Beach Altercation

Beach Lover

Jun 1, '10 · 11:05 AM1,709

So, I just returned from a fabulous weekend in Seagrove. Of course the beach was packed out...which is a good thing since it indicates the oil spill isn't scaring folks away.
But as I was relaxing on Saturday morning, I witnessed an altercation between two other groups of vacationers concerning umbrella positioning. Here is how it went down:
Group A got there around 9:30 and set up "camp" next to me. Around 11:30, Group B arrived and set up directly in front of ( and I mean, RIGHT in front of) Group A. The Group A leader approached B camp and asked, "Are you planning to stay there all day?" (Duh!) Group B leader kinda puffed up and says, "Yeah...is there a problem?" Pretty sure he already knew what the problem was...Group A guy says (nicely) " Could you move down a bit...we can't see the ocean. Group B guy proceeds to let him know what he thinks of this request in an agressive manner complete with F-bombs, threats to his face, and what have you. Group A guy, not to be outdone, fires back just as loudly and rudely. My and my husbands heads swiveled back and forth between the two foes for several minutes as they continued to see who could be the most obnoxious and loud. Finally Group B conceded and moved their camp over a couple of feet, with their fearless leader still shouting sarcastic remarks all the while. Boy, did he love that F-bomb!!!!
So....even though there was some entertainment value for us, I wonder who was in the right? I think Group A was right. There was plenty of space for B to set up so that they weren't right in front of anyone. Just seems the considerate and friendly thing to do.... :blush:

Replies

SoWal Expert

Jun 1, '10 · 11:14 AM#2

Group A was definitely in the right, though could have handled it better considering it was a family environment. Group B has no manners or sense of appropriate behavior.

Plenty of sand for everyone, no need to behave in that manner.

Beach Fanatic

Jun 1, '10 · 11:25 AM#3

reminds me of the same people who sit directly in front of us in an empty-except-for-us movie theater, and proceed to talk...chew, move, through the entire movie.

We usually just move - it's not worth the effort to discuss as long as there are plenty of seats. Would be different on the beach though with chairs, coolers, towels etc to move.

I don't understand the lack of consideration some people display.

Beach Fanatic

Jun 1, '10 · 11:49 AM#4

Sounds like both Parties A and B are in desperate need of a vacation.

Beach Fanatic

Jun 1, '10 · 12:00 PM#5

I think group A was right but maybe the approach was all wrong. "Hey buddy - you'd really be doing us a great favor if you'd move down a bit so we can continue with our view and we'd be willing to help you carry your things over a few feet." And then a huge thank you would have been in order. That might have gone over better than what he said. Some people are truly not aware of what is going on right under their noses!

G

Beach Fanatic

Jun 1, '10 · 12:02 PM#6

And I meant to say sorry that you had to witness that. No fun at all. I hate confrontations even if they are not mine.

Beach LoverAuthor

Jun 1, '10 · 12:15 PM#7

And I meant to say sorry that you had to witness that. No fun at all. I hate confrontations even if they are not mine.

Agreed, Gidget. Although the first guy was fairly nice about it, he could have been nicer. And since I wasn't involved in the fight, it was kind of entertaining to watch!!! ;-) I know...I'm being bad!!!!! :roll:

Beach Fanatic

Jun 1, '10 · 3:54 PM#8

Do you think there is any remote possibility that they will read this thread and recognize themselves? :idontno:

Edited Jun 1, '10 · 3:55 PM

SWGB

Jun 1, '10 · 4:10 PM#9

Group B was in the wrong for setting up directly in front of someone and based on the quick escalation there may be more to the story that wasn't witnessed on the beach. I think in the long run if someone did that to me and then was completely rude I would move my party.

Beach Lover

Jun 1, '10 · 4:19 PM#10

People rarely recognize themselves, when they are presented in an unflattering light. And yes it would have been nice if.... and maybe they should have....on any other day.... When you go to a crowded beach on a Memorial Day weekend you are not guaranteed an unobstructed view of the water. On the other hand, you are also not guaranteed to keep your teeth if you have a smart-ass, foul mouth.

SoWal Expert

Jun 1, '10 · 4:22 PM#11

On the other hand, you are also not guaranteed to keep your teeth if you have a smart-ass, foul mouth.

:rofl:

Based on the initial post, crowding wasn't an issue - they said there was plenty of room.

Beach LoverAuthor

Jun 1, '10 · 4:33 PM#12

Do you think there is any remote possibility that they will read this thread and recognize themselves?

I hope so!!!! And it was crowded, of course, but Group B still had room to set up between other folks already there. Everyone was pretty well spaced out at that point...(pun intended! :roll

got any pics?

Jun 1, '10 · 4:33 PM#13

So, "B" had to know that "A" would be ticked because he was ready for it. Why would "B" or any sane person want to sit on the beach in a horrible tension filled atmosphere :idontno:

. I just don't get people. I'll stick with otters

Beach Lover

Jun 1, '10 · 4:37 PM#14

I just saw the first part about the beach being packed out. I got second row seats on a couple of days myself. On one day a group of five with a bottle (1.75 liter) of vodka, smoking like fiends, with awful bathing suits. We got along swimmingly.

SoWal Insider

Jun 2, '10 · 4:04 PM#15

american sociopathy in all it's glory

Beach Fanatic

Jun 2, '10 · 4:08 PM#16

This is the reason I take a shotgun with me to the beach. ;-) :wave:

SoWal Insider

Jun 2, '10 · 5:16 PM#17

This is the reason I take a shotgun with me to the beach. ;-)

Doug: you didn't happen to work for the Mafia in a previous life, did you? :cool:

SoWal Expert

Jun 2, '10 · 5:23 PM#18

This is the reason I take a shotgun with me to the beach. ;-)

You and the rest of the frat boys. ;-)

Beach Fanatic

Jun 2, '10 · 5:32 PM#19

You and the rest of the frat boys. ;-)

You deserve a spanking for that one!

:funn:

Doug: you didn't happen to work for the Mafia in a previous life, did you?

lol, I wish I did have a shotgun this last weekend with the condo next to me rented out to a bunch of inconciderate drunkards. I wish all landlords had age limits for renters.

Edited Jun 2, '10 · 5:35 PM

Beach Fanatic

Jun 2, '10 · 6:28 PM#20

You deserve a spanking for that one! :funn:

lol, I wish I did have a shotgun this last weekend with the condo next to me rented out to a bunch of inconciderate drunkards. I wish all landlords had age limits for renters.

Welcome to summer living at the beach.

Beach Lover

Jun 2, '10 · 6:45 PM#21

My goodness. Since I have only been there in the spring and fall I can't imagine the crowded beach. I don't think I would like it. Some people love this type of conflict. All I can think of is JERRY, JERRY, JERRY!!!

Beach Fanatic

Jun 2, '10 · 7:41 PM#22

This is the reason I take a shotgun with me to the beach. ;-)

If I was group A, I would have kicked sand in group B's face. :floor:

Beach Fanatic

Jun 2, '10 · 8:28 PM#23

If the oil continues it's current trajectory, we sadly won't have to worry about crowded beaches for some time.

Beach Fanatic

Jun 2, '10 · 9:29 PM#24

As a beach chair vendor we unfortunately see this all the time. Most curious though is when we have a single delivery to an empty beach, we'll find that the next person to set up their own gear gravitates towards ours. People tend to migrate towards other objects it seems.

Aside from that observation we all know the hotter it gets the hotter tempers get. However, you have to think someone who is that confrontational on vacation isn't new to confrontation.

SWGB

Jun 2, '10 · 10:03 PM#25

lol, I wish I did have a shotgun this last weekend with the condo next to me rented out to a bunch of inconciderate drunkards. I wish all landlords had age limits for renters.

Shoot me a PM, I'll teach you how to end that in a hurry.