DIRECTIONS:
(Atlantic Beach, Nassau County)

Take Sunrise Highway into the town of Lynbrook; turn south onto Broadway and continue. Broadway will change into Empire Avenue. Drive south, cross over Seagrit Boulevard and turn left on Seagrit Avenue. Then turn right on Beach 6th Street and take it to the end. Parking is usually not a problem.

CONDITIONS:

First let me say that this site is much more enjoyable and safer if a boat is used, instead of attempting the swim from shore. Although I would not recommend it, I have seen divers successfully reach the bridge from shore, so I feel obligated to inform you of the dive conditions and possibilities. By entering the water on the northwest side of the bridge towards the end of an incoming tide, divers can drift on the surface towards the bridge. When attempting this, stay close to shore and out of the channel. If timed correctly, divers can spear fish during slack tide and then at the first sign of an out going current, ride with the current back to their entry point. Another possibility is to park on the northeast side of the bridge, on Bannister Creek and catch the end of the outgoing tide to get to the bridge. Again, remember to stay close to the bulkhead. Dive the bridge during slack and then catch a ride back on the beginning of the incoming tide. Be sure to be on the surface, and close to the north side bulk heading when the current turns. Although this sounds easy, it is not. This area is heavily trafficked with boats and the current is extremely strong. Any miscalculation will conclude with divers, at the very least, having a long walk back.

Diving the bridge itself can be very rewarding. In fact, it is one of the best black fish spearing areas around. The best location is on the south side. Boats can tie up to her pilings and divers can descend to stalk their prey. Diving here should only be done at slack tide. When the tide is in the midst of running it is much too strong to swim against.