What you need for a surf competition

A surf competition needs more than boards and a start signal. You will need clearly marked water, backup safety equipment, a registration setup, judging supplies, and reliable communication between shore and water. Plan separate equipment for competitors, judges, volunteers, and spectators so one missing item does not delay a heat. This shopping list covers the practical supplies to bring or buy, including spares and power equipment that are easy to overlook.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Party tentsqty 3
Foldable tablesqty 8
Folding chairsqty 40
Judges' table
Registration desk
Waste binsqty 6

Sports equipment

Surfboardsqty 12
Spare boardsqty 2
Leashesqty 14
Competition flagsqty 8
Bib numbersqty 40
Wristbandsqty 50
Marker buoysqty 12
Anchor weightsqty 12
Paddlesqty 14
Rescue boardsqty 2
Life ringsqty 4
Whistlesqty 8
Surfboard racksqty 4
Waterproof storage boxesqty 6

Equipment

Portable sound system
Wireless microphonesqty 2
Speakersqty 2
Extension cordsqty 4
Power stripsqty 4
Power banksqty 6
Walkie-talkiesqty 8
Megaphonesqty 2
Laptopsqty 2
Tabletsqty 4
Printer
Battery lampsqty 8

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 100
Coffee cupsqty 80
Platesqty 80
Cutlery setsqty 80
Serving plattersqty 12
Coffee potsqty 4
Thermos flasksqty 4

Kitchen

Coolersqty 6
Coolersqty 3
Cutting boardsqty 4
Kitchen knivesqty 4
Pliersqty 6
Thermometersqty 2
Handwash sinksqty 2

Safety

First aid kitsqty 2
Life jacketsqty 6
Disposable rain ponchosqty 20
Sunscreen dispensersqty 2
Vests for volunteersqty 20
Crowd control barriersqty 12
Warning signsqty 8

Decorations

Bannersqty 8
Directional signsqty 12
Stage ribbonqty 4

Office

Clipboardsqty 12
Markersqty 20
Pen casesqty 6
Jury formsqty 100
Notepadsqty 10
Envelopesqty 50

Cleaning

Broom setsqty 3
Litter pickersqty 3

Catering

Groceries
- Spa Blauw - 12 bottles
- Spa Rood - 6 bottles
- Cola - 6 bottles
- Cola Zero - 6 bottles
- Sinas - 4 bottles
- Iced tea - 4 bottles
- Ginger beer - 3 bottles
- Apple juice - 4 packs
- Orange juice - 4 cartons
- Sports drink - 40 bottles
- Non-alcoholic beer - 24 bottles
- Coffee - 4 packs
- Tea - 2 boxes
- Coffee cream - 6 packs
- Milk - 6 liters
- Sugar - 2 packs
- Mints - 1 box
- Lemon slices - 4 tubs
- Ice cubes - 20 bags
- Sandwiches - 100 pieces
- Wholemeal bread - 6 loaves
- Kaiser rolls - 60 pieces
- Young cheese - 3 kilos
- Aged cheese - 2 kilo
- Ham - 2 kilos
- Chicken breast - 2 kilos
- Hummus - 10 tubs
- Cream cheese - 8 tubs
- Peanut butter - 3 jars
- Jam - 3 jars
- Butter - 4 tubs
- Tomatoes - 4 kilos
- Cucumbers - 3 kilos
- Lettuce - 6 heads
- Bell peppers - 3 kilos
- Apples - 8 kilos
- Bananas - 6 kilos
- Grapes - 4 kilos
- Muesli bars - 80 pieces
- Granola bars - 60 pieces
- Plain chips - 8 bags
- Paprika chips - 8 bags
- Snacks - 6 bags
- Cookies - 8 packs
- Raisins - 4 bags
- Nut mix - 4 bags
- Mayonnaise - 2 bottles
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Mustard - 2 jars
- Olive oil - 1 bottle
- Salt - 1 pack
- Pepper - 1 jar
- Paprika powder - 1 jar
- Aluminum foil - 2 rolls
- Cling film - 2 rolls
- Napkins - 10 packs
- Paper towels - 8 rolls
- Hand soap - 4 bottles
- Hand sanitizer - 6 bottles
- Dish soap - 3 bottles
- Cleaning wipes - 6 packs
- Sponges - 2 packs
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Trash bags - 4 rolls
- Paper towels - 6 packs
- Coffee filters - 2 packs
- Wooden stirrers - 200 pieces
- Tray Liner Film - 2 rolls

Tips

Prepare at least one spare surfboard and extra leashes beyond the number of competing surfers. A damaged board or broken leash can otherwise stop a heat while someone searches for a replacement.
Set up one registration desk with a laptop or tablet, printer, bib numbers, and wristbands. Bring enough bibs and wristbands for every registered competitor plus at least 10% extras for replacements.
Use marker buoys with anchor weights to define the competition area, and check the full line before the first heat. Keep rescue boards, life rings, whistles, and paddles together where water-safety volunteers can reach them immediately.
Plan the shore setup around the judging team: one judges' table, enough folding chairs for the assigned judges, and printed jury forms. Add a party tent or other cover so forms and electronics remain usable in sun or light rain.
Test the portable sound system, wireless microphones, speakers, extension cords, and power strips before competitors arrive. Take power banks and walkie-talkies as backups, and keep a megaphone available if the sound system fails.

Frequently asked questions

How many surfboards do I need for a surf competition?: Bring one competition board per competitor who is expected to use an organiser-provided board, plus at least one spare board for each active competition area. If surfers bring their own boards, still keep a minimum of two spare boards available for emergencies.
How many bib numbers and wristbands should I buy?: Prepare one bib number and one wristband for every registered competitor, then add at least 10% extras. For 40 competitors, that means 44 of each, with additional replacements if multiple heats run throughout the day.
What safety equipment is needed for a surf competition?: Have rescue boards, life rings, whistles, paddles, and reliable walkie-talkies available for the water-safety team. Put the equipment in position before the first heat and keep at least one backup communication method, such as a megaphone.
How early should I test the sound and registration equipment?: Test the sound system, microphones, speakers, laptops or tablets, printer, extension cords, and power banks at least 2 hours before registration opens. This leaves time to replace cables, charge devices, print missing materials, or move the setup under cover.

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