Bodyboard competition checklist

A bodyboard competition needs more than a start list and a few boards. You need the venue, permit, safety plan, judges, water safety team and competition format settled before registrations open. In the final week, tide and weather checks can still change the schedule, so print the match plan and participant list only after those reports are reviewed. This checklist also covers the details that are easy to miss on the beach, including charged radios, numbered bibs, rescue equipment, shade, drinks and a working registration desk.

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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

Reserve competition venue
Apply for competition permit
Prepare safety plan
2 people
Define the competition format
2 people
Assign judges
Finalize the water safety team
Book photographer
Create registration form
Publish the competition rules
Send invitations
2 people
Process registrations
Collect dietary requirements
Confirm participants
Assign start numbers
2 people
Order prizes
Check the weather forecast
Check the tide report
Print the match schedule
Print participant list
Checking prizes
Do the shopping
2 people
Check sports equipment
2 people
Charge walkie-talkies
Prepare snacks
3 people
Chill drinks
2 people
Inspect venue
3 people
Mark off the competition area
4 people
Build party tents
4 people
Set up tables and chairs
4 people
Set up judges' table
2 people
Set up the registration table
2 people
Set up the first aid area
2 people
Test audio and microphone
2 people
Set up race buoys
3 people
Mark the start and finish lines
2 people

Event

Register participants
3 people
Hand out race numbers
2 people
Give the competition briefing
2 people
Guide the audience to the viewing area
2 people
Host the opening round
6 people
Record split times
3 people
Monitor water safety
4 people
Serve snacks
3 people
Refill drinks
2 people
Enter competition results
2 people
Guide the semifinals
6 people
Announce finalists
Lead the final
6 people
Check the final standings
3 people
Handle prize ceremony
3 people
Photograph the winners
Inform participants of the results
Guide the audience to the exit
2 people

Aftercare

Gather sports equipment
4 people
Remove race buoys
3 people
Take down tents and furniture
4 people
Collect waste
3 people
Wash dishes
2 people
Clean the venue
4 people
Check borrowed materials
2 people
Clean sports equipment
2 people
Return materials
2 people
Share photos with participants
Publish results online

What to bring

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

Furniture

Party tentsqty 2
Foldable tablesqty 6
Folding chairsqty 40
Judges' table
Registration desk

Sports equipment

Bodyboardsqty 20
Competition buoysqty 6
Bib numbersqty 60
Licensing signsqty 12
Whistlesqty 6
Life ringsqty 4
Rescue linesqty 4
Waterproof storage binsqty 6

Equipment

Portable speakersqty 2
Wireless microphone
Megaphoneqty 2
Walkie-talkiesqty 8
Stopwatchesqty 6
Tabletsqty 2
Power banksqty 4
Extension cordsqty 4
Power stripsqty 4

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 100
Reusable platesqty 80
Reusable cutleryqty 80
Serving spoonsqty 6

Kitchen

Coolersqty 6
Thermos flasksqty 4
Cutting boardsqty 3
Knivesqty 6
Pliersqty 4

Decorations

Competition flagsqty 12
Direction signsqty 8
Prize table sign

Lighting

LED string lightsqty 4
Work lightsqty 4

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 8
Broom setsqty 3
Litter pickersqty 3

Catering

Groceries

Tips

Set the competition format and publish the rules before sending invitations. Registration is easier to manage when heats, judging criteria, start numbers and arrival instructions are already clear.
Complete the safety plan before the event and assign the water safety team by name. Check that life rings, rescue lines, whistles and walkie-talkies are available, then charge every radio before leaving for the beach.
Review the weather forecast and tide report in the final 24 hours. Keep the printed match schedule and participant list until those checks are complete, because tide timing may affect the start of the competition.
Prepare the registration area with a table, participant list, tablets or forms, bib numbers and spare power banks. Give registration a clear opening time at least 60 minutes before the first heat so late arrivals do not delay the water schedule.
Do the food and drink shopping before event morning and chill drinks in coolers in advance. Prepare snacks, dietary-requirement information and reusable cups, plates and cutlery so the team is not handling catering during the first heats.

Frequently asked questions

How far in advance should I organise a bodyboard competition?: Start venue, permit and safety planning at least 8 to 12 weeks before the competition. Open registration only after the format, rules, judges and water safety team are confirmed.
When should I check the weather and tide for a bodyboard competition?: Check both reports during the final 24 hours and again on the morning of the event. Use the latest information before printing the match schedule and briefing participants.
How early should competitors arrive for registration?: Set registration to open at least 60 minutes before the first heat. This allows time to confirm participants, issue bib numbers and resolve missing forms without delaying the competition.
What safety equipment is needed for a bodyboard competition?: Prepare life rings, rescue lines, whistles and charged walkie-talkies, alongside the water safety team and a written safety plan. Check all equipment before setup and keep rescue gear immediately accessible from the competition area.

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.