Water Sports

News about water sports

Thursday, October 20, 2011

No Landing Zone Established on Klein Bonaire for Vessels

Unfortunately, there’s been an increase of stranding of rental boats or kayaks on the eastern shore of Klein Bonaire, which is harmful to the marine environment in that area.  Accordingly, the Bonaire Insider has been informed by STINAPA that a “no landing zone” has been established to avoid further damage.

Effective immediately, it is no longer allowed to embark or disembark on Klein Bonaire with any type of vessel in the area between Ebo’s Reef (12.09.881 N 68.17.703 W) and Nearest Point (12.08.081N 68.17.372W). This measure is necessary to preserve the shallow reef of that area, the only sea grass patch on Klein Bonaire, and the only foraging area for juvenile green turtles.

In the place of this area, No Name Beach may continue to be used as a landing area for all vessels.  (Source:  STINAPA)

Thursday, October 13, 2011

Next Underwater Cleanup is Saturday, October 22, 2011

The underwater cleanups have become very popular activities, with over 100 participants joining in together on each event to keep Bonaire beautiful.  As such, there is another cleanup scheduled to take place at Karel’s Beach Bar Pier on Saturday, October 22, 2011.

Everyone is welcome to participate--divers, snorkelers, and those who wish to lend a hand with shore support.  Anyone interested in participating should check in at Dive Friends @ Yellow Submarine at 12:30 PM, and the dive briefing will begin at 1:00 PM.  All participants are welcome to return at 5:00 PM for the event’s customary BBQ at Dive Friends @ Yellow Submarine; drinks and main courses will be provided by Dive Friends, but participants are asked to bring a side dish to share.  Those planning on attending should advise Dive Friends Bonaire by sending an email to cleanup@dive-friends-bonaire.com or calling 717-2929 to make a reservation.  For additional information about the cleanups, click here. (Source:  Dive Friends Bonaire)

Wednesday, October 05, 2011

The Place to Be Was on the Beach for Jong Bonaire’s 11th Annual Swim to Klein Bonaire

Bonaire’s 44th annual Regatta Week kicked off this past Sunday with the 11th annual Swim to Klein Bonaire, hosted by Jong Bonaire. The event was well attended by both island residents and tourists, with many on hand to cheer on the participants.

Unlike last year, when a sudden wind reversal made the swim difficult, this year the weather for the event was beautiful with clear and sunny skies, but a strong easterly wind and some waves in the channel made the return trip challenging for those opting to do the whole roundtrip. 325 swimmers participated in the event. The youngest participants were age 6, and there were several of them, and the oldest participant was 72. Plenty of volunteers and rescue boats were present for those who couldn’t finish the swim or chose not to battle the wind and waves on the return part of the swim.

This year’s men’s winner was Peter Zweers with a time of 34.40, followed by Leonard Klueters finishing at 35.27, and the third place finisher was Samson Everts with a time of 37.56.  On the women’s side, Terzha Richards finished first with a time of 37.30, followed by Ryda Luz Emmer at 37.50 and in third place was Kale Feliz with a time of 39.45. The Bonaire Insider’s own Susan Davis finished near the front of the group, coming in in about 49 minutes. The last person finished the competition in 2 hours and 3 minutes.

The wind forecast for the rest of Regatta Week is excellent with winds predicted between 12 and 20 knots each day. Various Regatta events will be held daily for the rest of the week, with the races concluding on Friday. The final party is Saturday evening in Kralendijk. (Source: Bonaire Insider Reporter, images by Tim Nesselrodt and Marc Sieverding)

Wednesday, September 28, 2011

The 44th Edition of the Bonaire International Sailing Regatta and Festival Begins This Weekend

Scheduled activities will begin as early as this Friday and continue through Sunday, October 9th, 2011.  To view the schedule of events, click here.

The Bonaire Regatta is an annual sailing event with many races along the rugged coast of Bonaire and Klein Bonaire. All kinds of boats, hailing from all over the world, participate in this sailing competition. Added to this are windsurfing- and freestyle-competitions. The daily races in various categories are scheduled very close to shore in the Kralendijk Bay, so spectators can easily follow the colorful sails.

The evenings are filled with the Regatta Festival activities along the Sea Promenade, Wilhelmina Park, and on the streets of Kralendijk. Stands with a variety of local food, souvenirs, games, and handicrafts attract locals as well as visitors; they throng the normally quiet streets during this time. International and local bands perform on stage every day of this festive week.

To learn more about Bonaire’s annual Regatta, click here.  (Source:  Bonaire International Sailing Regatta & Festival)

Friday, September 16, 2011

The Eleventh Annual Jong Bonaire Swim to Klein Bonaire Will Be Held on Sunday, October 2nd, 2011

The Eleventh Annual Jong Bonaire Swim to Klein Bonaire will be held at the start of Regatta Week on Sunday, October 2, 2011.  Each year, the number of participants grows exponentially, and it’s quite a sight to see hundreds of swimmers making their way across the channel between Bonaire and Klein Bonaire.

The swim will begin from the beach at Eden Beach Resort, and swimmers should arrive no later than 7:00 AM.  The entry fee is $15.00 per person (adult) or $10.00 for kids.  The entry fee includes an event t-shirt, lunch, and drink. Tickets can be purchased in advance at Jong Bonaire, Bon Fysio/BonBida, or Freewieler.

The swim can be done with or without snorkel equipment, and hardy souls even make the swim back.  Plenty of boats are on hand to help with those who tire or need assistance, or those who want to ride in comfort back to the beach.

To avoid long lines on the morning of the swim, there will be a pre-registration available at Jong Bonaire between 5:00 and 7:00 PM Saturday, October 1st, at Jong Bonaire.  Those who are unable to make the pre-registration can still register the morning of the event.

For those visiting Bonaire, it’s a great opportunity to mingle with the locals, who all turn out at what has become an island social event.  See you on the beach! (Source:  Jong Bonaire)

Friday, August 19, 2011

Coral Spawning Takes Place Now through October on Bonaire

In the days following the full moons in August, September, and October, many marine organisms spawn, including both hard and soft corals, as well as some invertebrates.

Many divers who haven’t yet witnessed such an event, plan their visits to Bonaire to coincide with the expected coral spawning dates.  Although some species may be spawning now in August, this year it is predicted that the majority of species will spawn in either September or October, or both months.

Thanks to the Bonaire National Marine Park and STINAPA, we have a fairly accurate forecast for when individual species will spawn.  Spawning is always tied to the full moon, usually occurring three to nine days after the full moon in each of these two months.  Times are approximate, and it should be realized that even though divers may be in the water at the exact predicted times, these animals sometimes have a schedule of their own, so a fair amount of time in the water is necessary to witness this spectacular event.  The full prediction schedule for 2011 is available by visiting STINAPA’s web site, or by clicking here (in PDF format).  (Source:  STINAPA Web Site)

Thursday, August 11, 2011

The 2011 Wounded Warriors are Honored by Bonaire’s Lt. Governor Glenn Thode

Lt. Governor Glenn Thode and his wife hosted a reception at their home Wednesday evening to honor and salute this year’s contingent of Wounded Warriors--David, Gloria, Thomas, Ryan, Garth, Tasha, and Thomas.  View images of the evening’s reception by clicking here.

In a Bonairean tradition for visiting Wounded Warriors, the Bonaire Bikers provided an escort from Captain Don’s Habitat to the Lt. Governor’s residence.  After their arrival in parade fashion, Lt. Governor Thode warmly greeted the warriors, their spouses and family, and welcomed each of them to his home.

The reception is a time when many of the event’s sponsors get the opportunity to meet and speak with the warriors and their families and extend to them their thanks for all they have done.  Many of the warriors shrug off the thanks--to them, it’s a job which just has to be done!

In Lt. Governor Thode’s speech, he informed those present that, over the years, he has been so impressed with the Wounded Warrior project that he has been in contact with Queen Beatrix in Holland, as well as Parliament, to see if a similar program can be started for those Dutch military personnel who find themselves in similar circumstances.  He eloquently expressed his hope that, one day, Bonaire can host a contingent from the U.S. and one from Holland, so that they may all get the opportunity to meet each other.

Then, each warrior received a certificate, medal, Bonaire flag pin, and key-chain to commemorate their time on Bonaire.  They were each bestowed with the status of honorary Bonaire ambassadors.  These men and women will be ideal ambassadors to spread the word about Bonaire and its close ties to the United States and all those who visit from there.

The evening ended with one of Bonaire’s dance groups providing entertainment by presenting a variety of traditional Antillean folkloric dances.

Today and tomorrow will be the warriors’ final full days to enjoy the island, as they will depart on Saturday for their homes.

(Source:  Bonaire Insider Reporter)

Tuesday, August 09, 2011

The Wounded Warriors are Now Certified!

It’s hard to believe, but this year’s contingent of Wounded Warriors--men and women in the U.S. military who were severely injured in their country’s service--are nearly half-way through their jam-packed week of diving and other Bonaire activities.  Now, all warriors are certified, and today they went out for a shore dive in front of Captain Don’s Habitat, where they are staying.  View images of today’s dive on the Bonaire Insider Photo Gallery by clicking here.

Consisting of five men and two women, as well as partners and family members accompanying them, the group this year has easily fallen under Bonaire’s spell!  From the time they landed on Sunday morning, they’ve been kept busy with their certifications, as well as getting to know the island and all it has to offer.

Monday they were filmed while diving by Jonathan Bird for an upcoming PBS segment, while Monday evening they enjoyed the barbecue dinner at Habitat, compliments of many in the BonaireTalk.com community, who donated funding in order to thank these folks for their sacrifices.

Tomorrow, the Bonaire Insider will catch up with the group once again, when they are honored at a reception at the home of Bonaire’s Lt. Governor, Glenn Thode.  We’ll be sure to keep our readers posted as the week progresses.

(Source:  Bonaire Insider Reporter)

Tuesday, August 02, 2011

Bonaire to Host The Wounded Warriors for the Sixth Consecutive Year

For the sixth consecutive year, Bonaire is proud to welcome the Wounded Warriors to their “home away from home” as they use SCUBA diving for rehabilitation and recreation from August 6th through 13th, 2011.

During this week, severely wounded troops and their significant others will travel to the island to complete the final step in the process of obtaining their dive certifications. Representatives of the Diving Equipment & Marketing Association’s (DEMA) Be A Diver Program and the North American office of Tourism Corporation Bonaire will also be joining the group. All accommodations and diving will be provided courtesy of Captain Don’s Habitat Bonaire. Each year the people of Bonaire warmly welcome this group and show them not only the natural beauty and pristine waters of the island, but also the friendliness and genuine hospitality of the Bonairean people.

This year’s contingent of seven Wounded Warriors has suffered life-changing physical injuries which they received in combat while stationed in Iraq and Afghanistan. They and their partners will be kept busy with a variety of activities beginning with the completion of their PADI and HSA dive certifications, which will take place on Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday next week. Once certified, they will continue diving throughout the week, both from the dock of Captain Don’s Habitat and via boat dives to Klein Bonaire and other famous Bonaire dive sites. The group will also enjoy shopping, sightseeing, dining, a Texas-style steak dinner, and experiencing the island’s culinary fare at a signature event called “Taste of Bonaire.” The highlight of the week will take place when the Bonaire community gathers to meet these extraordinary troops and their companions at the reception held in their honor at the home of Lt. Governor Glenn Thode.  As in previous years, the Bonaire Insider once again will be following the activities of these very special visitors and will keep readers informed about the Wounded Warriors’ activities throughout their week on Bonaire.

Sponsors to date of the Sixth Bonaire-Be A Diver-Wounded Warrior Scuba Certification trip are: 9Line LLC, Adams Unlimited Public Relations & Marketing, AERIS, Bikers Bonaire, Bonaire KFC, BonaireTalk.com, Bonaire Quad Tours, Bonaire Guided Motorcycle Tours, Bonaire Tours & Vacations, BonPhoto, Budget Rent A Car Bonaire, Captain Don’s Habitat, Caradonna Dive Adventures, Inc., Care Coalition, Caribbean Travel & Life Magazine, Chat & Browse Bonaire, Casablanca Restaurant, Disabled Sports USA, DEMA/Be a Diver, Dive Training Magazine, Henderson, H.S.A. International Training Center of New Jersey, Islands Magazine, Jack Chalk, Jewel Of Bonaire, NetTech, N.V., OCEANIC, PADI, Paradise Moon Bar & Restaurant, Pasa Bon Pizza, Patagonia Restaurant, Princeton Tec, Rum Runners, Scuba Diving Magazine, Sunset Bar & Grill Restaurant, Tourism Corporation Bonaire, and the Wounded Warrior Project.  (Source:  TCB-NY)

Monday, July 25, 2011

Massive Clean Up Dive Effort Under Kralendijk’s Town Pier

On Sunday morning, July 11, 2011, visitor and resident divers gathered at Dive Friends @ Yellow Submarine to volunteer their time for a good cause.  The dive center was soon filled to overflowing and the volunteers kept on arriving.  Over 102 people came to help the marine ecosystem of Bonaire and enjoy a world-famous dive at the same time.

Asko Zuidam of Dive Friends Bonaire addressed the group to explain what trash should be recovered and what should be left behind, as well as how to keep from damaging any marine animals.  Eco-friendly, reusable grocery bags donated by Cultimara were handed out to all volunteers.  Shortly afterward, the divers relocated to the Town Pier for the dive.  They entered the water between the Town Pier and Karel’s Beach Bar, descended, and began to fill their bags with trash. When filled, the bags were brought to the surface to those working as shore support. There, Dive Friends crew and volunteers checked once again to be sure no marine creatures had been inadvertently included, counted, and tallied the trash for statistics, and then disposed of it in the dumpster that was donated by Selibon.

The Town Pier is a working pier, and thus the underwater terrain can accumulate more trash than is normal on the reef.  The statistics of the rubbish collected once again confirmed this to be true.  Items collected include:  901 glass bottles, 1 grocery bag, 19 trash bags, 81 plastic bottles, 49 cups, 1 diaper, 4 fishnets, 26 plates, 6 batteries, 132 beverage cans, 12 shoes, 3 car parts, 14 tires, 8 ropes, 3 books, 11 items of clothing, over 25 lengths of fishing line and much more.  A total of 1,530 items were removed.  That only one grocery bag was recovered shows that the reusable bags being used on Bonaire are having a positive impact on the environment.

In the later afternoon, all volunteers, their families and friends were welcomed back for a Pot Luck BBQ, with food and beverages hosted by Dive Friends Bonaire and NetTech.  Prior to enjoying a great dinner, all participants were eligible for a variety of raffle prizes, consisting of Reef t-shirts, Ouray caps, Deep Blue Gear dive accessories and a grand prize gift certificate for dinner for two at Capriccio Ristorante.  After dinner, everybody was treated to a cruise aboard the Good Return.

The entire program was videoed above and below water by BonPhoto and can be viewed by clicking here.

The next quarterly Dive Friends Bonaire underwater cleanup is scheduled for Saturday, September 17, 2011. All are welcome to join in. Additional information about the cleanups is available by clicking here.  (Source:  Dive Friends Bonaire and NetTech)

Note Update August 8, 2011: Due to a scheduling conflict, the next underwater cleanup will be Saturday, October 22, 2011, and NOT September 17, 2011 as noted above.  (Source:  Dive Friends Bonaire)