What you need for a climbing competition

A climbing competition needs more than ropes and holds. You also need clearly marked routes, enough safety equipment, a working registration desk, judging supplies and a reliable way to communicate results. Plan equipment by participant numbers and check every item before the venue opens. The items below cover the competition area, route setup, registration, judging, catering and basic power needs, so late purchases are less likely to disrupt the event.

Organize this event for free with Lizzt

What to bring

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

Furniture

Tablesqty 8
Chairsqty 40
Registration desk
Jury tablesqty 4
Waste binsqty 6

Sports equipment

Climbing ropesqty 12
Climbing harnessesqty 20
Helmetsqty 12
Climbing and belay devicesqty 12
Climbing matsqty 8
Competition gripsqty 40
Route signsqty 20
Barrier tapeqty 4
Chalk bagsqty 15
Climbing brushesqty 10
Bib numbersqty 80
Stopwatchesqty 8
Measuring tapesqty 3

Equipment

Laptop
Printer
Extension cordsqty 4
Power stripsqty 4
Portable speaker
Microphone
Power banksqty 4

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 100
Platesqty 80
Cutlery setsqty 80
Coffee potsqty 3
Water jugsqty 6

Kitchen

Cutting boardsqty 3
Knivesqty 6
Serving spoonsqty 6
Coolersqty 4

Decorations

Competition flagsqty 8
Stage ribbon
Directional signsqty 12

Lighting

LED lampsqty 6

Cleaning

Broomqty 2
Mop setsqty 2
Bucketsqty 3
Hand broomsqty 3
Microfiber clothsqty 12
First aid kit
Cold packsqty 8

Catering

Groceries
- Coffee - 2 packs
- Decaf coffee - 1 pack
- Tea - 2 boxes
- Sugar - 1 kilo
- Mints - 1 box
- Milk - 6 liters
- Oat milk - 3 liters
- Cola - 6 bottles
- Cola Zero - 6 bottles
- Sinas - 4 bottles
- Ice tea - 4 bottles
- Spa Blauw - 12 bottles
- Spa Rood - 6 bottles
- Apple juice - 4 packs
- Orange juice - 4 cartons
- Bananas - 6 kilos
- Apples - 5 kilo
- Grapes - 4 kilos
- Mandarins - 4 kilo
- Paprika chips - 6 bags
- Plain chips - 6 bags
- Tortilla chips - 6 bags
- Rice cakes - 5 packs
- Muesli bars - 8 boxes
- Whole grain bread - 8 loaves
- White bread - 4 loaves
- Gluten-free bread - 2 loaves
- Young cheese - 2 kilos
- Hummus - 8 tubs
- Peanut butter - 2 jars
- Jam - 2 jars
- Cucumber - 8 pieces
- Tomatoes - 3 kilos
- Carrots - 3 kilos
- Herb cheese - 6 tubs
- Mayonnaise - 1 bottle
- Ketchup - 1 bottle
- Mustard - 1 jar
- Napkins - 300 pieces
- Aluminum foil - 2 rolls
- Cling film - 2 rolls
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Trash bags - 3 rolls
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- Dishwasher tablets - 1 package
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Hand soap - 4 bottles
- Hand sanitizer - 4 bottles
- Sponges - 6 pieces

Tips

Allow one bib number and one registration record per participant, plus around 10% extra for replacements or last-minute entries. Keep the printed participant list at the registration desk and prepare the printer before doors open.
Check every rope, harness, helmet, climbing and belay device, mat and competition grip before setup. Have at least one complete spare set available for equipment that fails inspection during the competition.
Use barrier tape and route signs to keep spectators away from climbing and judging areas. Prepare route maps in advance and hang them where participants can read them without blocking the registration desk.
Test the portable speaker and microphone at least 60 minutes before the first briefing. Bring extension cords, power strips and charged power banks, and route cables away from walkways.
For catering, count one reusable cup, plate and cutlery set per guest, then add 10% spare tableware. Prepare water jugs and coffee pots before registration opens and place waste bins beside the buffet.

Frequently asked questions

What equipment do I need for a climbing competition?: You need safety equipment such as climbing ropes, harnesses, helmets, belay devices and climbing mats. You also need route signs, barrier tape, chalk bags, brushes, bib numbers, stopwatches and measuring tapes, plus tables and chairs for registration and judging.
How many climbing harnesses and helmets do I need?: Plan one harness and one helmet for every participant using shared equipment, with at least 10% extra if possible. For 40 participants, that means 44 harnesses and 44 helmets, subject to your competition format and safety rules.
What should I prepare for the registration desk?: Set up one registration desk with a laptop, printer, printed participant lists, bib numbers and power access. Have the desk ready at least 60 minutes before registration opens, with spare paper and a charged power bank nearby.
How much tableware do I need for a climbing competition?: Provide one reusable cup, plate and cutlery set per catering guest, plus 10% spare. For 50 guests, prepare at least 55 cups, 55 plates and 55 cutlery sets, along with water jugs and coffee pots.

Start this plan in Lizzt

Every task and item on this page, ready in your own event. Invite people, split the work, and see who has done what.