When I started as a teenager in the 80's, the stereotype was that detectorists were either old farts or geeks.
The first real national appearance of a guy with a detector was on "Revenge of the nerds."
I was the only long-haired, leather-bound, headbanger in my area (with a detector) and eventually, friends from highschool (the cool headbangers) would go out with me on a few hunts.
At first they thought it was funny but soon would get hooked watching me dig up old coins, military badges, etc.
I would detect in rough neighborhoods and gang members would come up and chat and then hang around because they were hooked watching me find stuff.
On a hot sunny day when the beach was packed, I would head into the crowds all muscle bound and tanned, swinging my treasure stick and hot chicks would come up and chat.
Off in the distance would be the tall, skinny white guy with fish lips puckered, nostrils flaring, wearing glasses and swinging the coil so fast I'm surprised his arm didn't snap!
Of course you would hear many laughing as he walked by.
Don't get me wrong....people laughed at me too.... until I turned around and gave them the look of death. Lol.
I got a black construction worker into the hobby out here. I mean African Canadian. I mean Canadian!
Don't think you're the only one but if you are...you'll be a pioneer.
I broke through the geek image in the 80's....you could be the spicy one in a whole box of soda crackers!
We are all ONE.
Cheers,
Dave.
