Canoe Slalom Competition Checklist

A canoe slalom competition depends on more than gates and boats. You need the venue, water access, permits, safety cover, officials, registrations and volunteer shifts arranged in the right order. Start with the course and safety plan, then confirm people, equipment and competitors before building the venue. This checklist gives you a complete planning structure, including details that are often left until the final week, such as power, parking, toilets, start lists and spare paddles.

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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

Confirm the competition venue
Apply for competition permit
Inform the water manager
Prepare safety plan
2 people
Set the match rules
2 people
Book officials
Reserve Lifeguard Service
Check electricity
2 people
Reserve the parking lot
Reserve restroom facilities
Send invitations
2 people
Publish registration form
Process registrations
2 people
Collect dietary requirements
Prepare start lists
2 people
Prepare officials briefing
Schedule volunteers
2 people
Order catering
Do the shopping
2 people
Check competition equipment
2 people
Sort competition numbers
2 people
Prepare route signs
2 people
Load canoes
3 people
Inspect venue
2 people
Build pavilions
4 people
Set up tables and chairs
3 people
Set up registration desk
2 people
Set up the officials' desk
2 people
Build the catering buffet
3 people
Chill drinks
2 people
Test sound system
2 people
Mark the course
4 people
Hang slalom gates
6 people
Set up the start and finish line
3 people
Position safety boats
4 people
Set out first aid supplies
2 people
Prepare announcements
Brief volunteers
3 people
Brief officials
2 people

Event

Register participants
4 people
Hand out bib numbers
2 people
Carry out materials check
3 people
Give participant briefing
2 people
Give the opening speech
Guide the first heat
8 people
Process interim results
2 people
Serve drinks
3 people
Refill drinks
2 people
Serve snacks
3 people
Check the course midway
3 people
Guide the second heat
8 people
Check results
2 people
Serve hot meal
5 people
Prepare awards ceremony
2 people
Handle prize ceremony
3 people
Publish final results
2 people
Guide the audience to the exit
3 people

Aftercare

Take the canoes out of the water
5 people
Take down slalom gates
6 people
Store safety boats
4 people
Wash dishes
3 people
Collect waste
3 people
Clean up catering
3 people
Clean the venue
4 people
Dismantle tables and chairs
4 people
Take down pavilions
4 people
Switch off equipment
2 people
Inventory materials
2 people
Return rental items
2 people
Archive competition results
Send participant results

What to bring

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

Furniture

Party tentsqty 3
Tablesqty 10
Chairsqty 60
Foldable tablesqty 4
Waste binsqty 8

Sports equipment

Competition canoesqty 20
Spare canoesqty 4
Kayak paddlesqty 24
Spare paddlesqty 6
Life jacketsqty 30
Helmetsqty 30
Slalom gatesqty 25
Gate hanging kitsqty 25
Starting blocksqty 2
Finish bannersqty 2
Competition buoysqty 20
Rescue linesqty 6
Life boatsqty 2
Paddle racksqty 4
Transport cartsqty 4
Conesqty 20
Barrier tapeqty 10
Traffic conesqty 12
Waterproof scoreboardsqty 4
Stopwatchesqty 8
Clipboardsqty 12
Waterproof notebooksqty 12

Equipment

Sound system
Wireless microphonesqty 2
Megaphonesqty 2
Laptopqty 2
Printer
Extension cordsqty 6
Power stripsqty 6
Power banksqty 6

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 250
Platesqty 180
Cutlery setsqty 180
Coffee cupsqty 80
Serving plattersqty 20
Serving spoonsqty 12

Kitchen

Coolersqty 6
Food warmersqty 6
Coffee machinesqty 3
Kettlesqty 2
Cutting boardsqty 4
Kitchen knivesqty 4
Thermos flasksqty 8

Lighting

LED string lightsqty 6
LED work lightsqty 6
Flashlightsqty 8

Safety

First aid kitsqty 3
Life ringsqty 6
Emergency blanketsqty 20
Safety tapeqty 8
Fire extinguishersqty 4

Decorations

Competition flagsqty 12
Route signsqty 12
Stage sign
Medal ribbonsqty 30
Medal holdersqty 30

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 6
Broom setsqty 3
Mopsqty 4
Bucketsqty 4
Cleaning glovesqty 12

Catering

Groceries

Tips

Secure the venue, competition permit and water manager’s approval before publishing registration. If the course or access arrangements change, you may need to update the safety plan and participant information.
Book officials and lifeguard cover early, then prepare a short officials’ briefing and volunteer rota at least 7 days before the competition. Include arrival times, radio or microphone arrangements and who handles equipment at the start and finish.
Close registrations early enough to process entries, dietary requirements and start lists. A practical deadline is 5–7 days before race day, leaving time to print lists, sort competition numbers and correct duplicate entries.
Inspect the venue before setup and check every course and rescue item: slalom gates, hanging kits, starting blocks, buoys, rescue lines, life boats, canoes, paddles, helmets and life jackets. Keep spare canoes and paddles accessible rather than packed at the back of a vehicle.
Test electricity and communications before competitors arrive. Connect the sound system, wireless microphones, megaphones, laptop and printer, and pack extension cords, power strips and power banks; do not assume the venue has enough usable sockets.

Frequently asked questions

How far in advance should I organise a canoe slalom competition?: Begin venue, permit, water-management and safety arrangements at least 8–12 weeks before race day. Book officials, lifeguards, toilets, parking and catering as soon as the date and venue are confirmed.
When should registration close for a canoe slalom competition?: Close registration 5–7 days before the event if possible. That gives you time to process entries, collect dietary requirements, prepare start lists and print competition numbers.
How many spare canoes and paddles do I need?: Plan at least 1 spare canoe and 2 spare paddles for a small competition, then add more when several classes race at the same time. Store the spares near the launch or equipment area so they can be reached without delaying a heat.
When should the venue be set up for a canoe slalom competition?: Inspect the venue and course the day before, then complete the main setup several hours before the first start. Allow extra time for pavilions, signs, gate installation, sound equipment, registration and a final safety check.

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