Canoe Slalom Competition Checklist

A canoe slalom competition depends on more than boats and a marked course. You need the venue, permit, water-level checks, safety cover, officials, registration and timing equipment in place before race day. Start with the venue and competition rules, then move through registrations, staffing and equipment testing. The final checks focus on getting materials to the water’s edge, marking the course and setting up tents, tables and communications before competitors arrive.

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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
Check water and safety rules
2 people
Set the competition rules
2 people
Assign officials and judges
Arrange rescue service
Arrange first aid staffing
Send invitations
2 people
Open registration form
Process registrations
2 people
Collect dietary requirements
Assign starter groups
2 people
Publish start list
Reserve boats and paddles
Test timing equipment
2 people
Test and charge walkie-talkies
2 people
Check the shopping list
Do the shopping
2 people
Print bib numbers
Assemble Race Packets
2 people
Prepare prizes and certificates
Check the location and water level
2 people
Bring materials to the water's edge
4 people
Mark off the competition area
3 people
Set up tents and tables
4 people
Set up the audience area
3 people
Set up the start and finish area
4 people
Set out the slalom course
5 people
Hang gate numbers
2 people
Set up rescue posts
4 people
Set up the first aid station
2 people
Set up the registration table
2 people
Set up catering and coffee station
3 people
Chill drinks
2 people
Prepare snacks and lunch
3 people
Test timing and scoring table
3 people
Brief officials
2 people
Hold a safety briefing
4 people

Event

Register participants
3 people
Hand out race numbers
2 people
Check boats
3 people
Give the opening briefing
2 people
Guide practice runs
5 people
Start the first round
6 people
Record gate penalties
6 people
Inform participants and audience
2 people
Refill drinks
2 people
Serve snacks and lunch
3 people
Publish interim results
2 people
Check the course and safety
5 people
Start second heat
6 people
Staff lifeguard posts
4 people
Staff the first aid station
2 people
Process score sheets
3 people
Check final results
2 people
Hold the awards ceremony
3 people
Thank participants
2 people
Serve leftover food and drinks
2 people

Aftercare

Dismantle competition equipment
5 people
Remove slalom gates from the water
5 people
Take down tents and tables
4 people
Wash tableware and equipment
3 people
Collect waste
3 people
Clean the grounds and restroom area
3 people
Load boats and paddles
4 people
Hand over the venue
2 people
Return borrowed materials
2 people
Send the results and photos
Process participant invoices

What to bring

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

Furniture

Party tentsqty 3
Tablesqty 10
Chairsqty 40
Bar stoolsqty 6
Waste binsqty 8
Clothes racksqty 2

Sports equipment

Competition kayaksqty 12
Spare kayaksqty 3
Race paddlesqty 15
Spare paddlesqty 5
Life jacketsqty 30
Kayak helmetsqty 30
Slalom gatesqty 24
Gate linesqty 24
Gate numbersqty 24
Rescue kayaksqty 2
Throw linesqty 6
Life ringsqty 4
Waterproof carry bagsqty 8
First aid kitsqty 2
Life jacketsqty 8
Flashlightsqty 6

Equipment

Electronic timekeeping
Stopwatchesqty 8
Walkie-talkiesqty 10
Two-way radio chargersqty 5
Laptop
Printer
Extension cordsqty 6
Power stripsqty 6
Power banksqty 6
Megaphonesqty 2
Speaker
Microphone

Lighting

LED work lightsqty 6
String lightsqty 4

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 200
Coffee cupsqty 100
Platesqty 120
Cutlery setsqty 120
Serving spoonsqty 8

Kitchen

Coolersqty 6
Thermos flasksqty 6
Coffee machinesqty 2
Kettlesqty 2
Cutting boardsqty 4
Kitchen knivesqty 4
Serving traysqty 8
Food containersqty 12
Pliersqty 6

Decorations

Competition flagsqty 12
Conesqty 30
Barrier tapeqty 10
Ballast bagsqty 20
Direction signsqty 12
Bib numbersqty 100
Prize tableclothqty 2

Cleaning

Broom setsqty 3
Floor squeegeesqty 2
Bucketsqty 4
Reusable cleaning clothsqty 20
Toilet brushesqty 2

Catering

Groceries

Tips

Confirm the venue, competition permit and water-safety requirements early. Complete these checks before opening registration, because the course and safety arrangements determine how many competitors you can accept.
Assign officials, judges, rescue staff and first-aid cover before publishing the start list. Give each role a named person and a reporting time so gaps are found at least one week before the competition.
Test electronic timing, stopwatches, walkie-talkies and chargers before packing them. Bring a laptop, printer, extension cords, power strips and power banks, and keep waterproof carry bags available for equipment near the water.
Check every boat, paddle, life jacket and helmet, including spare kayaks and spare paddles. Do this after registrations are processed, so starter groups and equipment needs match the final entry list.
Plan the race-day setup in reverse order: bring materials to the water’s edge, mark the competition area, then set up tents, tables, chairs and waste bins. Aim to finish course and communications checks before the first competitors report.

Frequently asked questions

How far in advance should I apply for a canoe slalom competition permit?: Apply as soon as the venue and proposed date are known, preferably at least 8 to 12 weeks before race day. Permit requirements can affect water access, rescue cover and the competition format.
How many rescue kayaks and safety staff do I need for a canoe slalom competition?: There is no single number: follow the waterway rules, permit conditions and your risk assessment. Confirm the required rescue kayaks, throw lines, life rings and first-aid staff at least 4 weeks before the event.
When should I close registration and publish the start list?: Set a clear closing date, commonly 7 to 14 days before the competition. Process entries, collect dietary requirements, assign starter groups and publish the start list early enough for corrections before race day.
When should I test the timing equipment and walkie-talkies?: Carry out a full test 1 to 2 days before the competition and repeat a quick check during setup. Charge every radio, stopwatch and power bank, then confirm that officials can communicate from the start, finish and safety areas.

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