Beachcombing 102: When to Walk

My love for combing the beach never ends and neither does the education. Every day I contemplate what could make a more productive experience. My first year combing in Northwest, Florida has taught me what to wear, what to bring, tips on combing with kids and cleaning the shell. If you missed it Beachcombing 101, no worries! Whatever you can glean about walking the shore will help, no matter where you pick up or leave off.

Beachcombing 102 a collection of basics I learned concerning the water and weather and its impact to becoming a successful beachcomber.

What High and Low Tides Mean to a Beachcomber

As I am sure most of us know, the moon causes high tide and low tide. What I didn't fully understand is that the moon actually pulls the water. This means that when the moon is directly over us, it is high tide, which would be the middle of the night. There is also the exact same effect when the moon is directly over head on the other side of the earth. Tides create somewhat of an oval around this sphere we call earth...following the moon. So, how does this effect the beach comber?

When high tide recedes is when you are likely going to find better shells. It is then that the ocean pulls back (following the moon) and the wet sand of the receding tide is exposed, moving toward low tide. Then, treasures will lie for the gleaning. In a full moon, the tides are highest, so some say the best finds are the night of full moons.

There is a specific time for high and low tide, but it does change and varies by area/city around the globe. If you are serious about beachcombing, ask a local resident when the tides are, where you are. Often high and low tide exact times are listed in area magazines and papers, too.

Does a Storm Effect the Find?

Most resources online will tell you that after a storm, you will find the best shells. It makes sense that when the sea is wild, the sea bottom turns, the pull is strong and something good is bound to wash ashore. But in my experience, I have never found anything right after the storm. I have gone to the shore when the storm is just subsiding. I have gone when the rain stops. I have gone IN the heat of the storm. What I have found, close to the storm, is that the sand is flat and there is actually less right after a storm. However, the first calm day after a storm has proven to be a gold mine for me. I am sure this depends on area. But rest assured that a storm does mix things up.

In Season

Since living in Northwest, Florida I can say with certainty the season does effect the find. The primary reason is tourism. In the "off-season" or winter, there are less tourists so the shores are bountiful with potential collectibles. "In Season", when tourism is high, beaches can be picked clean.

Wind and wave patterns can also affect the find as can marine life (lesson for another time) but nothing like tourism. The more "in-season" your visit, the earlier you must rise to find the prize. Here in NW Florida, the late "winter," January and February, are always better time to find shells than say, August.

Joy of the Walk

As much as I love the thrill of a good find, nothing beats feeling like I am exactly where I am supposed to be. Sometimes I sleep in. Other times, I go in the afternoon when no great treasure, by odds, will be unearthed. But I try to get out there everyday. And some days, I come home with an empty satchel. Those can be the best "beachcombing" days - where the walk was exactly what I needed to re-center and just connect with the elements and hear myself. Life is loud. The beach isn't, most days. And that is something that I can treasure any day. I find that the more the hobby doesn't rule me, the more I like it.

In summary, if you are serious about finding prime shells, follow the moon (or the tide.) And remember, the storm and the season matter. But most important is that you love what you're doing. That is something no article could ever reveal the perfect time or place for. In the end, I believe true Beachcombers, follow their heart to the shore and trust that the treasure will find them.