Help Us Change a Life Through Education

Learn about Battle of the paddles here.

See a recap of 2025 event here.

Dear Friends of Belize,

We invite you to join us in supporting a new initiative of the Battle of the Paddles —one that extends far beyod race day and directly invests in the future of the Placencia Lagoon and the young people who call this region home.

Battle of the Paddles was created by Ian Yearwood (https://www.facebook.com/ian.yearwood.9) to celebrate the beauty of the Placencia Lagoon and inspire people to appreciate, enjoy, and protect one of Belize's most important natural resources. As the event continues to grow, so does our vision.

Today, we are proud to announce a new goal for 2026: funding a full scholarship for one deserving student from the Placencia Peninsula or neighboring Independence Village to pursue an Associate Degree in Natural Resource Management at Independence Junior College.

For many families in Belize, the cost of continuing education after high school can be overwhelming. While the estimated cost of this two-year Associate Degree is approximately BZD $5,014, or about USD $2,507, that amount places higher education out of reach for many capable and motivated students. This scholarship will cover tuition, reducing a significant financial burden on the student's family while creating an opportunity that can change the trajectory of an entire household.

The Associate Degree in Natural Resource Management includes studies in environmental conservation, marine ecology, waste management, protected areas management, environmental assessment, recreation management, and other disciplines directly related to the sustainable management of Belize's natural resources.

The Battle of the Paddles has three core objectives:

1. Promote protection of the Lagoon

2. Develop the Placencia Paddlers Club

3. Educational Scholarships

Whether you are a visitor who has fallen in love with Belize, a member of the Belizean diaspora, or simply someone who believes in the power of education, we invite you to help us reach this goal.

Together, we can create opportunities for a deserving young person, reduce financial barriers to higher education, strengthen local conservation efforts, and help develop the next generation of environmental stewards.

We hope you will consider contributing to the Battle of the Paddles Scholarship Fund and becoming part of this meaningful initiative.

With sincere appreciation,

Ian Yearwood (+501 615 9602)

Lead Tour Guide

Barefoot Services

Through our annual paddle race, we aim to highlight the beauty, ecological importance, and economic value of the Placencia Lagoon while encouraging residents and visitors to appreciate and protect it.

The Placencia Paddlers Club is envisioned as a community-based youth program that will engage young people through paddling, conservation, education, and volunteerism. Participants will receive training in paddling safety, paddling etiquette, leadership, teamwork, and environmental stewardship.

The program will also encourage youth participation in lagoon clean-up activities, mangrove restoration projects, and other conservation initiatives that directly benefit the Placencia Lagoon.

By supporting students pursuing environmental and natural resource-related studies, we are investing in future leaders who will help protect and manage the ecosystems that support our communities and tourism industry.

The student selected for this scholarship will not simply receive financial assistance. Through the Battle of the Paddles volunteer network and future Placencia Paddlers Club initiatives, they will be encouraged to become actively involved in conservation efforts, community projects, environmental monitoring, and educational outreach throughout the Placencia Lagoon watershed.

Your contribution is an investment in education, conservation, youth development, and the future of southern Belize.