Battle of the Paddles

22/05/2026

The Belize Tourism Industry Association (BTIA) is supporting the Placencia peninsula communities that are concerned about the damages being done to the Placencia lagoon and other parts of Belize.

19/05/2026

The voices of the Placencia Peninsula community are growing louder, and for good reason. Residents, guides, fishermen, tour operators, and families are deeply concerned about the ongoing damage to the Placencia Lagoon.

This is not a distant problem for the future. The impacts are happening now, every single day. Increased sediment, habitat destruction, shoreline changes, and pressure on wildlife are already affecting one of Belize’s most important natural ecosystems.

The Placencia Lagoon is more than water. It is home to manatees, fish nurseries, birds, livelihoods, recreation, and the natural beauty that supports our tourism industry and way of life.

Many are now calling for a moratorium on additional dredging permits until stronger environmental protections and long-term sustainability measures are in place.

We cannot continue to think only in terms of “years from now.” What will remain in just a few months if current practices continue unchecked?

Protecting the lagoon means protecting Placencia’s future.

08/05/2026

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Join us in Placencia on August 2, 2026 as we paddle with purpose for conservation, community, and the future of the lagoon.

More than a sporting event, the Battle of the Paddles is a race with purpose, bringing attention to the importance of protecting the fragile ecosystems of the Placencia Lagoon.

This unique community event unites paddlers, conservation partners, local businesses, and environmental advocates in support of sustainability, education, and responsible stewardship of Belize’s natural resources.

The Placencia Lagoon is one of southern Belize’s most valuable ecosystems. Its mangrove forests help protect our coastlines, support marine life, provide habitat for wildlife, and play a vital role in the health of our environment and local communities.

Through sport, community engagement, and environmental awareness, Battle of the Paddles encourages both locals and visitors to appreciate and help preserve the beauty of Belize for future generations.

01/04/2026

Be a Sponsor. Make an Impact.

The 2nd Annual Battle of the Paddles returns on August 2, 2026, and we’re inviting partners to be part of this growing environmental initiative in Placencia.

This event brings together community, sport, and purpose—raising awareness for the preservation of the Placencia Lagoon.

We are now welcoming sponsors and partners who want to align with sustainability, community engagement, and meaningful impact.

Express your interest in sponsoring the Battle of the Paddles 2026 race. We will contact you to outline sponsorship packages.

01/04/2026

01/04/2026

SAVE THE DATE – BATTLE OF THE PADDLES 2026

The countdown begins! The 2nd Annual Battle of the Paddles returns to Placencia on August 2, 2026—and it’s set to be bigger, stronger, and even more impactful.

Join us for an exciting day in Placencia featuring races in:
- Canoes
- Sea Kayaks
- Sit-on-Top Kayaks
- Stand-Up Paddleboards

This is more than a race—it’s a movement. Together with our partners (Placencia Village Council PVC, Barefoot Services - Create Your Adventure, Crocodile Research Coalition Sandycovebztours) we continue to raise awareness about protecting and preserving the Placencia Lagoon while bringing the community together through sport, purpose, and environmental stewardship.

Whether you’re ready to compete, support, or partner with us (Belize Canoe Association), now is the time to get involved.

📅 Mark your calendar: August 2, 2026
📍 Placencia Peninsula, Belize


Belize Tourism Board
Protected Areas Conservation Trust
Prana Maya Island Resort
World Wildlife Fund

01/04/2026

SAVE THE DATE – BATTLE OF THE PADDLES 2026

The countdown begins! The 2nd Annual Battle of the Paddles returns to Placencia on August 2, 2026—and it’s set to be bigger, stronger, and even more impactful.

27/08/2025

Fun fun day at 1st annual battle of the paddles

06/08/2025

The Battle of the Paddles was a huge success, and we’re excited to share all the details in our newsletter! 🏆

Inside, you'll find:

🎯 The official winners of the 2025 races
🤝 A big THANK YOU to our amazing sponsors
🔜 Information on how to get involved as a sponsor for the 2026 race
🏁 How YOU can be a part of the action as a race participant next year

Share the newsletter with your friends, and tell us how we can improve this incredible community event.

Together, let’s make the 2026 Battle of the Paddles even bigger and better!

That's a wrap!

We’re grateful to the photographers, and videographers, who captured the soul of this experience. Your generous volunteer work is well appreciated, from the splash of the first paddle to the cheers at the finish line.