Freestyle kayaking competition checklist

A freestyle kayaking competition needs more than boats and a course. You must secure the venue, permits and rescue cover early, then coordinate registration, judging, water conditions and spectator safety. This checklist puts the work in a useful order, from publishing the rules and start list to setting up the judges’ table, registration desk and competition area. Use it to catch the details that are easy to leave until the last day, including bib numbers, dietary requirements, power, drinks and weather-related decisions.

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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
Prepare safety plan
2 people
Assign judges
Arrange rescue personnel
Publish competition rules
Send invitations
2 people
Open registration form
Process registrations
2 people
Collect dietary requirements
Assign starter groups
2 people
Publish start list
Check the weather forecast
Check water level
2 people
Check equipment
2 people
Collect prizes and medals
2 people
Do the shopping
2 people
Chill drinks
2 people
Sort bib numbers
2 people
Prepare catering
3 people
Inspect the site
3 people
Block off the competition area
4 people
Set up tables and chairs
4 people
Build party tents
4 people
Set up judges' table
2 people
Set up registration desk
2 people
Test audio and microphone
2 people
Set out competition equipment
3 people
Launch rescue kayaks
3 people
Check safety equipment
3 people
Build the catering buffet
3 people

Event

Receive participants
3 people
Register participants
3 people
Hand out race numbers
2 people
Carry out equipment inspection
2 people
Hold the jury briefing
2 people
Give the safety briefing
3 people
Give the opening welcome speech
Run the competition round
8 people
Record scores
3 people
Monitor water safety
4 people
Refill drinks
2 people
Serve snacks
3 people
Publish interim results
2 people
Call the finalists
Guide the final round
8 people
Check final scores
3 people
Serve participants' meal
4 people
Prepare awards ceremony
3 people
Hold the awards ceremony
3 people
Take group photo
2 people
Provide a casual closing
3 people
Serve the final drinks
2 people
Check out participants
2 people

Aftercare

Gather competition materials
4 people
Remove rescue kayaks from the water
3 people
Clear tables and chairs
4 people
Take down party tents
4 people
Collect waste
3 people
Wash dishes
3 people
Clean the grounds
4 people
Let equipment dry
3 people
Clean equipment
3 people
Archive score sheets
Publish results
Return borrowed items
2 people

What to bring

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

Furniture

Party tentsqty 3
Foldable tablesqty 8
Folding chairsqty 40
Judges' table
Registration desk
Waste binsqty 8

Sports equipment

Freestyle kayaksqty 12
Kayak paddlesqty 14
Paddle oarsqty 14
Kayak helmetsqty 16
Life jacketsqty 20
Splash tarpsqty 16
Rescue kayaksqty 2
Throw linesqty 4
Whistlesqty 12
Competition buoysqty 12
Water anchorsqty 12
Bib numbersqty 80
Conesqty 24
Crowd control barriersqty 20

Equipment

Laptopqty 2
Tabletsqty 4
Portable speakersqty 2
Wireless microphonesqty 2
Megaphone
Extension cordsqty 4
Power stripsqty 4
Power banksqty 6
Stopwatchesqty 6
Calculatorsqty 4
Walkie-talkiesqty 10
Notice boardsqty 2
Whiteboardsqty 2

Tableware

Reusable drinking cupsqty 180
Platesqty 120
Cutlery setsqty 120
Coffee cupsqty 80
Pitcherqty 6

Catering

Coolersqty 6
Thermos flasksqty 6
Food warmersqty 4
Serving traysqty 8
Bread basketsqty 6
Drink cratesqty 10
Groceries

Kitchen

Cutting boardsqty 4
Chef's knivesqty 4
Serving spoonsqty 8
Pliersqty 6
Frying pansqty 2
Kettlesqty 3
Coffee machinesqty 2
Ice packsqty 30

Decorations

Competition banner
Directional signsqty 10
Information boardsqty 6
Tableclothsqty 10

Lighting

LED lampsqty 8
String lightsqty 6

Cleaning

Bucketsqty 4
Spongesqty 12
Dish brushesqty 4
Hand broomsqty 4
Litter pickersqty 4
First aid kitsqty 2
Emergency blanketsqty 12

Tips

Secure the venue, permit and safety plan before opening registration. Confirm who provides rescue personnel, where throw lines and rescue kayaks will be positioned, and what happens if the water level or weather makes the course unsafe.
Publish competition rules before sending invitations, then keep registration open long enough to process entries and collect dietary requirements. Finalise starter groups and publish the start list only after registrations have been checked.
Inspect the site before setup and mark the competition area with buoys, anchors, cones and barriers. Set up the judges’ table, registration desk, tents, tables and chairs so competitors and spectators do not cross the working area.
Check every kayak, paddle, helmet and life jacket before competition day, including rescue equipment. Sort bib numbers in starter-group order and keep spare identification materials where registration staff can reach them quickly.
Prepare the scoring and announcements setup with stopwatches, calculators, laptop or tablets, microphones, speakers and a megaphone. Test extension cords, power strips and power banks before officials arrive, and chill drinks while catering is being prepared.

Frequently asked questions

How far in advance should I organise a freestyle kayaking competition?: Start venue booking, permit applications and the safety plan several months before the event. Open registration only after the venue and rescue arrangements are confirmed, then publish the final start list after registrations have been processed.
What safety equipment is needed for a freestyle kayaking competition?: Plan rescue kayaks, throw lines, whistles, helmets, life jackets, splash tarps and clearly marked competition buoys. Assign rescue personnel in advance and inspect the equipment and water access before competitors arrive.
When should I check the weather and water level?: Check both during the final week and again on the morning of the competition. Use the latest conditions to confirm whether the course, rescue plan and spectator access remain safe before blocking off the competition area.
How do I organise judging and scoring for freestyle kayaking?: Assign judges before publishing the rules and prepare a dedicated judges’ table with stopwatches, calculators and the scoring devices you will use. Test the laptop or tablets, microphones and power supply before the first starter group begins.

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