How it began

Born from the Water

The inaugural Battle of the Paddles launched on August 3, 2025 — a date chosen in honor of race founder Ian Yearwood's late father's birthday, making the event both a personal tribute and a community-driven mission.

Ian is a passionate Belizean athlete and outdoorsman, having competed in the La Ruta Maya Belize River Challenge and the Belize Cross Country Cycling Classic. Through years on Belize's rivers, coastlines, and lagoons, he developed a deep appreciation for the country's fragile ecosystems.

The Battle of the Paddles was created from that passion — not just as a competition, but as a platform to inspire environmental stewardship and unite people through a shared connection to the water.

Founder — Ian Yearwood

The Mission

Race for the Environment

By welcoming multiple watercraft categories, the race creates opportunities for paddlers of different ages, backgrounds, and skill levels to participate while raising awareness about preserving the Placencia Lagoon and Belize's coastal ecosystems for generations to come.

More than just a competition — it's a celebration of Belize's coastal lifestyle and a platform for conservation action through sport, collaboration, and community.

Placencia Lagoon — Belize