How to organise a skimboard competition

A skimboard competition needs more than a course and a start time. Set the competition format first, then confirm the venue, date, permits, insurance and safety arrangements before opening registration. Once entries are coming in, build starter groups, assign judges and publish a clear schedule. Equipment checks, reserve boards and weather-ready safety measures are easy to leave until the final week, so give them their own deadline.

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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
Confirm location and date
2 people
3
Draw up the competition rules
2 people
4
Draw up the safety protocol
2 people
5
Set the budget
2 people
6
Check permits
2 people
7
Check insurance coverage
8
Create registration form
9
Publish the registration page
10
Send invitations
2 people
11
Post promotion on social media
12
Approach sponsors
2 people
13
Assign judges
14
Assign competition supervisors
15
Record safety supervision
16
Process registrations
2 people
17
Collect dietary requirements
18
Confirm participants
2 people
19
Assign starter groups
2 people
20
Publish the match schedule
21
Confirm reservations
22
Order prizes and medals
23
Collect sponsorship materials
2 people
24
Check skimboards
2 people
25
Set out backup boards
26
Test equipment and power
2 people
27
Check the weather forecast
28
Send participant instructions
29
Do the shopping
2 people
30
Bring materials to the venue
3 people
31
Print competition cards
32
Create staff briefing

Event

33
Inspect venue
3 people
34
Mark out the competition area
4 people
35
Set up party tents
4 people
36
Set up tables and chairs
4 people
37
Set up judges' table
2 people
38
Set up the registration table
2 people
39
Build the catering buffet
3 people
40
Chill drinks
2 people
41
Connect the sound system
2 people
42
Test the lighting
2 people
43
Place safety equipment
2 people
44
Lay out skimboards
2 people
45
Set up race administration
2 people
46
Brief staff
8 people
47
Give the jury briefing
4 people
48
Register participants
3 people
49
Hand out race numbers
2 people
50
Give safety instructions
3 people
51
Present the opening briefing
2 people
52
Guide the preliminary round
6 people
53
Record scores
2 people
54
Inform the audience
55
Serve drinks
2 people
56
Refill drinks
2 people
57
Refill snacks
2 people
58
Guard the competition area
3 people
59
Run the qualifying round
6 people
60
Provide the break program
2 people
61
Announce finalists
62
Lead the final
6 people
63
Check final standings
3 people
64
Present prizes
3 people
65
Give a thank-you speech
66
Close public serving
2 people

Aftercare

67
Collect loose materials
4 people
68
Clean skimboards
2 people
69
Clean up catering
3 people
70
Collect waste
3 people
71
Wash dishes
2 people
72
Take down tents
4 people
73
Remove tables and chairs
4 people
74
Clean the venue
4 people
75
Switch off equipment
2 people
76
Return materials
3 people
77
Return rented items
2 people
78
Clear remaining stock
2 people
79
Publish photos and results
80
Thank participants
81
Return sponsor materials

What to bring

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

Furniture

Party tentsqty 3
Foldable tablesqty 8
High tablesqty 4
Chairsqty 40
Judges' table
Registration desk
Waste binsqty 8

Sports equipment

Skimboardsqty 12
Spare skimboardsqty 3
Bib numbersqty 80
Race conesqty 24
Marker conesqty 30
Start and finish flagsqty 4
Stopwatchesqty 4
Measuring tapesqty 2
Scoreboardsqty 2
Judge clipboardsqty 4
Referee whistlesqty 4
Competition bibsqty 12
Non-slip matsqty 10
Waterproof storage binsqty 6

Safety

First aid kitsqty 2
Emergency blanketsqty 8
Cold packsqty 12
Warning signsqty 8
Crowd control barriersqty 12
Rolls of barrier tapeqty 6

Equipment

Battery-powered speakersqty 2
Wireless microphonesqty 2
Extension cordsqty 4
Power stripsqty 4
Power banksqty 6
Charging stationsqty 2

Lighting

LED work lightsqty 6
String lightsqty 6
Batteriesqty 24

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 150
Platesqty 100
Cutlery setsqty 100
Coffee cupsqty 80
Thermos flasksqty 6

Kitchen

Coolersqty 6
Ice cube traysqty 8
Drink dispensersqty 4
Cutting boardsqty 4
Bread knivesqty 3
Serving tongsqty 8
Serving plattersqty 12
Serving trays with lidsqty 6
Water jugsqty 8

Decorations

Competition bannersqty 6
Sponsor bannersqty 10
Balloon archesqty 2
Stage blocksqty 3
Trophiesqty 3
Medalsqty 12
Wayfinding signsqty 8

Cleaning

Broom setsqty 3
Floor squeegeesqty 2
Bucketsqty 4
Microfiber clothsqty 20
Hand soap dispensersqty 4

Catering

Groceries

Tips

Set the format and rules before promoting the event. Define heats, scoring, age groups, judging criteria and tie-breaks in one document so participants know what they are entering.
Confirm permits, insurance and the safety protocol before publishing the registration page. Allow at least two weeks to resolve missing approvals or coverage questions.
Close or review registrations several days before the event. Use the final list to confirm dietary requirements, assign starter groups and publish the schedule rather than improvising at check-in.
Inspect every skimboard before competition day and keep reserve boards ready. Check bib numbers, cones, flags, stopwatches, measuring tapes and scoreboards against the running order.
Plan the site layout before delivery. Place the registration table, jury table, barriers, warning signs, non-slip mats and first-aid equipment where participants and officials can reach them without crossing the course.

Frequently asked questions

How far in advance should I organise a skimboard competition?: Start planning at least 8 to 12 weeks before the competition. Confirm the venue, date, permits, insurance and safety protocol first, then allow several weeks for registration and promotion.
What safety equipment do I need for a skimboard competition?: Prepare first-aid kits, emergency blankets, cold packs, warning signs, barriers, barrier tape and non-slip mats. Assign dedicated safety supervision and brief the team before the first heat, not during registration.
When should I publish the skimboard competition schedule?: Publish the schedule after registrations have been processed and starter groups are assigned, ideally 3 to 5 days before the event. Keep a printed copy at the registration table and jury table for last-minute checks.
How many skimboards and reserve boards should I prepare?: Check one board for every registered competitor and prepare reserve boards in addition to that number. Finish the inspection no later than 2 days before the event so damaged boards can be replaced.

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