Body Surfing Competition Checklist: What to Arrange and When

A body surfing competition needs more than a start line and a good swell. This checklist takes you from choosing the format and confirming the beach to managing registrations, judging, safety and the final results. Tide times, permits, consent forms and the weather fallback need decisions before promotion begins. On the day, clear roles, waterproof scoring materials, communication equipment and a visible first-aid setup keep the competition moving when conditions change.

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The plan, step by step

Every task with its own sub-checklist, in the order you'll actually need them.

Preparations

Set the competition format
2 people
Confirm competition date
2 people
Reserve beach location
Apply for permits
Prepare safety plan
2 people
Check the tides
Determine the weather scenario
2 people
Write out the competition rules
2 people
Record the judging criteria
3 people
Approach jury members
Assign the safety team
2 people
Book host
Book photographer
Create registration form
Send invitations
2 people
Distribute promotional poster
2 people
Process registrations
Collect dietary requirements
Check participant details
2 people
Assign starter groups
2 people
Publish the schedule
Send participant letter
Collect consent forms
Print race numbers
Print certificates
Checking prizes
Inventory materials
2 people
Check the shopping list
2 people
Do the shopping
2 people
Fill coolers
2 people
Load materials
3 people
Check the weather forecast again
Give the safety briefing
8 people
Inspect competition area
3 people
Mark off the competition area
4 people
Set up tents
4 people
Set up tables and chairs
4 people
Set up registration desk
2 people
Set up judges' table
2 people
Set up the first aid station
2 people
Connect the sound system
2 people
Test the PA system
2 people
Put out buoys
3 people
Chill drinks
2 people
Set out snacks
2 people

Event

Handle registrations
3 people
Hand out participant wristbands
2 people
Welcome the audience
2 people
Explain the competition rules
Lead the warm-up round
4 people
Guide the first competition round
8 people
Record scores
3 people
Refill drinks
2 people
Serve snacks
2 people
Lead the second round of the competition
8 people
Guide the third competition round
8 people
Announce finalists
Lead the final
8 people
Check the final results
3 people
Carry out award ceremony
3 people
Take group photo
2 people
See the crowd off
2 people

Aftercare

Collect waste
4 people
Remove buoys from the water
3 people
Dismantle the sound system
2 people
Take down tents
4 people
Clear tables and chairs
4 people
Wash dishes
2 people
Clean the venue
4 people
Dry materials
2 people
Inventory materials
2 people
Return borrowed items
2 people
Send photos to participants
Publish the results

What to bring

Grouped the way you'd shop for it, with quantities.

Furniture

Party tentsqty 3
Foldable tablesqty 8
Folding chairsqty 40
Judges' table
Registration desk
High tablesqty 4
Tableclothsqty 10

Sports equipment

Competition buoysqty 6
Mooring linesqty 6
Life ringsqty 4
Life jacketsqty 8
Whistlesqty 8
Competition bibsqty 30
Start flagsqty 2
Finish flag
Stopwatchqty 4
Waterproof scoreboardsqty 2
Scoreboard markersqty 12
Waterproof clipboardsqty 6
Waterproof scorecardsqty 100
Bib numbersqty 80
Wristbandsqty 100
Hand truckqty 2

Safety

First aid kitqty 2
AED
Emergency blanketsqty 10
Emergency blanketsqty 4
Flashlightsqty 6
Walkie-talkiesqty 8
Safety vestsqty 12
Barrier tapeqty 6
Traffic conesqty 12

Equipment

Battery speakerqty 2
Wireless microphonesqty 2
Microphone standsqty 2
Extension cordsqty 4
Power stripsqty 4
Power banksqty 6
Megaphonesqty 2

Lighting

LED lampsqty 8
Battery lampsqty 6
String lightsqty 4

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 150
Reusable platesqty 100
Reusable cutleryqty 120
Coffee cupsqty 60
Water jugsqty 8
Serving traysqty 8

Kitchen

Coolersqty 8
Thermos flasksqty 4
Cutting boardsqty 4
Bread knivesqty 4
Kitchen knivesqty 4
Serving tongsqty 8
Ice packsqty 30

Decorations

Competition postersqty 12
Directional signsqty 10
Stage ribbon
Table décorqty 8

Catering

Groceries

Tips

Set the competition format and judging criteria before opening registration. Give yourself at least 2 weeks to explain heats, scoring and eligibility clearly to participants and jury members.
Check the tide forecast and prepare the weather scenario at least 72 hours before the event. Confirm who can postpone the competition, how participants will be notified and what happens to the schedule.
Complete permits and the safety plan before distributing the poster or sending invitations. Assign the safety team, confirm emergency communication and place life rings, first-aid equipment and an AED where they can be reached quickly.
Close registration several days before the competition rather than on the morning itself. Use the final participant list to check consent forms, dietary requirements, race numbers, wristbands and starter groups.
Set up the registration desk, judges' table and timing area at least 90 minutes before the first heat. Test whistles, stopwatches, walkie-talkies, flags and waterproof scorecards before participants arrive.

Frequently asked questions

How far in advance should I plan a body surfing competition?: Start planning at least 8 to 12 weeks before the competition. Use the first weeks for the beach booking, permits, format, safety plan and jury; open registration only after those decisions are clear.
When should I check the tides for a body surfing competition?: Check the predicted tides when choosing the start time, then review them again 72 hours and 24 hours before the event. Record the decision in the weather and safety plan so the team follows one agreed scenario.
How long before the event should registration close?: Close registration 3 to 5 days before the competition. That leaves time to check participant details and consent forms, assign starter groups, publish the schedule and prepare bib numbers and wristbands.
What safety equipment do I need for a body surfing competition?: Prepare life rings, life jackets, whistles, a first aid kit, an AED, emergency blankets, flashlights, walkie-talkies and safety vests. Check every item before setup and assign named team members to carry or monitor the equipment.

Start this plan in Lizzt

Every task and item on this page, ready in your own event. Invite people, split the work, and see who has done what.