Western NY

[engine159]

Anyone have any ideas for places somewhat close to Rochester, NY to do a simple shore dive? I want to take my son this summer, he's very new to diving and I'm not exactly Mr. Experience. He's twelve, so I can only take him to 40 feet I believe. Thanks.

 

[rhwestfall]

You on the West side?

 

[rhwestfall]

I always wondered about these:

Probably not good...

 

[rhwestfall]

Come join us:

Niagara River Drift Dive | Discover Diving

 

[engine159]

You on the West side?

Yep

 

[engine159]

Come join us:

Niagara River Drift Dive | Discover Diving

Sounds awesome...can you tell me a little about it? Depth, strength of the current, etc? I've never done a drift dive, and I'll have my son with me. Thanks.

 

[rhwestfall]

Near shore, it's slower, swim out a ways and it is the fast lane. Dives are 40 mins to over an hour. Max depth is 25 feet maybe. You just ride the current. It is up to a 3 kt (out offshore) and at that speed you don't (can't) stop. Very enjoyable, and very organized. I'd suggest maybe trying it yourself to evaluate it for your son. Lots of fish, and lots of junk. Always finding bottles and old buttons.

 

[engine159]

Great info. Thanks. Now for the dumb question...The parts of the Niagara River that I've seen are ferocious. What are the chances of getting "swept away"?

 

[rhwestfall]

Nope - the dive is along Isle View Park:

 

[rhwestfall]

In all my years of doing this drift, there have been only a few who didn't pay attention to time and overshot the exit. We call it the walk of shame returning up the bike path...