Shore Dive Report – Clayton Town, Frink Park

• Location: Clayton, NY, St. Lawrence River

• Address: Downtown Clayton, Riverside Drive

• Depth Range: 10–30 feet (3–9 meters)

• Dive Type: Shore dive, accessible year-round

• Skill Level: Beginner to Advanced

• Water Conditions:

• Visibility: Reasonable unless sediment is disturbed

• Ice Diving: Popular during winter, especially off docks

Dive Site Overview:

Frink Park in downtown Clayton, NY, is a historically significant and easily accessible shore diving location in the St. Lawrence River. The site caters to divers of all experience levels, offering both shallow areas and deeper sections up to 30 feet (9 meters).

• Historical Context:

• The site has been a mainstay for divers since the 1950s.

• Early bottle-hunting dives in the 1960s drew interest due to the area’s rich maritime history.

• The Frink Dock was dredged in the early 1960s to match Seaway depths of 26 feet (8 meters) during the construction of the St. Lawrence Seaway, further enhancing the site’s diveability.

• Features:

• Remnants of historic docks and debris on the riverbed.

• Potential for underwater artifacts, including old bottles and equipment.

• Suitable for recreational diving and ice diving in winter months.

Dive Conditions:

• Accessibility: Easy shore entry from Frink Park or nearby docks.

• Visibility: Can range from good to moderate, depending on diver activity and weather conditions. Avoid stirring up the muddy bottom for best Visibility.

• Season: Excellent year-round, including winter for ice diving enthusiasts.

Dive Site Recommendations:

1. For Beginners:

• Stick to shallow depths near the shoreline.

• Explore riverbed features without disturbing sediment.

2. For Advanced Divers:

• Venture to the deeper sections (26–30 feet) where dredging occurred.

• Look for historical artifacts or remnants of Clayton’s maritime past.

3. Ice Diving:

• Prepare for cold water and ensure proper ice diving certification.

• Popular ice diving location in front of the old McCormack’s Restaurant.

NOTMARs & Advisories:

• Be cautious of boat traffic, especially during peak seasons. Use a dive flag.

• Monitor weather and river currents for safety.

• Avoid stirring up sediment to preserve Visibility.

Conclusion:

The Frink Park Dive Site in Clayton, NY, is a versatile and historically rich dive location suitable for divers of all levels. Offering depths up to 30 feet and year-round access, it continues to attract divers for recreational, exploration, and ice diving activities. Whether you’re a beginner looking to explore shallow waters or an advanced diver searching for artifacts, the Clayton Riverfront is a must-visit site in the St. Lawrence River.