I started metal detecting December of 2013. I have been metal detecting 10 years and must say that this hobby is the best thing I have ever found. I like to tell people that its like having a birthday party everyday and you never know what your present is going to be.
I have traveled overseas on 6 occasions to detect and usually spend a week detecting from Sunrise to Sunset. I do this here in the states too. Most people would say that is a little crazy considering I am 68 years old.
My favorite thing to do is water detect but I also detect in the dry and wet sand. If you are just starting this hobby i would encourage you to stay with it. Dig all those pull tabs and have lots of patience You will find that this can be the hobby of your life. I have never found anything that will challenge you, help you make friends, give you great exercise and pay you for doing it. So get out there and go detecting. You will be glad that you did.