What to bring to a surf competition

A surf competition needs more than boards and water safety gear. You also need a practical setup for registration, judging, communication, scoring, shade and first aid. This shopping list covers the equipment and supplies used around the competition area, including surfboards, leashes, buoys, rescue boards, radios and timing tools. Check quantities against the number of competitors, heats and officials, then buy or collect anything that cannot be sourced locally at short notice.

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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 20
Judges' table
Registration desk
Coolersqty 6

Sports equipment

Surfboardsqty 8
Leashesqty 12
Competition bibsqty 24
Bib numbersqty 24
Buoysqty 12
Mooring linesqty 4
Rescue boardsqty 2
Life ringsqty 2
Whistlesqty 6
Scoreboardsqty 2
Stopwatchesqty 6
Measuring tape

Equipment

Sound system
Microphoneqty 2
Walkie-talkiesqty 8
Power banksqty 6
Extension cordsqty 4
Power stripsqty 4
Laptopsqty 3
Tabletsqty 4
Printer storage

Lighting

LED lampsqty 8
String lightsqty 4

Safety

First aid kitsqty 2
Life jacketsqty 6
Emergency blanketsqty 12
Flashlightsqty 6
Non-slip matsqty 6

Decorations

Bannersqty 8
Beach flagsqty 6
Competition flagsqty 12
Stage ribbonqty 2

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 150
Platesqty 100
Cutlery setsqty 100
Coffee cupsqty 50

Kitchen

Thermos flasksqty 4
Serving jugsqty 6
Cutting boardsqty 4
Chef's knifeqty 4
Serving tongsqty 6
Measuring cupsqty 2
Ice packsqty 30

Cleaning

Handwash sinksqty 3
Waste binsqty 8
Dustpan and brushqty 3
Mopsqty 4

Catering

Groceries
- Spa Blauw - 120 bottles
- Spa Red - 48 bottles
- Cola - 24 bottles
- Coke Zero - 24 bottles
- Sinas - 18 bottles
- Ice tea - 18 bottles
- Apple juice - 12 cartons
- Orange juice - 12 cartons
- Sports drink lemon - 36 bottles
- Red sports drink - 36 bottles
- Coffee - 6 packs
- Decaf coffee - 1 pack
- Tea - 4 boxes
- Herbal tea - 2 boxes
- Sugar - 2 kilos
- Milk - 12 liters
- Oat milk - 6 liters
- Lemons - 3 kilos
- Ice cubes - 20 kilo
- Sandwiches - 180 pieces
- Whole grain bread - 8 loaves
- White sandwich rolls - 60 pieces
- Multigrain rolls - 60 pieces
- Vegetarian sandwiches - 30 pieces
- Gluten-free sandwiches - 12 pieces
- Young cheese - 4 kilos
- Aged cheese - 3 kilos
- Back ham - 3 kilos
- Chicken breast topping - 3 kilos
- Hummus - 12 tubs
- Peanut butter - 4 jars
- Jam - 4 jars
- Butter - 2 kilos
- Eggs - 90 pieces
- Chicken breast - 8 kilos
- Vegetarian burgers - 60 pieces
- Hamburger buns - 120 pieces
- Lettuce - 12 heads
- Tomatoes - 8 kilo
- Cucumbers - 6 kilos
- Bell peppers - 5 kilos
- Red onions - 3 kilos
- Potato salad - 10 kilos
- Pasta salad - 10 kilos
- Mayonnaise - 4 jars
- Ketchup - 4 bottles
- Mustard - 3 jars
- Barbecue sauce - 3 bottles
- Salt - 1 kilo
- Pepper - 250 gram
- Paprika powder - 250 gram
- Garlic powder - 250 grams
- Olive oil - 2 liters
- Paprika chips - 12 bags
- Plain chips - 12 bags
- Tortilla chips - 10 bags
- Nut mix - 6 bags
- Muesli bars - 120 pieces
- Bananas - 12 kilo
- Apples - 12 kilos
- Grapes - 8 kilos
- Oranges - 8 kilo
- Watermelons - 4 pieces
- Cookies - 12 packs
- Chocolate bars - 60 pieces
- Coffee creamer - 4 packs
- Napkins - 600 pieces
- Paper towels - 12 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Liquid hand soap - 6 bottles
- Dish soap - 4 bottles
- Sponges - 12 pieces
- Cleaning wipes - 6 packs
- Trash bags - 100 pieces
- Paper towels - 12 rolls
- Aluminum foil - 4 rolls
- Plastic wrap - 4 rolls
- Baking paper - 2 rolls
- Disposable gloves - 4 boxes
- Disinfectant gel - 6 bottles

Tips

Plan one competition vest and start number for every active competitor, plus a few spares for damaged or missing items. Keep the numbers together at registration so late changes do not disrupt the heat board.
Use at least one cooler for drinks and another for food if both are being served. Pack enough ice to keep supplies cold for the full event day rather than relying on a late refill.
Give the judging team a dedicated table, scoreboards, stopwatches and a laptop or tablet setup. Test every stopwatch and device before the first heat, and bring powerbanks in case charging is limited.
Bring one radio for each key safety or operations role, including the announcer, water safety team and event lead. Charge all radios before setup and keep spare batteries or powerbanks with the equipment.
Set up first aid kits, life rings, rescue boards, buoys and buoy lines before competitors enter the water. Check leashes and surfboards individually, because damaged gear is easy to overlook when several heats are being prepared at once.

Frequently asked questions

How many surfboards and leashes do I need for a surf competition?: Start with one checked surfboard and one leash per competitor, then add at least 10% spare leashes and access to backup boards. Inspect everything before the first heat and remove damaged equipment from use.
How many walkie-talkies are needed for a surf competition?: Provide one fully charged radio for each essential coordination role, usually at least 4 to 6 for a small event. Test the range at the venue on the day before competition starts, especially between the beach, judging area and registration desk.
What safety equipment should I bring to a surf competition?: Bring rescue boards, life rings, whistles, buoys, buoy lines and first aid kits, with quantities matched to the approved safety plan. Put the equipment in position before the first heat and check it again after any change in weather or surf conditions.
When should I buy supplies for a surf competition?: Buy or collect non-perishable equipment at least 1 week before the event. Purchase food, drinks, ice and other short-life supplies 1 to 2 days beforehand, then check weather, tides and the final competitor list before the last shop.

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