Decks, Patios, Porches and Docks - Dock/Deck Support

Hello,
I have a Deck that is going to extend over the edge of a pond by about 4 feet, I am unsure of the best way to support it. The water is about 4 feet deep under the end of the deck. I did not no if i should be using wood or medal post's or what type of footing i should use. Any Ideas??
Shaun

Shaun: Welcome to the forums! First is this a private pond? If it is a public access lake, such as what we have here owned by the TVA, permission must be granted to install footings for a dock. With that cleared up, does the pond water level ever go down to where you can work on dry ground? It can be done wet, but what a PITA. You may want to consider floating the last 4 feet on dock floating modules, and having it hinged to the remainder of the deck/dock structure.

I agree with Chandler. - Also:

Where is this (climate -ice?)?

How big is the body of water (wind fetch)?

What kind of lake/pond bottom?

Dick

Larry and Dick both brought up good points. I'ld be concerned if this is a public access pond, or in some other way controlled so you just can't do what you please with it.

Maybe the best solution, and forget all of the other possible headaches would simply be to reduce the cantilver to 2' feet and forget about having to post it at all.

It is still a PIA, but we have cantilevered decks that far over private ponds with galvanized steel joists.