How to organise a kitesurf competition

Organising a kitesurf competition starts on land, long before the first kite goes up. Set the competition format and rules first, then build the safety plan, course layout, staffing and weather alternatives around them. Confirm permits, insurance, rescue cover and location agreements before opening registration. This guide follows the practical order of work, including the details that are often left until the last week: judging paperwork, start groups, radios, flags and clear participant information.

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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

1
Define the competition concept
2 people
2
Define the competition format
2 people
3
Draw up competition rules
2 people
4
Prepare safety plan
3 people
5
Develop weather scenarios
2 people
6
Set start and finish area
3 people
7
Set out the course
3 people
8
Confirm venue arrangements
9
Check permits
10
Check insurance documents
11
Send invitations
2 people
12
Open the registration form
13
Keep track of participant registration
2 people
14
Collect dietary requirements
15
Confirm judges
16
Schedule security staff
2 people
17
Schedule start officials
2 people
18
Reserve rescue equipment
19
Reserve sound and power
20
Reserve restroom facilities
21
Arrange waste collection
22
Send participant confirmations
2 people
23
Assign starter groups
2 people
24
Prepare jury forms
2 people
25
Send participant information
2 people
26
Arrange prize money and prizes
27
Hang up promotional materials
2 people
28
Check competition equipment
3 people
29
Do the shopping
3 people
30
Bring materials to the venue
4 people
31
Check the weather forecast
2 people
32
Confirm race course
2 people
33
Inspect grounds and beach
4 people
34
Build party tents
4 people
35
Set up tables and chairs
4 people
36
Set up race buoys
4 people
37
Mark the start and finish lines
3 people
38
Install anemometers
2 people
39
Connect the sound system
2 people
40
Secure power supply
2 people
41
Set up the registration table
2 people
42
Set up judges' table
2 people
43
Mark off the safety zone
3 people
44
Prepare first aid supplies
2 people
45
Chill drinks
3 people
46
Prepare snacks
3 people

Event

47
Receive participants
4 people
48
Hand out race numbers
2 people
49
Check registrations
2 people
50
Carry out materials check
3 people
51
Give the safety briefing
3 people
52
Give the jury briefing
3 people
53
Give the opening speech
54
Guide the start of the first heat
5 people
55
Record split times
3 people
56
Monitor safety on the water
5 people
57
Announce the starting groups
58
Process competition results
2 people
59
Serve drinks
3 people
60
Refill drinks
2 people
61
Serve snacks
3 people
62
Empty trash bins
2 people
63
Check the audience area
2 people
64
Recheck wind and water
2 people
65
Lead the break heat
5 people
66
Manage material changes
3 people
67
Announce the final
68
Lead the final
5 people
69
Check the final standings
3 people
70
Handle prize ceremony
3 people
71
Thank participants
72
Guide the audience to the exit
3 people

Aftercare

73
Remove buoys from the water
4 people
74
Remove the starting line
3 people
75
Clear the competition area
5 people
76
Dismantle drink and food points
3 people
77
Collect waste
4 people
78
Wash dishes
3 people
79
Take down tables and chairs
4 people
80
Take down party tents
4 people
81
Disconnect the sound system
2 people
82
Leave the site clean
4 people
83
Return materials
3 people
84
Return rented materials
2 people
85
Archive score sheets
86
Publish results
87
Register found items
88
Complete venue check
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
Beer tablesqty 4
Tableclothsqty 8
Clothes racksqty 4

Sports equipment

Competition buoysqty 12
Anchor linesqty 12
Anchorsqty 12
Start flagsqty 3
Finish flagsqty 2
Warning flagsqty 6
Bib numbersqty 100
Race bib strapsqty 100
Spare kitesqty 2
Spare boardsqty 2
Spare leashqty 4
Helmetsqty 10
Life jacketsqty 10
Life ringsqty 4
Throw linesqty 4
Water shoesqty 6

Equipment

Walkie-talkiesqty 10
Anemometersqty 3
Stopwatchesqty 8
Waterproof walkie-talkie coversqty 10
Sound system
Microphoneqty 2
Mixer
Speaker standsqty 2
Extension cordsqty 6
Power stripsqty 6
Cable reelsqty 3
Power banksqty 6
Laptopsqty 2
Tabletsqty 3
Printer
Calculatorsqty 2
Charging stationsqty 2

Tableware

Reusable drinking cupsqty 150
Coffee cupsqty 80
Platesqty 120
Cutlery setsqty 120
Serving plattersqty 12
Pliersqty 8
Thermos flasksqty 6

Kitchen

Coolersqty 8
Ice packsqty 24
Cutting boardsqty 4
Chef's knifeqty 4
Bread knivesqty 4
Measuring cupsqty 2
Kettlesqty 3
Coffee machinesqty 2
Jerry cans for drinking waterqty 4
Coolersqty 2

Lighting

LED lampsqty 8
String lightsqty 4
Headlampsqty 8

Decorations

Banner flagsqty 12
Sponsor bannersqty 10
Directional signsqty 12
Pavement signsqty 4
Barrier tapeqty 8
Crowd barriersqty 20
Chalkboardsqty 4
Chalk markersqty 12

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 12
Dustpan and brushqty 4
Broomqty 4
Litter pickersqty 4
Bucketsqty 6
Spongesqty 12
Dish brushesqty 4
Microfiber clothsqty 20
Hand soap dispensersqty 6
Disinfectant gelqty 6
First aid kitsqty 3
Emergency blanketsqty 12

Catering

Groceries

Tips

Fix the competition format and rules before inviting riders. State the heats, start procedure, finish conditions and disqualification rules clearly, so judges and start officials are working from the same document.
Build weather scenarios with specific go/no-go decisions. Decide in advance what happens if the wind is too light, too strong or changes direction, and tell participants when the final decision will be made.
Treat safety cover as a staffing plan, not just an equipment list. Schedule safety personnel, reserve rescue equipment and test walkie-talkies in waterproof cases before the event day.
Set the course only after confirming the site agreement and permits. Mark the start and finish areas, place competition buoys with anchor lines and anchors, and check that warning flags are visible from shore and on the water.
Close registration with enough time to create start groups and participant information. Send confirmations with arrival times, bib-number instructions, rules, weather updates and any dietary details needed for the event team.

Frequently asked questions

How far in advance should I organise a kitesurf competition?: Start the core planning at least 8 to 12 weeks before the competition. Use that period to confirm the location, permits, insurance, safety cover, judges, equipment and registration process; leave the final week for checks rather than major decisions.
How many safety staff do I need for a kitesurf competition?: There is no safe fixed number without knowing the course, rider count, local rules and rescue setup. Set the number with a qualified safety lead, then schedule named staff for the water and shore, with clear radio communication and rescue responsibilities at least 2 weeks before the event.
When should registration close for a kitesurf competition?: Close registration 7 to 10 days before the event if possible. That gives you time to check entries, collect dietary requirements, confirm riders, assign start groups, prepare bib numbers and send the final participant information.
What should a kitesurf competition weather plan include?: Prepare at least three scenarios: suitable conditions, too little wind and unsafe conditions such as excessive wind or a poor direction. Set a decision time, the person authorised to make the call and the exact message channel, then issue the final update no later than 2 hours before the planned start.

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.