Surfing in Interesting Climes: Urban
F ar Rockaway, the Inlet
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A Trip to Far Rockaway, Oct 25, '00
Checking out the inlet
Those of you folks who live in Rockaway may say "ho hum, you Johnny come lately", but I've been coming out here for about two years, have walked from one end to the other, and the place continually amazes me. I'd never been out to Far Rockaway, and I was surprised to find a miniature recreation area unlike any other in the city.
Diver snorkels in the inlet
Rockaway inlet isn't the most picturesque place to dive. But for Police divers, it's perfect. They train for diving recovery jobs here.
Large inlet beach hides danger
The divers are occasionally required to dive for bodies at the inlet beach. Near the inlet is a huge, clean beach. At this spot there are many drowings. The reason is, the beach is both inviting and deceptive. Acres of sand from the inlet build up in a rounded projection into the inlet. The waves are calm due to the depth of the channel. The depth makes it look safe due to the lack of surf, but it's very dangerous, because the beach drops off fast and the current is strong. It's posted, but the beach is so big it's easy to miss the signs. The only safety is water knowledge, and tourists and visitors don't have that to rely on.
Dive shop by the Inlet
For those divers who are eager to explore the murky waters of the inlet, there is a cool little dive shop in an primo location.
