What you need for a paddle tour

A paddle tour needs more than paddles and a route. Plan supplies for four soup stops, the start, the finish, and the time participants spend on the water. This list covers serving equipment, drinks, cooling and heating, route signs, safety items, and registration materials. Buy or gather everything early enough to keep soups refrigerated, print route information, and prepare allergy cards before the event day.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Foldable tablesqty 6
Folding chairsqty 20
Buffet tablesqty 4
Coat racksqty 2

Tableware

Soup bowlsqty 60
Soup bowls for tastingqty 240
Soup ladlesqty 12
Tablespoonsqty 60
Glassesqty 80
Coffee cupsqty 50

Kitchen

Soup kettlesqty 4
Large cooking potsqty 4
Cutting boardsqty 4
Chef's knivesqty 4
Serving plattersqty 8
Serving spoonsqty 8
Thermo boxesqty 6

Equipment

Induction hobsqty 4
Extension cordsqty 4
Coolersqty 4
Bluetooth speakersqty 2

Route & safety

Route mapsqty 50
Directional signsqty 12
Safety vestsqty 8
Flashlightsqty 8

Organization

Name stickersqty 60
Wristbandsqty 60
Pensqty 12
Contest formsqty 50

Decorations

Tableclothsqty 8
Buntingqty 6
Menusqty 12

Lighting

LED light stringsqty 4

Cleaning

Washing-up basinsqty 6
Dishpanqty 2
Hand soap dispensersqty 3

Catering

Groceries
- Potatoes - 8 kilograms
- Onions - 3 kilograms
- Winter carrots - 3 kilograms
- Leeks - 2 kilograms
- Celeriac - 2 pieces
- Pumpkin - 4 kilogram
- Zucchinis - 6 pieces
- Bell peppers - 12 pieces
- Mushrooms - 2 kilogram
- Diced tomatoes - 12 cans
- Chickpeas - 8 cans
- Red lentils - 2 kilogram
- Coconut milk - 8 cans
- Vegetable stock - 24 tablets
- Chicken stock - 24 tablets
- Cooking cream - 8 liters
- Grated cheese - 2 kilogram
- Crème fraîche - 2 kilograms
- Butter - 1 kilogram
- Olive oil - 2 liters
- Garlic - 6 bulbs
- Parsley - 8 bunches
- Chives - 8 bunches
- Curry powder - 1 jar
- Cumin - 1 jar
- Paprika powder - 1 jar
- Black pepper - 1 jar
- Salt - 1 kilogram
- Baguettes - 20 pieces
- Herb butter - 2 kilograms
- Hummus - 2 kilograms
- Olives - 2 kilograms
- Paprika chips - 10 bags
- Plain chips - 10 bags
- Cookies - 6 packs
- Apple pies - 6 pieces
- Coffee - 2 kilograms
- Tea - 2 boxes
- Milk - 8 liters
- Oat milk - 4 liters
- Sugar - 1 kilogram
- Cola - 8 bottles
- Cola Zero - 8 bottles
- Spa Blauw - 10 bottles
- Spa Rood - 6 bottles
- Orange juice - 6 liters
- Lemons - 2 kilograms
- Tap water - 40 liters
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- Dishwasher tablets - 40 pieces
- Paper towels - 8 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Trash bags - 50 pieces

Tips

Plan soup portions for every registered participant at all four stops, plus a small reserve of 5–10% for spills, seconds, or late arrivals. Keep separate soup bowls or tasting bowls available if you are serving small portions.
Keep chilled ingredients and prepared soups in coolers or thermo boxes until they are needed. Move each batch to soup kettles or large pots close to serving time rather than heating all four stops at once.
Pack one route kit for each section: printed route maps, directional signs, pens, and a few safety vests. Prepare the alternative route materials at the same time so a weather or access change does not leave you searching for supplies.
Bring enough serving equipment for the busiest stop, not the average one. Count soup ladles, serving spoons, bowls, glasses, coffee cups, and tablespoons before loading the tables and heating equipment.
Set aside a registration and reception kit with name stickers, wristbands, pens, contest forms, allergy cards, and the participant list. Pack extension cords and check that every induction hob has a safe power source before the start.

Frequently asked questions

How much soup should I buy for a paddle tour?: For four soup stops, plan one tasting portion per participant at each stop, then add 5–10% extra. The exact volume depends on your serving size, so count registered participants before shopping and confirm portions with each stop.
What should I bring to serve soup at four stops?: Each stop needs soup bowls or tasting bowls, a ladle, serving spoons, and a way to keep soup hot, such as a soup kettle or large pot. If equipment is shared, prepare four complete serving sets so nothing has to travel between stops.
How early should I prepare the paddle tour shopping list?: Finish the count and equipment check at least 7 days before the tour. Buy shelf-stable supplies first, then arrange fresh ingredients and confirm coolers, thermo boxes, induction hobs, and extension cords 1–2 days before the event.
What safety supplies do I need for a paddle tour?: Pack route maps, directional signs, safety vests, and flashlights, with enough maps for the participant list plus 5–10% spare. Keep the alternative route and weather-related instructions printed before participants arrive.

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