What you need for a climbing competition

A climbing competition needs more than routes and prizes. You will need enough safety equipment for every active climber, plus registration tables, scoring supplies, clear signs and reliable communication between judges and volunteers. Check quantities against your format, number of categories and starter groups before buying or borrowing anything. The items below also cover details that are often arranged too late, such as spare power, route marking tools and first aid equipment.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Registration tablesqty 3
Foldable tablesqty 8
Chairsqty 40
Bollardsqty 20
Barrier tapeqty 200

Sports equipment

Climbing ropesqty 8
Climbing harnessesqty 20
Safety Devicesqty 12
Climbing helmetsqty 20
Climbing matsqty 12
Climbing bagsqty 12
Climbing crash padsqty 6
Directional signsqty 40
Route handlesqty 160
Brush setsqty 12
Climbing tapeqty 12
Conesqty 20
Stopwatch setsqty 6
Whistlesqty 6

Equipment

Laptopqty 2
Tabletsqty 4
Printers
Extension cordsqty 6
Power stripsqty 6
Sound system
Microphonesqty 2
Power banksqty 6
First aid kit
Walkie-talkiesqty 8

Lighting

LED lightsqty 6
String lightsqty 4

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 150
Platesqty 120
Cutlery setsqty 120
Coffee potsqty 4
Thermos flasksqty 6

Kitchen

Coolersqty 6
Cutting boardsqty 4
Kitchen knivesqty 4
Serving traysqty 8
Serving tongsqty 8

Decorations

Bib holdersqty 100
Stage blocksqty 3
Prize table
Competition postersqty 10

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 8
Mopsqty 4
Bucketsqty 4

Catering

Groceries
- Spa Blauw - 12 bottles
- Spa Rood - 6 bottles
- Cola - 6 bottles
- Cola Zero - 6 bottles
- Sinas - 4 bottles
- Ice tea - 4 bottles
- Apple juice - 4 packs
- Orange juice - 4 cartons
- Coffee - 4 packs
- Tea - 2 boxes
- Sugar - 2 packs
- Milk - 8 liters
- Oat milk - 4 liters
- Ice cubes - 10 bags
- Paprika chips - 6 bags
- Plain chips - 6 bags
- Snacks - 4 bags
- Popcorn - 4 bags
- Muesli bars - 100 pieces
- Bananas - 8 kilograms
- Apples - 8 kilograms
- Grapes - 5 kilograms
- Cucumbers - 8 pieces
- Cherry tomatoes - 4 kilograms
- Carrots - 4 kilograms
- Hummus - 12 tubs
- Wraps - 100 pieces
- Mild cheese - 3 kilograms
- Hummus wraps - 30 pieces
- Chicken breast slices - 3 kilograms
- Veggie toppings - 3 kilograms
- Lettuce - 8 heads
- Mayonnaise - 2 bottles
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Mustard - 2 jars
- Salt - 1 pack
- Pepper - 1 pack
- Aluminum foil - 2 rolls
- Cling film - 2 rolls
- Napkins - 300 pieces
- Paper towels - 12 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Trash bags - 100 pieces
- Dish soap - 3 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 3 bottles
- Disinfectant wipes - 6 packs

Tips

Plan one complete safety setup for every climber on the wall, including a suitable harness, helmet and safety device. Add spare equipment rather than relying on last-minute substitutions.
Prepare registration and scoring equipment before the participant list closes: allow one registration table, at least one laptop or tablet, and printed score sheets for every judge or route.
Use barrier tape, bollards and directional signs to separate the climbing area, waiting zones and registration desk. Put signs up before competitors arrive so volunteers do not have to direct every person.
Provide communication and timing backups. Give key volunteers walkie-talkies, prepare at least two stopwatch sets, and charge power banks before the first starter group.
Pack route-building and maintenance supplies together, including route holds, climbing tape and brush sets. Route builders often need these during final checks, not just during initial setup.

Frequently asked questions

How much climbing equipment do I need per competitor?: Prepare one suitable harness, helmet and safety device for each climber who may be active at the same time. Keep at least 10% spare equipment where possible, especially if participants use different sizes.
How many score sheets should I print for a climbing competition?: Print one score sheet for every judge or scoring station, plus 10% extra for mistakes or reprints. If 6 judges are working, prepare at least 7 sheets per scoring round unless your format requires more.
When should I prepare the climbing competition equipment?: Check all safety equipment, timing devices and communication tools 3 to 7 days before the competition. Complete a final route and equipment check on the day before the first starter group.
What should I bring for registration on competition day?: Bring registration tables, chairs, a laptop or tablet, participant information, start numbers and a printer if documents may change. Set up at least 60 minutes before registration opens so volunteers can test power and check the list.

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