Bonaire handrails

[gert7to3]

I have been amazed at how much the shoreline rocks get rearranged from year to year on Bonaire. Oil Slick was stripped to the bedrock by Omar. It's like walking over a cheese grater now. Old Blue was also washed out, but a whole new easy entry was created at the southernmost part of that site. On the southern side, that entry where the salt ponds had an outlet, that was totally filled in with small coral rubble. DOn't see how any structure would be maintainable over time.

I bought some felt soled water shoes:
NRS Felt Sole Kicker Wetshoe

These really grip on slimy rocks and that sole is rigid enough that you don't feel sharp rocks, even when geared up.

I have thought about a short length of PVC pipe as a walking stick. They would frown on you leaving stuck into the bottom.

Holding onto your buddy is a good way to exit.

Sliding your feet along to be sure you're not stepping into a hole or on a loose rock is another technique.

Removing your BC in 4-5 ft of water, away from the worst of the waves, then team carrying it in is another method.

Having the strongest member of your group escort, without gear, your less sure footed folks is helpful.

Be careful about crawling out. This is iron shore with rocks, spiny urchins and sharp coral. I usually stand up in 5 feet of water, then walk in. It's really hard to stand up in shallower water with waves sweeping over you.

 

[docBarbara]

My husband and I spent a week in Bonaire last December and enjoyed it so much that we have already planned to spend 2 weeks this December.

I, too, had some trouble with some of the entries and exits. My husband, who is much bigger and stronger than I, had little to no difficulty. Therefore, I came to the conclusion that my difficulty could be diminished if I were to become stronger and more agile with weight on my back.

Consequently, I have changed my work-out routine to include a lot of exercises with a weight vest. I bought a 40 lb vest and am up to 20 lb with it. I do step-ups, side step-ups, squats, lunges, twisting lunges, burpees and some other things using the vest. I feel this will help with by entries and exits in Bonaire. I am sure it can't hurt.

Just sharing my idea on how I think I can make it easier.
Happy Bonaire Diving!
Barbara

 

[tarponchik]

Therefore, I came to the conclusion that my difficulty could be diminished if I were to become stronger and more agile with weight on my back. Consequently, I have changed my work-out routine to include a lot of exercises with a weight vest. Barbara

I like your attitude!

 

[Walter]

Strength is nice to have, but the ocean is stronger than any of us. If you plan to overpower situations in the ocean, you will lose more often than if you use strength only when necessary. Use your brain to figure out the easiest way to do things. Don't stop working out, just don't expect greater strength to solve your problems. It's only one tool.

 

[jl_va_21]

I have a related question that it sounds like some of you may be able to help with. I will be making my first Bonaire trip in about 6 weeks or so. Unfortunately shortly after booking my trip I started having some knee issues, which have taken longer to get back to 100% than I had expected. I'm back to diving again now though and should be fine for the trip. However, I think my diving in Bonaire will end up being much less aggressive than it would have been, just to be on the safe side.

With that in mind - my question is which sites are nice, easy, dives - and which ones should I maybe avoid?

 

[SailNaked]

all the ones from red slaves to town are easy access. south.

 

[TheWizard]

Start with easy dive entries south of town, as mentioned.
Then visit other dive sites up N a ways without yer dive equipment and scope them out on foot to get feeling for where the entry is and how difficult.
Note: the road becomes one-way after 1000 Steps...

 

[Angry Turtle]

...
Holding onto your buddy is a good way to exit.

Sliding your feet along to be sure you're not stepping into a hole or on a loose rock is another technique.

Removing your BC in 4-5 ft of water, away from the worst of the waves, then team carrying it in is another method.

Having the strongest member of your group escort, without gear, your less sure footed folks is helpful.

Be careful about crawling out. This is iron shore with rocks, spiny urchins and sharp coral. I usually stand up in 5 feet of water, then walk in. It's really hard to stand up in shallower water with waves sweeping over you.

My wife and I just came from a trip to Bonaire.

Our technique was to hold hands while going in or out, but only one of us would move at a time. That way you have someone steady while you move and trade roles every few steps. The only time any of us fell, was when we did not do it

 

[TheWizard]

Our technique was to hold hands while going in or out, but only one of us would move at a time...

The quadruped technique, checko!
When was the last time you saw a MOUNTAIN GOAT fall down?

 

[tarponchik]

All these horror stories of Bonaire shore diving reminded me of something...;-))