So when I got the call to head back down for another trip into the jungles of Belize, to follow along on one of the most iconic multi-day canoe races in the world, I rearranged my schedule of spring skiing and hut trips and said yes. It seemed like a unique opportunity to see how a place like Belize would develop over two decades, and to revisit some of the natural beauty I remembered from that first trip, from snorkeling with sharks to swimming underneath remote jungle waterfalls.

If I would have known how shut down the country was during the pandemic, and that they were really just barely emerging from long stints of mask requirements, curfews and quarantines, I might have second guessed my decision, but hey, travel in a post-pandemic world is a pain in the ass no matter what, and I’m usually up for an adventure. I guess that’s why I get invited on so many of these weird trips.

Even still, we are all pandemic weary, and with my two little girls at home, I haven’t been able to risk any potentially long quarantines in strange places due to COVID exposures or other fucked up circumstances that often come with adventure travel, so I’ve, for better or worse, been laying pretty low the last couple years. But I really did want to get this unique viewpoint. Had the country changed, I wondered, had I?

The mood was light as they whisked us through customs in order to expedite our safe and speedy passage up river to San Ignacio for the start of the canoe race, held up briefly by our lack of a permit for our drone, but not a major setback since the airport was not crowded at all and nothing is very far in what I rediscovered is actually a very small country, with a total population of just about 400,000 people.

Our first day on the ground we went on horseback, through the jungle and small neighboring villages, across the river and all the way to the Guatemalan border essentially, and the archeological site of Xunantunich. Along the way we had an edible and medicinal plant and ecology tour I won’t soon forget. Seeing some of the same spots I had when I was here in the 90s was a head trip; and I have to keep holding space for grief as I imagine a lot of businesses, in all tourism-dependent economies globally, will not re-emerge out of the pandemic.

Belizeans are tough and resolute however, diverse, brilliantly humorous, and people seem generally happy and positive, ready to get back to normal. For me it was really cool to see that a relatively obscure sporting event like a 25-year-old canoe race can bring a nation together and inspire people to get back out and start living again. One thing I had not remembered, was how poor this country was, from broken down hot tubs to being out of seemingly everything. I couldn’t even get a large bottle of water most places. Maybe I hadn’t had the chance to see it, or didn’t have the experience to recognize it on my first visit, I don’t know. Sometimes on these trips you only remember the good once you’re home. But the bad can stick with you too.

Belize is a country of natural wonders that deserves to be preserved and protected — and in fact more than 45% of the country is already protected from development, including the largest barrier reef in the world. The only thing I could think when I was there this time, staying in several small resort properties that were essentially deserted in the interior of the country, was that they very much needed tourism to come back online. It felt like a ghost town, like time had frozen mid-2020, and I don’t know if they were even expecting any tourists. I’m not going to tell you what locals told me their bi-weekly government stipend was for layoffs during the pandemic, but it made me feel pretty damn fortunate.

One of the most incredible spots we visited along the route of the canoe race was Belize Ecolution Adventures, and I cannot recommend enough that you go and check them out. This multi-generational family had the most peaceful and symbiotic relationship with their environment I had ever witnessed. In the jungle, we experienced a detoxification, “so that the vibration of nature could resonate, issuing a constant reprogramming of the mind,” Shane Baizar told me as he spoke of an ecological revolution, and a diplomatic balance between man and monkey. I was blown away by his level of intelligence, passion and sophistication, and I could have stayed for days, enjoying his grandmother’s cooking (the best food we had in the country) and sitting peacefully by the river. I highly encourage sustainable-minded travelers to come and experience Belize if you have not already.

After more than 20 years it seemed that not much had really changed in Belize, except maybe a few more paved roads, and a whole lot more plastic water bottles littering the landscape. They were sorely in need of a nation-wide recycling program, as a start. But the history of epochs and ecology here is irreplaceable, and must be preserved. It has to be one of the most culturally diverse nations in the world, holding its own place among Caribbean and Central American culture. And I know the coasts of Belize hold a myriad of fly fishing, diving and other obvious recreation and beauty that any visitor to the area would be remiss in not taking advantage of.

Unfortunately we didn’t get out to the keys on this particular trip, even though that had been one of my fondest memories from my first adventure, we ended up getting stuck in Belize City, a rather unwelcoming and underdeveloped town of about 80,000 with no real access to the beach or other recreation. That night we wandered into town and found a small streetside restaurant, and were treated as outsiders, unlike the friendly treatment I have had in similar situations in other countries. On a visit to Belize you’ll also run into some odd Canadian ex-pats, Mennonites, and other random gringos along the way, many who escaped the hustle and bustle of the U.S. many years ago like my college professors, in favor of the mellow vibe and temperate climate of Belize.

Despite the fact that the La Ruta Maya canoe race welcomed only about half the amount of teams and spectators it enjoyed pre-pandemic, it seemed that everyone considered it a resounding success, and hundreds lined the bridges and riverbanks daily as we made our way down river toward Belcan Bridge in Belize City. Despite the fact that the race is sponsored by the largest local beer brand in Belize, Belikin — a delicious, simple lager available only in country — there’s a noticeably low key vibe, unlike many places in Mexico for example and other Caribbean destinations that place a heavy emphasis on alcohol, it’s not like that in Belize. It’s the only press trip I’ve ever been on where the booze was not comped, and I didn’t know if that was indicative of an attitude toward partying or an overall lack of resources. At the end of the day, I would definitely consider Belize a destination for a more mature traveler — one more interested in ancient archeological sites and wildlife preserves than beach parties.

So had I changed? Was my perspective on the world and on international travel different, after having done this type of thing for more than 20 years? I really don’t think so. It reminded me of when I found my old journal from my travels in Africa a decade later…I was so hesitant to open those pages and see what a fool I was, what a stupid kid, only to find that my thoughts were lucid, my observations valid, and my frame of mind and outlook was essentially the same.

Of course we are all eager to — in desperate need to — start living again, to socialize, and to get out and be with our fellow countrymen and fellow humans, just like these Belize locals so clearly were. If anything, my experience has given me more perspective, more maturity, made me less judgmental, for the more you know, the more you realize you know nothing at all.

Photos by Steven Lauder

Author Aaron H. Bible is an award-winning writer and multimedia producer with three decades of experience as a content specialist, creative director, and journalist. Aaron is a contributing writer, editor and photographer to publications including SKI, Freeskier, Men’s Health, Popular Mechanics, Sunset, Gear Junkie, 5280, Elevation Outdoors, Vanish, and more. He holds an MFA in photography from the Savannah College of Art & Design, and has worked as a photographer, gallery director, and educator. He lives with his family in the high-country of Colorado where he and his wife are raising two girls to love thin air, fresh pow, and the flow state. Follow him on Instagram at @DefinitelyWild.

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The Stingray is Tentsile’s flagship three-person tree tent. This unique and comfortable outdoor shelter is not only fun and immensely comfortable but also elevates you above inhospitable ground conditions, insects, snakes and other creepies.

The Stingray interior consists of three spacious separated hammock berths, with a rip-resistant mesh top overhead. It is accessed via a floor hatch in the center and a large front door. It can be suspended between three trees or other strong anchors points such as trucks or boulders.

The Stingray has a removable rain fly for unbeatable views, which can be pegged out to the ground, creating a large 160ft²/ 15m² of the covered porch area. The rain fly flaps can be rolled and toggled out of the way above the front door, or folded under the tent and hooked to the central hatch creating a second windbreak and a thermal buffer.

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Featuring rich yet elegant in their simplicity, Sovaro coolers offer uncompromised style and performance wherever life takes you, be it an intimate backyard gathering or exclusive oceanfront event. Coolers are the centerpiece of a good time, and Sovaro offers the style and delivers on the features to make you proud to bring your cooler to the forefront of the moment. With room for a few bottles and a plate of fruit or garnishes, the 30-quart cooler is perfect for any party. Designed for a night out with a group of your closest friends, the 45-quart cooler is the perfect size for on-the-go entertainment. Or pack a case of craft beer or a few bottles of your best bourbon — the spacious 70-quart cooler is built to make your big weekend even better. The key to keeping a cooler cold is to keep heat out. With flawless form and faultless function, Sovaro coolers are engineered to achieve superior performance.

Each cooler comes with a complimentary divider. There is an optional additional divider for sale, but only the 45 and 70-quart models can utilize two dividers at a time. You can pick up another divider within this sale as well. This Premium Cooler also includes gold details that set it apart from the entertaining crowd.

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Intercept unlimited views.

• BEER PARK in Paris Las Vegas transforms into a rooftop tailgate party on Sunday, Feb. 4. Lined with high-definition TVs and located directly across from the Fountains of Bellagio, the venue offers unmatched views, guaranteed seating and buffet-style food, all starting at $125 plus tax and fees.
• With screens for days (300 to be exact) and hitting bays, Topgolf Las Vegas offers multiple floors of fun for the whole family. Beyond the traditional golfing levels, The Toyota Yard can be reserved for groups and features a food menu package.
• The Downtown Las Vegas Events Center’s Big Game Bash will be a football fan’s dream, decked out with stadium-style seating, delicious food, and a 72-inch screen. Nestled in the heart of Downtown, guests will have access to prime views, fully stocked bars and the option to reserve special on-field tables. At a $300 beverage minimum, the on-field tables hold 6-12 people.

Master the art of Man Cave-ing.

• The D Las Vegas is dishing up some serious fun. Fans can enjoy plush leather couches, beer-pong tables, big screen TVs and open-bar access for food and drinks when they reserve a private “Man Cave” game room, starting at $170 per person. For the group that beckons a party fit for royalty, the Celebration of Champions gives super fans a chance to entertain up to 180 friends in the D Showroom and features a private bartender and stadium-style food and beverages.
• Searsucker Las Vegas inside Caesars Palace also invites men to “man cave.” Starting at 2 p.m. on game day, football enthusiasts can feast on an all-you-can-eat specialty menu including lollipop wings with buffalo sauce and blue cheese fondue; crispy pig’s ears with cilantro, lime and sea salt; duck fat fries with parmesan and more. By upgrading to the VIP Man Cave Experience sponsored by Jack Daniel’s, guests will receive all-you-can-eat-and-drink and a very special halftime show – a pig roast with all the fixings.

Fuel the fandom.

• Wynn Las Vegas & Encore Resort will turn sports fans into self-admitted foodies, with all-you-can-eat menus at Allegro, featuring tailgate favorites with an Italian twist, such as chicken parmigiana sliders, mini lasagna and more for $150 per person; and Charlie’s Bar + Grill, a vibrant sports bar with all-American dishes, $250 per person for Grandstand and $300 for VIP. For limitless fare and celebratory beverages, guests can enjoy Eastside Lounge for $175 per person, or Lobby Bar + Café for $150 per person. Also located in Wynn Las Vegas, La Cave Wine & Food Hideaway lures in the luxe loungers with a butler-style feast served tableside. The menu will feature an endless selection of exquisite dishes such as sea bass tacos with pickled onions and salsa verde; shrimp ceviche with avocado and Asian pear and loaded baked potato-style tater tots. Priced at $129 per person, excluding beverages, taxes, and gratuity; the glamorous patio tailgate will kick off at 2:30 p.m.
• Perhaps one of the most creative spins on a Las Vegas classic (the buffet), is Westgate Las Vegas’ Tailgate “To-Go” option for $18.99 per person and includes a 20 oz. beer. Traditional buffet-lovers can get their fix at Fresh Buffet with the $19.99 per person selection of BBQ ribs, wings, and upgrades such as crab legs.
• The Venetian Las Vegas will become a true sports haven this year. Fan favorite Bouchon, by Chef Thomas Keller, will showcase the action on big screen televisions throughout the restaurant and fuel the energy with food stations serving up a variety of game day grub. From traditional eats to a whole roasted pig for a half-time feast, along with all-you-can-drink draft beer, sommelier-selected wine, and well drinks, guests can score big for only $150 per person. New to the game, The Dorsey will offer up all-American fare alongside its swoon-worthy assortment of craft cocktails, with beverage minimums starting at $100 per person.

Perfect the victory dance.

• When the sun sets over the Las Vegas Strip, Drai’s Nightclub atop The Cromwell will heat up with performances by the world’s hottest names in hip-hop. The three-day weekend features an all-star lineup, kicking off Friday with Ty Dolla $ign, followed by Big Sean on Saturday night and rowdy trio Migos to close out the fanfare Sunday.   
• The celebration never stops inside XS Nightclub at Encore Las Vegas. Opening its doors early in true tailgating style, the venue’s festivities begin at 2 p.m. on game day. A $150 VIP wristband grants partygoers general seating and buffet-style food, while group packages range from $1,250 to $25,000 and feature amenities such as bottles of Grey Goose, buckets of beer and multiple VIP wristbands.
• Hyde Bellagio inside Bellagio Las Vegas invites football fans to cheer on their favorite pro team in a music-filled, nighttime atmosphere with VIP table packages and delectable small bites from Lago by Julian Serrano.

For more information on Big Game activities in Las Vegas, visit www.VisitLasVegas.com.

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There are players on the planet who can change a game. Then there are players that invent new ways to play it, creating unbelievable moments that turn the game on its head forever.  The FUTURE is made for those players that change the game in an instant, those that play with instinct, and invent play on the pitch pushing the game to New Levels.

That’s why PUMA designed a boot that allows for complete individuality in both fit and style.

FUTURE is the first football boot with a truly customizable fit. NETFIT technology allows the wearer to lace their boots any way they want in order to fit perfectly, no matter the foot shape or lock-down need.

The FUTURE utilizes PUMA’s adaptable NETFIT technology initially designed for running and takes it to New Levels by applying it to the upper creating a boot that is aggressive in its aesthetic, unique in its appearance, and in its lacing system a purely individual fit experience.

The lacing system is there to be experimented with, to adapt to your fit specifications, whether wide or narrow footed and give you the ultimate lock-down. With its infinite customization options, NETFIT allows for the ultimate in pitch expression, allowing players to truly stand out with their own unique lacing designs.

To further enhance the overall fit and feel of the boots the NETFIT upper has been fused to the evoKNIT sock and striking zones to create one form-fitting textile base layer, bringing the wearer a snug-fit whilst making sure the foot is closer to the ball on impact for that perfect touch. The evoKNIT sock has been designed to be non-restrictive and allows for limitless agility thanks to its specifically placed cuts, whilst the material itself offers supreme support and comfort throughout the game.

The FUTURE also introduces the brand new RAPIDAGILITY outsole, made of super lightweight and reactive Pebax, and contains a mix of conical and bladed studs that are designed to bring the best results in traction and stability. Perfect for those quick turns of pace, and moments of quick-footed brilliance that leave your opponents in a twisted heap.

The Q1 FUTURE 18.1 comes in a disruptive yellow and black graphics execution that echo’s the explosion of energy felt when those outrageous moments of brilliance come off, sparking off flares in the stands and scenes in the streets.

The release of the FUTURE 18.1 release is accompanied by a campaign film created by the 2017 UK Music Video Award-winning director Ryan Staake and featuring Antoine Griezmann with music provided by the king of Afrotrap ‘MHD’ in the form of the track ‘AFRO TRAP Part.7 (La Puissance)’.

The FUTURE will be worn by players such as Antoine Griezmann, Adam Lallana, Marco Reus, Jozy Altidore and Marko Arnautovic.

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