What you need for a spearfishing competition

A spearfishing competition needs more than dive gear. You need clearly marked boundaries, waterproof scoring supplies, reliable communication and safety equipment that can be reached quickly from shore or a boat. Plan participant identification, catch handling and judging before shopping, because these are easy to leave until the day before. Use the registered participant count to set quantities, then add spares for wet, lost or damaged items.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Party tentqty 2
Folding tableqty 6
Folding chairqty 40
Judges' table
Clothing rackqty 2

Sports equipment

Competition buoysqty 8
Barrier tapeqty 3
Bib numbersqty 35
Waterproof participant badgesqty 40
Measuring tapeqty 2
Digital scaleqty 2
Waterproof scoreboardsqty 3
Waterproof notebooksqty 6
Whistleqty 6
Life ringqty 2
Throwing lineqty 2
Life jacketqty 6
Dive flagqty 4
Waterproof bagqty 8
Fishing netqty 4
Catch cratesqty 6
Cutting boardqty 3
Fish scale
First aid kitqty 2
Emergency blanketqty 6
Flashlightqty 6
Spare batteriesqty 24

Equipment

Megaphone
Two-way radioqty 6
Power bankqty 4
Extension cordqty 3
Power stripqty 3

Lighting

LED lampqty 8
Battery lanternqty 4

Tableware

Reusable plateqty 40
Reusable cupqty 50
Reusable cutleryqty 50

Kitchen

Cool boxqty 6
Thermosqty 4
Kettleqty 2
Cutting knifeqty 4
Serving tongsqty 4
Serving trayqty 4
Meat thermometer

Decorations

Competition bannerqty 2
Arrow signqty 6

Cleaning

Waste binqty 6
Broomqty 2
Litter pickerqty 2
Bucketqty 4

Catering

Groceries
- Still water - 8 crates
- Sparkling water - 3 crates
- Cola - 12 bottles
- Cola Zero - 8 bottles
- Sinas - 6 bottles
- Iced tea - 6 bottles
- Sports drink - 30 bottles
- Apple juice - 6 packs
- Coffee - 4 packs
- Tea - 2 boxes
- Sugar - 2 packs
- Milk - 8 liters
- Oat milk - 4 liters
- Lemon - 12 pieces
- Sandwich rolls - 60 pieces
- Wholemeal bread - 6 loaves
- Cheese - 3 kilograms
- Ham - 2 kilograms
- Hummus - 8 tubs
- Herb cream cheese - 6 tubs
- Butter - 2 packs
- Cucumber - 12 pieces
- Tomatoes - 4 kilogram
- Lettuce - 6 heads
- Paprika chips - 8 bags
- Plain chips - 8 bags
- Snacks - 6 bags
- Muesli bars - 60 pieces
- Bananas - 6 kilograms
- Apples - 6 kilogram
- Grapes - 4 kilograms
- Cookies - 8 packs
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Mayonnaise - 2 bottles
- Mustard - 2 bottles
- Vegetarian burgers - 40 pieces
- Hamburger buns - 40 pieces
- Fried onions - 3 jars
- Satay sauce - 3 jars
- Barbecue sauce - 3 bottles
- Spice mix - 2 jars
- Olive oil - 2 bottles
- Aluminum foil - 3 rolls
- Cling film - 3 rolls
- Paper towels - 8 rolls
- Napkins - 200 pieces
- Trash bags - 3 rolls
- Dish soap - 3 bottles
- Sponges - 12 pieces
- Hand soap - 4 bottles
- Disinfectant wipes - 6 packs
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls

Tips

Prepare one waterproof participant badge and bib number for every competitor, plus at least 10% extra. Keep the spares in a waterproof bag so they remain readable after repeated handling.
Provide one waterproof notebook and a working writing setup for each judging team, then add two spare notebooks. Waterproof scoreboards should be visible from the judging area, not kept inside a tent or vehicle.
Allow one catch crate for every 4–6 competitors, with extra space for the busiest period. Keep the cutting board, fish scale and measuring equipment together at the judges’ table so catches are processed consistently.
Set up a clearly marked safety zone with competition buoys, barrier tape and a dive flag before competitors arrive. Keep a life ring, first aid kit and emergency blanket at the access point, not in a locked storage area.
Give each steward or judge a two-way radio and charge all units before setup. Bring at least one power bank, spare batteries and a flashlight so communication and safety checks continue if the event runs late or power is unavailable.

Frequently asked questions

How many participant badges and bib numbers do I need for a spearfishing competition?: Prepare one waterproof badge and one bib number per registered competitor. Add at least 10% extra, so an event with 40 competitors needs 44 of each.
How many catch crates are needed for a spearfishing competition?: Use roughly one catch crate for every 4–6 competitors, depending on catch limits and how often crates can be emptied. For 40 competitors, plan on 7–10 crates and add one spare if transport is difficult.
What safety equipment should I buy for a spearfishing competition?: Have at least one life ring, a first aid kit, an emergency blanket, a dive flag and suitable life jackets at the operating area. For a larger event, place additional equipment at each separate water access point and check it again on the morning of the competition.
How early should I prepare the shopping for a spearfishing competition?: Buy or confirm non-perishable competition supplies at least 7 days ahead. Check batteries, radios, waterproof stationery, ice or cooler space and safety equipment again 24 hours before the start.

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