The first annual Love FM Island Kayak Challenge saw eleven teams competing. Commencing on Friday, June 24th morning from the Bliss Center for Performing Arts in Belize City, the race finished at the San Pedro Central Park on Saturday.
The 33 mile journey saw competitors making their way to St. George’s Caye and Caye Chapel before arriving in Caye Caulker where they spent the night. Two teams withdrew in the first leg of the competition due to medical reasons and kayak malfunctions. At the end of the first day Sea Front Inn Jaguars was in the lead, followed shortly by Sea Trekkers and Patty Arceo’s St. Ignatious closing in at second and third.
Early morning, June 25th saw the kayakers leaving Caye Caulker early en route to San Pedro. Fighting natural elements such as fierce winds, tides and even a little rain, the kayakers pushed through, starting to arrive in San Pedro shortly after two hours of leaving Caye Caulker. All remaining teams completed the third leg of the challenge (Caye Caulker to San Pedro) in less than three hours.
With a combined score of 235 points, the Sea Front Inn Jaguars, who won the Eco-Challenge race in San Pedro last May, took bragging rights of first place winners as well as a cash prize of $3000, a trophy and station prizes. Coming in second place was Sea Trekkers, garnering 135 points, $2000 cash prize plus a trophy and station prizes. Patty Arceo’s St. Ignatius team followed tightly, garnering 135 points to round off the top three winners. For this they received a $1000 cash prize, a trophy and additional prizes.
Additionally, all kayakers who finished the race received prizes courtesy of the San Pedro community and Love FM. Worthy of mention as teams that completed the race are: Coast Guard, Belizean Shores, Boca Gunners, Caribbean Enterprise, Coco Beach and Team Caye Caulker.
