How to organize a surf competition

Start by fixing the competition format, venue and safety requirements before opening registration. Then set rules, publish a realistic program, recruit judges and volunteers, and keep participant information in one place. The final week is about confirming surfers, checking weather and water safety, and matching equipment to the format. On the day, separate registration, judging and rescue communication so small delays do not affect the heats.

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 the competition format
2 people
2
Reserve competition venue
3
Apply for permits
4
Prepare safety plan
3 people
5
Develop competition rules
2 people
6
Publish the program
7
Send invitations
2 people
8
Open registration form
9
Approach sponsors
2 people
10
Order prizes
11
Process registrations
2 people
12
Collect dietary requirements
13
Confirm participants
14
Schedule volunteers
2 people
15
Assign judges
16
Record water safety
2 people
17
Check the weather forecast
18
Check material needs
2 people
19
Check surfboards
2 people
20
Check leashes
2 people
21
Prepare jury forms
2 people
22
Make bib numbers
2 people
23
Sort wristbands
24
Share the route to the venue
25
Send parking information
26
Order catering
27
Do the shopping
2 people
28
Collect prizes and medals
29
Double-check the weather forecast
30
Send participants the final briefing
31
Cordon off the area
3 people
32
Build party tents
4 people
33
Set up tables and chairs
3 people
34
Set up registration desk
2 people
35
Set up judges' table
2 people
36
Prepare safety equipment
3 people
37
Lay out the surfboards
3 people
38
Place competition flags
2 people
39
Test Sound System
2 people
40
Chill catering and drinks
2 people
41
Check first aid supplies
2 people
42
Hold the jury briefing
4 people
43
Brief volunteers
3 people

Event

44
Register participants
3 people
45
Hand out race numbers
2 people
46
Give participant briefing
3 people
47
Supervise competition events
6 people
48
Collect jury scores
3 people
49
Carry out a safety check
3 people
50
Refill drinks
2 people
51
Serve snacks
3 people
52
Empty trash bins
2 people
53
Publish interim results
2 people
54
Lead the final
6 people
55
Check the final results
3 people
56
Handle prize ceremony
4 people
57
Guide the audience to the exit
3 people

Aftercare

58
Gather surfboards and flags
4 people
59
Turn off the sound equipment
2 people
60
Clear tables and chairs
4 people
61
Take down party tents
4 people
62
Collect waste
3 people
63
Clean the grounds
3 people
64
Store materials dry
3 people
65
Return borrowed items
2 people
66
Publish results and photos
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
Judges' table
Registration desk
Waste binsqty 6

Sports equipment

Surfboardsqty 12
Spare boardsqty 2
Leashesqty 14
Competition flagsqty 8
Bib numbersqty 40
Wristbandsqty 50
Marker buoysqty 12
Anchor weightsqty 12
Paddlesqty 14
Rescue boardsqty 2
Life ringsqty 4
Whistlesqty 8
Surfboard racksqty 4
Waterproof storage boxesqty 6

Equipment

Portable sound system
Wireless microphonesqty 2
Speakersqty 2
Extension cordsqty 4
Power stripsqty 4
Power banksqty 6
Walkie-talkiesqty 8
Megaphonesqty 2
Laptopsqty 2
Tabletsqty 4
Printer
Battery lampsqty 8

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 100
Coffee cupsqty 80
Platesqty 80
Cutlery setsqty 80
Serving plattersqty 12
Coffee potsqty 4
Thermos flasksqty 4

Kitchen

Coolersqty 6
Coolersqty 3
Cutting boardsqty 4
Kitchen knivesqty 4
Pliersqty 6
Thermometersqty 2
Handwash sinksqty 2

Safety

First aid kitsqty 2
Life jacketsqty 6
Disposable rain ponchosqty 20
Sunscreen dispensersqty 2
Vests for volunteersqty 20
Crowd control barriersqty 12
Warning signsqty 8

Decorations

Bannersqty 8
Directional signsqty 12
Stage ribbonqty 4

Office

Clipboardsqty 12
Markersqty 20
Pen casesqty 6
Jury formsqty 100
Notepadsqty 10
Envelopesqty 50

Cleaning

Broom setsqty 3
Litter pickersqty 3

Catering

Groceries

Tips

Set the format before inviting surfers. Decide the divisions, heat length, scoring method and maximum field size first; these choices determine the schedule, judges needed and number of bibs and wristbands.
Start permits and the safety plan early, ideally several weeks before registration closes. Include water safety coverage, rescue boards, life rings, whistles, marker buoys and a clear weather cancellation procedure.
Close registration early enough to build the heat draw. Confirm every participant, collect dietary requirements and send the final program, venue route and parking information at least 3 days before the event.
Treat judging and water safety as separate roles. Assign judges to heats, record who is responsible for water safety, and give key staff walkie-talkies or megaphones rather than relying on the sound system alone.
Do a beach-site equipment check the day before. Test the portable sound system, microphones, laptops, tablets and printer, and count spare boards, leashes, extension cords, power strips and power banks before loading the vehicle.

Frequently asked questions

How far in advance should I organize a surf competition?: Start venue reservations, permits and the safety plan at least 6 to 8 weeks before the competition. Open registration only after the format, rules and capacity are fixed.
When should surf competition registration close?: Close registration about 7 days before the event so you can process entries, confirm participants and create the heat schedule. Send the final program and parking details at least 3 days beforehand.
How many judges do I need for a surf competition?: Plan for at least 3 judges per active judging panel, plus a head judge or coordinator if the event has multiple divisions. Add enough people to cover breaks without leaving a heat short-staffed.
What safety equipment is needed for a surf competition?: At minimum, plan rescue boards, life rings, whistles, marker buoys, anchor weights and reliable communication between shore and water staff. Check the equipment and record the water-safety assignment before competition day.

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.