What to buy for a rowing race

A rowing race needs more than boats and oars. You also need clearly marked lanes, reliable timing equipment, safety gear, registration supplies and a way to communicate with crews, judges and spectators. Plan quantities around the number of boats, competitors and volunteers, then check everything before it is taken to the dock. Items such as a backup boat, spare batteries, extension cords and throw lines are easy to overlook until they are urgently needed.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Party tentsqty 3
Foldable tablesqty 10
Folding chairsqty 80
Judges' table
Crowd control barriersqty 12

Sports equipment

Race boatsqty 8
Backup boat
Oarsqty 20
Bib numbersqty 120
Buoysqty 40
Course markingqty 8
Stopwatchesqty 6
Life jacketsqty 12
Throw linesqty 4
Paddlesqty 6
Competition bibsqty 30
First aid kitsqty 2
Life ringsqty 4
Flashlightsqty 6
Safety vestsqty 20

Equipment

Sound system
Microphoneqty 2
Laptopsqty 2
Printer
Extension cordsqty 6
Power stripsqty 6
Coolersqty 6
Thermos flasksqty 6
Megaphonesqty 2

Lighting

LED lightsqty 8
Batteriesqty 24

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 250
Reusable platesqty 150
Reusable cutleryqty 150
Coffee cupsqty 100
Serving plattersqty 12

Kitchen

Kettlesqty 3
Cutting boardsqty 4
Chef’s knives and bread knivesqty 6
Serving tongsqty 8
Coolersqty 4
Coffee filtersqty 200

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 8
Broom setsqty 3
Mopsqty 3
Cleaning bucketsqty 3
Cleaning clothsqty 20

Decorations

Competition flagsqty 12
Route signsqty 10
Directional signsqty 8
Prize tablecloth

Catering

Groceries
- Coffee - 5 packs
- Tea - 4 boxes
- Sugar - 2 kilos
- Sweeteners - 2 boxes
- Milk - 8 liters
- Oat milk - 4 liters
- Cola - 12 bottles
- Cola Zero - 8 bottles
- Orange soda - 8 bottles
- Iced tea - 8 bottles
- Spa Blauw - 12 bottles
- Spa Rood - 6 bottles
- Sports drink - 48 bottles
- Apple juice - 6 packs
- Orange juice - 6 cartons
- Lemons - 2 kilos
- Herbal tea - 2 boxes
- Whole wheat bread - 12 loaves
- White rolls - 120 pieces
- Whole grain buns - 80 pieces
- Croissants - 60 pieces
- Unsalted butter - 2 kilos
- Young cheese - 4 kilos
- Aged cheese - 2 kilo
- Ham - 3 kilos
- Chicken breast - 3 kilo
- Hummus - 2 kilos
- Cream cheese - 2 kilo
- Peanut butter - 2 jars
- Jam - 3 jars
- Cucumbers - 10 pieces
- Tomatoes - 4 kilos
- Lettuce - 8 heads
- Bell peppers - 3 kilos
- Apples - 10 kilos
- Bananas - 8 kilos
- Grapes - 5 kilos
- Muesli bars - 150 pieces
- Raisins - 2 kilos
- Paprika chips - 8 bags
- Plain chips - 8 bags
- Snacks - 6 bags
- Cookies - 10 packs
- Brownies - 8 boxes
- Mayonnaise - 2 bottles
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Mustard - 2 jars
- Aluminum foil - 3 rolls
- Cling film - 3 rolls
- Paper napkins - 500 pieces
- Paper towels - 12 rolls
- Toilet paper - 48 rolls
- Trash bags - 100 pieces
- Dish soap - 3 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 3 bottles
- Disinfectant wipes - 6 packs
- Hand soap - 6 bottles
- Hand sanitizer - 6 bottles

Tips

Prepare one race bib and one competition bib for every registered participant, plus a small spare supply for damaged or missing numbers. Keep the printer and laptops ready for late registrations or last-minute changes.
Set aside one life jacket for every person who may enter a boat or work on the water, and keep throw lines with the safety team rather than buried in general equipment. Confirm the backup boat and lifeboat assignment before race day.
Use at least two stopwatches for each timing station so a failed reading can be checked immediately. Bring spare batteries for stopwatches, megaphones, LED lights and other battery-powered equipment.
Count tables and chairs separately for registration, judges, volunteers and refreshments. Pack power strips and extension cords with the sound system, microphone, printer and laptops, and test the full setup before competitors arrive.
Bring enough reusable cups, plates and cutlery for the expected crew and volunteer turnover, not just the headcount at one time. Fill coolers and thermos flasks before the first crews arrive, especially if the venue has limited facilities.

Frequently asked questions

What equipment do I need for a rowing race?: Plan for race boats, a backup boat, oars, paddles, buoys, course marking, bib numbers, stopwatches and safety equipment such as life jackets and throw lines. Add communication and administration equipment, including a microphone, megaphones, laptops and a printer.
How many life jackets do I need for a rowing race?: Have one correctly sized life jacket for every person who may be on the water, including crews, boat handlers and safety personnel. Add at least 10% extra where possible so a damaged or unsuitable jacket does not delay the start.
What should I bring for rowing race registration?: Bring one laptop or registration device for every active registration point, plus a printer, extension cords, power strips, bib numbers and competition bibs. Pack the setup at least 60 minutes before registration opens so late changes can be handled without holding up crews.
How much catering equipment is needed for a rowing event?: Provide one reusable cup, plate and set of cutlery per expected user, then add around 10% spare pieces. Use coolers and thermos flasks for drinks, and prepare them before the first competitors and volunteers arrive.

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