Water sports camp shopping list: what to bring

A water sports camp needs more than kayaks and paddles. Plan equipment by participant group, with the right life jacket size for every person and a few spare items for damage or changing conditions. Pack safety gear where instructors can reach it quickly, and keep food, drinks and personal belongings dry. This checklist also covers registration, changing areas, shade, seating and waterproof communication, so the camp can run smoothly from arrival through the final activity.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Foldable tablesqty 8
Folding benchesqty 10
Folding chairsqty 12
Party tentsqty 3
Changing room tentsqty 2
Coat racksqty 4

Sports equipment

Kayaksqty 12
Paddlesqty 16
Stand-up paddleboardsqty 10
SUP paddlesqty 12
Canoesqty 4
Canoe paddlesqty 10
Youth life jacketsqty 35
Adult life jacketsqty 10
Water balloonsqty 12
Water polo goalsqty 2
Team armbandsqty 40
Waterproof storage bagsqty 12
Wet floor rollsqty 4

Safety

First aid kitsqty 2
Life ringsqty 4
Throw linesqty 4
Whistlesqty 8
Waterproof walkie-talkiesqty 6
Flashlightsqty 6
Barrier tapeqty 4
Conesqty 20
Waterproof phone casesqty 8

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 60
Reusable platesqty 60
Reusable cutleryqty 60
Serving spoonsqty 6
Thermos flasksqty 4

Kitchen

Coolersqty 6
Cutting boardsqty 4
Chef's knivesqty 4
Small bowlsqty 10
Pliersqty 4
Measuring cupsqty 2

Equipment

Kettlesqty 2
Gas barbecuesqty 2
Gas cylindersqty 2
Extension cordsqty 4

Lighting

LED lampsqty 8
String lightsqty 4

Registration

Registration sign
Name stickersqty 60
Waterproof markersqty 12
Wristbandsqty 60
Clipboardsqty 6
Pensqty 30
Waterproof document sleevesqty 20

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 8
Reusable cleaning clothsqty 20
Bucketsqty 6
Hand broomsqty 3
Floor squeegeesqty 3
Hand soap dispensersqty 4

Catering

Groceries
- Bread rolls - 60 pieces
- Wholemeal bread - 6 loaves
- Tortilla wraps - 60 pieces
- Young cheese - 3 kilos
- Chicken breast topping - 2 kilos
- Hummus - 1.5 kilos
- Cream cheese - 1 kilo
- Peanut butter - 1 jar
- Jam - 2 jars
- Cucumbers - 8 pieces
- Tomatoes - 3 kilos
- Lettuce - 6 heads
- Bell peppers - 12 pieces
- Carrots - 3 kilos
- Apples - 50 pieces
- Bananas - 40 pieces
- Grapes - 4 kilos
- Oranges - 30 pieces
- Muesli bars - 60 pieces
- Plain chips - 8 bags
- Paprika chips - 8 bags
- Snacks - 4 bags
- Cookies - 6 packs
- Popcorn - 4 bags
- Herb cheese - 1 kilo
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Mayonnaise - 2 bottles
- Mustard - 2 jars
- Pasta salad - 6 kilos
- Pasta - 5 kilos
- Pesto sauce - 4 jars
- Tomato sauce - 8 jars
- Ground beef - 5 kilos
- Veggie mince - 2 kilos
- Onions - 2 kilos
- Garlic - 4 bulbs
- Grated cheese - 2 kilos
- Olive oil - 1 bottle
- Salt - 1 pack
- Pepper - 1 jar
- Italian herbs - 1 jar
- Paprika powder - 1 jar
- Coffee - 2 packs
- Tea - 2 boxes
- Sugar - 1 kilo
- Milk - 8 liters
- Oat milk - 4 liters
- Apple juice - 8 liters
- Orange juice - 8 liters
- Cola - 8 bottles
- Cola Zero - 6 bottles
- Sinas - 6 bottles
- Iced tea - 6 bottles
- Spa Blue - 10 crates
- Sparkling water - 4 crates
- Ice cubes - 10 bags
- Lemons - 20 pieces
- Whipped cream - 6 cans
- Chocolate milk - 8 liters
- Ice pops - 60 pieces
- Banana bread - 4 pieces
- Gluten-free rolls - 10 pieces
- Vegan toppings - 1 kilo
- Vegan pasta sauce - 4 jars
- Lactose-free milk - 2 liters
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- Hand sanitizer gel - 4 bottles
- Paper towels - 8 rolls
- Paper towels - 8 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Trash bags - 80 pcs
- Aluminum foil - 2 rolls
- Cling film - 2 rolls
- Baking paper - 2 rolls
- Freezer bags - 2 boxes
- Napkins - 200 pieces

Tips

Count one correctly sized life jacket for every participant, then add at least 2 spare jackets in the most common sizes. Keep adult and youth life jackets separated so fitting is quick at registration.
For each active group, prepare the matching boat and paddle type before participants arrive. Keep at least 1 reserve watercraft and several spare paddles available in case equipment is damaged or misplaced.
Use waterproof storage bags for phones, emergency paperwork and dry clothing. Give each participant a clearly marked storage place and keep one bag with printed emergency numbers and the route.
Set up the changing tents, party tents, tables and benches before the first group arrives. Leave a dry area for bags and plan at least 1 sheltered registration point for wet-weather check-in.
Pack food and drinks by programme block rather than putting everything out at once. Prepare 1 lunch pack per participant, chill drinks before the camp starts and bring reusable cups and plates for serving.

Frequently asked questions

How many life jackets do I need for a water sports camp?: Provide 1 correctly fitted life jacket per participant, plus at least 2 spare jackets for the group. Separate youth and adult sizes and check every jacket before the first session.
How much spare water sports equipment should I bring?: Plan at least 1 spare watercraft for each main activity and several spare paddles. For a larger camp, add roughly 10% extra paddles and small equipment so one damaged item does not stop a group.
What safety equipment is needed at a water sports camp?: Keep first aid kits, life rings, throw lines and whistles at the activity area, with waterproof radios for instructors. Have at least 1 clearly marked emergency point and print the emergency route and phone numbers before the camp.
When should I prepare the shopping and equipment?: Complete the main shopping and equipment check at least 2 days before camp. Chill drinks, assemble lunch packs and stage registration materials on the day before, leaving only final weather and safety checks for the morning.

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