Wakeboard show checklist: what to arrange and when

A wakeboard show needs more than riders and boards. You need a clear program, a safety plan, working sound and lighting, spectator areas, catering, parking, and a reliable event-day crew. Start by confirming the date and location, then work toward registrations, suppliers, communications, and logistics. The final days are for weather checks, equipment inspections, shopping, chilling drinks, and setting up the site so the show can start on time.

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The plan, step by step

Every task with its own sub-checklist, in the order you'll actually need them.

Preparations

Confirm date and location
2 people
Prepare show program
2 people
Register the wakeboarders
Book host
Put together the music
Send invitations
2 people
Process registrations
2 people
Collect dietary requirements
Book catering
Hire sound equipment
Reserve lighting
Check the wakeboard equipment
2 people
Develop safety plan
2 people
Compile emergency numbers
Divide the audience areas
2 people
Determine parking route
Publish the program
Assign volunteers
2 people
Place catering order
Plan materials transport
Check the weather forecast
Print participant list
Do the shopping
3 people
Chill drinks
2 people
Set out the wakeboards
2 people
Cordon off the audience area
4 people
Mark the stage area
2 people
Set up tents
4 people
Set up tables
3 people
Set up chairs
3 people
Set up the sound system
3 people
Test microphones
2 people
Hang lighting
3 people
Cover power cables
2 people
Set up the catering buffet
3 people
Prepare coffee and tea
2 people
Prepare snacks
3 people
Place information signs
2 people
Set up the registration table
2 people
Prepare safety equipment
2 people
Check life buoys
2 people
Give the show briefing
4 people

Event

Check in the wakeboarders
2 people
Welcome visitors
4 people
Explain the program
Start the music
Guide the first show block
4 people
Serve drinks
3 people
Refill drinks
2 people
Serve snacks
3 people
Guide the audience
4 people
Guard the water zone
3 people
Assist the Second Show Block
4 people
Play break music
Support the third show segment
4 people
Prepare the light show
2 people
Support the evening show
5 people
Answer audience questions
Announce the closing
Serve the farewell catering
2 people
Guide visitors to the exit
3 people

Aftercare

Turn off the sound system
2 people
Catering breakdown
3 people
Collect waste
4 people
Wash dishes
3 people
Clear tables and chairs
4 people
Take down tents
4 people
Clean the grounds
4 people
Pack wakeboard gear
3 people
Storing safety equipment
2 people
Return rented equipment
2 people
Store leftover stock
2 people
Performing final site check
2 people

What to bring

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

Furniture

Party tentsqty 3
Beer tablesqty 10
Folding chairsqty 80
Buffet tablesqty 4
Registration desk
Clothes racksqty 2

Tableware

Reusable drinking cupsqty 250
Coffee cupsqty 80
Platesqty 250
Cutlery setsqty 250
Serving plattersqty 12
Tongs and serving spoonsqty 12

Equipment

Sound system
Wireless microphonesqty 2
Mixer
Music player
Extension cordsqty 8
Power stripsqty 6
Coolersqty 6
Coffee machinesqty 2
Kettlesqty 2

Lighting

LED lampsqty 12
String lightsqty 6
Work lightsqty 4

Sports equipment

Wakeboardsqty 8
Wakeboard helmetsqty 10
Impact Vestsqty 10
Wetsuitsqty 10
Wakeboard ropesqty 8
Spare finsqty 12
Life ringsqty 4
Throw linesqty 2
Waterproof walkie-talkiesqty 6
Barrier buoysqty 20
Spare paddlesqty 2

Decorations

Buntingqty 8
Directional signsqty 8
Program postersqty 12
Information boardsqty 6
Name badgesqty 40

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 10
Bucketsqty 4
Mopsqty 4
Broom setsqty 4
Spongesqty 10
Hand soap dispensersqty 6
Paper towel dispensersqty 6

Catering

Groceries

Tips

Confirm the location before booking suppliers, because the site affects power, parking, audience zones, catering access, and equipment transport. Put the date, access times, and loading route in writing.
Build the show program around fixed time blocks for registration, rider briefings, demonstrations, breaks, and the finale. Publish the program before invitations go out so guests know when to arrive and where to watch.
Complete the safety plan before the first rider is registered. Include emergency numbers, helmet and impact-vest checks, clear spectator boundaries, and a weather decision deadline rather than waiting until show time.
Test the sound system, wireless microphones, mixer, music player, extension cords, power strips, LED lamps, and work lights at the venue at least one day before the show. Keep cables away from wet areas and public walkways.
Finish food and drink logistics no later than the day before: confirm dietary requirements, place the catering order, chill drinks, and prepare cups, plates, cutlery, serving platters, tongs, and serving spoons. Assign one volunteer to restock instead of leaving the catering team to manage it during the show.

Frequently asked questions

How far in advance should I organise a wakeboard show?: Start at least 8 to 12 weeks ahead. Confirm the date and location first, then book the host, catering, sound, lighting, and other suppliers before opening registrations.
What safety equipment is needed for a wakeboard show?: Plan a helmet, impact vest, suitable wetsuit, wakeboard, rope, and checked fittings for every rider. Keep spare fins available and complete the safety inspection before riders enter the water.
When should I publish the wakeboard show program?: Publish the program at least 7 days before the event. Send a final version to riders, volunteers, the host, catering team, and sound crew 24 to 48 hours before the show.
When should I check the weather for a wakeboard show?: Check the forecast 7 days before the event, again 48 hours ahead, and once more on the morning itself. Set a clear cancellation or adjustment deadline in the safety plan so everyone receives the same decision.

Start this plan in Lizzt

Every task and item on this page, ready in your own event. Invite people, split the work, and see who has done what.