Some excellent advice in this thread!
To future Bonaire Shore Divers: The earlier post of a Bonaire Shore entry is exactly what everyone thinks entries will be like - until they actually get there and try it. Sure, there are a few sites like this but most are not. However, many sites WILL KIND OF LOOK LIKE THAT PICTURE ... and that is what is misleading. From the shore it often looks like a nice sandy entry but in reality what you are seeing is the surf stirring up the sand in the water giving the illusion of a smooth sandy bottom when in reality it is masking a usually uneven rocky bottom. This isn't to scare off anyone - just to give awareness that photos like that often create expectations. The shore diving in Bonaire is awesome - but you're rarely (most likely never) just waking out on a smooth sandy bottom.
After two trips I think I fell into a system pretty much described by others. But I will note a few differences / preferences:
1.) I prefer Hogarthian setup so I have my alternate below my chin on a necklace. This means I can get to air w/o using my hands if needed. This only happened on one occasion coming back in when I slipped well after thinking my exit would be w/o incident. Having to hold a reg in one hand - well it ties up one useful hand be it entry or exit.
2.) I ended up doing the "duck walk" too. So I ended up putting my mask on for entries. I'm not sure why people enter with it off??? This allows me to quickly get my head underwater and see the bottom if needed. Once you can see the bottom and the BC is inflated enough to carry the weight the entry is easy. Plus, at this point you already have your mask on so you can use both hands to put on fins and be able to see them underwater if needed. Also, I kinda liked the fact that once I was about waist deep I could settle down and let the surf and inflated BC carry me out deeper where I could put on fins.
3.) The Seasoft Sunrays are great boots for Bonaire (I used them for both trips). But just remember, even boots like that can roll around on your foot depending on how hard you are slipping. Your ankle will be fine, but the entire boot can roll around where the sole is facing left or right vs straight down. I told myself the next time I go I'm taking my drysuit boots! Actually, I think an old pair of converse tennis shoes would be perfect. The seasoft boots come in two heights - I know the taller ones do not roll on my foot but are a lot harder to get off when the dive is done so I had brought the shorter ones on the second trip.
4.) We often had one or two people enter at the site first w/o rigs on to figure out the best way. In some cases, these people would first help others enter and then go back and get their rigs. This was also useful if someone was not comfortable entering / exiting with cameras. The reverse was done for exits. So if you have a larger group this may be an option for you.
5.) As mentioned earlier, that first step down can be a jolt. When diving one site south of the airport what looked like a one foot drop was more like 2 or 3. With all the gear on - needless to say it was a shock.
6.) On our second trip we noticed the piles of stones and used them whenever possible. They almost always gave really nice entry/exit points to minimize walking over really rough uneven parts.
7.) I think I recall my best luck entering w/o falling was sorta keeping my body at a 45 degree angle to the shore and then lead with one foot to find a spot, bring rear foot near that spot and then quickly lead again with the first foot. As the waves come in you have one foot down solid (most of the time) and you're not square to the wave as it comes in. But its been nearly a year now so its a bit foggy now.
The shore dives always seem to be the best dives so hopefully you find a way that works for you. I think I could shore dive invisibles every day and not get bored!
To future Bonaire Shore Divers: The earlier post of a Bonaire Shore entry is exactly what everyone thinks entries will be like - until they actually get there and try it. Sure, there are a few sites like this but most are not. However, many sites WILL KIND OF LOOK LIKE THAT PICTURE ... and that is what is misleading. From the shore it often looks like a nice sandy entry but in reality what you are seeing is the surf stirring up the sand in the water giving the illusion of a smooth sandy bottom when in reality it is masking a usually uneven rocky bottom. This isn't to scare off anyone - just to give awareness that photos like that often create expectations. The shore diving in Bonaire is awesome - but you're rarely (most likely never) just waking out on a smooth sandy bottom.
After two trips I think I fell into a system pretty much described by others. But I will note a few differences / preferences:
1.) I prefer Hogarthian setup so I have my alternate below my chin on a necklace. This means I can get to air w/o using my hands if needed. This only happened on one occasion coming back in when I slipped well after thinking my exit would be w/o incident. Having to hold a reg in one hand - well it ties up one useful hand be it entry or exit.
2.) I ended up doing the "duck walk" too. So I ended up putting my mask on for entries. I'm not sure why people enter with it off??? This allows me to quickly get my head underwater and see the bottom if needed. Once you can see the bottom and the BC is inflated enough to carry the weight the entry is easy. Plus, at this point you already have your mask on so you can use both hands to put on fins and be able to see them underwater if needed. Also, I kinda liked the fact that once I was about waist deep I could settle down and let the surf and inflated BC carry me out deeper where I could put on fins.
3.) The Seasoft Sunrays are great boots for Bonaire (I used them for both trips). But just remember, even boots like that can roll around on your foot depending on how hard you are slipping. Your ankle will be fine, but the entire boot can roll around where the sole is facing left or right vs straight down. I told myself the next time I go I'm taking my drysuit boots! Actually, I think an old pair of converse tennis shoes would be perfect. The seasoft boots come in two heights - I know the taller ones do not roll on my foot but are a lot harder to get off when the dive is done so I had brought the shorter ones on the second trip.
4.) We often had one or two people enter at the site first w/o rigs on to figure out the best way. In some cases, these people would first help others enter and then go back and get their rigs. This was also useful if someone was not comfortable entering / exiting with cameras. The reverse was done for exits. So if you have a larger group this may be an option for you.
5.) As mentioned earlier, that first step down can be a jolt. When diving one site south of the airport what looked like a one foot drop was more like 2 or 3. With all the gear on - needless to say it was a shock.
6.) On our second trip we noticed the piles of stones and used them whenever possible. They almost always gave really nice entry/exit points to minimize walking over really rough uneven parts.
7.) I think I recall my best luck entering w/o falling was sorta keeping my body at a 45 degree angle to the shore and then lead with one foot to find a spot, bring rear foot near that spot and then quickly lead again with the first foot. As the waves come in you have one foot down solid (most of the time) and you're not square to the wave as it comes in. But its been nearly a year now so its a bit foggy now.
The shore dives always seem to be the best dives so hopefully you find a way that works for you. I think I could shore dive invisibles every day and not get bored!
