Where can I dive in Manhattan

Question
Hi Tom, thank you for your time and help!
My name is Justin, I am 33 and I started diving last year. I am still not good but I'm getting there eventually.
I currently live in London UK and I'll be working in New York, at the Lincoln Center, for a month starting from March.
My working schedule will be kind of busy and with odd hours. How ever I don't want to stop practicing while working there. At the moment I go to diving classes of an hour twice a week.
Where can I find a pool in Manhattan that isn't too expensive and with a public spring board that can be used?
In case I would like to follow some classes, having some proper training where could I go?
I thank you very much in advance for whatever you can tell me!
Best Regards
Justin  

Answer
Justin -

I am not familiar with public pools in New York City as I live on the west coast but I can tell you who to contact to find out where to dive:

The person I know the best is Gordon Spencer, the diving coach at Columbia University. I am sure he knows of a pool in Manhattan where you can dive. The schools website is www.gocolumbialions.com and his e-mail is [email protected].

Go to www.usadiving.org, click on 'Clubs' and then 'Find A Club'. Enter NY and a list of teams will come up. I saw two you should try: New York Dive Club coached by a Chinese man and a team on Long Island that practices at a fantastic pool in Nassau County. Ask these coaches if they know of a pool near where you are staying or if you can train with them.

www.mastersdiving.org. Masters is a term used for adult recreational competitive diving. At this site on the left hand side of the homepage, click on E-mail Addresses. At this page there is a long list of members. I saw 7 names of people who live in the New York City area #last names of Bryne, Clack, Houston, Hummel, Johnson, Klug and Miller#. Their e-mail addresses are listed next to their name. They must know of a pool you can dive at and may be able to practice with them.

Good luck in your search.