The Buggy Pit is just over half a kilometre north of Hele, about 100 yards off the right hand side of Hele Beach. It can often be seen in rough weather looking like a large stationary wave running from east to west. This is where a ridge of rocks come relatively close to the surface, causing some strange currents. Sailing vessels under full sail and with a favourable wind have been known to be stranded here until the tide changes. I have no idea why it is called the Buggy Pit; one meaning of buggy is a type of boat fitted with wheels, another meaning is a plough fitted with a seat.

Buggy Pit Overfalls are so-called on the OS map of 1809.

"Out there, a mile up-channel, is a nasty place called Buggy Pit, where the chart shows overfalls, that is, a fierce tide-rip over a rocky bottom only submerged two fathoms. I shall never forget watching from this point, the Capstone, the Old ketch Maude, sailed by her owner, Cap’t Stoneman as she headed westwards bound for Appledore one day in 1920. She had all sail set, including a huge brown foresail boomed out to port, for a good easterly breeze was in her favour. She must have been going through the water, laden, at four knots, yet she stood still, like a ship in a glass case; and there she remained for a full hour, for the flood tide was running eastwards, and that was at four knots too. Gradually the tide slackened, and the Maude was free to forge ahead for home" (Boyle & Payne 1952 p 198)

One meaning of overfall is "A turbulent surface of water with short breaking waves, caused by a strong tide or current setting over a submarine ridge or shoal, or by the meeting of contrary currents" (SOED 1987 Vol 2 p 1481)

One meaning of buggy is "a plough having a seat for the ploughman to ride on" (SOED 1987 Vol 1 p 248). The Buggy Pit does sometimes look like a giant ploughed furrow.

One meaning of buggy is "a boat made so that wheels can be fastened to it, for use on land" (SOED Vol 1 p 248).