Kitesurf marathon checklist: plan the event in the right order

A kitesurf marathon needs more than a course and a start signal. You have to secure beach access, permits, rescue cover and timing equipment before registrations open. This checklist follows the planning order, from the competition format and weather scenarios to participant information, volunteer briefings and event-day logistics. It also covers details that are easy to arrange too late, such as sanitation, transport, dietary requirements, power, spare equipment and printed race rules.

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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

Set competition format
2 people
Define the course and start area
3 people
Prepare safety plan
3 people
Record weather scenarios
2 people
Reserve the venue and beach use
Apply for permits
Reserve rescue equipment
Reserve the timing system
Publish registration form
Send invitations
2 people
Post promotion on social media
Process registrations
2 people
Collect dietary requirements
Check participant list
2 people
Send participant information
Assign start numbers
2 people
Assign volunteers
2 people
Prepare a volunteer briefing
Book catering
Reserve restroom facilities
Arrange transport for materials
Order prizes and medals
Print the competition rules
Do the shopping
3 people
Check the weather forecast
2 people
Inventory supplies
3 people
Set out kitesurfing equipment
3 people
Sort bib numbers and wristbands
2 people

Event

Set up tents and tables
6 people
Put up barriers
4 people
Set out course buoys
4 people
Set up the start and finish arch
4 people
Set up the first aid post
3 people
Set up first aid table
2 people
Connect the sound system
2 people
Test timekeeping
2 people
Set up registration desk
2 people
Receive participants
4 people
Hand out race numbers
3 people
Perform ID Check
2 people
Check the kitesurfing equipment
3 people
Give the safety briefing
3 people
Clear the course again
4 people
Guide participants to the start
4 people
Start the marathon
5 people
Position rescue boats
4 people
Record match progress
3 people
Monitor safety on the water
6 people
Hand out water and sports drinks
3 people
Refill drinks
2 people
Serve snacks
3 people
Register finishers
3 people
Receive participants after finish
4 people
Hand out medals
2 people
Honor the winners
3 people
Check out the last participants
2 people

Aftercare

Gather competition materials
5 people
Remove buoys from the water
4 people
Secure timekeeping
2 people
Collect waste
4 people
Take down tents and tables
6 people
Wash dishes
2 people
Clean the grounds
5 people
Return rented materials
2 people
Check rescue equipment
2 people
Store leftover stock
2 people
Publish results
Share photos with participants

What to bring

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

Furniture

Party tentsqty 3
Foldable tablesqty 8
Folding chairsqty 30
Beer tablesqty 4
Changing room screensqty 4

Equipment

Walkie-talkiesqty 8
Megaphonesqty 2
Sound system
Laptopsqty 2
Tabletsqty 3
Mobile chargersqty 6
Printer
Extension cordsqty 6
Power stripsqty 6

Sports equipment

Course buoysqty 12
Starting buoy
Finish buoy
Anchor linesqty 14
Competition flagsqty 8
Bib numbersqty 70
Wristbandsqty 70
Timing chipsqty 70
Stopwatchesqty 4
Weather station
Anemometersqty 3
Life ringsqty 6
Rescue linesqty 4
Water sports helmetsqty 8
Life jacketsqty 8
Spare kiteqty 2
Spare boardsqty 2
Guy ropesqty 24
Sand anchorsqty 12
Crowd control barriersqty 20
Conesqty 30
Marking tapeqty 6
Start and finish arch
Clipboardsqty 8
Spare batteriesqty 30

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 120
Reusable platesqty 80
Reusable cutleryqty 100
Coffee cupsqty 50
Thermos flasksqty 6

Kitchen

Coolersqty 6
Ice cube traysqty 8
Coffee machinesqty 2
Kettlesqty 2
Cutting boardsqty 4
Chef's knivesqty 4
Serving tongsqty 6
Small bowlsqty 12
Thermos dispensersqty 4
Dishpanqty 2

Lighting

LED lampsqty 8
String lightsqty 6
Flashlightsqty 8

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 8
Broomqty 3
Dustpan and brushqty 3
Mopsqty 3
Bucketsqty 4
Litter pickersqty 4
Glovesqty 12
Disinfectantqty 4
Microfiber clothsqty 20
Hand soap dispensersqty 4
First aid kitsqty 2
Emergency blanketsqty 20
Cold packsqty 12
Bandage kitsqty 4

Catering

Groceries

Tips

Set the competition format, course and start area before publishing the registration form. Include the expected start procedure, finish point and weather alternatives so participants know what they are signing up for.
Apply for permits and reserve the venue and beach use early enough to allow for changes. Aim to have the safety plan, rescue equipment and weather scenarios documented before invitations go out.
Build the safety setup around communication and visibility: assign walkie-talkies, megaphones, course buoys, competition flags, life rings and rescue lines before the volunteer briefing. Test the radios and wind meters on site rather than assuming they work.
Close registrations with enough time to check the participant list, collect dietary requirements, assign bib numbers and send final participant information. A practical deadline is 5–7 days before the marathon, leaving time to correct missing details.
Plan the beach logistics separately from the race itself. Arrange transport for tables, tents, changing screens, timing equipment and power supplies, and keep a spare kite, chargers, extension cords and power strips available before the weather check on event day.

Frequently asked questions

How far in advance should I organise a kitesurf marathon?: Start planning at least 8–12 weeks before the event. Secure the beach, permits, rescue equipment and timing system first, then publish registrations once the format and safety plan are clear.
What safety equipment do I need for a kitesurf marathon?: Plan rescue lines, life rings, life jackets, watersport helmets, wind meters and a spare kite, plus reliable communication equipment. Confirm the rescue setup and volunteer roles at least 1 week before the race.
When should kitesurf marathon registrations close?: Close registrations 5–7 days before the event. That gives you time to verify the participant list, collect dietary requirements, assign bib numbers and send the final instructions.
When should I check the weather for a kitesurf marathon?: Record the forecast and wind conditions during the final 48 hours, then check them again on the morning of the event. Define in advance which conditions trigger a delay, course change or cancellation.

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.