Water Ski Competition Checklist: What to Arrange and When

A water ski competition needs more than a race boat and a starting order. You need to secure the venue, permits, insurance, officials and safety cover before opening registration. In the final week, check the course, buoys, timing equipment, bib numbers, catering and audience information. Use the checklist to work through the planning in order, then leave enough time on event day for course inspection and setup before competitors arrive.

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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

Reserve competition venue
Reserve the race boat
Check permits
Check insurance
Draw up competition rules
2 people
Assign judges
Assign boat driver
Assign security staff
Send invitations
2 people
Open registration form
Process registrations
2 people
Collect dietary requirements
Update participant list
Arrange the starting order
2 people
Order catering
Send audience information
Check competition equipment
2 people
Do the shopping
2 people
Print bib numbers
Set out prizes
Chill drinks
2 people
Prepare snacks
3 people
Inspect the competition area
3 people
Put out buoys
3 people
Set up tents and tables
4 people
Set up chairs and barriers
3 people
Set up the registration table
2 people
Set up judges' table
2 people
Test sound and announcements
2 people
Prepare safety equipment
2 people
Check the race boat
2 people

Event

Register participants
3 people
Hand out race numbers
2 people
Give the safety briefing
3 people
Give the opening speech
Guide the first competition round
6 people
Process first-round results
2 people
Refill drinks
2 people
Serve snacks
3 people
Lead the second round of the competition
6 people
Announce finalists
Lead the final
6 people
Check competition results
2 people
Handle prize ceremony
3 people
Serve the last refreshments
2 people
Guide the audience to the exit
2 people

Aftercare

Remove buoys from the water
3 people
Refuel racing boat
2 people
Collect materials
4 people
Collect waste
3 people
Wash dishes and glassware
3 people
Clean the grounds
4 people
Take down tents and furniture
4 people
Return rental items
2 people
Send results to participants
Return lost property

What to bring

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

Furniture

Party tentsqty 3
Foldable tablesqty 8
Folding chairsqty 60
Crowd barriersqty 12
Tablecloth coversqty 8

Sports equipment

Water skisqty 12
Wakeboardsqty 4
Water ski boardsqty 4
Tow linesqty 6
Competition buoysqty 24
Start flagsqty 4
Bib numbersqty 40
Life ringsqty 4
Helmetsqty 20
Life jacketsqty 30
Water shoesqty 20
Jury tablesqty 2
Waterproof scoreboardsqty 2
Waterproof scorecardsqty 10
Waterproof pensqty 20
Prizesqty 12
Medal holdersqty 12
First aid kitsqty 2
Flashlightsqty 6
Waterproof walkie-talkie coversqty 6

Equipment

Race boat
Backup boat
Walkie-Talkiesqty 4
Walkie-talkiesqty 6
Megaphone operator
Portable speakersqty 2
Microphone
Stopwatchesqty 4
Laptopsqty 2
Printer
Extension cordsqty 6
Power stripsqty 4

Lighting

LED lampsqty 8
String lightsqty 6

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 150
Reusable platesqty 100
Cutlery setsqty 100
Coffee cupsqty 60

Kitchen

Coolersqty 6
Ice cube traysqty 6
Thermos flasksqty 4
Cutting boardsqty 4
Kitchen knivesqty 4
Serving plattersqty 12
Serving utensilsqty 12

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 8
Mop setsqty 2
Bucketsqty 4
Hand broomsqty 4
Dustpan and brushqty 3

Catering

Groceries

Tips

Reserve the venue, race boat and backup boat before opening registration. Confirm permits and insurance at least 6–8 weeks ahead, because these can affect whether the competition can go ahead.
Set a registration deadline 10–14 days before race day. This gives you time to process entries, collect dietary requirements, update the participant list and arrange the starting order.
Assign judges, a boat driver and security staff in writing. Give each person a run sheet and use walkie-talkies so officials can communicate without relying on the portable speakers or megaphone.
Inspect the competition area on the day before or early on race day. Check the water, place the competition buoys and start flags, and verify that tow lines, life jackets, helmets and life rings are ready before the first competitor launches.
Prepare the spectator area before competitors arrive: set out tents, tables, chairs and crowd barriers, then chill drinks and prepare snacks. Test the microphone, stopwatches, laptop, printer, extension cords and power strips at least 60 minutes before the opening briefing.

Frequently asked questions

How far in advance should I organise a water ski competition?: Start venue, boat, permit and insurance arrangements 6–8 weeks before the competition. Open registration once those essentials are confirmed, then close entries about 10–14 days before race day.
What safety equipment do I need for a water ski competition?: Prepare life jackets, helmets, water shoes, life rings and suitable tow lines for the competitors and crew. Check the equipment and the competition area before the first start, and have a backup boat available if possible.
When should I assign judges and the boat driver?: Assign judges, the boat driver and security staff at least 2 weeks before the event. Confirm their arrival time and responsibilities in the final week, then give them the starting order and event-day communication plan.
How early should I set up the competition area?: Allow at least 2 hours for tents, tables, chairs, barriers, buoys, flags and the spectator area. Finish the equipment and sound check 60 minutes before competitors and audience members are expected.

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.