It's better than working the day away. I only score at the beach about 1 out of 2-3 trips. It all depends on weather, tides & if the locals have already hit it.
This was more of a trip to learn how my machine works with the salt and what it is like to dig in the sand. Next time I plan on getting a very early start and trying out the water at a busier beach.
The trouble is, the best time for ME to hit the beach is when the wife and kids are otherwise occupied. Maybe the next time there's a hurricane in the gulf I can convince them to evacuate north for a few days.