BOOM TO MANATEE
The first race of the season is a about an hour and a half and gives teams the chance to test their skill and see where they stand with their competitors.
20169th Annual Boom to Manatee Lookout
The Belize Canoe Association will host the 9th Annual Boom to Manatee Lookout Race on Sunday, January 10, 2016. The race will start at The Old Market Area in Burrell Boom at 10:00 a.m. This race is OPEN to ALL paddlers this year. We encourage all paddlers to come out and we ask all members to renew their membership for 2016. SEE YOU THERE!!! |
On Sunday, January 10th 2016, the Belize Canoe Association opened its 2016 racing season with the year’s first event - The Boom to Manatee Lookout Race. Eighteen teams of excited paddlers started sharply at 10:00 a.m. from the Old Market Area in Burrell Boom and traveled along the Belize River to end at Manatee Lookout on the Phillip Goldson Highway.
It was a fast start as paddlers sprinted towards the Burrell Boom Bridge to earn the $50.00 Station Prize, which was captured by the Koop Sheet Metal Male Team in 5 minutes and 15 seconds. As the paddlers settled down, the race quickly opened up as the six different categories – Male (8), Female (2), Mixed (3), Masters (3), Intramural (1) and Pleasure (1) - grouped together and battled on towards the finish line. As the first teams from the Male category approached the finish line, the year’s first race offered NO disappointment to spectators as it featured a sensational sprint finish, with the Belize Bank Bulldogs securing first place in a time of 1 hour 19 minutes and 34 seconds, but only narrowly edging out NICH, who captured second only one second later. Closely following the two lead teams was Team Guydis Canoes to round out the top three in the Male Category. Right behind the leading elites, Team Wateva Boyz claimed first place in the Intramural Category in 1 hour 23 minutes and 47 seconds, while Print Belize captured first place in the Pleasure Category in 1 hour 31 minutes and 24 seconds. Both these categories were uncontested. The Belize Bank girls would also claim first place in the Female Division in 1 hour 31 minutes and 27 seconds to overcome Rain di come, Breeze di Blow who would claim second place. The Mixed Division also added anticipation to the race as three teams competed in this division. Challenge Gobie Foundation earned first place in a time of 1 hour 27 minutes, triumphing over Belize Coast Guardian who took second in 1:28:44 and Team Butterflies who took third. The ever controversial Masters Category would be conquered by Grumpy Old Men in 1 hour 34 minutes 19 seconds, relegating Watt a Ting to settle for second and Masters Paddlers for third. All first place finishers in the respective categories were awarded with a trophy, gold medals, and $150.00; second place finishers received silver medals and $100.00, while third place finishers took home $50.00. The prizes were presented by Mrs. Adele Catzim Sanchez, the C.E.O. of the Ministry of Youth, Sport and Culture. Thank you to all paddlers for participating, fans for supporting, and Manatee Lookout Restaurant and Bar for hosting us. To our sponsors - Belize Global Services, Joseph and Taylor Limited, and Architectural Accents – thank you for your continued generosity. Big Up!!! See you next time at the Haulover Creek on Sunday, January 24th, 2016 for the BCAnoe Upstream Challenge. |
2015Announcement:
8th Boom to Manatee Lookout Its time to get the season started with the “8th Annual Boom to Manatee Lookout Canoe Race” sponsored by, Belize Global Travel Services Ltd., Joseph & Taylor Ltd, Bear Mountain Boats in Canada and Architectural Accents Ltd. The race is scheduled for Saturday, 10th January and marks the first race for the season. The race is for MEMBERS ONLY and those wishing to participate who haven't submitted their membership application can do so before the race. Also, canoes that have not been registered, you will be able to get this done before the race as well. All canoes must have on a BCAnoe Racing number. Avoid the rush come early, Race starts 10 sharp, no delays! The race will have an entry fee of $50 per team and all paddlers will receive a free BBQ at Manatee Lookout. The first 45 paddlers to sign up will also receive a memorable race t-shirt. Rules will follow the standards set by BCAnoe including the wearing of Life Jackets. Categories will include Male, Female, Mixed, Masters, Juniors under 18, Intramural (student secondary and tertiary levels) and Pleasure Craft. Cash prizes and trophies along with a medal will be awarded to the 1st place team of each category. 2nd place teams gets a cash prize and a medal, 3rd place teams get a medal only. Intramural Paddlers: Please bring along your School ID or letter from your school confirming your enrollment. Officials will ask for this. Junior Paddlers: If you have and ID bring it, you may need to prove your age if there are doubts about your age. See you all on Saturday, and remember your life jackets! |
8th Annual Boom to Manatee Race Report
What a gorgeous day Saturday, January 10th, 2015 turned out to be for the season opener, 8th Annual Boom to Manatee Lookout Race, sponsored by, Bear Mountain Boats, Joseph & Taylor Ltd, Belize Global Travel Services Ltd and Architectural Accents Ltd. This first race saw sixteen teams in six categories. There was no participation in the Mixed Category. The Female’s Category saw the return of the UB Lady Black Jaguars - Louise Rodriguez, Shanell Pook and Dianelie Cabral – finishing at 15th place overall in 1:47:44. At 10th overall was Tropic Air Aerodynamics – Martin Gideon, Ray Nicholson and Dominque Alvarez – sponsored by Martin Woods finished in 1:30:31 for the Juniors Category. Rudolph Gentle, Leroy Romero and Jason Trapp of Print Belize/Wrobel & Co Team completed the race in 1:26:51 finishing 9th overall for the Pleasure Category. Grumpy Old Men sponsored by Caribbean Engineering in the Masters Category was paddled by Jerry Wilken, Joe Seguro and Stanley Bailey, finished 12th overall in 1:36:10. All the above teams were uncontested and were first in their respective categories. The Intramural Category had four entries, however, with the disqualification of the Wateva Boyz – Adrian Williams, Jesus Linares and Sergio Lopez – sponsored by D & D Consultancy this shifted the other teams one position upwards. First Intramural and 6th overall, finished in 1:20:52 were Armando Lopez, Byron Cruz and Alfred Lopez paddling for Western Home Supplies/St. Ignatius High School. Second Intramural and 7th overall was Turd’z – Elvis, Glenford and Jermaine Sutherland - sponsored by Martin Woods finished eighteen seconds later. Belize Rural High School’s Unruly Wave – Jeffery Seguro, Marlon Reyes and Matthew Mask – settled for third Intramural and 13th overall. The largest contested Category, Male, had 8 teams. It was a sprint for the photo finished between the OCB Wavemakers – Chris Guydis, Jerry Rhaburn and Wilberto Daniels – sponsored by Oceana, Creative Marketing and Black Orchid Resort – edging Team NICH – Efrain Cruz, Felix Cruz and new comer Alex Cruz by one second for the win. The teams finished in 1:17:48 and 1:17:49 for first and second place respectively. Twelve second later was Westrac Stingers – Jerry Cante, Erwin Cruz, and Hener Cruz for third place. BTL Cobb’s Arm – Eric and Roy Cano along with their newest member Clayton Cabb – sponsored by Belize Telemedia Limited and the Cobb’s Family was fourth. They finished the route in 1:19:57. Rounding out the top five was the Belize Bank Bulldogs – Armin Lopez, Amado Cruz and Daniel Cruz – at 1:20:46. Leon Gillett, Tyreek Thompson and Raymond Gillett of D & A Hydroplanners sponsored by D & A Construction was sixth Male and 8th overall at 1.26.51. Interestingly, John W Searle arrived without his usual teammates five minutes before the start of the race; looking for any two paddlers to join him on his quest to beat that one other team. Michael Sedacy and Carlos Linares joined him and Watt A Ting sponsored by Sea Sports Belize was launched. They finished at seventh Male and 11th overall. Easy Going – Duane Gabourel, Ryan Gabourel and Ramiro Guemez – sponsored by Caribbean Engineering completed their first race in 1:47:13. All first place finishers in their respective categories received a trophy, gold medals and $150 cash prize; second place finishers received silver medals and $75 cash, whilst the third place finishers got bronze medals only. BCAnoe would like to thank the Sponsors mentioned above; Sea Sports Belize for the use of their boat as safety, Manatee Lookout Restaurant & Bar for hosting us, every one of the paddlers, support crew, fans and helpers for a great start of the 2015 Canoe Season. Next Race UpStream: Haulover Bridge to Henderson’s Bank, Burrell Boom, Saturday, 24th January, 2015. Race starts at 9:30am. MEMBERS ONLY! |
2014Race Announcement:
2014 Boom to Manatee Lookout Its time to get the season started with the “7th Annual Boom to Manatee Lookout Canoe Race”. The race is scheduled for Saturday, 11th January and marks the first race for the season. The race is for MEMBERS ONLY and those wishing to participate who haven't submitted their membership application can do so starting at 8am before the race. Also, canoes that have not been registered, you will be able to get this done before the race as well. Avoid the rush come early, Race starts 10 sharp, no delays! The race will have an entry fee of $50 per team and all paddlers will receive a free BBQ at Manatee Lookout. The first 15 boats to sign up will also receive a free T-shirt. Rules will follow the standards set by BCAnoe including the wearing of Life Jackets. Categories will include Male, Female, Mixed, Masters, Juniors under 18, Intramural (student secondary and tertiary levels) and Pleasure Craft. Cash prizes and trophies along with a medal will be awarded to the 1st place team of each category. 2nd place teams gets a cash prize and a medal, 3rd place teams get a medal only. Intramural Paddlers: Please bring along your School ID or letter from your school confirming your enrollment. Officials will ask for this. Junior Paddlers: If you have and ID bring it, you may need to prove your age if there are doubts about your age. The river is high and the current is strong, be prepared for a Le Mans start or a rolling start at intervals. BCAnoe wishes to thank the main sponsors of this race, Belize Global Travel Services, Joseph & Taylor, Bear Mountain Boats and Architectural Accents and all other persons who have helped in making this race a reality. See you all on Saturday, and remember your life jackets! |
7th Annual Boom to Manatee Lookout Race Result - 2014
The 2014 paddling season kicked off with the 7th Annual Boom to Manatee Lookout Race, sponsored by Bear Mountain Boats, Architectural Accents, Belize Global Travel Services, and Joseph and Taylor. The race was held on Saturday, 11th January, 2014. The race got start at little after 10am. The river was high so teams time to complete the course was one of the fastest ever with the first place team NICH, Oscar Cordon, Efrian and Felix Cruz, completing the race in 1:14. Second place in the male category went to team BTL Cobb’s Arm, Roy Cano, Erick Cano, and Andres Cabb. The Belize Bank Bulldogs Armin Lopez, Amado and Daniel Cruz, finished third. D & A Construction slipped into the fourth spot with Leon and Ray Gillett and Jeremy Sanchez paddling for their team. Hener and Ervin Cruz along with Jerry Cante brought their Westrac team into fifth place finishing just ahead of the Joseph and Taylor team made up of Francis Codd, Jerry Rhaburn and Chris Guydis, in the seventh position overall. Rounding up the male category was Watt A Ting from Sea Sports Belize made up of John Searle, Robert Bailey and Tyreek Thompson. First place in the Intramural division was Wateva Boyz from D & D finished sixth overall. The mixed team sponsored by Black Orchid Resort with paddlers Wilberto Daniels, Jayda Guydis, and Jermaine Sanchez finished eighth overall. First place in the Juniors division was River Kings sponsored by Belize River High School with Jeffrey Seguro, Matthew Mask and Ashton Moody. The Turdz, sponsored by Raymond Woods, finished thirteenth overall with only two paddlers, Martin Gideon and Glenford Sutherland. In the Pleasure division we had Print Belize, Francisco Perez, Rudolph Gentle and Ernest Santos coming in eleventh place overall. The Female team made up of Jane and Bobby Usher and Anna Camp paddled team Pawty Tun Up, sponsored by Rt. Hon. Said Musa, into a first place finish. Lastly the Masters division, first place went to Grumpy Old Men, Jerry Wilken, Stanley Bailey and Joe Seguro finishing ahead of our visiting International team of the Crazy Cannucks. Joan Barrett, Katie Stewart and Jim Stewart from Canada who paddled their canoe sponsored by Bear Mountain Boats across the finish line in a time of 1:36. All first place teams in their respective categories received a trophy, medals and cash prize of $150. Second place finisher received a cash prize of $75 and medals. Third place received a medal and $50 cash prize. BCAnoe would also like to announce that it presented a Distinguished Award of Appreciation to Ms Joan Barrett of Bear Mountain Boats for her valuable sponsorship to BCAnoe which demonstrates an “invariable mark of wisdom”, and her continued interest and involvement towards canoe racing in Belize. BCanoe would like to thank the Sponsors mentioned above, Sea Sports Belize for the use of their boat as safety. Manatee Lookout Restaurant & Bar for hosting us, every one of the paddlers, support crew, fans and helpers who helped kick off the 2014 canoe season. Next Race UpStream: Haulover Bridge to Burrell Boom, Saturday, 25th January, 2014. Race starts at 9:00am. MEMBERS ONLY! |
2013 |
Boom to Manatee 2013 - Press Release
The Belize Canoe Association presents the “6th Annual Boom to Manatee Lookout Canoe Race”. The race is scheduled for Saturday 12th January and marks the first race for the 2012 season. The race is open to all and we are encouraging new comers and families to attend. All teams must be present at the signing in and announcements on the riverside at Burrell Boom by Market Tavern at 9:00 am and the race is scheduled to begin at 10:00 sharp. The race is expected to last about 2 hours and will end at Manatee Lookout Bar & Restaurant on the Northern Highway. The race will have an entry fee of $50 per team and all paddlers will receive a free BBQ at Manatee Lookout. The first 15 boats to sign up will also receive a free T-shirt. Rules will follow the standards set by BCAnoe including the wearing of Life Jackets. Categories will include Male, Female, Mixed, Masters, Juniors under 18, Intramural (student secondary and tertiary levels) Family, Dory and Pleasure Craft. Cash prizes and trophies will be awarded to the overall winners and winners of each category. BCA wishes to thank the main sponsors of this race, Belize Global Travel Services, Joseph & Taylor, The Wet Lizard and Architectural Accents and all other persons who have helped in making this race a reality. We urge you all to attend the first warm up race for the La Ruta Maya and look forward to a fun filled day. All proceeds will be donated to the Association with the intention of assisting the Belize teams for supporting the sport and we are asking the recipients of these funds to make every effort to attend. Jeremy Wilken Grumpy Old Men 8th January 2013 |
Additional Notes:
Paddlers who have not sent in their membership application can do so before the race. BCAnoe personnel will be on site at 8am to accommodate this process. Also, canoes that have not been registered, you will be able to get this done before the race as well, Coast Guard personnel will be available from 8am. Avoid the rush come early, Race starts 10 sharp, no delays! Intramural Paddlers: Please bring along your School ID or letter from your school confirming your enrollment. Officials will ask for this. Junior Paddlers: If you have and ID bring it, you may need to prove your age if there are doubts about your age. (your membership card may or may not be available before the race, but they have been submitted to print) Rules Waived for this race. Rules 2.2 and 2.3 only! The Race officials may consider the use of unserviceable PFD depending on its condition and probably excuse the use of the plastic whistle. FOR THIS RACE ONLY! There will be a Coast Guard presentation on safely, use, and care of your PFD. All teams are to check in with the race officials before the race to received a tag for your PFD. The Belize National Coast Officers will be the Race Officials for BCAnoe races, they have the authority to enforce all the rules and authority to disqualify teams. All members should respect their authority and decisions. After the race, we'll have Elections of the Executives. Only members are eligible to vote and offer themselves for executives post. Posts are: President, Vice President, Treasurer, Recording Officer, Race Officer. Please see the Articles of Associations for more information. This is available on our website. Please read the 2013 rules carefully, as there are new and modified rules. the rules can be found on our website as well. Lastly, the Race Registration form will be posted by 7pm today, Jan 8. You will need your membership number. Those are available on your receipt, your boat number as well, also available on your receipt for the canoe registration. If your receipt is misplaced, you can always reply to this email to request your membership number. We'll see you all on Saturday, Lets get the season started! |
Boom to Manatee - Race Results 2013
The season opener 6th Annual Boom to Manatee Lookout Race, sponsored by Architectural Accents, Belize Global Travel Services, The Wet Lizard and Joseph & Taylor, was held on the 12th of January and featured 22 canoes that met at the landing in Burrell Boom and finished at Manatee Lookout. There were some close finishes in several different categories but there were some stand out teams that deserve some attention.
In the female category there was a new upcoming team to keep an eye on. The UB Lady Jaguars made up of Jayda Guydis, Louise Rodriguez, and Shanice Ferguson finished well before their nearest competitors and came in 14th place overall. The other female canoe was the Team Police Peacemakers. Audrey Moody, Ruth Cruz and Jane Usher finished 10 minutes behind the UB Lady Jaguars.
Another team of note was in the Intramural category. Natius Boys with Alfred Lopez, Armando Lopez, and Byron Cruz paddled their canoe into the 5th place overall. The other two Intramural teams finished close behind with Black Jaguars (Alfonso Lind, George Ortega, and Hector Bejerano) slightly beating the Chaa Creek team made up of Juan and Jeffrey Carillo, and Carlos Landero.
In the Junior Division we had the Sprouts finishing 7th overall with a strong paddle effort from Kenrick, Michael and Wilbert Daniels. This will be a team to watch out for in future races and seeing them finish in the top third of this opening race speaks highly for their paddle stamina. Hunters Boys (Ellis Metzgen, Martin Gideon, and Dominique Alvarez) finished second in this category followed by the two paddler team the Boomers. Matthew Mask and Jeffrey Seguro powered their canoe with just the two paddles to cross the finish line.
Two uncontested categories had Beat the Burn coming in 10th place overall. Paddlers - Andreas and Keron Cabb along with their female teammate Francisca Pfaender won the mixed category. The team sponsored by Print Belize, made up of Rudolph Gentle, Javier Guardado, and Timoteo Vanegas were the only pleasure canoe entered as well and finished 19th overall.
The masters had a very close finish with only 2 minutes and 19 seconds separating these three canoes. Watt a Ting sponsored by Sea Sports Belize with the Searles (both John and Michael) along with Cisco Perez finished ahead of bitter rivals, The Grumpy Old Men (Francis Codd, Stanley Bailey and Jerry Wilken) who were sponsored by Architectural Accents. The final team making up the Masters category was the Meat Eaters also sponsored by Architectural Accents. Chip Brunner, Joe Seguro, and Joe Fuzy will be out for revenge in the next race.
Finally, in the largest category of the race, the Male category and as always this was a highly competitive division. The first four canoes all within 33 seconds of one another. The Belize Bank team (Daniel and Amado Cruz along with Armin Lopez) were the first to cross the line followed closely by NICH’s team of Felix and Efrain Cruz along with Oscar Cordon. Westrac’s team of Hener and Ervin Cruz along with Jerry Cante finished 3rd overall. Chris Guydis, Euken Arnold, and Tyreek Thompson paddled their Oceana canoe into 4th place overall. BTL Cobb’s Arm (Roy and Erik Cano and Roberto Cabb) beat out Wateva Boyz (Jesus Evilito, Adrian Williams and Jimmy Valdez) for the 5th spot. The team of Nalbert, Sheldon, and Jamel Seguro, sponsored by Image Pro finished in the 7th place. The Chukka Thrillers (Elmer Garcia, Miguel Cruz and Mario Portillo) finished just ahead of the 22nd place team of the Willow Boys (Steven Castillo, Simon August and 3-9).
Special thanks to the Belize Coast Guard for assisting us with:
Race Officiating
Canoe Registration,
Inspection of PFDs
and for their presentation on PFD and safely.
Also thanks to Mrs Linda Searle for supplying several of the photos seen on the banner.
The season opener 6th Annual Boom to Manatee Lookout Race, sponsored by Architectural Accents, Belize Global Travel Services, The Wet Lizard and Joseph & Taylor, was held on the 12th of January and featured 22 canoes that met at the landing in Burrell Boom and finished at Manatee Lookout. There were some close finishes in several different categories but there were some stand out teams that deserve some attention.
In the female category there was a new upcoming team to keep an eye on. The UB Lady Jaguars made up of Jayda Guydis, Louise Rodriguez, and Shanice Ferguson finished well before their nearest competitors and came in 14th place overall. The other female canoe was the Team Police Peacemakers. Audrey Moody, Ruth Cruz and Jane Usher finished 10 minutes behind the UB Lady Jaguars.
Another team of note was in the Intramural category. Natius Boys with Alfred Lopez, Armando Lopez, and Byron Cruz paddled their canoe into the 5th place overall. The other two Intramural teams finished close behind with Black Jaguars (Alfonso Lind, George Ortega, and Hector Bejerano) slightly beating the Chaa Creek team made up of Juan and Jeffrey Carillo, and Carlos Landero.
In the Junior Division we had the Sprouts finishing 7th overall with a strong paddle effort from Kenrick, Michael and Wilbert Daniels. This will be a team to watch out for in future races and seeing them finish in the top third of this opening race speaks highly for their paddle stamina. Hunters Boys (Ellis Metzgen, Martin Gideon, and Dominique Alvarez) finished second in this category followed by the two paddler team the Boomers. Matthew Mask and Jeffrey Seguro powered their canoe with just the two paddles to cross the finish line.
Two uncontested categories had Beat the Burn coming in 10th place overall. Paddlers - Andreas and Keron Cabb along with their female teammate Francisca Pfaender won the mixed category. The team sponsored by Print Belize, made up of Rudolph Gentle, Javier Guardado, and Timoteo Vanegas were the only pleasure canoe entered as well and finished 19th overall.
The masters had a very close finish with only 2 minutes and 19 seconds separating these three canoes. Watt a Ting sponsored by Sea Sports Belize with the Searles (both John and Michael) along with Cisco Perez finished ahead of bitter rivals, The Grumpy Old Men (Francis Codd, Stanley Bailey and Jerry Wilken) who were sponsored by Architectural Accents. The final team making up the Masters category was the Meat Eaters also sponsored by Architectural Accents. Chip Brunner, Joe Seguro, and Joe Fuzy will be out for revenge in the next race.
Finally, in the largest category of the race, the Male category and as always this was a highly competitive division. The first four canoes all within 33 seconds of one another. The Belize Bank team (Daniel and Amado Cruz along with Armin Lopez) were the first to cross the line followed closely by NICH’s team of Felix and Efrain Cruz along with Oscar Cordon. Westrac’s team of Hener and Ervin Cruz along with Jerry Cante finished 3rd overall. Chris Guydis, Euken Arnold, and Tyreek Thompson paddled their Oceana canoe into 4th place overall. BTL Cobb’s Arm (Roy and Erik Cano and Roberto Cabb) beat out Wateva Boyz (Jesus Evilito, Adrian Williams and Jimmy Valdez) for the 5th spot. The team of Nalbert, Sheldon, and Jamel Seguro, sponsored by Image Pro finished in the 7th place. The Chukka Thrillers (Elmer Garcia, Miguel Cruz and Mario Portillo) finished just ahead of the 22nd place team of the Willow Boys (Steven Castillo, Simon August and 3-9).
Special thanks to the Belize Coast Guard for assisting us with:
Race Officiating
Canoe Registration,
Inspection of PFDs
and for their presentation on PFD and safely.
Also thanks to Mrs Linda Searle for supplying several of the photos seen on the banner.
2012 |
Boom to Manatee 2012 - Press Release
The Belize Canoe Association presents the “5th Annual Boom to Manatee Lookout Canoe Race”. The race is scheduled for Saturday 21st January and marks the first race for the 2012 season. The race is open to all and we are encouraging new comers and families to attend. All teams must be present at the signing in and announcements on the riverside at Burrell Boom by Market Tavern at 9:00 am and the race is scheduled to begin at 10:00 sharp. The race is expected to last about 2 hours and will end at Manatee Lookout Bar & Restaurant on the Northern Highway. The race will have an entry fee of $50 per team and all paddlers will receive a free BBQ at Manatee Lookout. The first 15 boats to sign up will also receive a free T-shirt. Rules will follow the standards set by “The La Ruta Maya River Challenge” committee and those used by the BCA including the wearing of Life Jackets. Categories will include Male, Female, Mixed, Masters, Juniors under 16, Family, Dory and Pleasure Craft. Cash prizes and trophies will be awarded to the overall winners and winners of each category. BCA wishes to thank the main sponsors of this race, Belize Global Travel Services, Aero Dispatch, Joseph & Taylor, Skylighters Unlimited and Architectural Accents and all other persons who have helped in making this race a reality. We urge you all to attend the first warm up race for the La Ruta Maya and look forward to a fun filled day. All proceeds will be donated to the Association with the intention of assisting the Belize teams for the Texas Safari and beyond and we are asking the recipients of these funds to make every effort to attend. Jeremy Wilken Grumpy Old Men 9th January 2012 |
2011 |
4th Annual Boom to Manatee Lookout 2011 - Press Release
The Belize Canoe Association presents the “4th Annual Boom to Manatee Lookout Canoe Race”. The race is scheduled for Saturday 29th January and marks the first race for the 2011 season. The race is open to all and we are encouraging new comers and families to attend. All teams must be present at the signing in and announcements on the riverside at Burrell Boom by Market Tavern at 9:00 am and the race is scheduled to begin at 10:00 sharp. The race is expected to last about 2 hours and will end at Manatee Lookout Bar & Restaurant on the Northern Highway. The race will have an entry fee of $50 per team and all paddlers will receive a free BBQ at Manatee Lookout. The first 15 boats to sign up will also receive a free T-shirt. Rules will follow the standards set by “The La Ruta Maya River Challenge” committee and those used by the BCA including the wearing of Life Jackets. Categories will include Male, Female, Mixed, Masters, Juniors under 16, Family, Dory and Pleasure Craft. Cash prizes and trophies will be awarded to the overall winners and winners of each category. BCA wishes to thank the main sponsors of this race, Belize Global Travel Services, Joseph & Taylor, Skylighters Unlimited and Architectural Accents and all other persons who have helped in making this race a reality. We urge you all to attend the first warm up race for the La Ruta Maya and look forward to a fun filled day. All proceeds will be donated to the Association with the intention of assisting the Belize teams for the Texas Safari and beyond and we are asking the recipients of these funds to make every effort to attend. Jeremy Wilken Grumpy Old Men |
Boom to Manatee - Race Report
The Belize Canoe Association held the “4th Annual Boom to Manatee Lookout Canoe Race” on Saturday 29th January 2011 and was the first race for the 2011 season. The race was well attended with a record 22 entries covering 7 of the eight categories. The race began at 10:00 sharp with a thrilling take-off as the canoes hurtled around the first corner with at least one old team taking a spill. The finish was an exciting photo finish at Manatee Lookout with unlucky #13, Belize Bank, with Ervin, Armado and Daniel Cruz, missing the finishing buoy and being beaten by Zip Rider, paddled by Jerry Rhaburn Efrain and Felix Cruz and sponsored by Discovery Expeditions, as a result. Both teams were neck-a-neck at the line. The finishing time was 1 hour 26 minutes 47 seconds earning prize money and a trophy to Zip Rider. NICH with Oscar Gordon, Jimmy Valdez and Armin Lopez, followed just 8 seconds later to take 3rd place males. Chris Guydis, Leon Gillett and Sheldon Gillett sponsored by CPBL, arrived less than a minute later to take 4th Male. |
Lost & Found from Duke Marine with Justin Sanchez, Janise Leslie and Eldon Sanchez aboard made an excellent time of 1 hour 30 minutes 29 seconds to capture 1st place mixed and a trophy. The San Ignatius High School once again made an impressive finish in 6th place to take 1st intramural trophy position with Sergio Lopez, Byron Cruz and Alfred Lopez on board. Andreas Cobb, Francisca Pfaender and Erik Cano came in 2nd mixed, paddling for Koop Sheet Metal followed by 5th male Jus Du It from Belize Poultry Association with paddlers Anthony Rodriguez, Orlando Habet and Francis Coleman.
Westrac Auto parts placed an impressive 1st pleasure with Jerry Cante, Elmer Cruz and Homer in 1 hour 33 minutes and 20 seconds, easing out 2nd place pleasure Print Belize with Jesus Cruz, Rudolph Gentle and Javier Guardado by just 24 seconds. Following on their heels was 3rd pleasure Crime Fighter of the Police with Evelio Flores, Jerome Ingram and Neri Waight. United Boys finished 6th male with Rupert Smith, George Benjamin and Marvin Smith on board.
Grumpy Old men, sponsored by Architectural Accents with paddlers Francis Codd, Joe Fuzy and Jerry Wilken made a winning dash across the line to finish 1st masters with a commanding 1.7 second lead over their long time nemesis Watt a Ting with Mike Searle, Jim Scott and Johnny Watt Searle from Sea Sports Belize coming in at 2nd masters. Less than a minute later, the Police team, Peace Makers with Jane Usher, Christine Jacobs and Delia Hyde crossed the line as 1st female winning cash and a trophy.
After an absence of a couple of years, we finally had a dory entry into the race and Family Boys sponsored by Reimer’s Feed Mill with Keron Cobb, Efrain Quewell and Braulio Zetina came 1st place dory. Following them we had a flurry of Batsub teams. At 7th male and 16th overall came Their Me Daps Mind (sic) with Sean Smithson, Shaun Paddlon and John Smith with Bow Thrusters, Dan Markwell, Lance Neilson and Allan Graham behind and Misfits 2, 3rd mixed with Abi Horton, Stuart Frost and Julian Towers trailing 3rd Batsub. 4th pleasure boat Vista Auto Rental followed with Luis Marin, Ezekiel Myvette and Allan Bainton.
Second last and in 9th male was Otto Peterson, the oldest racer, earning a trophy for that, Denis Johnson and Jamil Segura in Other Grumpies followed by the final Batsub team, Jelly Babies with Stacey Smithson, Scot Manyard and Helen Golea finishing the race in 2 hours 4 minutes in 4th mixed place and earning a trophy as 1st last.
The Belize Canoe Association (www.bcanoe.bz) would like to thank all teams for attending as well as the sponsors, Belize Global Travel Services, Aero Dispatch Services, SkyLighters Unlimited, Joseph & Taylor and Architectural Accents for their generosity and support. They would also like to thank Jamiel Estaphan of Manatee Lookout for hosting the race, Maurice Romero, Susan Wilken for timekeeping, Dennis Gabourel and Brandon Steven for support boat and all of the other helpers and supporters.
The next race is scheduled for 12th February and will be Boom to the City. Contact Johnny Watt at Sea Sports Belize for details.
Westrac Auto parts placed an impressive 1st pleasure with Jerry Cante, Elmer Cruz and Homer in 1 hour 33 minutes and 20 seconds, easing out 2nd place pleasure Print Belize with Jesus Cruz, Rudolph Gentle and Javier Guardado by just 24 seconds. Following on their heels was 3rd pleasure Crime Fighter of the Police with Evelio Flores, Jerome Ingram and Neri Waight. United Boys finished 6th male with Rupert Smith, George Benjamin and Marvin Smith on board.
Grumpy Old men, sponsored by Architectural Accents with paddlers Francis Codd, Joe Fuzy and Jerry Wilken made a winning dash across the line to finish 1st masters with a commanding 1.7 second lead over their long time nemesis Watt a Ting with Mike Searle, Jim Scott and Johnny Watt Searle from Sea Sports Belize coming in at 2nd masters. Less than a minute later, the Police team, Peace Makers with Jane Usher, Christine Jacobs and Delia Hyde crossed the line as 1st female winning cash and a trophy.
After an absence of a couple of years, we finally had a dory entry into the race and Family Boys sponsored by Reimer’s Feed Mill with Keron Cobb, Efrain Quewell and Braulio Zetina came 1st place dory. Following them we had a flurry of Batsub teams. At 7th male and 16th overall came Their Me Daps Mind (sic) with Sean Smithson, Shaun Paddlon and John Smith with Bow Thrusters, Dan Markwell, Lance Neilson and Allan Graham behind and Misfits 2, 3rd mixed with Abi Horton, Stuart Frost and Julian Towers trailing 3rd Batsub. 4th pleasure boat Vista Auto Rental followed with Luis Marin, Ezekiel Myvette and Allan Bainton.
Second last and in 9th male was Otto Peterson, the oldest racer, earning a trophy for that, Denis Johnson and Jamil Segura in Other Grumpies followed by the final Batsub team, Jelly Babies with Stacey Smithson, Scot Manyard and Helen Golea finishing the race in 2 hours 4 minutes in 4th mixed place and earning a trophy as 1st last.
The Belize Canoe Association (www.bcanoe.bz) would like to thank all teams for attending as well as the sponsors, Belize Global Travel Services, Aero Dispatch Services, SkyLighters Unlimited, Joseph & Taylor and Architectural Accents for their generosity and support. They would also like to thank Jamiel Estaphan of Manatee Lookout for hosting the race, Maurice Romero, Susan Wilken for timekeeping, Dennis Gabourel and Brandon Steven for support boat and all of the other helpers and supporters.
The next race is scheduled for 12th February and will be Boom to the City. Contact Johnny Watt at Sea Sports Belize for details.
Boom to Manatee 2010 - Press Release
The Belize Canoe Association held the “3rd Annual Boom to Manatee Lookout Canoe Race” on Saturday 23rd January 2010 and was the first race for the 2010 season. The race was well attended with 19 entries covering most of the 8 categories along with their full entourages.
The race began at 10:00 sharp and the leaders, Caribbean Pride with Chris Guydis, and Justin and Germaine Sanchez, reached Manatee Lookout in just one hour and twenty five minutes comfortably ahead their rivals Belize Bank, with Armin Lopez, Amado Lopez and Daniel Cruz on board and Cruise Solutions who paddled with Jerry Rhaburn Efrain and Felix Cruz who were just seconds behind Belize Bank. Ragan International followed 3 minutes later with Nalbert Seguro, Jeremy Sanchez and Sheldon Seguro aboard. NICH hit the 5th spot in one hour and thirty five minutes followed by Jus Du It to take the 6th Male spot.
Print Belize with Erwin Cruz, Rudolph Gentle and Javier Guardado came 7th winning the first Pleasure Craft prize with Bell Scat 2 minutes later to take 2nd Pleasure. Grumpy Old Men hit the first place Masters with Francis Codd, Stanley Bailey and Jerry Wilken in the rear. The first Mixed team came in 10th, the Diplomats with Ronald Mendoza, Audrey Moody and Eldon August followed by the winning Female team Rob’s Angels with Marcela Cruz, Ana Lopez and Francisca Cruz, finishing 11th in one hour and forty seven minutes. Following behind them were WWJD and 2 Batsub entries all in the Male category with the Vista Chicks, Susan Wilken, Shelly Bowen and Laura Thompson in hot pursuit to claim the 2nd Female prize.
The Coast Guard Mermaids claimed 3rd Female and Really *&^%$# Grumpy Old Men with Michael Robert, Bruce Bowen and Joe Fuzy finished as 2nd Masters but were awarded the Dory Prize as sympathy for the number of spills they took on a dead flat river. The Blondie’s, sponsored by Make Up manufacturer Max Factor sidled up beautifully in 2 hours and 39 minutes with lipstick and hairdo’s immaculate. Finally after about 4 hours, the youngest team finished the race to be 2nd Mixed but were awarded the Juniors prize for paddling like babies.
The Organizers would like to thank all teams for attending as well as the sponsors, Belize Global Travel Services, SkyLighters Unlimited, Joseph & Taylor and Architectural Accents for their generosity and support. They would also like to thank Jamiel Estaphan of Manatee Lookout, Kathy and Dan Wakelin for timekeeping, Jose Swasey for support boat and all of the other helpers and supporters.
The next race is scheduled for 13 February and will be Boom to the City. Contact Johnny Watt at Sea Sports Belize for details.
Jeremy Wilken
Grumpy Old Men
25th January 2010
The Belize Canoe Association held the “3rd Annual Boom to Manatee Lookout Canoe Race” on Saturday 23rd January 2010 and was the first race for the 2010 season. The race was well attended with 19 entries covering most of the 8 categories along with their full entourages.
The race began at 10:00 sharp and the leaders, Caribbean Pride with Chris Guydis, and Justin and Germaine Sanchez, reached Manatee Lookout in just one hour and twenty five minutes comfortably ahead their rivals Belize Bank, with Armin Lopez, Amado Lopez and Daniel Cruz on board and Cruise Solutions who paddled with Jerry Rhaburn Efrain and Felix Cruz who were just seconds behind Belize Bank. Ragan International followed 3 minutes later with Nalbert Seguro, Jeremy Sanchez and Sheldon Seguro aboard. NICH hit the 5th spot in one hour and thirty five minutes followed by Jus Du It to take the 6th Male spot.
Print Belize with Erwin Cruz, Rudolph Gentle and Javier Guardado came 7th winning the first Pleasure Craft prize with Bell Scat 2 minutes later to take 2nd Pleasure. Grumpy Old Men hit the first place Masters with Francis Codd, Stanley Bailey and Jerry Wilken in the rear. The first Mixed team came in 10th, the Diplomats with Ronald Mendoza, Audrey Moody and Eldon August followed by the winning Female team Rob’s Angels with Marcela Cruz, Ana Lopez and Francisca Cruz, finishing 11th in one hour and forty seven minutes. Following behind them were WWJD and 2 Batsub entries all in the Male category with the Vista Chicks, Susan Wilken, Shelly Bowen and Laura Thompson in hot pursuit to claim the 2nd Female prize.
The Coast Guard Mermaids claimed 3rd Female and Really *&^%$# Grumpy Old Men with Michael Robert, Bruce Bowen and Joe Fuzy finished as 2nd Masters but were awarded the Dory Prize as sympathy for the number of spills they took on a dead flat river. The Blondie’s, sponsored by Make Up manufacturer Max Factor sidled up beautifully in 2 hours and 39 minutes with lipstick and hairdo’s immaculate. Finally after about 4 hours, the youngest team finished the race to be 2nd Mixed but were awarded the Juniors prize for paddling like babies.
The Organizers would like to thank all teams for attending as well as the sponsors, Belize Global Travel Services, SkyLighters Unlimited, Joseph & Taylor and Architectural Accents for their generosity and support. They would also like to thank Jamiel Estaphan of Manatee Lookout, Kathy and Dan Wakelin for timekeeping, Jose Swasey for support boat and all of the other helpers and supporters.
The next race is scheduled for 13 February and will be Boom to the City. Contact Johnny Watt at Sea Sports Belize for details.
Jeremy Wilken
Grumpy Old Men
25th January 2010
2009
2008 |
1st Annual Boom to Manatee 2008 - Press Release
The Belize Canoe Association presents the "1st Annual Boom to Manatee Lookout Canoe Race". The race is scheduled for Saturday 19th January and marks the first race for the 2008 season. All teams should attend the signing in and announcements on the riverside by Market Tavern at 9:00 am and the race is scheduled to begin at 10:00 sharp. The race is expected to last about 2 hours and will be followed at 1:00pm by a fixed course "Family Fun Race" at Manatee Lookout Bar & Restaurant. Canoes, paddles and life jackets will be provided for the Family Fun Race and all comers are encouraged to participate. The main race will have an entry fee of $100 per team and all paddlers will receive a free BBQ at Manatee Lookout. The first 15 boats to sign up will also receive a free T-shirt. Rules will follow the standards set by "The La Ruta Maya River Challenge" committee and those used by the BCA including the wearing of Life Jackets. Categories will include Grand Champions, Male, Female, Mixed, Masters, Juniors under 16 and Pleasure Craft. Cash prizes and trophies will be awarded to each category. Trophies will also be awarded to the winners of the Family Fun Race. BCA wishes to thank the main sponsors of this race, Belize Aggregates, SeaSports Belize and Architectural Accents and all other persons who have helped in making this race a reality. We urge you all to attend the first warm up race for the La Ruta Maya and look forward to a fun filled day. Jeremy Wilken 11th January 2008 |
Boom to Manatee 2008 - Race Results
The First Annual Boom to Manatee Canoe Race took place on 19th January 2008 and had a total of 19 boats participating, an excellent turnout for the first race of the 2008 season. The race commenced at 10:00am sharp and sprinted down river towards Manatee Lookout Bar & Restaurant some 12 miles down stream. The weather was sunny and hot with a strong breeze blowing up river. The finish was a photo finish with Belize Bank, 1 hr 37 mins edging out Atlantic Bank by just 2 seconds wining the overall champion and first male trophies as well as a gift certificate from Orange Gift Shop and a cash prize. Grumpy Old Men steamed in third at 1 hr 42 mins to win first Masters followed by Rock & Roll who came in 40 seconds later for 3rd Males and Builders who claimed 4th Male. Jonkanu came in 6th place and took the first Mixed trophy followed a minute later by Print Belize who took the fist Pleasure Boat trophy. A strongly contested race for first Female came next with PR Marriott Drilling edging out Grumpy Old Women by just 10 seconds. A flurry of activity took place from 2 hours to 2 hrs 15 mins when the Red Stripe team followed by a fleet of Batsub teams and Thread Love, all arriving during that time. The Thirsty Turtle had a relaxing day out followed closely by the Sea Scouts 1 team who took first Juniors. The final team, Sea Scouts 2 were plagued by homework chores and the final team had not been to practice and had to drop out.
Family Fun Race
The Family Fun Race was held after lunch with four teams taking part. High winds and drifting buoys slowed the race considerably but it was finally won by 3 Little Men, Matt, Lewie & John, who took home the trophy and a gift certificate from Orange Gifts. A second certificate was awarded to the most deserving paddler, Maddie Riley, in the fun race.
The Organizers would like to thank the sponsors, Architectural Accents, Belize Aggregates and SeaSports Belize for helping making the day possible as well as Manatee Lookout for letting us use the premises. A special thanks goes to Paul from Sea Sports for providing the safety boat (and to Julian who decided to use the motor instead of paddle) as well as Paul from Belize Aggregates for organising the entries, start and timing as well as the prize speech. Mention should also be given to the staff of Architectural Accents including Jose, Ray, Benjamin, Dennis, Deusbury and Brandon for organising the course, cooking the BBQ and cleaning up behind us when we had had enough. Thanks also to all the participants and their sponsors for making it a good day all round.
A reminder that the next race is 17th February starting at the Boom landing and finishing at the BelCan bridge.
Jerry Wilken
21 January 2008
The First Annual Boom to Manatee Canoe Race took place on 19th January 2008 and had a total of 19 boats participating, an excellent turnout for the first race of the 2008 season. The race commenced at 10:00am sharp and sprinted down river towards Manatee Lookout Bar & Restaurant some 12 miles down stream. The weather was sunny and hot with a strong breeze blowing up river. The finish was a photo finish with Belize Bank, 1 hr 37 mins edging out Atlantic Bank by just 2 seconds wining the overall champion and first male trophies as well as a gift certificate from Orange Gift Shop and a cash prize. Grumpy Old Men steamed in third at 1 hr 42 mins to win first Masters followed by Rock & Roll who came in 40 seconds later for 3rd Males and Builders who claimed 4th Male. Jonkanu came in 6th place and took the first Mixed trophy followed a minute later by Print Belize who took the fist Pleasure Boat trophy. A strongly contested race for first Female came next with PR Marriott Drilling edging out Grumpy Old Women by just 10 seconds. A flurry of activity took place from 2 hours to 2 hrs 15 mins when the Red Stripe team followed by a fleet of Batsub teams and Thread Love, all arriving during that time. The Thirsty Turtle had a relaxing day out followed closely by the Sea Scouts 1 team who took first Juniors. The final team, Sea Scouts 2 were plagued by homework chores and the final team had not been to practice and had to drop out.
Family Fun Race
The Family Fun Race was held after lunch with four teams taking part. High winds and drifting buoys slowed the race considerably but it was finally won by 3 Little Men, Matt, Lewie & John, who took home the trophy and a gift certificate from Orange Gifts. A second certificate was awarded to the most deserving paddler, Maddie Riley, in the fun race.
The Organizers would like to thank the sponsors, Architectural Accents, Belize Aggregates and SeaSports Belize for helping making the day possible as well as Manatee Lookout for letting us use the premises. A special thanks goes to Paul from Sea Sports for providing the safety boat (and to Julian who decided to use the motor instead of paddle) as well as Paul from Belize Aggregates for organising the entries, start and timing as well as the prize speech. Mention should also be given to the staff of Architectural Accents including Jose, Ray, Benjamin, Dennis, Deusbury and Brandon for organising the course, cooking the BBQ and cleaning up behind us when we had had enough. Thanks also to all the participants and their sponsors for making it a good day all round.
A reminder that the next race is 17th February starting at the Boom landing and finishing at the BelCan bridge.
Jerry Wilken
21 January 2008