Some Q & A for out of country racers!
What is the route and distance of the race?
The race commences at the Hill Bank Field Station, traversing the New River Lagoon and New River with an overnight in Orange Walk Town and continues by exiting the New River into the Caribbean Sea for the finish at Corozal Town. This is a distance of approximately 82 miles (132 km). SEE MAP
I’m interested in doing this race, I need a 20ft canoe, where and how do I get one?
You can contact local canoe builder Chris Guydis for canoes at email address cguydis @ gmail (.) com; also as an alternative Paddle Stop is also a good source.
I got a 20ft canoe, what about accommodations?
The Black Orchid Resort is a convenient place to stay. Its in Burrell Boom Village about 20 minutes from the airport, and the resort is on the bank of the Belize River ideal for getting in some practice. If you are getting a canoe from Chris Guydis, he located within 2 miles from the resort.
Of course, there are many other places to stay.
However, if you are looking for accommodations on a budget Contact Us with your needs and we will assist you to find options.
Canoe check, hotel check, any vehicle rentals available?
There are many vehicle rental options to choose from, they have offices in the parking lot at the airport. A SUV would be ideal for the terrain for the race route, get one with a roof rack it would be easier to tie down your canoe. (bring rope/strap)!
What’s the weather like in October?
Expect rain since we’ll be in the rainy season!
The weather in Belize can make or break your trip, but being aware can allow you to be prepared. The climate is subtropical with two basic seasons, the dry and the rainy season. The average temperature is around 88 degrees Fahrenheit or 31 degrees Celsius.
The rainy season can lead to sunny days abruptly turning to rainy ones. The good news is that unless there is a tropical disturbance, these showers tend to be an hour or less.
Let’s hope for sunshine on the race days, or maybe a little rain to cool you off!
I got a canoe, place to stay, vehicle to move around, I’m not afraid of a little rain, how do I get to Belize?
Most convenient way is to get on plane, several airlines have direct flights from Canada and the USA. Unfortunately, direct seasonal flights from Canada start service to Belize after the race. 🙁
You can search for tickets using your favorite online booking site or your can book through your travel agent.
The Phillip Goldson International Airport code is: BZE.
Do I need a travel visa to visit?
Canadian and US Nationals do not require a visa to enter Belize.
What about local currency, will I need?
The local currency is Belize Dollars (BZD), The fixed exchange rate is $2 BZ to $1US. USD is accepted at every merchant/vendor, if change is required expect to get some BZD. At the banks, if you want to change your USD for BZD then their exchange is $1.98BZ to $1US. At the end of your trip and you have some BZD in hand and don’t want to take it back, the bank will take your BZD at $2.0525 for you to get 1USD. If you have CAD, you can only get that changed to BZD at the banks, the exchange rate varies.
What do I need to bring with me?
Your racing gear and supplies, sun screen, insect repellent, hat, sun glasses, UV protective paddle wear, rope or strap to tie down the canoe, maybe some padding for the seats.
What's the registration fee and how to make payment?
Race Registration is $100 Belize Dollars or $55USD (fees and exchange rate included). Payments can be made online after registration form is submitted. PayPal transfer is accepted!
If I need extra supplies or gear, will I be able to get?
Paddle Stop may have what you need, if not, they can probably get it for you or make suggestions where to seek them. See their products here.
We have a driver with us, how will s/he knows where to go to follow the race?
An Interactive Map with different layers depicts 1) the river route, 2) viewing and service points, 3) driving directions to and from those points, 4) driving directions to the race start location, 5) Other places of interest. Be sure to select the appropriate layer from the menu on the map.
Will there be an award ceremony?
Yes. This ceremony will take place at the Rainbow Park in Corozal Town. The same location where the race finishes. The ceremony will be in the afternoon. All participants will be recognized and will receive their medals.
I want to be in Belize for a few days, what’s there to do?
Belize offers many tourist attractions, some of which are jungle tours, cave tubing, zip-lining, visit to archaeological sites and national parks, trip to the zoo. For the ocean lovers, visit to the cayes and beaches. If you would like a trip out diving, snorkeling, to the barrier reef or just a day out fishing contact Sea Sports Belize.
Have other questions, how can I find out more?
You can send us your questions by filling out the form on our Contact Page, we generally have short response time.
I’m really excited about this race, what do I do next?
Click the button below to start the registration process.