Bonaire EcoSwim Finishes Up for 2006

By Christine Manna

NETHERLANDS, Antilles, October 29. IT was the best of times…it was the worst of times. That would be the tone of this year's Eco-Swim in Bonaire on Oct. 21.

"This was one of the fastest 5K swim races and one of the slowest 5K swim races that I have ever done," said Heidi Williams, 37, from Durham, N.C., a first time participant who placed third overall in the 10K with a time of 2:28.32.

Approximately 100 swimmers gathered together at the dock of Captain Don's Habitat, anxiously waiting for the 8 a.m. start, to participate in either the one mile, 5K, 10K or kids pier-to-pier swim along the shoreline of Bonaire, the Caribbean island located in the Netherland Antilles. This event has steadily grown throughout the years, and this year marked the largest participation ever. As active as these swimmers were during the race, so was the current.

"As a seasoned swimmer, this was the hardest swim I've ever done," said Sue Welker, head coach of Naperville Waves Swim Club and 2006 Coach of the Year, who participated this year and placed 12th overall in the 10K with a time of 4:02.39. "That's the excitement about coming down here, you don't know how the current is going to be. It can be a challenge of a lifetime or just a weekend get-away. Either way two thumbs up for the island of Bonaire."

But the current didn't stop the determination of Miriam Nowak, the 29 year-old who became the overall winner of the 10K with a time of 2:09.34. She took the first place position away from Jimmy Welborn, 51, who placed second this year with a time of 2:10.37. Last year, Nowak finished 11 seconds behind Welborn.

George Weber, a masters swimmer with the Central Oregon Masters Aquatics was a just one week shy of his 76th birthday, when he decided to travel to Bonaire to swim the metric mile swim, where he finished with a time of 53.56.

"Each year, I have a birthday swim and this year the swim was going to be in Bonaire," stated Weber. "The race was a lot of fun, my breathing was easier since I was swimming at a lower altitude than what I am used to in Oregon and my buoyancy was better, where my feet didn't drag. My swim was very enjoyable during the first 1/2 mile, until the turn around point and then it became tough with the current. As the oldest participant of the race, I want to be an encouragement to older swimmers by saying, just keep on going."

The thrill didn't stop there, the day after the race, swimmers took part in climbing onboard the Siamese Sailing Junk called the "Samur," where the ship set sail for a 31/2 hour cruise, where everyone got to enjoy cocktails, appetizers and the sunset. During the middle of the cruise, the Samur dropped anchor and everyone got to enjoy snorkeling and learning how to ride a new water toy called the "Surf-Wing."

Randy Nutt, Event Director, had this to say to the swimmers after the event: "On behalf of Aqua Moon Adventures and all the volunteers, I'd like to say a big `Thank You.' I never tire of mentioning that it is the swimmers who create the adventurous and wonderful atmosphere at these events. Your smiles, laughter, and enthusiasm create happiness and inspiration for everyone. It is our hope that we added a little excitement and friendship into your life as you did ours."

"What I liked best about this trip other than touching the orange buoy at the finish was all the camaraderie. I never experienced such a more organized race," added Williams. The Bonaire community including the Marine Park and local boaters, as well as kayakers played a significant role in keeping the waters safe for the swimmers who participated. One of the kayakers, Gabriel from Bonaire, gave his knowledge about the local current situation to the swimmers.

Bob Bruce, head coach of the Central Oregon Masters Aquatics participated in his first Bonaire race and placed fifth overall in the 5K. "This was a great place for a race. I swim in open water races all the time and enjoy the outdoor surroundings of Oregon, but nothing compares to looking at the beautiful scenery while swimming around this island. This trip was right down our line of interest."

Subscribe
Notify of
guest

Welcome to our community. We invite you to join our discussion. Our community guidelines are simple: be respectful and constructive, keep on topic, and support your fellow commenters. Commenting signifies that you agree to our Terms of Use

0 Comments
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
0
Would love your thoughts, please comment.x
()
x