What You Need for a Raft Race

A raft race needs more than raft-building materials. You also need enough safety equipment for every participant, clear course markers, reliable communication and a practical setup for registration and catering. Use the plan’s shopping list to cover raft frames, barrels, paddles, straps and ropes, then check the water area and participant numbers before buying. Safety items should be ready before anyone starts building or racing, not added at the last minute.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Party tentsqty 3
Foldable tablesqty 8
Benchesqty 12
Chairsqty 20
Coolersqty 6

Sports equipment

Raft framesqty 10
Plastic barrelsqty 40
Paddlesqty 30
Life jacketsqty 80
Water sports helmetsqty 80
Ratchet strapsqty 80
Rope rollsqty 20
Course buoysqty 12
Anchor weightsqty 12
Throw linesqty 6
Whistlesqty 20
Waterproof storage bagsqty 10

Safety

First aid kitsqty 2
Emergency blanketsqty 10
Waterproof walkie-talkiesqty 12

Equipment

Megaphonesqty 2
Stopwatchesqty 4
Battery-powered speakersqty 2
Rechargeable work lightsqty 6
Power banksqty 4

Kitchen

Hot water boilersqty 2
Cutting boardsqty 4
Chef's knivesqty 4
Serving plattersqty 10
Storage bins with lidsqty 12

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 150
Reusable platesqty 100
Reusable cutleryqty 100

Decorations

Buntingqty 8
Team number signsqty 10
Direction arrowsqty 12

Cleaning

Broomqty 4
Bucketsqty 4
Cleaning clothsqty 20
Rubber glovesqty 12

Catering

Groceries
- White and brown rolls - 120 pieces
- Vegetarian sandwiches - 30 pieces
- Hamburgers - 80 pieces
- Vegetarian burgers - 20 pieces
- Sausages - 60 pieces
- Sliced young matured cheese - 2 kilos
- Hummus - 2 kilos
- Herb cream cheese - 1 kilo
- Lettuce - 12 heads
- Tomatoes - 5 kilos
- Cucumbers - 4 kilos
- Onions - 3 kilos
- Pickles - 4 jars
- Ketchup - 4 bottles
- Mayonnaise - 4 bottles
- Mustard - 3 bottles
- Garlic sauce - 3 bottles
- Barbecue sauce - 3 bottles
- Paprika chips - 10 bags
- Plain chips - 10 bags
- Snack mix - 6 bags
- Peanuts - 4 bags
- Apples - 8 kilos
- Bananas - 6 kilos
- Grapes - 4 kilos
- Cola - 12 bottles
- Cola Zero - 10 bottles
- Orange soda - 8 bottles
- Iced tea - 8 bottles
- Spa Blue - 10 crates
- Spa Rood - 4 crates
- Alcohol-free beer - 6 crates
- Coffee - 2 kilos
- Tea - 200 bags
- Milk - 8 liters
- Sugar - 2 kilos
- Honey - 2 jars
- Lemons - 2 kilos
- Ice cubes - 30 kilo
- Barbecue sauce - 3 bottles
- Aluminum foil - 4 rolls
- Plastic wrap - 4 rolls
- Paper towels - 12 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Trash bags - 100 pieces
- Dish soap - 4 bottles
- Hand soap - 6 bottles
- Disinfectant wipes - 6 packs

Tips

Plan one life jacket and one water sports helmet for every person who may enter the water, plus a few spare sizes. Check the fit during registration rather than handing equipment out for the first time at the start.
For each raft, allow enough plastic barrels, a raft frame, ratchet straps and rope to build a stable structure. Buy or collect spare straps and rope because wet materials are harder to tighten and damaged fasteners can stop a team from racing.
Mark the course with course buoys and anchor weights before the event day. Add a visible finish line and test that the markers stay in position in wind, current or boat traffic.
Keep throw lines, first aid kits and emergency blankets at the water’s edge, not inside a storage box or tent. Have waterproof walkie-talkies and whistles ready for volunteers, and test every device before teams arrive.
Prepare a dry, lockable place for phones, registration papers and spare batteries using waterproof storage bags and storage bins with lids. Chill drinks in coolers early, and set up hot water boilers, cutting boards and serving platters at the catering point before racing begins.

Frequently asked questions

What equipment do I need for a raft race?: You need raft frames, plastic barrels, paddles, ratchet straps and rope rolls for construction. Add life jackets, water sports helmets, throw lines, course buoys, anchor weights and first aid kits for safety. The complete plan also covers registration, communication, lighting and catering equipment.
How many life jackets do I need for a raft race?: Provide one correctly sized life jacket for every person who may enter the water, including participants and on-water volunteers. Keep several spare sizes available, especially if registrations are still changing. Check each jacket before the first race starts.
What safety equipment is needed for a raft race?: Prepare life jackets, water sports helmets, throw lines, whistles, first aid kits and emergency blankets. Keep waterproof walkie-talkies with key volunteers and test them before participants arrive. Place the safety equipment at the course or water access point, ready for immediate use.
When should I buy supplies for a raft race?: Check the shopping list at least 7 days before the race and order missing supplies immediately. Inspect raft materials, safety gear and communication equipment again 1 to 2 days before the event. Chill drinks and prepare catering on the day, after the site setup is underway.

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