Beach Combing 101

I have been beach combing almost a year now in my quest for fitness. But like many tourists, I often find myself meandering more than power-walking. I love the beach and the shores of Northwest Florida where I live. Even more, I love the thought of coming home with a treasure; a unique, priceless shell, a rare coin, the elusive 4 pound conch, a wedding ring with a 3 carat diamond (Why not? It could happen, right?)

In the last year, I have found all sorts of things, but to end the suspense, a diamond has yet to roll in at my feet. Still, in this time, I have learned so much about shells, tides, the moon...you name it, I have probably looked it up. But some days, beach combing comes down to the most basic things. So, I thought I would share some simple steps that could plant your feet on a faster path in your successful meandering by the shore.

Here goes, beach combing beginners, this is for you!

The Gear

There are a few things I strongly suggest bringing along. Granted, traveling light is essential, especially for long treks! But one thing you cannot do without is a light-weight satchel. If you are going to tote home treasures, you need a bag. Avoid bags made of fabric that can't breathe (like plastic, which will mildew over time); bags you can't wash (sand) and bags you can't part with. Also, keep it light. If you find a lot, the weight of what you find will wear you out; you don't need your bag weighing you down. And finally, no handle bags. The goal is not to carry anything to allow for carefree mobility. So, a long strap bag is a good bet to toss over your head; shoulder to opposite hip. Leave the bucket.

On to clothing, Jeans are a mistake because no matter how cold it may be at six am or how chilly at sunset, waves are not predictable. One wrong step could land you dragging wet denim (needless, uncomfortable weight) all the way home. Capri's are good, or any pant you can roll up that will stay up. Plus, you never know when the perfect shell is just 2 feet in the water. And nothing is worse than seeing it and not being able to call it your own!

Lastly, bear in mind, man or woman that wind will whip and hair will fly by the water most days. A hat or scarf is a great add. Hats can also shade your eyes and protect your face if you are walking in the sun. But in winter, nothing beats a versatile scarf for neck protection, dusting off your feet, covering your ears, drying your hands - you name it, a scarf is the ultimate accessory. One mistake I made early on was buying sun hats. Sun hats, though really cute, catch on the wind like a sail and you find yourself walking with your hand on your head so the hat doesn't fly away, more than focusing on the joy of your walk. Save the cute sun hat for a sit under the umbrella (not a high mobility walk), or make sure it has a chin strap/tie.

I would add sunglasses, but honestly, I have walked for a year without them. In addition, do you know what the number one most common item I have found on the beach in that year? You guessed it, sunglasses. My husband would rather die than go to the beach without glasses, so for his sake, I am mentioning it.

The Kids

I only have one thing to say about beach combing and kids, and I say this in love, leave them home. No, kids are great to take as long as long as you are out for the adventure of it all and not tranquility. I have four kids. One or the other, or several, or all usually come along. I do enjoy sharing the time, activity and conversation with them. Watching them learn is very gratifying as a parent. My only real advice on the matter is, rest assured, whatever they bring along (be it a hat, jacket, shoes, Polly Pocket, Hot Wheel, candy, net, sword etc) you will end up carrying it. Be firm. Insist all goods but the goods attached stay home.

The Clean

I did not know this at first, but many shells picked up on the shore are alive. This equals STINKY in a couple of hours. There are a couple of options here. One is, leave them outside. They may not die, but if they stink, at least it won't be in the house, or worse, a confined hotel room. Another option is to boil them. This will kill what is alive and when set to dry, they won't smell. There are other tactics, but these are easiest.

Also, it is noteworthy that many things we pick up may not even be shells. Things like sand dollars, starfish and sea urchins all have more specific cleaning techniques that can be checked online. But nothing smells worse than warm raw crab, a dead bunch of clams or fish gills you thought were oysters. Whatever it is, washing it in tap water is a good idea.

The Expectations

One of my favorite things to do after cleaning shells is to sit down in from of the Internet and look at websites and shell charts (Searching: Seashell Identification.) I want to know what type of shell I found. Is it a rare treasure? Though it is a hobby that always educates, most every shell I find contains the following words in the description: "very common."
I wouldn't say it is disappointing, because I am learning what to pick up and what not to pick up next time. However, I think it is a great idea to keep expectations in check.

Something that always amazes me, despite failures of finding treasure is how a good shell propels me on. A single sharks tooth will motivate me for a week! And though this probably isn't surprising, some of the best things I have found, I found when I wasn't really looking. So, it's possible to be the envy of your family and come home with the prize. You never know what the sea will wash up, that's for sure!

I personally believe beach combing is always worth it, even if I come home without the King Conch. The exercise is always something I feel proud of when I lay down at night. The time with my kids, can be a treasure in itself. My time without the kids can be totally rejuvenating, too. And something about the elements (wind, water and land) inspires me and makes me feel strong, a feeling that is almost as good as a diamond...almost.