Oh man, I can't wait to dive Salt Pier again. We also did it late afternoon and a dusk dive and was freakin awesome. Definitely want to do it at night this time.
Bonaire in July???
- Thread starter cruzbound
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boat sju
Contributor
There's a slab right below the conveyor on the north side. Sit on it and get in the water like you're getting in a pool. Use the tide and waves to get out in reverse.
Doctorfish
Contributor
Thanks, helpful tip.
woodcarver
Contributor
Some really good sites listed with easy entries. The pvc cane is something I've seen used there. Another option is a folding cane that gets stowed and carried with you. There's been a couple threads that I've seen that describe the method.
I always carry her rig into the water and out to where it's easy for her to put on in the water, then go back and get mine. When we return, she'll take hers off in the water while I pack mine back to the truck and come back for hers.
The winds typically are diminishing that time of year. We usually go in August and it's not uncommon to actually see a windless day or two. Nice thing about Bonaire, even if there's too much wave action for you at one site, there's always another site that will be suitable!
There's also the option of boat dives. I'm told they don't have any rocks or fire coral on them to trip over!
I always carry her rig into the water and out to where it's easy for her to put on in the water, then go back and get mine. When we return, she'll take hers off in the water while I pack mine back to the truck and come back for hers.
The winds typically are diminishing that time of year. We usually go in August and it's not uncommon to actually see a windless day or two. Nice thing about Bonaire, even if there's too much wave action for you at one site, there's always another site that will be suitable!
There's also the option of boat dives. I'm told they don't have any rocks or fire coral on them to trip over!
AdivingBel
Diver
I carry my pvc cane on my rig via a pocket & loop on my cam bands. Actually I carry my wife's and she carries mine. It's amazing how much easier the entries & exits are with a short cane as a third leg for balance.
Kharon
Contributor
I carry my pvc cane on my rig via a pocket & loop on my cam bands. Actually I carry my wife's and she carries mine. It's amazing how much easier the entries & exits are with a short cane as a third leg for balance.
As my body has increasingly begun to betray me I've been fighting back. I think it might be time to fight smarter. Going to make one ot those and not just for Bonaire. Headed for the hardware store as soon as I finish the new posts. Thanks for getting me to finally admit it's OK to get help however you can.
AdivingBel
Diver
Hey, you gotta do what you gotta do to keep doing the things in life you enjoy. My wife and I love Bonaire "dive freedom" except the part about rolling around on the ironshore like a turtle on it's back or the risk of injury not actually related to the diving itself (broken toes, sprained ankles, etc.). For us, the obvious part about the canes was the benefit of a bit of extra "balance" on the entries and exits. The surprising part was discovering how much anxiety we had built up (over time) and how it was affecting not only our diving, but our entire "Bonaire experience." It's like the entire island has been re-opened to us. We're back to tackling any site as long as the surf isn't slamming. It's pretty amazing for a piece of plastic pipe. I feel like I'm in the old SNL skit where they were selling rope.
Kharon
Contributor
LOL - I'm now looking far into the future and I can see a PVC walker. Seriously, I'd do it, if it kept me diving a few more years somewhere down the road. Just about anything to keep diving.
USC8791
Contributor
I highly recommend the telescoping walking sticks regardless of age. I started using one for Bonaire when I was 42. You won’t need them for every entry, but they sure make a difference at places that have big steps down into the water, shifting iron shore, slick grassy “steps” or a tricky entrance through a coral barrier. I buy the cheap ones; usually $15 for a set of two (one for me and one for my wife) on Amazon. I use bungee cords to attach it to my tank once I’m in the water (have your buddy slide it through the cords for you and vice versa). The cheap sticks don’t survive long after a week in the saltwater, so I just throw it in the trash before I leave the island.
Kharon
Contributor
I just made a segmented PVC "cane" yesterday. It's in four 8" segments and I'm going to run bungee through it (like tent supports) with a loop that can be used to hold the segments together when popped apart. That gives me an 8 inch bundle to pack and carry clipped to my harness. And it will last forever.
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