Unusual interaction while detecting today.

[Natedogg]

So I had an unusual interaction while metal detecting at Del Mar beach in San Diego today. I recently acquired a Manticore and decided to hit the beach today. After spending several hours detecting in both the wet. And dry sand, and it being a rather warm day it was time to take a break, and drink some water. I anchored my scoop into the dry sand, and leaned my detector against my scoop. I see this guy bee lining it towards me from the waters edge. White male 30s clean shaven, buzz cut, black shirt, denim shorts. He asks me if I am taking pictures, and is my sand scoop a tripod. I was a little shocked, because I'm certain he knew exactly what it was . I replied no, it was a metal detector. Guys demeanor changed, and he got a bit confrontational. He responded something to the effect of. You shouldn't be detecting here. This is a family beach, there's women in bikinis. This goes against G-d. Your stealing. Etc. I didn't want to trigger the guy more, because he seemed mental, I was like yeah ok, he walked off to the higher dry sand , and just glared at me. I walked a distance away. And continued detecting. I kind of wanted to test my oc spray, and sand scoop on him, but thought it wiser to just let it go. Have been detecting for probably close to 15 years, most interactions are very pleasant.

 

[fwcrawford]

Well…. That sure was a strange encounter for sure.. you did the right thing to leave the area…..he must have been a nut!!

 

[laplander]

One of those wow moments indeed. I have had a few in the past, some people are special!

 

[tvr]

I had a guy in Delaware tell me to stop detecting because his wife had a pacemaker and the detector would interfere with that and put her life at risk. I laughed and he got real mad. Because he was so mad, rather than trying to explain and reason with him, I said OK, where is she on the beach and I will steer clear of her ... then went on my way detecting.

 

[Donna(NJ]

So I had an unusual interaction while metal detecting at Del Mar beach in San Diego today. I recently acquired a Manticore and decided to hit the beach today. After spending several hours detecting in both the wet. And dry sand, and it being a rather warm day it was time to take a break, and drink some water. I anchored my scoop into the dry sand, and leaned my detector against my scoop. I see this guy bee lining it towards me from the waters edge. White male 30s clean shaven, buzz cut, black shirt, denim shorts. He asks me if I am taking pictures, and is my sand scoop a tripod. I was a little shocked, because I'm certain he knew exactly what it was . I replied no, it was a metal detector. Guys demeanor changed, and he got a bit confrontational. He responded something to the effect of. You shouldn't be detecting here. This is a family beach, there's women in bikinis. This goes against G-d. Your stealing. Etc. I didn't want to trigger the guy more, because he seemed mental, I was like yeah ok, he walked off to the higher dry sand , and just glared at me. I walked a distance away. And continued detecting. I kind of wanted to test my oc spray, and sand scoop on him, but thought it wiser to just let it go. Have been detecting for probably close to 15 years, most interactions are very pleasant.

Yep, the beach is a haven for wacko's. I have a couple of bars on the beach and you always have a bunch of drunks hassling you.
I once had a girl do a face plant right in front of me, twice !!! I called security to get her off the beach. Hunting during the day is a hassle.
Best to go early morning when no one is there except detecting people.

Best advice is dont confront. Just walk away. You'll never win. The odds of finding a gold ring at that spot a million to 1. Just keep walking.
Most times when ###holes start making beeping noises I just totally pretend I dont hear them. Its easy when you have headphones on.

As I always say, Unfortunately you have to put up with the crap that comes to the beach during the summer. Otherwise there would be nothing to find !!!!!

Sorry you had to go through that. There will always be stupid people hanging out.

HH
Donna(NJ

 

[Natedogg]

Yeah much agreed the best thing was to walk away and not engage. Metal detecting is a passion of mine, and a great reliever of stress. The large majority of people that approach me are very pleasant, and kind.