What you need for a rowing marathon

A rowing marathon needs more than boats and oars. You will also need clearly marked routes, safety equipment, communication tools, weatherproof paperwork and a practical setup at the start and finish. Plan refreshments for participants and volunteers, then allow time to chill drinks, prepare snacks and move everything to the venue. This shopping list covers the equipment and supplies that are easy to overlook until setup day.

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What to bring

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

Sports equipment

Rowing boatsqty 20
Oarsqty 40
Spare paddlesqty 8
Life ringsqty 12
Life jacketsqty 30
Rescue linesqty 6
Buoysqty 18
Anchorsqty 6
Paddle bladesqty 6
Waterproof route mapsqty 12
Bib numbersqty 100
Wristbandsqty 100
Barrier tapeqty 6
Route signsqty 12
Conesqty 20
Whistlesqty 10
Safety vestsqty 20
First aid kitsqty 3
Thermal blanketsqty 20
Flashlightsqty 10

Furniture

Party tentsqty 3
Tablesqty 8
Chairsqty 30
High tablesqty 4
Start arch
Finish arch
Registration desk

Equipment

Stopwatchesqty 6
Walkie-talkiesqty 10
Megaphone
Mobile chargersqty 6
Waterproof phone pouchesqty 12
Kettlesqty 2
Coffee machinesqty 2

Lighting

LED construction lightsqty 6
Extension cordsqty 4
Power stripsqty 4

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 120
Platesqty 100
Cutlery setsqty 100
Coffee cupsqty 60

Kitchen

Coolersqty 6
Thermos flasksqty 6
Water jugsqty 8
Cutting boardsqty 4
Bread knivesqty 4
Serving spoonsqty 6
Serving plattersqty 12

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 10
Cleaning kitsqty 3
Washing-up basinsqty 6
Hand soap dispensersqty 4

Catering

Groceries
- Spa Blauw - 120 bottles
- Spa Red - 48 bottles
- Cola - 24 bottles
- Coke Zero - 24 bottles
- Orange soda - 12 bottles
- Ice tea - 12 bottles
- Apple juice - 12 liters
- Beer - 96 bottles
- Alcohol-free beer - 48 bottles
- Coffee - 3 packs
- Tea - 2 boxes
- Sugar - 2 packs
- Milk - 8 liters
- Oat milk - 4 liters
- Lemons - 2 kilograms
- Cucumbers - 8 pieces
- Tomatoes - 4 kilogram
- Apples - 8 kilograms
- Bananas - 6 kilograms
- Grapes - 4 kilograms
- Sandwiches - 120 pieces
- Whole wheat bread - 12 loaves
- Cheese - 4 kilogram
- Ham - 3 kilograms
- Hummus - 12 tubs
- Herb cream cheese - 8 tubs
- Butter - 2 kilograms
- Peanut butter - 2 jars
- Jam - 2 jars
- Chicken soup - 8 liters
- Vegetable soup - 8 liters
- Vegetable stock - 2 packs
- Paprika chips - 12 bags
- Plain chips - 12 bags
- Snacks - 8 bags
- Muesli bars - 120 pieces
- Currant buns - 60 pieces
- Mayonnaise - 2 bottles
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Mustard - 2 jars
- Napkins - 500 pieces
- Coffee filters - 2 packs
- Ice cubes - 20 kilograms
- Trash bags - 60 pieces
- Paper towels - 12 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Dish soap - 3 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 3 bottles
- Disinfectant wipes - 6 packs
- Liquid hand soap - 4 bottles

Tips

Prepare one complete safety kit for every rescue station: life rings, life jackets, rescue lines and clear communication with walkie-talkies. Check the number of stations before buying or assigning duplicate equipment.
Bring spare paddles and paddle blades, not just the equipment needed for the registered boats. A small equipment failure on the water can otherwise stop a participant or delay the start.
Print route maps on waterproof material and keep extra copies at registration, in rescue boats and at the finish. Plan at least one copy for each volunteer team, plus several spares.
Use waterproof phone pouches and mobile chargers for officials and safety staff. Charge every device before leaving and bring extension cords and power strips if the venue has limited outlets.
Count cups, plates, cutlery and coffee cups against the number of participants and volunteers, then add a buffer of about 10%. Keep drinks in coolers and prepare snacks before materials are transported to the venue.

Frequently asked questions

What equipment do I need for a rowing marathon?: You need rowing boats, oars and spare paddles, along with life jackets, life rings, rescue lines, buoys and anchors. Add waterproof route maps, stopwatches, walkie-talkies and a megaphone for officials and safety teams.
How much food and drink should I buy for a rowing marathon?: Allow at least 2 to 3 drinks per person for the first hour, then adjust for the forecast and event length. Buy snacks for every participant and volunteer, and add about 10% extra cups, plates and cutlery.
How many waterproof route maps should I print?: Prepare one map for each volunteer or safety team, plus copies for the registration desk, start area and finish. Print at least 2 to 5 spare copies in case maps are lost or damaged.
When should I prepare the rowing marathon supplies?: Check boats, oars and safety equipment at least 7 days before the event. Chill drinks and prepare snacks the day before, then charge devices and transport the materials to the venue several hours before setup begins.

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