In all fairness, I'm a little skittish on sand after my wipeout last month. But on that fall, I just skinned my knee and elbow and cracked my helmet. A fall along that causeway could put you right on the rocks or into the water. Maybe I would have been more confident with different tires. Mine are wide enough (28 mm) but really smooth. My husband was nervous too on his hybrid and he has wider tires with good tread. He didn't get off and walk, but he was glad when it was over.