What you need for a kayak race

A kayak race needs more than kayaks and paddles. Plan equipment for every participant, plus spare gear, visible course markers and a reliable way to communicate from shore and safety boats. Safety supplies should be ready before anyone launches, including life jackets, throw lines and first aid kits. You will also need timing and registration materials, awards, and enough food and drinks for participants and volunteers.

Organize this event for free with Lizzt

What to bring

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

Sports equipment

Kayaksqty 24
Kayak paddlesqty 28
Life jacketsqty 30
Spare paddlesqty 6
Course buoysqty 12
Anchorsqty 12
Anchor linesqty 12
Start Line
Finish line
Safety boatsqty 2
Throw linesqty 4
Life ringsqty 4
Whistlesqty 12
Bib numbersqty 80
Bib holdersqty 80
Medal ribbonsqty 10
Medalsqty 10
Certificatesqty 80
Stopwatchesqty 4
Measuring tape
Markersqty 12
Waterproof scorecardsqty 30

Safety

First aid kitsqty 2
Emergency blanketsqty 12
Safety helmetsqty 8
Reflective vestsqty 15
Flashlightsqty 8

Equipment

Communication radiosqty 10
Megaphonesqty 2
Speakersqty 2
Microphone
Extension cordsqty 4
Power stripsqty 4
Power banksqty 6
Coolersqty 6

Furniture

Party tentsqty 3
Tablesqty 8
Chairsqty 40
Bar stoolsqty 6
Clothes racksqty 2
Coat racksqty 4

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 150
Platesqty 120
Cutlery setsqty 120
Coffee cupsqty 60
Pitcherqty 6

Kitchen

Cutting boardsqty 4
Bread knivesqty 4
Serving traysqty 8
Pliersqty 6
Thermos flasksqty 6
Bottle openersqty 3
Ice packsqty 24

Lighting

LED lampsqty 8
String lightsqty 4

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 8
Litter pickersqty 2
Cleaning bucketsqty 4
Mopsqty 4
Broom setsqty 3
Hand soap dispensersqty 4

Catering

Groceries
- Still water - 120 bottles
- Sparkling water - 60 bottles
- Cola - 24 bottles
- Coke Zero - 24 bottles
- Sinas - 18 bottles
- Iced tea - 18 bottles
- Apple juice - 12 cartons
- Orange juice - 12 cartons
- Coffee - 4 packs
- Tea bags - 2 boxes
- Semi-skimmed milk - 12 liters
- Oat milk - 6 liters
- Sugar - 2 packs
- Mints - 1 box
- Lemon slices - 4 nets
- Ice cubes - 20 bags
- Ice lollies - 100 pieces
- White bake-off rolls - 120 pieces
- Multigrain bake-at-home rolls - 80 pieces
- Butter - 1 kilogram
- Young cheese - 4 kilograms
- Cooked ham - 3 kilograms
- Chicken breast slices - 2 kilogram
- Hummus - 2 kilograms
- Cream cheese - 1 kilogram
- Mayonnaise - 2 bottles
- Mustard - 2 bottles
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Cucumbers - 12 pieces
- Tomatoes - 5 kilograms
- Lettuce - 8 heads
- Peppers - 3 kilograms
- Apples - 8 kilograms
- Bananas - 6 kilograms
- Grapes - 5 kilograms
- Muesli bars - 100 pieces
- Currant buns - 80 pieces
- Paprika chips - 8 bags
- Plain chips - 8 bags
- Snacks - 6 bags
- Cookies - 8 packs
- Napkins - 10 packs
- Aluminum foil - 4 rolls
- Plastic wrap - 4 rolls
- Baking paper - 2 rolls
- Dish soap - 4 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 4 bottles
- Disinfectant spray - 3 bottles
- Paper towels - 12 rolls
- Toilet paper - 36 rolls
- Trash bags - 100 pieces
- Hand soap - 4 bottles
- Paper towels - 8 packs
- Bandages - 4 boxes
- Sterile gauze pads - 4 boxes
- Disinfectant wipes - 4 packs
- Disposable gloves - 4 boxes
- Tick removers - 2 pieces
- Paracetamol - 2 boxes
- Duct tape - 4 rolls
- Cable ties - 2 bags
- Rope - 4 rolls
- AA batteries - 24 pieces
- AAA batteries - 24 pieces

Tips

Count one kayak, paddle and life jacket per participant, then arrange spare paddles and at least a few backup boats for damage or last-minute equipment problems.
Mark the full route with course buoys, anchors and anchor lines, and bring a start line and finish line that remain visible from the water.
Prepare one communication method for each key supervisor or safety boat. Radios, whistles and a megaphone are useful when wind or distance makes normal speech unreliable.
Keep first aid kits, emergency blankets, safety helmets and throw lines at clearly agreed locations before the first start group goes onto the course.
Buy or pack refreshments for the actual schedule, not just the race itself: include coffee and tea before the start, chilled drinks, and sandwiches for the break or finish.

Frequently asked questions

How many kayaks and paddles do I need for a kayak race?: Plan one kayak and one paddle per registered participant in each active start group. Keep spare paddles available, and arrange backup kayaks if equipment cannot be replaced quickly during the race.
What safety equipment is needed for a kayak race?: Every paddler needs a life jacket, and the event should have safety boats, throw lines, life rings, whistles and first aid kits ready before launching. Add emergency blankets, safety helmets and reflective vests for the safety team.
How many course buoys do I need for a kayak race?: The number depends on the route, but place a buoy at every turn and at any point where paddlers could leave the course. Prepare anchors and anchor lines for each buoy, with at least one spare marker for replacement.
What should I buy for timing and race administration?: Bring at least one stopwatch per timing official, plus bib numbers, bib holders, waterproof scorecards and markers. Prepare one participant list and one starting list for each start group, and allow time to print them before race 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.