We’ve had a couple of periods of stormy weather and some huge tides, which means it is time to go beachcombing. Big waves and strong currents churn up the near-shore waters and deposit a wondrous bounty along the beach. Pretty shells, driftwood, and other fascinating flotsam comprise my silver lining to a storm cloud.
The most enterprising beachcombers rush to the shoreline in the wake of a storm or very high tides, when the high seas are still subsiding.
My own most successful seashell and driftwood hunts have been immediately after storms featuring huge swells and coinciding with very high tides. That’s when the sea has the power to loosen the greatest number of shellfish and move large drifting pieces of wood up onto the beaches.
Do your research by buying a tide book or look up the tides online. The best beachcombing time is well after a high tide and through the low-tide period. Generally speaking, low tide is the safest time, especially when navigating the nooks and crannies of rocky points. I have had the best luck poking around rocky points and outcroppings for seashells.
It doesn’t have to be radical points of land such as the ones up the coast from Jalama Beach, though I highly recommend that area for beachcombing. Some of my own treasured shells come from Santa Barbara and Goleta beaches. Summerland and Carpinteria are also great spots. Carpinteria has a major reef zone where the surge of large swells moves a great number of shells for us to find.
Driftwood piles up on beaches downcurrent from river and large creek mouths. The best waterways to look for are ones with considerable woods and brush upstream. We have had enough burns during the fire season and mudslides during the rains to unearth some fascinating pieces of wood.
The runoff has been sufficient to carry large pieces downstream to the sea. The result will be lines of driftwood along the beaches at the high-water mark throughout the storm season.
Beachcombing can be a fun family outing or a chance for some peaceful solitude for an individual or a couple. Beachcombing is sorta like going to garage sales … the early browsers get the best booty.
Bundle up after a storm and get there early. Just remember how potentially dangerous the sea can be. When the tide comes in, take care not to get trapped someplace where the big waves can reach you. Also be watchful for large waves. They can sweep dry ground and pull a fully grown person to sea. Be careful out there!
— Capt. David Bacon operates WaveWalker Charters and is president of SOFTIN Inc., a nonprofit organization providing seafaring opportunities for those in need. Visit softininc.blogspot.com to learn more about the organization and how you can help. Click here to read previous columns. The opinions expressed are his own.