Posted: Sunday, July 20, 2025. 7:09 am CST.
By Breaking Belize News Staff: A brand-new event is making its debut in Placencia this summer, and it’s already gaining national attention. The “Battle of the Paddles,” scheduled for August 3, 2025, promises to be a one-of-a-kind race on water, blending athleticism with advocacy in the name of preserving the Placencia Lagoon.
Organized in partnership with the Placencia Village Council, the Crocodile Research Coalition, and Barefoot Services, the event seeks to raise awareness and action around the environmental challenges facing the region. The lagoon is not only home to fragile ecosystems but plays a vital role in the livelihoods of local residents and the tourism economy. By hosting a community-centered event that is both fun and impactful, organizers hope to engage a wider audience in conservation efforts.
The competition will begin at 9:00 a.m. with races launching from the Placencia Municipal Pier. Competitors can sign up for one of three main watercraft events—canoes and sea kayaks will race over a 20-mile stretch, sit-on-top kayaks will navigate a 3.5-mile double loop, and paddleboarders will circle a 1.7-mile course around Placencia Caye. The cost to enter is $50 per paddler.
But the event isn’t just about speed or stamina. Battle of the Paddles will transform The Point Beach into a hub of activity, offering beach volleyball tournaments, music, food stalls, and local artisan vendors. Families are encouraged to attend even if they’re not racing, as the event is being designed as a full-day celebration of community, culture, and nature.
According to Ian Yearwood, one of the lead organizers, the inspiration behind the event came from a desire to connect people to the water in a more intentional way. “We live in one of the most beautiful places in Belize,” he said. “But we have to protect it. This race is a way to remind people that what we enjoy today has to be preserved for the future.”
Race proceeds will help fund local environmental initiatives, and community members are invited to support by racing, donating, or simply attending. To learn more, follow the event updates on social media at @battleofthepaddles on Facebook.
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The post New water race in Placencia aims to raise awareness for lagoon protection appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
Posted: Sunday, July 20, 2025. 7:09 am CST. By Breaking Belize News Staff: A brand-new event is making its debut in Placencia this summer, and it’s
The post New water race in Placencia aims to raise awareness for lagoon protection appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
