Hostility

[MLotM]

Hi all. Newbie on here although not to metal detecting. Location - mid Wales.

After a break of many years due to work and caring responsibilities I now find myself with the time to return to the hobby.

I'm likely to initially be beach detecting so I can regain my skills with modern equipment.

Question - have members ever faced hostility from other members of the public whilst on the beach? I never did have in the past but have times changed? I am averse to confrontation and this would be a deal breaker for me.

Thanks.

[clint]

Unfortunately yes but very isolated. Usual idiots with the smart comments...On Rhyl beach.
Don't be bothered there's more idiots walking round your local supermarket. Just go enjoy yourself.

[HairySporran]

In many years of beach detecting I haven't met with any hostility. Just the opposite, people are curious but friendly. To those that chat I tell them I'm contributing to beach cleanup.

[KevinB]

Don`t worry about it just get out there and have a bit of fun you will be fine all you need is a bit of common sense. I`m on beachs all the time and never had anyone come up to me with an AK47!!!.......

[Sirbleepsalot]

As mentioned above, the world is full of idiots and I have done beaches for years and haven't had too many problems. As long as you know you're allowed to detect then you have as much right to enjoy our coast as anyone.

Fill in your holes and be seen to actively pick up any litter and it's clear to all you are doing more than most beach visitors. Micky taking idiots asking if you've found any treasure usually get a laugh when you show your collection of bottle caps, tent pegs etc. especially when you point out "Today is a good day!". Best advice is to go early before the crowds and be nice to all dogs that approach you. Let others know where you are and keep your 'phone handy

Good luck!

[MLotM]

Thanks all. I might have given the impression that I'm a shrinking violet. That I am not! I was more concerned that if faced with a confrontation my natural tendency would be to meet it head on. So I like to avoid being in that situation.

Reassured.

[theoriginalfatcat]

Last year I bought an expensive Merino wool base layer. It's really good and keeps me nice and warm and that, however - I've noticed that if I wear it for something other than walking or detecting (football match, to the shops) I'm operating at too high a temperature and it makes me a bit short fused - it makes me act out of character

I'm not wearing it now....

[MLotM]

Last year I bought an expensive Merino wool base layer. It's really good and keeps me nice and warm and that, however - I've noticed that if I wear it for something other than walking or detecting (football match, to the shops) I'm operating at too high a temperature and it makes me a bit short fused - it makes me act out of character

I'm not wearing it now....

Funny that ... I have that problem too!

[liamnolan]

I have never had any probs on the beaches. People come to the beach to relax, so I always detect really early or after 5pm. I never detect in the sand around people. I don't like chatting too much and so the late afternoons and early evenings are perfect.
Kids will always be a distraction, crowds are no-go areas.
I also detect over in Ireland and yes there can be challenging conversations from the public there who don't understand the legislation, though keeping calm and friendly works wonders, Liam

[clint]

You probably know this....WEAR GLOVES!
Surprisingly there's all sorts of sharp things hiding out there!

[liamnolan]

I have a vivid one inch scar on my right palm, a memento from Portmarnock beach in Dublin when a child. So very good advice Clint, Liam

[KevinB]

With everything in life if you are sensible you should`nt have a problem but we still live and learn every day!!!!.....

[Duncanmagoo]

I get people more interested than anything. I pick up fossils and carry the odd old find, cleaned, to give the more inquisitive. The kids always appreciate it and the parents lap it up. There is the odd muppet but for those it’s a point to the headphones, smile and carry on. If I haven’t got the headphones on then the reply is same old rubbish and show them the glass, canslaw or any other sharp objects I’ve picked up.

Having said that I tend to go weekdays early mornings when the worst fright is when your in a hole with your pinpointer and an inquisitive k9 decides to appear, like magic or even a ninja, looking into the hole to see what you’ve dug up lol.

[KevinB]

I get people more interested than anything. I pick up fossils and carry the odd old find, cleaned, to give the more inquisitive. The kids always appreciate it and the parents lap it up. There is the odd muppet but for those it’s a point to the headphones, smile and carry on. If I haven’t got the headphones on then the reply is same old rubbish and show them the glass, canslaw or any other sharp objects I’ve picked up.

Having said that I tend to go weekdays early mornings when the worst fright is when your in a hole with your pinpointer and an inquisitive k9 decides to appear, like magic or even a ninja, looking into the hole to see what you’ve dug up lol.

Excellent summary.....

I remember back in the summer last year on the beach....This recovery was turning into a project one of them I should of moved on from, however, I`m involved with it now. The hole was getting deeper and deeper I`m leaning into it with the pointer and from nowhere a little golden lab pup has dived into it and starts to dig like crazy sand/pebbles going everywhere looks at me and starts licking my face!!...Owner had zero controll over him but he was such a lovely little thing I would of been happy to bring him home with me. At the time I`m thinking PLEASE NO!!!!.....I did get the find in the end but can`t remember what it was now!!!!!........

[sitaylor69]

Don't be drawn in by a confrontational person, you have no idea what is going on with them. Surely someone swinging a metal detector shouldn't provoke such a situation, right. So don't judge and accept that there is probably an underlying issue. Happy detecting!