Kitesurf competition checklist

A kitesurf competition depends on more than a course and a starting signal. You need permission to use the venue, a documented safety plan, trained rescue support and clear wind limits before competitors arrive. Registration, judging, catering and communications also need firm deadlines. Use this checklist to work from venue approval through event-day setup, with enough time to check participant details, prepare race numbers and test the sound system.

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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

Confirm the competition venue
2 people
Apply for competition permit
Inform the water manager
Prepare safety plan
2 people
Draw up competition rules
2 people
Assign judges
Book the rescue crew
Arrange speaker and announcer
Publish registration form
Send invitations
2 people
Approach sponsors
2 people
Process registrations
2 people
Check participant details
2 people
Collect dietary requirements
Process entry fees
Order prizes and medals
Book catering
Reserve toilet facilities
Arrange waste collection
Monitor the weather forecast
Communicate wind limits
Send participant letter
Assign volunteers
2 people
Print the starting lists
Prepare race numbers
2 people
Do the shopping
2 people
Check materials
2 people
Charge batteries
Inspect kites and lines
2 people
Print the run sheet
Cordon off the area
4 people
Build party tents
4 people
Set up tables and chairs
4 people
Set out the race buoys
3 people
Set up the start and finish line
3 people
Set up judges' table
2 people
Connect the sound system
2 people
Set up first aid table
2 people
Set up the catering buffet
3 people
Chill drinks
2 people
Set up registration desk
2 people
Give volunteer briefing
2 people
Give the jury briefing
2 people

Event

Register participants
3 people
Hand out race numbers
2 people
Conduct a safety check
3 people
Give the opening briefing
2 people
Guide the start of the first heat
5 people
Record intermediate results
2 people
Keep the lifeboat on standby
3 people
Support the second heat
5 people
Guide the third heat
5 people
Lead the final
5 people
Refill drinks
2 people
Serve snacks and meals
4 people
Empty trash bins
2 people
Record wind measurements
Provide music and announcements
Inform the audience
2 people
Hold the awards ceremony
3 people
Check participants out
2 people

Aftercare

Bring in the race buoys
3 people
Disconnect the sound system
2 people
Clean up catering
3 people
Gather tables and chairs
4 people
Take down party tents
4 people
Clean the grounds
4 people
Clean tableware and supplies
3 people
Store materials in a dry place
3 people
Return borrowed materials
2 people
Dispose of waste
2 people
Publish results
Thank participants
Archive permit documents

What to bring

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

Furniture

Party tentsqty 3
Foldable tablesqty 8
Folding chairsqty 40
Registration desk
Judges' table
Clothes racksqty 2

Sports equipment

Competition buoysqty 8
Anchorsqty 8
Anchor linesqty 8
Starting flag
Finish flag
Anemometerqty 2
Competition bibsqty 40
Spare kitesqty 2
Spare boardsqty 2
Kite pumpsqty 8
Bread knivesqty 12
Helmetsqty 40
Impact Vestsqty 40
Life ringsqty 6
Lifeboat
Paddlesqty 2

Equipment

Walkie-talkiesqty 10
Sound system
Wireless microphoneqty 2
Speakersqty 2
Extension cordsqty 6
Power stripsqty 4
Power banksqty 6
Laptop
Printer

Lighting

LED lampsqty 8
String lightsqty 4
Flashlightsqty 6

Safety

First aid kitsqty 2
Emergency blanketsqty 12
Fire extinguishersqty 2
Crowd control barriersqty 20
Barrier tapeqty 4
Traffic conesqty 12
Warning signsqty 8

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 150
Platesqty 120
Cutlery setsqty 120
Coffee cupsqty 80
Serving plattersqty 12

Kitchen

Coolersqty 6
Thermos flasksqty 6
Coffee machinesqty 2
Kettlesqty 2
Cutting boardsqty 4
Chef's knifeqty 4
Pliersqty 6
Serving spoonsqty 6
Ice packsqty 24

Decorations

Buntingqty 6
Competition postersqty 10
Sponsor bannersqty 8
Prize tablecloth

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 10
Dustpan and brushqty 3
Bucketsqty 4
Mopsqty 4

Catering

Groceries

Tips

Set the safety framework before opening registration. Confirm the venue, apply for the competition permit, inform the water manager and write down the rescue procedure, wind limits and communication method in one safety plan.
Give registration a fixed closing date at least 7 days before the competition. That leaves time to check participant details, process entry fees, collect dietary requirements and print starting lists and race numbers.
Book rescue support and event communications early. The lifeboat, rescue crew, walkie-talkies, speaker and wireless microphone all need to be confirmed before the first briefing, not on the morning of the race.
Check the course equipment at least 1 day before setup. Count the competition buoys, anchors and anchor lines, and test the anemometer, starting flag and finish flag so missing or damaged items can still be replaced.
Run a weather check twice on competition day: once before the crew arrives and again before the briefing. Communicate any change in wind limits immediately to judges, volunteers and competitors, and keep spare kites, boards, pumps, helmets and impact vests accessible.

Frequently asked questions

How far in advance should I plan a kitesurf competition?: Start planning at least 8 to 12 weeks before the competition. Permit applications, venue approval, rescue support, judges, sponsors and catering often need confirmation before registration opens.
When should kitesurf competition registration close?: Close registration about 7 days before the event. Use that week to verify participant details, collect dietary requirements, process entry fees and prepare the starting lists and competition bibs.
What safety equipment do I need for a kitesurf competition?: Plan for a lifeboat, life rings, paddles, walkie-talkies, anemometer, helmets and impact vests, plus spare kites, boards and pumps. Confirm the rescue crew and test communications at least 1 day before the event.
How often should I check the weather forecast?: Monitor the forecast from 3 days before the competition, then check it at least twice on the event day. Set and communicate clear wind limits before competitors launch and whenever conditions change.

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