Fielding a cross shore array of gages in an energetic coastal environment

With decades of experience deploying and recovering gages in the near shore coastal environment we have learned a thing or two about what works and what doesn't. Capturing some of this technical knowledge here may be useful to those working in or planning instrument deployments in the challenging surf zone and cross shore areas. Both the working techniques and some of the failed attempts will be shared for the benefit, and entertainment, of those interested in the challenges of these areas. Techniques employed to obtain deployment durations of up to 6 years will be discussed, as well as, the basic working components or practical aspects, which will be presented in topics such as; Survey Techniques, Instrument Mounts, Pipes and Pods, Antifouling Techniques, Cables and Splices, Deployment Vessels, Diver Operations, Troubleshooting and Fault Isolation. Up-close pre and post deployment pictures and even vendor information will give a real nuts and bolts look at the deployment techniques. Years of experience have given us some knowledge, but if we don't share it, it stays in peoples' heads and goes away with them. It is the authors' hope that an ongoing information exchange or working group will be established for the mutual benefit of those interested. This way the knowledge that is out there can be passed on.