What you need for a bodyboard competition

A bodyboard competition needs more than boards and prizes. You need clearly marked competition zones, reliable timing and communication equipment, and safety gear that remains usable in wet conditions. Plan food and drinks for participants, judges, crew and spectators rather than only counting registered competitors. This checklist helps you buy and pack the practical items people often remember too late, especially waterproof storage, power banks and equipment for water safety.

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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
- Spa Blauw - 120 bottles
- Spa Rood - 40 bottles
- Cola - 24 bottles
- Coke Zero - 24 bottles
- Orange soda - 12 bottles
- Ice tea - 12 bottles
- Sports drink - 60 bottles
- Coffee - 2 packs
- Tea - 2 boxes
- Milk - 6 liters
- Oat milk - 3 liters
- Sugar - 2 packs
- Sweetener - 1 box
- Coffee cups - 100 pieces
- Coffee stirrers - 100 pieces
- Croissants - 60 pieces
- Whole grain bread - 8 loaves
- White rolls - 80 pieces
- Bread rolls - 60 pieces
- Cheese slices - 3 kilos
- Ham slices - 2 kilo
- Chicken breast slices - 2 kilos
- Hummus - 12 tubs
- Cream cheese - 8 tubs
- Butter - 4 packs
- Jam - 4 jars
- Cucumbers - 12 pieces
- Tomatoes - 5 kilos
- Lettuce - 8 heads
- Paprika chips - 12 bags
- Plain chips - 12 bags
- Tortilla chips - 8 bags
- Salsa - 8 jars
- Apples - 8 kilos
- Bananas - 6 kilos
- Grapes - 5 kilos
- Muesli bars - 80 pieces
- Ketchup - 3 bottles
- Mayonnaise - 3 bottles
- Mustard - 2 bottles
- Ice bag bags - 12 bags
- Paper napkins - 300 pieces
- Paper towels - 8 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Trash bags - 40 pieces
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- Hand soap - 4 bottles
- Hand sanitizer - 6 bottles
- Cleaning wipes - 4 packs
- Sunscreen - 12 bottles
- Bandages - 4 boxes
- Disposable gloves - 4 boxes
- Rope - 4 rolls
- Cable ties - 2 bags
- Duct tape - 4 rolls
- Waterproof markers - 12 pieces
- Paper registration forms - 100 pieces
- Envelopes - 80 pieces
- AA batteries - 24 pieces
- AAA batteries - 24 pieces

Tips

Prepare one bodyboard for each expected competitor, plus at least 2 spare boards for damage, loss or last-minute equipment problems. Check every board before registration opens.
Count safety equipment by the number of active water-safety crew members: provide at least one whistle and one communication method per person, with life rings and rescue lines positioned at the water access point.
Use waterproof storage bins for bib numbers, tablets, printed schedules and judging materials. Pack spare bibs and protect paper documents before they reach the beach.
Allow 2–3 drinks per person for the first hour, then one drink per person per additional hour. Bring coolers for cold drinks and thermos flasks for hot drinks if the competition starts early.
Charge walkie-talkies, tablets, speakers and power banks the day before. Take extension cords and power strips only where they can be kept dry and away from walking routes.

Frequently asked questions

What equipment do I need for a bodyboard competition?: Bring bodyboards, competition buoys, bib numbers, licensing signs, whistles, life rings and rescue lines. For judging and coordination, allow one stopwatch per judging station, one walkie-talkie per key crew member and a backup power bank for each tablet.
How many drinks should I buy for a bodyboard competition?: Budget 2–3 drinks per person for the first hour and one additional drink per person for every following hour. Include competitors, judges, safety crew and volunteers in the calculation, not only registered participants.
How much spare bodyboard equipment should I bring?: Pack at least 2 spare bodyboards for a small competition, or roughly 10% of the competitor count when more than 20 people are taking part. Add spare bib numbers and batteries or charged power banks for timing and communication equipment.
When should I prepare the shopping for a bodyboard competition?: Buy non-perishable equipment and tableware at least 3–5 days before the event. Chill drinks and prepare snacks on the day before, then check the weather and tide forecast again 24 hours before the competition.

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