The number one question I am always asked by people thinking of getting into the hobby is what equipment do I need?
I guess the easy answer would be the same equipment I like to use, but it is not that simple because location and intended types of treasures vary so much.
What equipment or search techniques may work well at one site may not be the best choice at a different location, this is probably the main reason why people struggle first starting out metal detecting at the beach.
Like getting involved in any new thing it may seem confusing at first, but here is the skinny on beach treasure hunting for newbies.
You really do not need much to start beach treasure hunting, just a decent metal detector, digging tool and a beach.
I always advise people new to the hobby not to go crazy on the initial equipment purchases, just in case metal detecting or beach hunting is not for you.
In my opinion it is important to first figure out what the beaches you intend to search could possibly hold, then research what type of metal detector will help you find what you are going to search for.
The next step after researching metal detectors is to choose a target recovery tool to help you dig up what you have detected at the beach.
Any garden spade from the local hardware store will do for digging targets until you figure out what type of long handled beach scoop will work the best in the areas you search.
Eventually you will see a long handled beach scoop saves you time and energy retrieving targets, but first you have to research what type of scoop is suitable for your local beaches.
Talking of local, visit your local metal detector store if you have one in your area because they will help you with all your metal detecting equipment choices.
Next up is practical reading material and the best book you will ever read as a beginner is your metal detector manual, the basic search techniques described in the manual are actually very good.
Avoid copying search techniques used by other people metal detecting at the beach, 90% of new beach hunters make the mistake of believing other beach hunters know what they are actually doing.
You will see many different search techniques used at the beach, from people using metal detectors like they are swinging golf clubs to people who look like they are taking part in a walking race.
Develop your own search techniques from information contained in your metal detector manual, slow methodical grid type coverages are normally the recommended ways of metal detecting at the beach.
Only buy metal detecting accessories when you know why they will help you find what you are searching for at the places you intend to search.
They say imitation is the most sincerest form of flattery, if you have a veteran beach treasure hunter in your area check out what equipment they use and more importantly how they cover the beach.
You will always run across chatty beach hunters with plenty of advise for you, but it is the quiet beach hunters who avoid the interaction that will give you the best advice if you can get them to open up to you.
Let your research on equipment, search techniques and search sites be your influence, avoid the mistake of only searching the same sites the same way every time you go to the beach.
Take it from me beach treasure hunting is fun and rewarding pastime, fresh air, nature and Bobby Dazzlers what is not to like right?
Just because you are using a metal detector it does not mean that is your only way of detecting treasures at the beach, learn to be aware of non metallic treasures found at beaches.
Remember to keep your eyes on the sand you are walking over and you will have a chance to pick up all kinds of amazing things, from shells and fossils to money and artifacts.
Beaches all around the world provide unique opportunities to people who know how to use a metal detector with good search techniques.
So what are you waiting for?
Available soon at www.garydrayton.com
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