The picture doesn't look that bad, because I stopped when I knew it was ok to stop, not in the deep and soft stuff. 5.1" of ground clearance, all stock at the time, no skids (wish I had them), but keep up momentum and you'll be perfectly fine. This was taken on Carova Beach in the OBX where I'm sure the sand is just as fine and loose. I passed several stuck vehicles of all sizes, it happens to everyone, so I wouldn't worry about it. Carry a shovel, block of wood for a jack point and some beer for anyone nice enough to pull you out. Make sure you know where your tow points are and that they're up to snuff and I would also recommend bringing your own snatch strap
W/O metal hooks as they can come loose and become small missiles that have no regard of who or what they hit. With 8" of clearance and the relatively lightweight of your chassis I promise you'll actually be surprised with how well the car does, or at least I was. I was also aired down to 17 PSI. I'm not sure how Assateague is, but at the OBX it is best to drive close to the water where the sand is a bit firmer, but if you do find your way into the soft stuff, I stress momentum and avoid others ruts. Despite advise to follow in tracks, as this is where the sand has usually been compacted, I found my momentum quickly being soaked up by the center "ridge". Another thing to consider is that sand will get everywhere and I do mean everywhere. I changed my spark plug & valve cover seals and found sand littered about even in side the valve cover and could see it hiding close to the timing belt. I'm not sure if this is wearing anything down, but thought I would note the possibility of sand finding it's way in places it shouldn't be. Good luck, be smart and have fun. Getting stuck isn't the end of the world if it happens to you, trust me, and if someone says you can't make it down the beach just prove them wrong:smiley_drive:
