Beach Driving

[Leatherface]

First and foremost, please air down! Those who are not familiar with driving on the beach may not realize it needs to be done. I refuse to waste my time helping dig someone out who does not pay attention to what they are doing.

I typically air down from 35 lbs. to about 16-18 lbs. It's obviously different for each vehicle and sand conditions.

Go during the day a few times to familiarize yourself with the surroundings before attempting a night drive. There are less people around at night and if something happens, you might be calling a truck for a $500 tow!

BE COURTEOUS! We are all out there to have fun. During the day, most have families and kids with them. Kids tend to run around and not pay attention.

DRIVE SLOW!! I can't tell you how many times I have seen trucks fly by doing 20-30 mph on the sand while families are relaxing and kids are running around. There is nobody out there to impress and you will only make enemies.



I threw my shovel at a truck once who almost hit a kid. I didn't hit the truck, but it came damn close! This guy was flying down the beach with his friends. The next time he passed, he was doing about 8 mph.. I guess he got the hint!

Clean up after yourself. The only place your garbage will go is either buried in the sand or in the water. We do not want either on our beaches. I cannot tell you how many times I parked my truck, only to find bottles and garbage all buried under the sand. That type of stuff is what closes beaches down. Bring everything out with you. Most beaches have dumpsters available when you leave.

I know there is a lot more to mention and I hope others can chime in as well. There are plenty of seasoned beach drivers around, tap into their brain for some good tips!

Be safe out there!


Here is a good reason to really pay attention to what you are doing out there!

http://www.outlawedoffroad.com/great...html#post16923

[Leatherface]

Suffolk County Parks Requirement:
All vehicles must carry the following equipment: jack, jackboard, shovel, rope, chain or snap line, fire extinguisher, spare tire, tire gauge, flashlight, first aid kit, and a portable air compressor or air tank.



Another few things:


Whether you are fishing or not, if you intend on staying after dark, check the tide tables for that particular area before you go. Keep an eye on the high water mark and notice how the tide comes in as it approaches high tide. It doesn't take long for a truck to disappear while you're out swapping spit with your better half in the dunes! lol.

If you feel yourself getting stuck, get out of your truck and assess the situation. DO NOT continue to dig yourself deeper. Dig yourself out with your shovel, maybe let a little more air out of your tires and place your jack board under a tire (make sure nobody is standing behind the truck while you are trying to get out. That board can take a head off). Some people think because they have big tires, they don't need to air down or use 4WD. Those are the ones I drive by and take photos of. You can always tell how a truck is stuck and what may of caused it (for the most part).

ALWAYS carry the required gear with you. You never know when you might need it, or someone else might need help. Someone may need an extra fire extinguisher out there, their compressor might burn out, etc....

DRIVE SLOW!!!

[Leatherface]

Here is an example of a total idiot. This loser has no regard for human life or the laws of driving on the beach (or any road for that matter).

Please DO NOT be this idiot!

Someone will get seriously hurt!

[Steve]

Great reference for people who are new to the beach and for old timers to just give a once over now that the season is among us. Thanks for posting this!

[Leatherface]

Thanks Steve! Let's hope we can educate to protect our access!

[Patny]

great post this is gonna be my first year on the beach with the jeep and am a lil nervous about getting stuck im piecing most of the required gear now.

[phoenix901223]

Ill be at smith point outer beach most of the summer, got a blacked out xj with a chrome grenade sticker on the back. Frequently seen with surf boards and beers, names Dan you can come say hi if you want

[Leatherface]

Let's talk fires.....



First off, they MUST be in a container. You are not allowed to, and should never anyway, make a fire directly on the ground. The container above is easily purchased fairly cheap at any Home Depot or Lowes.

There is no need to bring 5 pallets strapped to the back of your truck. They contain nails and that is just too much wood. I have seen half-burnt pallets left on the beach because nobody wants to take them home. Also, do not burn pressure treated wood of any kind!

4 or 5 logs brought in the container is fine. If you need more, bring a few more and only throw them on if needed.

It is a great idea to have a pair of heavy duty tongs with you to move the wood around once it's burning and to carry the fire container down to the water if you need to cool it down quick.



Always have water handy, even if it's ice water in a cooler. You never know when you might need to put the fire out in a hurry.

Don't forget to always have a half dozen skewers, marshmallows, graham crackers and chocolate to make S'mores at the end of a nice day on the beach!

Be safe and drive slow!!

Bob

[Notch]

Ill be at smith point outer beach most of the summer, got a blacked out xj with a chrome grenade sticker on the back. Frequently seen with surf boards and beers, names Dan you can come say hi if you want

Is there a drive on beach that doesnt give you grief if you surf?

[Leatherface]

Is there a drive on beach that doesnt give you grief if you surf?

Plenty of people drive on Smith Point and surf. Just don't go where people are fishing or swimming. The beach is like 5 or so miles long. I saw a lot of surfers just east of cut 2 last year.