Looks on the beach

[Doug H]

This has been referenced in different threads but I couldn't find a thread devoted to the topic. Going to the beach the past year or so has meant grabbing the fishing pole and leaving the AT PRO at home because I wasn't happy with the way the PRO performed in the salt. Yesterday I went to the beach with my equinox for the first time. Here's the thing...I had forgot about all the weird looks and stares I get when metal detecting on public beaches. Detecting on land if someone sees me it's like "oh look, there's a guy metal detecting". But on the beach it seems like its "there's one of those creepy old guys with a metal detector". I equate it to the looks and stares that some handicapped or obese people get. I never do anything to shine a bad light on this hobby but sometimes I think I'd like to scream "what the hell". Just wanted to see if you experience this and what your thoughts are when it happens and do you do what most of us I assume do and just ignore it.

 

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[EQ8]

Humans are funny. If we see something different or unusual we stare it’s normal human being behaviour. I think some people are intimidated by us. We stand out amongst the ordinary like a black sheep on the beach and I love it. I’ve always liked being different than everyone else. Some people are scared of being different and follow the norm. Some people are also jealous of other people who stand out and are doing something they never thought of. Most people I think are actually saying to themselves when they stare is .. “that would be cool”...I bet he finds some good stuff “why didn’t I think of that”.

I used to work with a guy who had a Harley shirt that said "If you want to be like everyone else, Ride the bus"

 

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[islamoradamark]

Let-em look its free that's all there good for. your doing something constructive like finding treasure there just jealous

 

[CZKidd]

You mean looks like this. Girl on the left is dripping with Grrrrrrrr! Then stopped me and all turned out ok. Funny how things change when you show them a bit of gold.

 

[Diggin' History]

I don't mind the stares as it gives me a good excuse to go over and talk to them in my "Psycho" voice. Ten minutes later there is a whole large section of beach cleared out for me to hunt.

Seriously, I do not care - I've been doing this for so long that I have grown used to the stares. However, if I'm on a beach detecting and I see a couple of people looking my way, I will see if I recognize them and if I do, I will walk over and visit with them. As luck would have it, I usually talk a few into giving my detector a try. As they are walking around with it, people will come up to them, or me, and start asking questions. This is a perfect opportunity to get new Detectorists involved in our hobby and for me to go virtually unnoticed from that point on.

An easy way to break you of your shyness, and break the ice with "company" is to get dressed in your metal detecting garb and head out to the beach, yup... a Nudist beach, and start detecting. You will find out in about 5 minutes who the SHY ones really are and find out that it's not really you.

-DH-

 

[Diggin' History]

My experiences at the beach, while metal detecting, for the most part has been a positive one. When I first started I was a bit shy about being in front of people but as I gained more experience and confidence that all has faded.
After awhile you know where to position yourself so as not to “get the looks” or kick the hornet’s nest.

PM sent.

 

[RustyGold]

You mean looks like this. Girl on the left is dripping with Grrrrrrrr! Then stopped me and all turned out ok. Funny how things change when you show them a bit of gold. View attachment 1813024

Holy Moly! Even a holy man would check that out. Simply ridiculous to dress like that and then be offended if you get looks.

 

[RustyGold]

PM sent.

Thanks Diggin! Got it. Responded..

 

[Diggin' History]

Thanks Diggin! Got it. Responded..

Back at ya Rusty.

Thanks again!
-DH-

 

[EQ8]

You mean looks like this. Girl on the left is dripping with Grrrrrrrr! Then stopped me and all turned out ok. Funny how things change when you show them a bit of gold. View attachment 1813024

Must have been early. I see the crack of Dawn

 

[dc.gronlund]

Try doing in Japan. The locals seem to get very intrigued, and follow or watch very closely, haha. I had a couple gals steal a pop can I unearthed and took pics with it, haha. Most of the time it's young kids that want to see. If i happen to pull a coin, I'll give it to them. Other times its older folks that say thanks for cleaning the beaches. I've never had a bad experiance...yet, haha.

 

[stoneshirt]

Watch those Bears,closely....stoneshirt.

 

[CalReg]

I like to go at the crack of dawn to avoid the crowds. When people start arriving, I know it's time to leave. I still manage to get in a good few hours though...

 

[Truth]

Must have been early. I see the crack of Dawn

I love a beautiful sunrise like that

 

[Terry Soloman]

Low Tide, 5:00am, Jones Beach, Long Island, NY

 

[Centsless Detecting]

Im not a beach hunter (yet) Im typicaly in my local parks. Always have had plesent interactions with people. Im fairly anti-social and would rather mind my own business. It seems every time I go out at least one person asks " Have you found any gold today?" Unfortunately my answer is always no. I've NEVER found any gold.

Only one time someone yelled out there car window "STOP FREAKING DIGGING HOLES!" but they didnt say Freaking... Takes a real big person to make a drive by comment like that.

 

[Diggitdaddy]

I believe most are jealous. Have met so many people who tell me they always wanted to metal detect but never did. All people have some treasure hunter in them. Most repress it. We Dont !

 

[dts52]

Watch those Bears,closely....stoneshirt.

Holy cow! I’d only be a snack for that one!
dts

 

[dts52]

I was at Hampton Beach a few years back with my AT Pro when I was approached by a couple foreigners (I think middle-eastern) and asked if I was looking for oil. Am I missing out on a big opportunity?
dts

 

[pulltabfelix]

Put on earphones and ignore everyone. But don't detect close to people. Keep away from them or pick a time when there are not many people on the beach like early morning plus it is cooler.
I have not gotten those type of looks on the East or West coast of FLA. Some will ask if you found anything, but earphones keeps most people from disturbing me.

 

[Irishgoldhound]

Now is the perfect time to beach detect with social distancing. Nobody comes near you.