What you need for a SUP race

A SUP race needs more than boards and paddles. You will need equipment for the course, clear identification for participants, reliable communication and enough safety gear for incidents on the water. Plan food and drinks for competitors and crew separately, and keep backup equipment available for damaged or missing items. This shopping list covers the practical supplies to have ready before race day.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Party tentsqty 3
Tablesqty 8
Folding chairsqty 30
Beer tablesqty 4
Judges' table

Sports equipment

SUP boardsqty 10
Paddlesqty 10
Leash linesqty 10
Life jacketsqty 90
Spare paddlesqty 5
Buoysqty 12
Race ribbonsqty 20
Start Line
Finish arch
Bib numbersqty 100
Wristbandsqty 120
Stopwatchesqty 6
Megaphonesqty 3
Binocularsqty 3
Life ringsqty 6
Throw linesqty 6
Flashlightsqty 6

Equipment

Sound system
Wireless microphonesqty 2
Speakersqty 2
Extension cordsqty 4
Power stripsqty 4
Power banksqty 6
Walkie-talkiesqty 8
Laptopqty 2
Printer
Coolersqty 6
Water jugsqty 8

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 250
Reusable platesqty 150
Reusable cutleryqty 150
Coffee cupsqty 80
Serving spoonsqty 8

Kitchen

Coffee machinesqty 2
Kettlesqty 2
Cutting boardsqty 3
Chef’s knives and bread knivesqty 4
Thermos flasksqty 6
Serving traysqty 6
Ice packsqty 24
Food containersqty 12

Safety

First aid kitsqty 2
Emergency blanketsqty 20
Nitrile glovesqty 100
Safety vestsqty 20
Flashlightsqty 8
Crowd control barriersqty 20
Traffic conesqty 20

Lighting

LED string lightsqty 6
LED lanternsqty 8

Decorations

Buntingqty 8
Competition postersqty 12
Direction signsqty 12
Prizesqty 9
Medalsqty 30

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 12
Waste sorting binsqty 4
Broom and dustpanqty 3
Mopsqty 3
Bucketsqty 4
Cleaning clothsqty 20

Catering

Groceries
- Coffee - 2 kilos
- Tea - 200 bags
- Sugar - 2 kilos
- Milk - 12 liters
- Oat milk - 4 liters
- Cola - 12 bottles
- Cola Zero - 12 bottles
- Orange soda - 8 bottles
- Sparkling mineral water - 12 bottles
- Flat mineral water - 24 bottles
- Sports drink - 120 bottles
- Apple juice - 8 cartons
- Orange juice - 8 packs
- Ice cubes - 20 kilo
- Sandwiches - 180 pieces
- Whole grain bread - 8 loaves
- Young cheese - 4 kilos
- Back ham - 3 kilos
- Hummus - 2 kilos
- Cucumber - 8 pieces
- Tomatoes - 4 kilos
- Lettuce - 8 heads
- Butter - 2 kilos
- Mayonnaise - 2 liter
- Ketchup - 2 liters
- Mustard - 1 liter
- Paprika chips - 12 bags
- Plain chips - 12 bags
- Mixed nuts - 4 kilos
- Muesli bars - 150 pieces
- Bananas - 12 kilo
- Apples - 12 kilos
- Grapes - 8 kilos
- Cookies - 8 packs
- Gluten-free sandwiches - 12 pieces
- Vegan spread - 2 kilos
- Vegan sandwiches - 12 pieces
- Paper napkins - 1000 pieces
- Paper towels - 12 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Trash bags - 100 pieces
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Hand soap - 6 bottles
- Hand sanitizer - 8 bottles
- Sponges - 12 pieces
- Aluminum foil - 2 rolls
- Cling film - 2 rolls
- Freezer bags - 2 boxes

Tips

Plan one leash line and one suitable paddle per SUP board, then add spare paddles for breakages or last-minute changes. Check every board, leash and life jacket before competitors arrive.
Mark the start, finish and turnaround points with buoys, race ribbons, a start line and a finish arch. Prepare bib numbers and wristbands in registration packs rather than handing out loose items at the last minute.
Keep safety equipment distributed around the course, not all at the registration area. Life rings, throw lines, flashlights and binoculars should be accessible to the safety crew and judges.
Use walkie-talkies for the safety crew, judges and start area, and test the sound system, wireless microphones and speakers before the first briefing. Charge power banks and keep extension cords and power strips away from wet areas.
Buy and chill food and drinks at least one day before the race where possible. Allow separate quantities for participants, safety crew, judges and volunteers, because the people working on the water cannot always leave their position for refreshments.

Frequently asked questions

What equipment do I need for a SUP race?: You need SUP boards, paddles, leash lines, life jackets, spare paddles, buoys, race ribbons, a start line, a finish arch, bib numbers and wristbands. Add stopwatches, megaphones, binoculars and safety equipment such as life rings and throw lines.
How many spare paddles should I buy for a SUP race?: Keep at least 1 spare paddle for every 10 racing boards, with a minimum of 2 spare paddles for a small race. Buy or arrange more if the route is remote or replacement equipment cannot reach the water quickly.
What safety equipment is needed on the water?: Provide life jackets, life rings, throw lines, flashlights, binoculars and reliable communication equipment. Place the safety gear with the crew before the briefing, and test walkie-talkies at least 1 hour before the start.
When should I prepare food and drinks for a SUP race?: Buy drinks and shelf-stable food at least 1 day ahead, then chill perishable items before the event. Count participants, judges, volunteers and the safety crew separately so every group has refreshments during the race.

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