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2007 Race-Recap, Results & Photos are located at bottom of this page.

        The 8th Annual Bonaire EcoSwim

                 Saturday, December 6, 2008

            10K, 5K, 3K, 1K & 2K/2 person relay Swims 


  

   

 CLICK HERE FOR ONLINE ENTRY

or

CLICK HERE FOR ENTRY FORM (PDF )


 The Magic of Bonaire:  

In 1979, the waters around Bonaire were protected and designated an official marine park, helping Bonaire earn its reputation as one of the world's most beautiful dive locations. Thanks to Bonaire's pristine reefs and diverse marine life, which are unique to the Caribbean, and the diligent stewardship of its marine resources, a water lover’s paradise was created. Bonaire is consistently rated number one in the world for best shore diving and one of the top four best dive destinations in the world. Readers of Rodale's Scuba Diving magazine voted Bonaire as the best shore diving destination in the world for the 12th consecutive year. In May 2005, CNN/National Geographic ranked Bonaire amongst the top four best dive destinations in the world.  For non-divers, snorkeling is also spectacular and windsurfing conditions on the windy side of the island are ideal! But that isn't all there is to do on Bonaire. You can also enjoy other world class adventures and activities including free-diving, mountain biking, sea kayaking, bird watching, horseback riding, and stargazing. Bonaire also boasts a wide variety of cultural dining experiences. A team of chefs from several of Bonaire's multitude of restaurants took high honors two years in a row at international culinary competitions, bringing home many medals and honors to the island. Two of the swimmers' favorite restaurants are Capriccio's, an authentic Italian restaurant that has the best wine cellar in the Caribbean, and Casablanca, an Argentinean Grill that was voted the number one dive-destination restaurant in January 2005 by readers of Scuba Diving magazine.

The Readers Choice Survey in the January 2008 Scuba Diving Magazine rates Bonaire #1 in the following categories:

Top Dive Destination

Top Marine Life

Top Shore Diving

Top Underwater Photography

Top Beginner Diving

Top Advanced Diving

 

Location:

The Dutch Caribbean Island of Bonaire, Netherlands Antilles, is located 50 miles north of Venezuela, 30 miles from Curacao and 86 miles east of Aruba, outside of the hurricane belt. The island is 24 miles long by 3 - 7 miles wide. The highest
elevation is Brandaris Hill, which is 784 feet.

Climate:

Bonaire is sunny all year long. The island's location in the southern Caribbean gives it an arid climate. The yearly average temperature is 82°F with 75% relative humidity while the average water temperature is between 78 to 84°F.

Events:

10K solo swim; 5K solo swim; 5K swim with fins; 3K solo swim; 3K swim with fins; 1K solo swim; 1K swim with fins; and the kid's pier-to-pier fun swim. New in 2008 is the 2K 2 person relay (each swimmer swims 1K with the relay exchange taking place at Captain Don's dock) SWIMMERS CAN SWIM ONLY ONE EVENT.

Race Courses:

All events will start and finish at the dock at Captain Don's Habitat. The course for the 10K, 5K, 3K, and 1K, and relay will be along the coast of Bonaire rounding a fixed buoy. Water stops will be available for the 10K and 5K swims. The course for the kid's pier-to-pier fun swim will be from Captain Don's Habitat to Buddy Dive and back.

Entry Fees/Deadlines:

Entry fees for the 10K, 5K, 3K, 1K, and relay swims are US $89.00 per swimmer, if received on or before November 1, 2008 The cost includes one ticket to the welcome dinner, a t-shirt, swim cap, and swimmers permit to the marine park. The cost for entries received after November 1, 2008 is US $109.00 and the t-shirt, swim cap, and dinner will be subject to availability. Registration for the pier-to-pier fun swim will be accepted both the day prior to and the day of the race. There is no cost for the kid's pier-to-pier fun swim.

Additional T-Shirts and Dinners:

Additional t-shirts and pre-race dinners may be purchased based on availability at the mandatory pre-race check in. 

Payment:

Enter online or print, sign and mail the pdf version of the entry form and waiver. Checks should be made payable to Aqua Moon Adventures in US dollars and mailed with the completed entry form and signed waiver to the address shown below. Incomplete entries will not be accepted.

Aqua Moon Adventures
2615 NW 99th Avenue
Coral Springs, FL 33065

USA

Event Timeline:

-Thursday December 4, 2008

9:00 AM Meet at Captain Don's large dock for a group swim (optional)

-Friday, December 5, 2008

9:00 AM Meet at Captain Don's large dock for a group swim (optional)

4:30 - 5:30 PM: Check in at Captain Don's Conference Room & pick up t-shirt and goodie bag
5:30 – 7:00 PM: Pre-event welcome dinner at Rum Runners @ Captain Don’s Habitat.

7:00 - 7:30 PM: Mandatory pre-event meeting at Captain Don's Conference Room. Event safety, rules, the course, and any event changes will be discussed.

-Saturday, December 6, 2008

6:30 - 7:30 AM Race day check-in and body marking.

7:30 - 7:45 AM Last minute instructions.

8:00 AM Race start for 10K, 5K, 3K, 1K and 2K relay swims.

9:00 - 10:00 AM Registration for the kid's pier-to-pier swim.

10:30 AM Pier-to-pier fun swim.

1:00 PM (approx) Awards ceremony at Rum Runners @ Captain Don's Habitat.


-Sunday December 7, 2008

3:00 PM  Sunset Sail Social on the Samur. (optional/additional cost TBA) Depart Sand Dollar Condo dock at 3:15 PM Onboard the Samur we set sail for beautiful reefs where we will snorkel and surf-wing. Then cruise into the sunset. Tickets will be available at the pre-race meeting on Friday.

Bonaire Accommodations and Travel:

Packages including discounted air/lodging are available through:

Caradonna Dive Adventures  @   800-328-2288

Cammie Akins at extension 100 or Cammie@Caradonna.com

Vicki Nelson at extension 125 or vicki@caradonna.com

         Michele Talley extension 118 or Michele@caradonna.com

 

Lodging:

Captain Don's Habitat Resort  -our headquarters hotel, event start and finish. North America Reservations: 1-800-327-6709 Caradonna Travel has air/lodging packages available.


Sand Dollar Condominium Resort- condos w/kitchens -near Captain Don's. For Information and reservations, call toll free: 1-800-288-4773 or usreservations@sanddollarbonaire.com


Additional Information:

*It is your responsibility to attend all the mandatory pre event meetings as important event information and potential changes will be discussed

*For travel to Bonaire it is your responsibility to meet all entrance/departure requirements including but not limited to having a current/valid passport. Please check with the airlines and your government for additional requirements.

*There is a US$32 departure tax when leaving Bonaire.


*Remember that Bonaire sits closer to the sun, so bring plenty of Sunscreen!

*It is also a good idea to
join the event’s mailing list. In addition to posting any important updates on the events website, these updates will be sent to those on the mailing list. To add your name to the mailing list, please go HERE  If your email changes in the future you must sign up again with your current email in order to receive event updates.

*Bonaire is on Atlantic Standard Time, which is one hour ahead of Eastern Standard Time and the same as Eastern Daylight Time.

*US currency and major credit cards are accepted on island. The local currency in the Netherland Antilles is the NA Florin or Guilder.

*Several on island social activities may be offered (e. g., mountain biking, snorkeling, sunset cruises, dinner on the beach, pizza party, wine tastings, etc.). These activities are optional and additional fees will apply.

As these activities have been very successful in the past, we anticipate offering at least one of these again this year. Details will be available
at the pre-race meeting.


*Residents of Bonaire should contact BONHATA as your entries will be handled by them.

*Due to the nature and complexity of this event no refunds will be given for any reason including event cancellation. The race director reserves the right to modify any and all information relating to this race.

*As a condition of participation in this event all participants will be required to sign a Waiver/Release of Liability and also an event authorization form at the mandatory check in.

~

Bonaire Tourism Information:  Bonaire, Netherlands Antilles

~

TESTIMONIALS

This was my first Bonaire Eco Swim, and what a fantastic experience!  From meeting new and friendly people to swimming in truly tropical, warm water with colorful fish and turtles,   I can't imagine a better time!  It was very much worth the long haul there, and I'll be back next year, for sure!  A big thank you to the organizers and volunteers who made it such a huge success.  Everyone was friendly and fun!!  Hope to learn some Latin dance moves from the Venezuelans next year! See you in 2008!                                                                     Christine Tait  (2007 3K Winner)  Anchorage, Alaska

My husband (a non-swimmer) and I used the Bonaire EcoSwim as an excuse for a vacation, and we were not disappointed.  We had a fabulous time exploring the pristine waters of Bonaire, taking advantage of one of the top-ranked scuba destinations in the world.  It was my first open water race in salt water, and I was thrilled with the visibility.  I saw a couple of turtles, an eagle ray, a barracuda, and countless other beautiful fish -- during the race!  Randy and his crew organize a wonderful event, and we can't wait to go again next year.  -Kristi Lee -Sawtooth Masters Swim Team, Boise, ID (2007 5K Overall Winner)

  As long as you have a love for coral reef and tropical fish, I highly recommend the Bonaire Ecoswim for beginner and experienced open water swimmers, family and singles.   My husband and I belong to the Ohio Master Swim but we are “pool swimmers”. To complicate things, we have two young children 6 and 9 years old. Our friends at the OM who had participated in the Ecoswim multiple times recommended that we go. It turned out to be a fabulous idea. 
-Diana Pi MD Ohio Masters
Registering for the 2007 Aqua Moon Adventures Bonaire swim this year was quite possibly the best decision I had made in a very long time. From the moment I arrived on Bonaire to the time I had to leave, I felt the wonderful hospitality of the Island. The waters of Bonaire are crystal clear, warm, and filled with gorgeous coral reefs right off the beach. The swim event itself was the most relaxing and thoroughly enjoyable competition that I have taken part in and the social events were fabulous. As Event Director and someone with extensive knowledge of the Island and its people, Randy Nutt has put together an incredible experience in a beautiful setting which provides everything necessary for a great active vacation. It was a privilege to attend the event and to swim in these waters and I am eagerly looking forward to being back next year!
-Jeremy Ollerenshaw  Roswell, GA

"Swimming the shores of Bonaire is the most spectacular swimming I have ever done in my 40 years of swimming! This event is open water swimming at its finest. Spectacular snorkeling, fabulous people and great organization! Don't miss it in 2006!"
Sue Welker, Illinois
Head Coach Naperville Waves Swim Club

"Just wanted to say thanks again for a great swim! Bonaire is great, whether you are swimming on top of the water, or diving below the surface. And I met so many wonderful people - swimmers are always the most fun! Still thinking about next year!"
Diana Corbin, Maryland

"The Bonaire 5K swim was by far the most enjoyable and beautiful swim race that I have had the opportunity to compete in. The race coordination, administration and support during the race was excellent. In addition the 5k course was along the beautiful coral encrusted shoreline that created a backdrop for amazing fish sightings; I saw a spotted ray eel, sea turtle and a ship wreck during the swim! The Caribbean water is soooo blue and incredibly clear that you really have to experience it for yourself to appreciate it. No postcard could ever do this water and location justice. I am looking forward to the challenge and new undersea adventures waiting for me to discover during the next Bonaire Eco Swim!"
Carol Carr, Nashville, TN
Westside Swim Coach -'80 & '84 Olympic Swimmer

"Athletes who have participated in Randy Nutt's Bonaire Eco-Swim now agree with divers across the world that Bonaire is an aquatic paradise. While swimming in the waters of Bonaire, it is hard to take the time to turn your head for a breath, the reefs & fish below are mesmerizing. I won't miss this event next year!"
Ralph "LaneLine" MacIntyre
Atlanta, GA

"Randy and his gang put together yet another wonderful swim for all of us who decide swimming a 10K (or a 5K or a mile) at a glorious, tropical island is the way to go. It was an adventure that warms your heart and strengthens your soul. I'll be back next year for sure."
Gretchen Van De Carr
Durham, NC

"The Bonaire Open Water Swim is a wonderful opportunity to swim one's choice in distances in a truly beautiful setting. Besides this, the island offers a great chance to get away from the world as we know it and really relax and enjoy the water, the people, the fish and the assortment of restaurants. Highly recommended!!"
Russ Frazier, Tampa
Coach SunCoast Y Swimfit


PAST RESULTS:   for 2007 Photos, Results & Race Re-Cap scroll below

                          2006 results    2006 race recap

                          2005 results    2005 race recap 

                          2004 results     2004 race recap  

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~
2007 RACE RE-CAP & RESULTS
 
The 7th Annual Bonaire EcoSwims field of 107 participants, its largest ever, was greeted by sunshine, beautiful skies, and crystal clear waters.  Bonaire in the Netherlands Antilles (Dutch Caribbean) is recognized as the shore diving capital of the world and a perfect location for fun, friendship, and fast open water swimming. This year’s course was new, going north taking the swimmers around a barge, over spectacular and lively reefs, colorful tropical fish, and several sea turtles. Jimmy Welborn 52, from Chattanooga TN won the 10K in 2:51:13 with 32 year old Kristi Lee from Idaho taking the 5K in 1:18:12. The 1K and 3K champions ranged in ages from 12 year old Christiaan Zweers (1K) to open water tough man Doug Hellerson (3K) age 61. (Complete results follow).
 
Competitors represented over 18 US states, a large contingent from Venezuela and Bonaire. In addition to the event swimmers were very active socially with the traditional sunset cruise on board the Samur. Also well attended were celebratory dinners at Capriccio with the best wine cellar in the Caribbean, and several nighttime snorkeling trips under the stars.
 
   
BONAIRE ECOSWIM - 2007 FINAL RESULTS
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
BONAIRE ECOSWIM 2007 1K OVERALL RESULTS
 
 
 
 
 
Place
Time
Last Name
First Name
Gender
Age
City
State
Country
 
1
25:55
Zweers
Christiaan
M
12
Bonaire
 
BON
 
2
26:20
Nestares
Jaime
M
48
Caracas
 
VEN
 
3
26:29
Vegas
Patricia
F
45
Caracas
 
VEN
 
4
26:38
Mostert
Jaimy
F
11
Bonaire
 
BON
 
5
27:28
Atencio
Patricia
F
33
Key Biscayne
FL
USA
 
6
27:32
van Riemsdyke
Isidoor
M
34
Bonaire
 
BON
 
7
29:20
Ollerenshaw
Jeremy
M
46
Roswell
GA
USA
 
8
30:19
Leahy
Ryan
M
34
Bonaire
 
BON
 
9
32:15
Cordero
Mireya
F
41
Caracas
 
VEN
 
10
34:47
Teitel
Pam
F
45
Bonaire
 
BON
 
11
42:32
Owens
Susan
F
58
New Windsor
MD
USA
 
12
42:36
Damico
John
M
60
Hanover
PA
USA
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
BONAIRE ECOSWIM 2007 1K FEMALE RESULTS
 
 
 
 
 
Place
Time
Last Name
First Name
Gender
Age
City
State
Country
 
1
26:29
Vegas
Patricia
F
45
Caracas
 
VEN
 
2
26:38
Mostert
Jaimy
F
11
Bonaire
 
BON
 
3
27:28
Atencio
Patricia
F
33
Key Biscayne
FL
USA
 
4
32:15
Cordero
Mireya
F
41
Caracas
 
VEN
 
5
34:47
Teitel
Pam
F
45
Bonaire
 
BON
 
6
42:32
Owens
Susan
F
58
New Windsor
MD
USA
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
BONAIRE ECOSWIM 2007 1K MALE RESULTS
 
 
 
 
 
 
Place
Time
Last Name
First Name
Gender
Age
City
State
Country
 
1
25:55
Zweers
Christiaan
M
12
Bonaire
 
BON
 
2
26:20
Nestares
Jaime
M
48
Caracas
 
VEN
 
3
27:32
van Riemsdyke
Isidoor
M
34
Bonaire
 
BON
 
4
29:20
Ollerenshaw
Jeremy
M
46
Roswell
GA
USA
 
5
30:19
Leahy
Ryan
M
34
Bonaire
 
BON
 
6
42:36
Damico
John
M
60
Hanover
PA
USA
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
BONAIRE ECOSWIM 2007 1K WITH FINS OVERALL RESULTS
 
 
 
 
Place
Time
Last Name
First Name
Gender
Age
City
State
Country
 
 
DNF
Werdath
Diane
F
8
Bonaire
 
BON
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
BONAIRE ECOSWIM 2007 1K WITH FINS FEMALE RESULTS
 
 
 
 
Place
Time
Last Name
First Name
Gender
Age
City
State
Country
 
 
DNF
Werdath
Diane
F
8
Bonaire
 
BON
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
BONAIRE ECOSWIM 2007 1K WITH FINS MALE RESULTS
 
 
 
 
 
No swimmers
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
BONAIRE ECOSWIM 2007 3K OVERALL RESULTS
 
 
 
 
 
Place
Time
Last Name
First Name
Gender
Age
City
State
Country
 
1
53:03
Hellerson
Doug
M
61
Nashville
TN
USA
 
2
53:38
Zweers
Pieter
M
50
Bonaire
 
BON
 
3
55:41
Tait
Christine
F
42
Anchorage
AK
USA
 
4
1:00:13
Moran
Danielle
F
29
Plantation
FL
USA
 
5
1:01:06
Vernaez
Guy
M
35
Caracas
 
VEN
 
6
1:01:42
Parra
Yitzzy
F
45
Caracas
 
VEN
 
7
1:02:07
Panvini
Jacqueline
F
45
Caracas
 
VEN
 
8
1:02:07
Gutierrez
Marcos
M
36
Caracas
 
VEN
 
9
1:06:20
Parra
Waldon
M
44
Caracas
 
VEN
 
10
1:07:44
Alvarado
Angel
M
47
Caracas
 
VEN
 
11
1:07:57
Rodriguez
Alejandro
F
42
Caracas
 
VEN
 
12
1:10:22
Torbar
Lara
F
42
Caracas
 
VEN
 
13
1:11:53
Rubin
Jami
F
30
Margate