What you need for a canoe slalom competition

A canoe slalom competition needs more than boats and gates. You need enough safety equipment for active paddlers, spare gear for failures, clear race-control supplies and practical facilities for officials, volunteers and spectators. Use this checklist to plan purchases and transport before the venue inspection. Count registered competitors, officials and volunteers separately, because their equipment and refreshments are needed at different points during the day.

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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
- Coffee - 4 packs
- Tea - 6 boxes
- Sugar - 2 kilograms
- Milk - 12 liters
- Oat milk - 6 liters
- Chocolate milk - 10 liters
- Cola - 12 bottles
- Cola Zero - 12 bottles
- Orange soda - 8 bottles
- Iced tea - 8 bottles
- Spa Blauw - 20 bottles
- Spa Rood - 8 bottles
- Apple juice - 6 packs
- Orange juice - 6 cartons
- Ice cubes - 20 bags
- Sandwiches - 240 pieces
- Whole grain bread - 8 loaves
- Bread rolls - 80 pieces
- Young cheese - 5 kilogram
- Aged cheese - 3 kilograms
- Cooked ham - 4 kilograms
- Chicken breast slices - 3 kilograms
- Hummus - 3 kilograms
- Egg salad - 2 kilograms
- Peanut butter - 3 jars
- Jam - 4 jars
- Butter - 2 kilograms
- Lettuce - 2 kilograms
- Cucumbers - 12 pieces
- Tomatoes - 4 kilogram
- Bell peppers - 2 kilograms
- Onions - 2 kilograms
- Apples - 8 kilograms
- Bananas - 6 kilograms
- Grapes - 5 kilograms
- Mandarins - 5 kilograms
- Currant buns - 80 pieces
- Muesli bars - 120 pieces
- Paprika chips - 8 bags
- Plain chips - 8 bags
- Snacks - 6 bags
- Rice cakes - 6 packs
- Cookies - 8 packs
- Brownies - 120 pieces
- Mayonnaise - 3 bottles
- Ketchup - 3 bottles
- Mustard - 2 jars
- Barbecue sauce - 2 bottles
- Vegetarian burgers - 80 pieces
- Burger buns - 100 pieces
- Hamburgers - 100 pieces
- Vegetarian sausages - 60 pieces
- Potato salad - 12 kilograms
- Pasta salad - 10 kilogram
- Green salad - 8 kilograms
- Fry sauce - 3 bottles
- Salt - 500 grams
- Pepper - 250 gram
- Paprika powder - 250 gram
- Garlic powder - 250 grams
- Oil - 3 liters
- Lemon juice - 2 bottles
- Diet biscuits - 4 packs
- Gluten-free rolls - 20 pieces
- Vegan burgers - 20 pieces
- Vegan cheese - 1 kilogram
- Napkins - 1000 pieces
- Paper towels - 12 rolls
- Toilet paper - 36 rolls
- Trash bags - 100 pieces
- Hand soap - 6 bottles
- Hand sanitizer - 8 bottles
- Dish soap - 4 bottles
- Sponges - 12 pieces
- Garbage bag ties - 4 rolls
- Aluminum foil - 4 rolls
- Plastic wrap - 4 rolls
- Baking paper - 2 rolls
- Disposable gloves - 6 boxes
- Serving skewers - 500 pieces

Tips

Plan at least one spare paddle and one spare canoe for every group of 10 active competitors, then adjust the total after registrations close. Keep spares accessible beside the course rather than in a distant vehicle.
Provide one correctly sized life jacket and helmet for every paddler using event equipment, plus at least 10% extra sizes for replacements and late adjustments. Check buckles and straps before loading the boats.
Prepare a separate safety station with rescue lines and life boats before the first run. Test every rescue item and confirm that the lifeguard team can reach the course without passing through the competitor queue.
Set up a covered officials’ area with tables, chairs, power strips and extension cords at least 2 hours before the first start. Test the laptop, printer, sound system and wireless microphones together, including a backup power bank.
Order food and drinks for the full event day, not only the race window. Count registered paddlers, officials and volunteers, add at least 10% for late arrivals, and provide reusable cups and plates at the catering point.

Frequently asked questions

How many spare canoes do I need for a canoe slalom competition?: Start with one spare canoe for every 10 active competitors, with a minimum of two spares for a small competition. Keep them rigged and ready near the launch area so a damaged canoe does not delay the start list.
How many helmets and life jackets are needed for a canoe slalom event?: Provide one suitable helmet and life jacket per paddler using event equipment, plus 10% extra in mixed sizes. Inspect the equipment on the day before the competition and again before the first run.
What equipment should be ready before the canoe slalom starts?: Have the course gates, hanging kits, buoys, starting blocks, finish banners and rescue equipment installed at least 2 hours before the first start. Test the sound system, microphones, laptop and printer during the same setup window.
When should I order catering for a canoe slalom competition?: Confirm catering quantities when registration closes, usually 3 to 5 days before the event. Add 10% to the confirmed number of paddlers, officials and volunteers, and check dietary requirements before placing the final order.

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