What you need for a water ski competition

A water ski competition needs more than skis and a race boat. You will need safety equipment for every participant, clearly marked courses, communication tools for officials, and shelter for registration, judging and spectators. Plan one life jacket and helmet per competitor, plus spare sizes and backup safety gear. Check power, weather protection and printed bib numbers several days before the event, because these are easy to overlook and difficult to replace on the day.

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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 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
- Spa Blauw - 12 bottles
- Spa Rood - 6 bottles
- Cola - 8 bottles
- Cola Zero - 8 bottles
- Sinas - 6 bottles
- Iced tea - 6 bottles
- Apple juice - 4 packs
- Orange juice - 4 cartons
- Alcohol-free beer - 48 bottles
- Coffee - 4 packs
- Tea - 2 boxes
- Milk - 6 liters
- Oat milk - 3 liters
- Sugar - 2 packs
- Mints - 1 box
- Stir sticks - 200 pieces
- Lemon slices - 4 tubs
- Bread rolls - 80 pieces
- Mini rolls - 60 pcs
- Herb butter - 6 tubs
- Mild cheese - 3 kilograms
- Cooked ham - 2 kilograms
- Chicken breast slices - 2 kilograms
- Hummus - 8 tubs
- Cucumber - 10 pieces
- Tomatoes - 3 kilograms
- Paprika chips - 8 bags
- Plain chips - 8 bags
- Salted sticks - 6 bags
- Peanut mix - 6 bags
- Apples - 60 pieces
- Bananas - 40 pieces
- Grapes - 6 kilograms
- Muesli bars - 60 pieces
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Mayonnaise - 2 jars
- Mustard - 2 jars
- Ice cubes - 20 bags
- Paper towels - 8 rolls
- Napkins - 300 pieces
- Trash bags - 40 pieces
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Sponges - 10 pieces
- Hand soap - 4 bottles
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Hand sanitizer - 4 bottles
- Sunscreen - 6 bottles
- Bandages - 4 boxes
- Disposable bag gloves - 2 boxes

Tips

Prepare one correctly fitted life jacket and helmet for every competitor, then add at least 10% spare equipment for damaged or poorly fitting items.
Bring a backup boat as well as the race boat, and check both boats, tow lines and start equipment before competitors arrive.
Use competition buoys and start flags to make the course visible from the water and shore. Pack spare flags and several extra lines in case anything comes loose.
Provide one walkie-talkie for each key official, including the boat driver, judges and security staff. Test the full set at least 60 minutes before the first start.
Set up tents, tables and power supplies before registration opens. Keep extension cords and power strips away from wet areas, and charge laptops, speakers and microphones the night before.

Frequently asked questions

What safety equipment do I need for a water ski competition?: Provide one life jacket and helmet per competitor, with at least 10% extra in different sizes. Keep life rings at the shore and on the boats, and include water shoes where the launch area requires them.
How many water skis and tow lines should I bring?: Bring one suitable pair or board for each registered competitor who is not supplying their own equipment. Pack at least two spare tow lines and inspect every line before the competition starts.
When should I prepare the race boat and buoys?: Check the race boat, backup boat, tow lines and competition buoys at least one day before the event. Put out the course markers and test the start flags on the water at least 60 minutes before the first race.
What do I need for registration and judging?: Prepare bib numbers for every registered competitor plus 10% spare, along with laptops, a printer, stopwatches and printed rules. Test the printer and charge communication equipment the evening before.

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