tides wash away the artistic efforts of each team to the bottom of the Atlantic. However, it is quite philosophical when you realize that sand sculptures don’t retain that sense of permanency like a marble sculpture or a painting.

Should you watch it?

Race Against the Tide is a short and fun Canadian reality show that is guaranteed to entertain and intrigue you at the same time. Plus, it doesn’t hurt to have the famous Bay of Fundy as your backdrop.

Where can I watch it?

You can stream the first season of Race Against the Tide free on CBC Gem.