I will probably regret posting this but here goes.

While the diving in Bonaire is great the entry and exit at many sites are somewhat difficult due to the uneven footing caused by the rocks in the water.

So, I wondered if part of the park fees couldn't be used to move the rocks at the water's edge out to a depth of say 4 feet and thereby create a 10' wide path to make for easier entry.

Alternately, small piers might be built perhaps supported by some of the local businesses for which they could install a small plaque. I noticed that this was done at the platform/ladder at the Oil Slick Leap site.

Anyhow, what do you think about this idea?

Please, no flames.

You're probably gonna' think I'm nuts Ed, but I consider the difficult entries and exits to be part of the adventure. I would consider streamlining the divesites to that degree to be contrary to the spirit of plan and execute it yourself shore diving. Just my opinion. Have a good one.

Thank you Marcus for posting...I feel the same way. Even after a few not so graceful entrances and exits, I have to agree it is part of the adventure and I love it! Just my humble opinion.

If a path was cleared, so that there was a distinct entry to each site, it would eliminate damage to corals everywhere else at that site. Unless there is a clear cut channel, most people probably enter the water wherever is most convenient. But if an entry point was designated, the very shallow corals & rock encrusting organisms everywhere else would be able to flourish. So it's a decent idea, but I don't know who would pay for it/ maintain it.

Ed, Oil Slick had a ladder for years, and it became very rusty, and rickety (I used it when it was in such condition years ago, and it was a bit scary...climbing up and having one side come off...), so the marine park replaced the ladder and built the platform before anyone got seriously hurt (just my theory on why they sprung for it).

Since the entire reef is a Marine Reserve, even "clearing" entries and exits would be against their own policy (IMHO). At some of the sites, "someone" has sort of placed "markers" with the coral and such to mark the best entries. I usually check the site out, and if there are such "markers" see if that is indeed the best place.

I'd have to agree that part of the challenge and excitement (be it sometimes painful and often NOT graceful) is part of the experience.

don't know how many times i've busted myself/camera up on hilma hooker entries/exits...someone needs to take a jackhammer down there for sure

While a swell idea, I recall many times seeing grapefruit and volleyball sized rocks churning around in the surf at shore entry, and I suspect it may not be possible to clear a path that would stay.
Now geezer handrails...

I'm still trying to figure out a rope/pulley system whereby I am picked up in full dive gear from the tailgate of the pick up truck, lifted in the air, and deposited safely about 20 yards out.

Kelly,

Have you tried the catapult from Robin Hood - Prince of Thieves. Might may the entry easy, but getting out would still be difficult.

Let us know before you try this so we can get 6 Olympic judges there to score you from two perspectives - technical merit and artistic impression.

Oh well, next crazy idea!!!!

Two words: floating dock.

Clarification of my "crazy idea" comment - it was meant to be the catapult; not any other suggestions.

Trebuchet!!!!!!

All you guys are making fun of Ed, but...

Back in the day, a certain group of folks with a can of yellow paint and a desire to promote diving on Bonaire, did just what Ed has suggested.

The reasoning was two-fold: establish "named" dive sites, and limit damage to the reefs (Jenny). It worked well for years; and then "The Wave" hit and all was lost.

Ed, I agree. Bring back the paths. Frankly, if I want to do big dive planning with difficult entries, I'm going to New Jersey and make some cash off a salvage.

It is not a bad idea, a three to four foot wide entry point or steps would not be that hard to construct. I know that changing in shore could possibly damage the eco-system of something but it also produces habitat for something else. One bad fall and a dive trip over or one piece of camera equipment broken is a fortune down the drain. The main reason though is the seniors that still want to dive those area but understand the risk of injury. RWhitt

Frankly, I've been told there are some really easy entries on Aruba.

Why not just flatten the steps to the movie theater and watch the fish there. think humans have done enough damage already in nature. leave it as it is, or go someone else.Bonaire is the best shore dive locations in the world.

I don't think anyone was making fun of Ed - and if nothing else all had a tongue in cheek laugh at their own frustrations in less than graceful entrances and exits. We suffer through the surge because we know the dive will be worth it, but there's nothing wrong in exercising a little humor at how to get in and out with all skin intact! This past July my husband fired me from any more shore diving for the rest of our trip - there were conditions that made usually easy entries rough.... and I had to agree with him as I rolled around in the surge! I can, and did, laugh at myself! I stuck with the giant stride off of the dock where we were staying for the rest of the week. We've had lots of forums in the past where we jokingly have wished for a boom crane to swing us out and drop us off in deeper water - all in good fun. No need to tell this older gal to go somewhere else, because I won't - lighten up muscle men - it's all in fun.

I thought about this very same idea...while it would be nice and easy to get in and out of the water, like many have already stated....what is the point of shore diving then?

I think it is a very small price to pay for having reefs so close to shore. While I doubt moving rocks away from the shoreline would create an ecological disaster, I say just leave them be.... That is nature and we should adapt to what the ocean throws at us, not the other way around.

J