How to organize a bodyboard competition

A bodyboard competition needs more than a good break and a list of riders. Start by securing the venue and permit, then build the competition format around the available water time, safety team and number of participants. Registration, judging and communication must be ready before competitors arrive. The final checks are tide, weather, rescue equipment, schedules, prizes and refreshments—details that are easy to leave until the last day.

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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
Reserve competition venue
2
Apply for competition permit
3
Prepare safety plan
2 people
4
Define the competition format
2 people
5
Assign judges
6
Finalize the water safety team
7
Book photographer
8
Create registration form
9
Publish the competition rules
10
Send invitations
2 people
11
Process registrations
12
Collect dietary requirements
13
Confirm participants
14
Assign start numbers
2 people
15
Order prizes
16
Check the weather forecast
17
Check the tide report
18
Print the match schedule
19
Print participant list
20
Checking prizes
21
Do the shopping
2 people
22
Check sports equipment
2 people
23
Charge walkie-talkies
24
Prepare snacks
3 people
25
Chill drinks
2 people
26
Inspect venue
3 people
27
Mark off the competition area
4 people
28
Build party tents
4 people
29
Set up tables and chairs
4 people
30
Set up judges' table
2 people
31
Set up the registration table
2 people
32
Set up the first aid area
2 people
33
Test audio and microphone
2 people
34
Set up race buoys
3 people
35
Mark the start and finish lines
2 people

Event

36
Register participants
3 people
37
Hand out race numbers
2 people
38
Give the competition briefing
2 people
39
Guide the audience to the viewing area
2 people
40
Host the opening round
6 people
41
Record split times
3 people
42
Monitor water safety
4 people
43
Serve snacks
3 people
44
Refill drinks
2 people
45
Enter competition results
2 people
46
Guide the semifinals
6 people
47
Announce finalists
48
Lead the final
6 people
49
Check the final standings
3 people
50
Handle prize ceremony
3 people
51
Photograph the winners
52
Inform participants of the results
53
Guide the audience to the exit
2 people

Aftercare

54
Gather sports equipment
4 people
55
Remove race buoys
3 people
56
Take down tents and furniture
4 people
57
Collect waste
3 people
58
Wash dishes
2 people
59
Clean the venue
4 people
60
Check borrowed materials
2 people
61
Clean sports equipment
2 people
62
Return materials
2 people
63
Share photos with participants
64
Publish results online

What to bring

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

Furniture

Party tentsqty 2
Foldable tablesqty 6
Folding chairsqty 40
Judges' table
Registration desk

Sports equipment

Bodyboardsqty 20
Competition buoysqty 6
Bib numbersqty 60
Licensing signsqty 12
Whistlesqty 6
Life ringsqty 4
Rescue linesqty 4
Waterproof storage binsqty 6

Equipment

Portable speakersqty 2
Wireless microphone
Megaphoneqty 2
Walkie-talkiesqty 8
Stopwatchesqty 6
Tabletsqty 2
Power banksqty 4
Extension cordsqty 4
Power stripsqty 4

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 100
Reusable platesqty 80
Reusable cutleryqty 80
Serving spoonsqty 6

Kitchen

Coolersqty 6
Thermos flasksqty 4
Cutting boardsqty 3
Knivesqty 6
Pliersqty 4

Decorations

Competition flagsqty 12
Direction signsqty 8
Prize table sign

Lighting

LED string lightsqty 4
Work lightsqty 4

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 8
Broom setsqty 3
Litter pickersqty 3

Catering

Groceries

Tips

Reserve the competition venue and apply for the permit before opening registration. Aim to have both confirmed at least 6–8 weeks ahead, because the approved area and operating conditions affect the format.
Set the heats only after you know the expected number of riders and the tide window. Publish the rules before invitations go out, then print the match schedule and participant list once registrations close.
Build the water safety plan around named roles, not just equipment. Confirm the full safety team at least 2 weeks before the event and check life rings, rescue lines, whistles, buoys and walkie-talkies during the final equipment inspection.
Give registration its own desk, tablet or paperwork, bib numbers and a clear cut-off time. Confirm every participant 3–5 days beforehand, including dietary requirements, start number and arrival instructions.
Check the weather forecast and tide report the day before, then review them again on the morning of the competition. Charge walkie-talkies, speakers and power banks overnight, and keep drinks, snacks and prizes ready before the first heat starts.

Frequently asked questions

How far in advance should I organize a bodyboard competition?: Start planning 8–12 weeks before the event. Secure the venue and permit first, then allow at least 2 weeks to finalize the safety team, judges, registrations and competition schedule.
How do I decide the format for a bodyboard competition?: Base the format on the number of riders and the usable tide window. Allow roughly 20–30 minutes per heat, then add 30–60 minutes for registration, delays and the prize presentation.
When should bodyboard competition registration close?: Close registration 5–7 days before the competition if possible. That gives you time to confirm participants, assign start numbers, print the schedule and contact riders about missing information.
What should I check on the morning of a bodyboard competition?: Recheck the forecast, tide and water conditions 2–3 hours before the first heat. Inspect rescue equipment, buoys and communication devices, and make sure the judges’ table, registration desk, schedules, bib numbers and prizes are in place.

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