Annual Ambergris Caye Lagoon-Reef Eco Challenge Kayak Race

2008 ambergris caye lagoon-reef eco-challenge a great success!

On behalf of the SPBA, but also personally I would like to thank the business community for their support of the Ambergris Caye Eco-Challenge. Elito had a vision over four years to create a race that would challenge the body and expand awareness. He created a race that takes participants kayaking 42 miles through the waters of Ambergris Caye. During this race the participants paddle through areas that are only accessible by kayak. They see parts of our eco-system that are often forgotten or ignored. These participants then return to share their experiences with their friends, family and the entire community. Through this we have all gotten more awareness about the importance of these areas.

Each year Elito, with of the help of Keira Forman from Hol Chan dedicates himself to making this event happen. He could not make it happen with out the support of the businesses and community of San Pedro. This year they had a total of 29 teams and for the first time ever we had teams that flew into Belize just to participate in the race. The Eco-Challenge was able to award over $14,000.00 BZ in cash prizes to the top three winners in the professional and amateur categories as well first and second for the women’s category. They also awarded numerous gift certificates to the teams for prizes like snorkel gear, dinners, bar tabs and hotel stays.

I would also like to thank all of the people that took the time to support the race by following along on the races and providing water and making sure that everyone was safe. This year we had incredible support from Josh (Seaside Real Estate), Chris (Sail Sports), Roberto (Ambergris Divers), Fitz (Jambel), Bacalar Chico Marine Reserve boat, Jody Leslie, Sueno Del Mar, The BDF, Dr. Zuniga and the staff at SEAduced… Marty O’Farrell who dedicated himself to documenting the race and Reef Radio for the minute by minute update.

Finally, though the aching muscles of the participants may not feel this way today, they are ALL winners and this race obviously WOULD NOT happen without them. Thank you Teams you all make San Pedro very proud.

Sincerely, Rebecca Arceo

Previous News:

the 2008 ambergris caye lagoon-reef eco challge dates announced!

The 4th Annual Ambergris Caye Lagoon-Reef Eco-Challenge will take place on April 26th & 27th, 2008. Last year 27 teams took to the water and participated in the challenge and the "We deh pan line" team won the event.

This year, there will be various categories and prizes awarded, including Amateur, Professional and Junior. As in previous years, the course begins on the lagoon side of Ambergris Caye, and winds it's way North, through the Bacalar Chico Marine and Wildlife Reserve (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), then down past Robles Point (where the teams camp for the night) and finally finishing it's 42 mile course at the Mar de Tumbo Beach.

Download the Official Application Form here:

Download the Official Application Form for Junior Participants here:

Challenge Participants will be cheered to the finish line in Central Park by the general public attending the 1st Annual Eco Challenge Block Beach Party, sponsored by the San Pedro Business Association. Learn more about the San Pedro Business Association at: www.sanpedrobusiness.com

"The purpose behind the Ambergris Caye Lagoon-Reef Eco-Challenge is to promote awareness, protection, and conservation of the mangroves, lagoons, reef, and diverse species that live in these beautiful natural habitats" says Elito Arceo, Race Chairman, Seaduced by Belize. "The race provides a fun way to help promote the conservation of the island’s natural beauty."

Anyone interested can contact the Hol Chan Marine Reserve office at (011) 501.226.2247 or the Seaduced by Belize office at (011) 501.226.3221.

Reef Challenge Sponsors

The Eco-Challenge Kayak Race Committee would like to thank all its sponsors:

Diamond Sponsors
SEAduced by Belize, Hol Chan Marine Reserve, The Footprints Store - Jan Brown, Sunrise Reality, El Patio, The Green House, Ambergris Today

Gold Sponsors
Belize Bank, Belize Legacy, Captain Morgans, Ramon's Village, El Pescador, Sueño Del Mar, SP Chamber of Commerce, Tropic Air, The San Pedro Sun

Silver Sponsor
Amigos Del Mar, Mata Chica, Bottom Time Dive Shop, Milo Paz, Caye Management, PACT, Reef Village, Triton Properties, Belize Tourist Board, Tranquility Bay, Portofino

Bronze Sponsors
Belize Diving Adventures, Belize Ecologic Divers, Cocina Caramba, Pelican Properties, Ambergris Divers, E&L Butane, Cholo's Bar and Rental, Blue Tang Inn, Reef Radio, Subaquatics of Belize , Caribbean Depot, Wally's Electrical, Belize Academy of Diving, Atlantic Bank, Crystal Water, Caribbean Treasures

Patron
Alliance Bank, Jambel Jerk Pit, Pedro's Inn, Sunbreeze Hotal, Polo's Rental, Wine de Vine, Marina's Store, Super Buy

Gift Certificate
Victoria House, Asian Garden Day Spa, Corona Del Mar, Casa Pan Dulce, Mata Rocks Resort, Ultimate Rentals, Casa Cayo Realty, Caliente Resturant, Pampered Paws, Surf Guru, Casa Picasso, El Fogon, Castillo's Hardware, Milo's Ice, Sol Spa, Elvie's Kitchen, Belizean Shores, Quality Poultry, Lino's Meats, Azul, Journey's End, Banana Beach Resort, Belize Legacy, Caribeña Enterprises, Captain G's, Wings, Pier Lounge, Moncho's Rentals