THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, October 23, 1994 TAG: 9410200159
SECTION: CAROLINA COAST PAGE: 26 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: Ford Reid
LENGTH: Medium: 61 lines
One of the things that has made surf fishing so popular is the advent of the four-wheel drive vehicle as family transportation. Lots of fishermen who could not have gotten away with buying a Jeep 20 years ago now drive Explorers, Blazers, Pathfinders and Cherokees.
They get the family to the beach, then they get the angler on the beach.
Sometimes, they get the angler stuck. It is going to happen, but don't let it happen to you.
I think the most effective single hedge against getting stuck is to let some air out of your tires. Not only does lower tire pressure improve your ride, it keeps your truck from making those deep ruts in the sand that make driving harder for everyone.
When you get back on the road, drive slowly until you get to a gas station to air up.
If you do get stuck, get out immediately and take a look. Trying to drive your way out by going to a lower gear, or, heaven forbid, revving it up, will almost always get you in deeper.
If you check when you first get stuck, you'll probably get out with just a little shoveling. Dig it in to the axles and you are in for some very hard work.
Which brings us to the equipment that no beach buggy should be without.
Always carry a tire pressure gauge, a good shovel, a tow chain and a stout board big enough to support your jack.
A couple of pieces of thick plywood that you can use as ramps to drive out of a hole aren't a bad idea, either.
The best way to avoid getting stuck is to follow the path. If someone else has made it, chances are you will, too. Besides, those who have gone before have compacted the sand into a hard surface.
If you are inexperienced, you ought to stay above the tide line. At least if you get stuck you will not have to worry about the ocean coming in on you.
Driving on sand is a little like driving on snow. Jack rabbit starts and sudden stops are your worst enemies. Drive cautiously, but keep moving. Don't try to make a turn from a stopped position. Get moving a little, then turn the wheels.
Perhaps most important, drive like you have a little sense. Stay off the dunes and other areas with plants growing. Stay out of any fenced or otherwise posted areas.
Remember that even in late fall the beaches are crowded with anglers, surfers and people out for strolls. Don't go racing down the beach at full speed while looking for birds out over the water.
The Outer Banks is not only one of the world's greatest surf fishing areas, it is also the most accessible by vehicle of any on the East Coast. That is made possible primarily by the indulgence of the Cape Hatteras National Seashore authorities.
That could change if enough selfish louts abuse the privilege.
Drive carefully and sensibly, don't tear things up, take you trash with you and we could all be enjoying the beach for a long, long time.
Even if some of us do get stuck from time to time. by CNB