The Beach Bum’s Guide to the Boardwalks of New Jersey

by Alice Magdziak • May 9, 2011 • Literary NJ, Shopping, Shore To Please • Comments (0) • 2217

We had the pleasure of joining some members of the Moorestown Presbyterian Church for a book signing and presentation by the authors of The Beach Bum’s Guide to the Boardwalks of New Jersey. Sal Marino and Dick Handschuch are former teaching partners and it shows. They put on a really fun presentation and had all the answers to any questions the group had.

It’s a little too late for Mother’s Day but maybe Dad would like a book for Father’s Day that will help him navigate the family around the shore and all its boardwalks this summer? This book gives the history of each town’s boardwalk along with directions to each beach and rules relating to bicycle use in each town. There are also suggestions for side trips to many of the interesting or unusual attractions near many of the towns. It’s a really fun and useful book.

Their presentation walked us through facts and figures related to the many miles of boardwalks and promenades on the eastern edge of New Jersey.

They discussed the controversial use of ipe, a wood from the Amazon which is nearly indestructible, on many of the boardwalks and the pros and cons to replacing the boardwalks with materials that are more environmentally friendly. The wood lasts a long time before needing to be replaced but its harvesting contributes to the deforestation of rain forest habitats. Other materials that are now being used along the shore are brick pavers, Trex-type decking, macadam and a tough variety of pine.

If you check out their Facebook page, you can see them in action at other presentations they have planned around the state. Plus, you can get a signed copy, too!