How to organise a kitesurf marathon

A kitesurf marathon needs a clear race format, a workable course and a safety plan before you open registration. Start with the beach, water conditions and rescue coverage, then arrange permits, timing and participant communication in that order. Allow time for weather changes, volunteer training and equipment transport. The final week is for checking the participant list, issuing start numbers and confirming every supplier—not for solving missing safety gear.

Organize this event for free with Lizzt

The plan, step by step

Every task with its own sub-checklist, in the order you'll actually need them.

Preparations

1
Set competition format
2 people
2
Define the course and start area
3 people
3
Prepare safety plan
3 people
4
Record weather scenarios
2 people
5
Reserve the venue and beach use
6
Apply for permits
7
Reserve rescue equipment
8
Reserve the timing system
9
Publish registration form
10
Send invitations
2 people
11
Post promotion on social media
12
Process registrations
2 people
13
Collect dietary requirements
14
Check participant list
2 people
15
Send participant information
16
Assign start numbers
2 people
17
Assign volunteers
2 people
18
Prepare a volunteer briefing
19
Book catering
20
Reserve restroom facilities
21
Arrange transport for materials
22
Order prizes and medals
23
Print the competition rules
24
Do the shopping
3 people
25
Check the weather forecast
2 people
26
Inventory supplies
3 people
27
Set out kitesurfing equipment
3 people
28
Sort bib numbers and wristbands
2 people

Event

29
Set up tents and tables
6 people
30
Put up barriers
4 people
31
Set out course buoys
4 people
32
Set up the start and finish arch
4 people
33
Set up the first aid post
3 people
34
Set up first aid table
2 people
35
Connect the sound system
2 people
36
Test timekeeping
2 people
37
Set up registration desk
2 people
38
Receive participants
4 people
39
Hand out race numbers
3 people
40
Perform ID Check
2 people
41
Check the kitesurfing equipment
3 people
42
Give the safety briefing
3 people
43
Clear the course again
4 people
44
Guide participants to the start
4 people
45
Start the marathon
5 people
46
Position rescue boats
4 people
47
Record match progress
3 people
48
Monitor safety on the water
6 people
49
Hand out water and sports drinks
3 people
50
Refill drinks
2 people
51
Serve snacks
3 people
52
Register finishers
3 people
53
Receive participants after finish
4 people
54
Hand out medals
2 people
55
Honor the winners
3 people
56
Check out the last participants
2 people

Aftercare

57
Gather competition materials
5 people
58
Remove buoys from the water
4 people
59
Secure timekeeping
2 people
60
Collect waste
4 people
61
Take down tents and tables
6 people
62
Wash dishes
2 people
63
Clean the grounds
5 people
64
Return rented materials
2 people
65
Check rescue equipment
2 people
66
Store leftover stock
2 people
67
Publish results
68
Share photos with participants

What to bring

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

Furniture

Party tentsqty 3
Foldable tablesqty 8
Folding chairsqty 30
Beer tablesqty 4
Changing room screensqty 4

Equipment

Walkie-talkiesqty 8
Megaphonesqty 2
Sound system
Laptopsqty 2
Tabletsqty 3
Mobile chargersqty 6
Printer
Extension cordsqty 6
Power stripsqty 6

Sports equipment

Course buoysqty 12
Starting buoy
Finish buoy
Anchor linesqty 14
Competition flagsqty 8
Bib numbersqty 70
Wristbandsqty 70
Timing chipsqty 70
Stopwatchesqty 4
Weather station
Anemometersqty 3
Life ringsqty 6
Rescue linesqty 4
Water sports helmetsqty 8
Life jacketsqty 8
Spare kiteqty 2
Spare boardsqty 2
Guy ropesqty 24
Sand anchorsqty 12
Crowd control barriersqty 20
Conesqty 30
Marking tapeqty 6
Start and finish arch
Clipboardsqty 8
Spare batteriesqty 30

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 120
Reusable platesqty 80
Reusable cutleryqty 100
Coffee cupsqty 50
Thermos flasksqty 6

Kitchen

Coolersqty 6
Ice cube traysqty 8
Coffee machinesqty 2
Kettlesqty 2
Cutting boardsqty 4
Chef's knivesqty 4
Serving tongsqty 6
Small bowlsqty 12
Thermos dispensersqty 4
Dishpanqty 2

Lighting

LED lampsqty 8
String lightsqty 6
Flashlightsqty 8

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 8
Broomqty 3
Dustpan and brushqty 3
Mopsqty 3
Bucketsqty 4
Litter pickersqty 4
Glovesqty 12
Disinfectantqty 4
Microfiber clothsqty 20
Hand soap dispensersqty 4
First aid kitsqty 2
Emergency blanketsqty 20
Cold packsqty 12
Bandage kitsqty 4

Catering

Groceries

Tips

Set the race format and course before publishing the registration form. Mark the start area, course buoys and finish line, then check that the route remains understandable in the wind and expected water conditions.
Build the safety plan around specific weather scenarios. Record the wind limits and postponement procedure, and reserve rescue equipment, life rings, rescue lines and spare kites well before race day.
Apply for permits and reserve beach use as early as possible. A practical target is to have the venue, beach access and sanitation arrangements confirmed at least 8 weeks before the marathon.
Close registrations with enough time to prepare operations. Check the participant list, collect dietary requirements and send race information at least 7 days before the event; assign bib numbers and timing chips after the list is final.
Brief volunteers before they arrive on the beach. Give each team a clear position, a walkie-talkie or other communication method, and a written handover covering the start, finish, weather changes and emergency procedure.

Frequently asked questions

How far in advance should you organise a kitesurf marathon?: Start planning at least 8 to 12 weeks ahead. Use the first weeks for the format, course, venue, permits and safety plan, then leave the final 7 days for participant communication and operational checks.
What safety equipment do you need for a kitesurf marathon?: Plan rescue coverage with life rings, rescue lines, life jackets, watersport helmets and a spare kite. Also prepare wind meters or a weather station, walkie-talkies and a documented response for changing weather conditions.
When should kitesurf marathon registration close?: Close registration around 7 days before the event if you need a stable participant list, bib numbers and timing chips. This also gives you time to confirm dietary requirements, send instructions and brief volunteers.
How do you prepare for bad weather on race day?: Define weather scenarios before registration opens, including when to delay, shorten or cancel the race. Check the forecast on the day and set a specific decision time, such as 2 hours before the planned start, so participants and volunteers receive one clear update.

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.