What to buy for a SUP race

A SUP race needs more than boards and paddles. You also need safety equipment for every participant, clearly marked start and finish points, reliable timing, and a way to keep registration materials dry. Plan refreshments and shelter around the time people will spend at the water, not just the race duration. This checklist helps you buy or collect the practical equipment that is easy to overlook before race day.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Party tentsqty 3
Beer tablesqty 8
Chairsqty 80
Registration tablesqty 2
Waste binsqty 6

Sports equipment

SUP boardsqty 40
SUP paddlesqty 40
Leashesqty 40
Life jacketsqty 45
Competition buoysqty 12
Life ringsqty 4
Rescue linesqty 4
Waterproof storage barrelsqty 6
Start flagsqty 3
Whistlesqty 8
Race number vestsqty 40
Medal ribbonsqty 60
Trophiesqty 3

Equipment

Stopwatchesqty 6
Walkie-talkiesqty 8
Megaphone
Sound system
Extension cordsqty 4
Power stripsqty 4
Rechargeable lampsqty 8
Notice boardsqty 3
Waterproof foldersqty 8

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 120
Platesqty 100
Cutlery setsqty 100
Serving plattersqty 12

Kitchen

Coffee machinesqty 2
Kettlesqty 2
Thermos flasksqty 4
Coolersqty 6
Ice cube traysqty 6
Cutting boardsqty 4
Chef's knivesqty 4
Serving spoonsqty 8

Safety

First aid kitsqty 2
Emergency blanketsqty 6
Safety vestsqty 12

Decorations

Finish arch
Wind-resistant flagsqty 12
Barrier tapeqty 4

Cleaning

Broom and dustpanqty 2
Mopsqty 2

Catering

Groceries
- Spa Blauw - 120 bottles
- Spa Rood - 40 bottles
- Cola - 12 bottles
- Cola Zero - 12 bottles
- Orange soda - 8 bottles
- Iced tea - 8 bottles
- Alcohol-free beer - 48 bottles
- Coffee - 4 packs
- Tea - 3 boxes
- Milk - 8 liters
- Oat milk - 4 liters
- Sugar - 2 packs
- Mints - 1 box
- Lemon tea - 1 box
- Sandwiches - 120 pieces
- Whole grain bread - 8 loaves
- Kaiser rolls - 60 pieces
- Young cheese - 3 kilos
- Smoked chicken breast - 2 kilo
- Hummus - 1.5 kilos
- Cream cheese - 1 kilo
- Peanut butter - 2 jars
- Jam - 2 jars
- Cucumber - 10 pieces
- Tomatoes - 3 kilos
- Lettuce - 6 heads
- Bell peppers - 2 kilos
- Apples - 8 kilos
- Bananas - 6 kilos
- Grapes - 4 kilos
- Muesli bars - 120 pieces
- Currant buns - 60 pieces
- Paprika chips - 8 bags
- Plain chips - 8 bags
- Nut mix - 3 kilo
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Mayonnaise - 2 bottles
- Mustard - 2 bottles
- Olive oil - 1 bottle
- Salt - 1 pack
- Pepper - 1 can
- Spice mix - 2 jars
- Ice cubes - 20 kilo
- Paper napkins - 300 pieces
- Paper towels - 8 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Trash bags - 60 pieces
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- Hand soap - 4 bottles
- Disinfectant wipes - 4 packs

Tips

Plan one SUP board, paddle, leash and suitable life jacket per participant, plus a small number of spare sets if your rental agreement allows it. Check every leash and buoyancy aid before loading the equipment.
Use enough competition buoys to show every turn clearly from the water. Add start flags, whistles and a megaphone so instructions can be heard over wind, paddling and spectators.
Keep bib numbers, result forms, phones and other paperwork in waterproof storage barrels. Bring at least two stopwatches and walkie-talkies for communication between registration, the start and safety crew.
Prepare one life ring and rescue line at each key access point, and confirm rescue coverage before participants arrive. Safety equipment should be reachable without crossing the registration or refreshment area.
For a post-race table, provide reusable cups, plates, cutlery and serving platters, then size coolers, coffee machines, kettles and thermos flasks for the number of participants and volunteers. Arrange party tents, tables and chairs before the forecast can change.

Frequently asked questions

What equipment do I need for a SUP race?: At minimum, plan one board, paddle, leash and suitable life jacket per participant, plus competition buoys, start flags, timing equipment and communication tools. Include life rings, rescue lines and waterproof storage for safety and registration materials.
How many SUP boards and paddles do I need?: You need one board and one paddle for every registered racer. Confirm the final participant count before collection, and reserve spare equipment where possible so one damaged board or paddle does not stop a start.
When should I buy or reserve SUP race equipment?: Reserve boards, paddles, life jackets and safety equipment as soon as registration opens, especially if they are rented. Check quantities and condition at least 7 days before the race, then inspect everything again on the day.
What food and drink supplies are needed for a SUP race?: Plan drinks for every participant, volunteer and safety crew member, with coolers available before the first start. For a meal or finish table, count reusable cups, plates and cutlery per person and add a small reserve for breakage or extra guests.

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