How to organise a SUP championship
A SUP championship needs more than a race course and a start line. Begin with the venue, permits and water-safety plan, then build the competition around registration, staffing and equipment checks. Set clear deadlines for entries, catering, prizes and participant information so nothing critical is left for race week. The final step is a timed course setup and briefing that gives judges, rescue crews, volunteers and competitors the same information.
The plan, step by step
Every task with its own sub-checklist, in the order you'll actually need them.
Preparations
- 1
Confirm the competition venue
- 2
Apply for competition permit
- 3
Inform the water manager
- 4
Set out the course
2 people
- 5
Prepare safety plan
2 people
- 6
Determine the weather scenario
2 people
- 7
Draw up participant rules
2 people
- 8
Create registration form
- 9
Send invitations
2 people
- 10
Open registration
- 11
Approach sponsors
2 people
- 12
Order prizes
- 13
Process registrations
2 people
- 14
Collect dietary requirements
- 15
Recruit volunteers
2 people
- 16
Assign judges
- 17
Arrange rescue crew
- 18
Book catering
- 19
Reserve toilets
- 20
Check power supply
2 people
- 21
Create the parking layout
- 22
Publish the program
- 23
Send participant information
2 people
- 24
Prepare race numbers
2 people
- 25
Create the match schedule
2 people
- 26
Design route signs
- 27
Create volunteer schedule
2 people
- 28
Print first aid protocol
- 29
Check the weather forecast
- 30
Close the participant list
- 31
Do the shopping
3 people
- 32
Check equipment
3 people
- 33
Assemble starter packs
3 people
- 34
Prepare signs and banners
2 people
Event
- 35
Inspect venue
3 people
- 36
Hold a safety briefing
4 people
- 37
Cordon off the area
3 people
- 38
Build party tents
4 people
- 39
Set up tables and chairs
4 people
- 40
Set up the registration table
2 people
- 41
Set up catering point
3 people
- 42
Mark the finish area
3 people
- 43
Place buoys in the water
4 people
- 44
Set up the start line
3 people
- 45
Check rescue equipment
2 people
- 46
Set up match equipment
3 people
- 47
Set up judges' table
2 people
- 48
Receive participants
4 people
- 49
Hand out race numbers
3 people
- 50
Check registrations
2 people
- 51
Give participant briefing
3 people
- 52
Lead the warm-up
2 people
- 53
Assist with the start of the competition
5 people
- 54
Position rescue boats
4 people
- 55
Register arrivals
3 people
- 56
Record split times
2 people
- 57
Guide participants
4 people
- 58
Distribute water and fruit
3 people
- 59
Refill drinks
2 people
- 60
Serve snacks
3 people
- 61
Check results
2 people
- 62
Prepare the awards ceremony
3 people
- 63
Announce the winners
3 people
- 64
Present prizes
3 people
- 65
Serve participants' meal
4 people
- 66
Inform the audience
2 people
- 67
Register lost property
- 68
Check out the last participants
2 people
Aftercare
- 69
Remove buoys from the water
4 people
- 70
Gather competition materials
4 people
- 71
Take down tents
4 people
- 72
Clear tables and chairs
4 people
- 73
Collect waste
3 people
- 74
Wash dishes
3 people
- 75
Clean the catering area
2 people
- 76
Clean the grounds
4 people
- 77
Store materials dry
3 people
- 78
Return rented materials
2 people
- 79
Publish results
- 80
Thank participants
- 81
Return lost property
What to bring
Grouped the way you'd shop for it, with quantities.
Furniture
- Party tentsqty 3
- Tablesqty 10
- Chairsqty 50
- High tablesqty 4
- Waste binsqty 8
- Clothes racksqty 2
Sports equipment
- Race SUP boardsqty 30
- Spare SUP boardsqty 4
- SUP paddlesqty 35
- Spare paddlesqty 6
- Leash bandsqty 35
- Life jacketsqty 35
- Life ringsqty 6
- Throw linesqty 4
- Competition buoysqty 18
- Start Line
- Finish arch
- Paddle racksqty 3
- Inflatable pumpsqty 6
- Repair kitsqty 3
- Drying racksqty 4
- Rescue kayaksqty 2
- Paddles for kayaksqty 2
- First aid kitsqty 3
- Emergency blanketsqty 10
- Flashlightsqty 6
- Whistlesqty 10
- Reflective vestsqty 15
- Waterproof notebooksqty 6
- Emergency blanketsqty 10
Equipment
- Megaphoneqty 2
- Handheld microphoneqty 2
- Speakersqty 2
- Extension cordsqty 4
- Power stripsqty 4
- Power banksqty 6
- Stopwatchesqty 6
- Tablet for registrationqty 2
- Printer
- Walkie-talkiesqty 8
- Waterproof coversqty 10
- Flashlightsqty 6
Tableware
- Reusable cupsqty 100
- Platesqty 80
- Cutlery setsqty 80
- Coffee cupsqty 50
- Serving traysqty 8
- Water jugsqty 8
Kitchen
- Coolersqty 6
- Food warmersqty 4
- Coffee machinesqty 2
- Kettlesqty 2
- Cutting boardsqty 4
- Chef’s knives and bread knivesqty 6
- Serving spoonsqty 8
- Kitchen tongsqty 6
- Food glovesqty 4
Decorations
- Bib numbersqty 40
- Wristbandsqty 100
- Route signsqty 12
- Sponsor bannersqty 8
- Stage backdrop
- Barrier tapeqty 8
- Conesqty 20
- Chalkboardsqty 4
Lighting
- String lightsqty 6
- LED lampsqty 8
- Batteriesqty 24
Cleaning
- Dustpan and brushqty 4
- Broomqty 4
- Mopsqty 3
- Bucketsqty 4
- Cleaning glovesqty 6
- Disinfectant sprayqty 4
Catering
- Groceries
Tips
- Confirm the venue and competition permit first, then inform the water manager. Allow at least 6–8 weeks for approvals and coordination before inviting competitors.
- Write the safety plan around specific weather scenarios, including when races pause or stop. Arrange rescue kayaks, life jackets, throw lines and a rescue crew before opening registration.
- Open registration only after the race format, participant rules and capacity are clear. Close entries 7–10 days before the event so you can process details, collect dietary requirements and create the match schedule.
- Recruit volunteers early and assign named roles for registration, judging, course control, parking, catering and equipment. Give everyone a written run sheet and hold a briefing before the first race.
- Set out the course and test the start, finish, sound system and power supply on the previous day where possible. Keep spare boards, paddles, repair kits and power banks ready instead of waiting for equipment failure.
Frequently asked questions
- How far in advance should I organise a SUP championship?
- Start planning at least 8–12 weeks before race day. Use the first 2–3 weeks for the venue, permit and water manager, then allow time for registration, volunteers, suppliers and the race schedule.
- When should registration close for a SUP championship?
- Close registration about 7–10 days before the event. This gives you enough time to process entries, collect dietary requirements, prepare race numbers and publish the match schedule.
- How many rescue crew members do I need for a SUP championship?
- The number depends on the course size, field and local safety requirements, so confirm it with the water manager. Set the staffing level before opening registration and keep rescue kayaks, life rings and throw lines ready at the course.
- When should I prepare the SUP race course?
- Prepare the course the day before if the venue allows it, then check every buoy, the start line and finish arch again 1–2 hours before the first race. Test communications and confirm the weather scenario before competitors launch.
Start this plan in Lizzt
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