Friday, October 22, 2010
Fundraising EcoDive to be Held December 27, 2010
EcoDive Bonaire 2010, the biggest dive in the history of Bonaire, will be held Monday, December 27, 2010 when Leo Hogenboom and Felix Faassen dive around Klein Bonaire in one single dive to raise money for STINAPA and the Sea Turtle Conservation.
The dive around Klein Bonaire is 6.8 miles (over 10 kilometers), and should take between 12 and 16 hours to finish. The dive is a massive undertaking and will require extraordinary training, equipment and methods to hydrate and feed the divers. To stay underwater this long and lessen decompression, each diver will use a minimum of eight 12l/80cf cylinders and not go deeper than 40 feet (12 meters). Shallower depths in the second half of the dive along with nitrox mixes and/or pure oxygen will be utilized to allow for gradual decompression. To stay hydrated, the divers will carry a fresh water supply on their backs. Nutrition is also an important factor. The divers will have gel packs that can be consumed underwater and will also have access to solid food using a specially designed portable dive bell, which allows them to breathe without a regulator and and take breaks. A surface support team will be on hand to help facilitate and assist the divers with all of these activities.
The purpose of the dive and the proceeds will be used to raise awareness of Bonaire’s conservation efforts regarding nature and animals and to bring attention to the importance of preserving Bonaire’s unique ecosystem. Captain Don’s Habitat Bonaire is the sponsor of the event. To read more about the event or to donate click here. (Source: EcoDive Bonaire 2010)
