What you need for a rowing race

A rowing race needs more than boats and a start line. Your shopping list must cover course marking, participant identification, timing, communication, rescue equipment and a weatherproof base for officials. Plan refreshments and power supplies separately: drinks need chilling, while tablets, scoreboards and lighting may need charging or mains power. Use your confirmed participant count to calculate bibs, drinks, tables and chairs, then add spares for equipment that can be lost or damaged on the water.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Party tentsqty 3
Folding tablesqty 10
Chairsqty 60
Tableclothsqty 10
Waste binsqty 8

Sports equipment

Rowing boatsqty 8
Beltsqty 16
Bib numbersqty 80
Lane buoysqty 24
Field linesqty 8
Start flagsqty 4
Finish flagsqty 2
Life ringsqty 6
Life jacketsqty 12
Throw linesqty 4
Spare paddlesqty 4
Starting blocksqty 8
Waterproof scoreboardsqty 2
Medal ribbonsqty 30
Trophiesqty 6
Certificate foldersqty 80

Equipment

Stopwatchesqty 6
Tabletsqty 3
Walkie-talkiesqty 10
Megaphonesqty 2
Extension cordsqty 4
Power stripsqty 4
Power banksqty 6
Waterproof phone casesqty 10
Spare batteriesqty 24

Lighting

LED lampsqty 8
String lightsqty 4
Cable reelsqty 2

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 150
Platesqty 100
Cutlery setsqty 100
Coffee cupsqty 60
Water jugsqty 12
Serving traysqty 8

Kitchen

Coolersqty 6
Thermos flasksqty 6
Coffee machinesqty 2
Kettlesqty 2
Cutting boardsqty 4
Chef's knivesqty 4
Scissorsqty 4
Pliersqty 6
Storage binsqty 12

Decorations

Route signsqty 12
Directional signsqty 8
Competition postersqty 6
Sponsor bannersqty 8
Prize table sign

Cleaning

Broomqty 2
Emergency flaresqty 2
Mopsqty 3
Bucketsqty 3
Cleaning clothsqty 12
Hand soap dispensersqty 4
Toilet brushesqty 2

Catering

Groceries
- Spa Blauw - 120 bottles
- Spa Rood - 30 bottles
- Cola - 12 bottles
- Cola Zero - 12 bottles
- Orange soda - 8 bottles
- Iced tea - 8 bottles
- Apple juice - 6 packs
- Orange juice - 6 cartons
- Coffee - 6 packs
- Decaffeinated coffee - 2 packs
- Tea - 3 boxes
- Sugar - 2 packs
- Sweeteners - 2 boxes
- Milk - 8 liters
- Oat milk - 4 liters
- Lemons - 12 pieces
- Ice cubes - 15 bags
- Multigrain rolls - 100 pieces
- White rolls - 60 pieces
- Mini croissants - 60 pieces
- Young cheese - 3 kilos
- Aged cheese - 2 kilo
- Turkey breast - 2 kilos
- Hummus - 12 tubs
- Cream cheese - 8 tubs
- Butter - 4 packs
- Cucumbers - 12 pieces
- Tomatoes - 5 kilos
- Lettuce - 8 heads
- Bell peppers - 3 kilos
- Apples - 8 kilos
- Bananas - 6 kilos
- Grapes - 5 kilos
- Mandarins - 5 kilos
- Muesli bars - 100 pieces
- Currant buns - 60 pieces
- Paprika chips - 8 bags
- Plain chips - 8 bags
- Snacks - 6 bags
- Rice cakes - 6 packs
- Gluten-free sandwiches - 12 pieces
- Vegan spreads - 8 tubs
- Mayonnaise - 2 bottles
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Mustard - 2 jars
- Salt - 1 pack
- Pepper - 1 jar
- Napkins - 500 pieces
- Paper towels - 12 rolls
- Paper towels - 8 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Trash bags - 100 pieces
- Compostable bags - 40 pieces
- Dish soap - 3 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 3 bottles
- Toilet cleaner - 2 bottles
- Disinfectant spray - 3 bottles
- Sponges - 12 pieces
- Rubber gloves - 12 pairs
- Aluminum foil - 2 rolls
- Cling film - 2 rolls
- Baking paper - 2 rolls
- Bread bags - 100 pieces
- Coffee filters - 200 pieces
- Tea filters - 100 pieces
- Wooden stirrers - 300 pieces
- Cocktail picks - 200 pieces
- Cooling packs - 30 pieces
- Non-slip mats - 6 pieces
- Bandages - 4 boxes
- Gauze Pads - 4 boxes
- Adhesive bandages - 4 rolls
- Disinfectant wipes - 4 packs
- Disposable gloves - 4 boxes
- Emergency blankets - 12 pieces
- Sunscreen - 8 bottles
- Mosquito spray - 4 bottles
- Waterproof markers - 12 pieces
- Tape - 12 rolls
- Cable ties - 200 pieces
- Cable ties - 100 pieces
- Rope - 4 rolls
- Marking chalk - 6 pieces
- A4 paper - 2 packs
- Labels - 4 sheets
- Ballpoint pens - 30 pieces
- Permanent markers - 12 pieces

Tips

Prepare one bib number for every confirmed participant, plus at least 5% spare numbers. Pack waterproof markers or labels so numbers remain readable if they get wet.
Allow two to three drinks per person for the first hour, then one drink per person per additional hour. Chill them the day before rather than relying on a last-minute delivery.
For every active timing point, pack one primary stopwatch and one backup, and charge tablets and power banks the evening before. Keep spare batteries with the timing equipment.
Do not leave rescue supplies until race morning: have life rings, life jackets and throw lines at the rescue post before boats are launched. Check each item at least 24 hours in advance.
Pack weatherproof signage and lighting for the start and finish areas. Bring cable reels, extension cords and power strips together, with LED lamps available if setup or pack-down continues after daylight.

Frequently asked questions

What should I buy for a rowing race?: Plan for boats, lane buoys, field lines, start and finish flags, bib numbers, timing equipment, waterproof scoreboards, radios and megaphones. Add rescue equipment, tables, chairs, waste bins, refreshments and power supplies for the event base.
How many drinks do I need for a rowing race?: For the first hour, allow two to three drinks per person; for each additional hour, allow one more drink per person. Add at least 10% extra for volunteers, officials and unexpected demand.
How many bib numbers should I order?: Prepare one bib number for every confirmed participant and add at least 5% spare numbers. For 100 rowers, that means 105 bib numbers, with a few additional blank labels if names or numbers may change.
When should I check rowing race equipment?: Complete a full equipment check at least 24 hours before the race, including boats, safety gear, flags, timing devices and communications equipment. Recharge tablets, power banks and radios the evening before, then do a short final check on race morning.

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