What to buy for a water sports day

A water sports day needs more than kayaks and paddles. Plan supplies for time on the water, wet gear, food service, safety and changing weather. Use the participant count to scale drinks, snacks, reusable tableware and life jackets, then add a small buffer for breakages and late arrivals. Check every item before loading the vehicle, especially safety equipment, waterproof communication gear, extension cords and supplies that must stay dry.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Party tentsqty 2
Foldable tablesqty 8
Folding chairsqty 70
Buffet tablesqty 3
Waste binsqty 6

Tableware

Reusable platesqty 80
Reusable cupsqty 120
Cutlery setsqty 80
Coffee cupsqty 40
Serving plattersqty 12

Sports equipment

Kayaksqty 10
Stand-up paddlesqty 10
Paddlesqty 24
Life jacketsqty 70
Water polo goalsqty 2
Water balloonsqty 12
Competition buoysqty 12
Water shoesqty 20

Safety

Life ringsqty 4
Throw linesqty 4
First aid kitsqty 2
Flashlightsqty 6
Waterproof walkie-talkiesqty 4

Equipment

Portable speakersqty 2
Microphone
Extension cordsqty 4

Kitchen

Barbecueqty 2
Coolersqty 6
Thermos flasksqty 4
Cutting boardsqty 4
Serving spoonsqty 8

Lighting

LED light garlandsqty 4
LED lanternsqty 8

Decorations

Buntingqty 4
Name badgesqty 70

Cleaning

Dishpanqty 3
Reusable cleaning clothsqty 12
Broomqty 2
Litter pickersqty 4

Catering

Groceries
- Spa Blauw - 120 bottles
- Sparkling mineral water - 48 bottles
- Cola - 12 bottles
- Cola Zero - 12 bottles
- Orange soda - 8 bottles
- Iced tea - 8 bottles
- Apple juice - 8 cartons
- Lemonade syrup - 4 bottles
- Ice cubes - 20 kilograms
- Coffee - 4 packs
- Tea - 2 boxes
- Milk - 8 liters
- Oat milk - 4 liters
- Sugar - 2 kilograms
- Stirrers - 100 pieces
- Cookies - 6 packs
- Plain chips - 6 bags
- Paprika chips - 6 bags
- Tortilla chips - 6 bags
- Salted peanuts - 3 bags
- Popcorn - 4 bags
- Watermelons - 3 pieces
- Apples - 8 kilograms
- Bananas - 6 kilograms
- Grapes - 5 kilograms
- Mini cucumbers - 4 kilograms
- Cherry tomatoes - 4 kilograms
- Carrots - 4 kilograms
- Mini peppers - 3 kilograms
- Baguettes - 12 pieces
- Hamburger buns - 80 pieces
- Hamburgers - 60 pieces
- Veggie burgers - 20 pieces
- Vegetarian sausages - 20 pieces
- Herb butter - 8 tubs
- Mixed green salad - 8 bags
- Pasta salad - 8 kilograms
- Ketchup - 4 bottles
- Mayonnaise - 4 bottles
- Mustard - 3 bottles
- Barbecue sauce - 3 bottles
- Satay sauce - 3 jars
- Salt - 1 pack
- Pepper - 1 jar
- Olive oil - 2 bottles
- Barbecue charcoal - 20 kilogram
- Firelighters - 2 boxes
- Aluminum foil - 3 rolls
- Cling film - 2 rolls
- Paper towels - 8 rolls
- Napkins - 200 pieces
- Trash bags - 40 pieces
- Dish soap - 3 bottles
- Cleaning spray - 2 bottles
- Hand soap - 4 bottles
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls

Tips

Plan two to three drinks per person for the first hour, then one drink per person per additional hour. Bring extra water for active participants and keep drinks in coolers rather than loose crates.
Match one life jacket and one pair of water shoes to each participant who will be on the water, with at least two spare life jackets in different sizes. Check fit and condition before the briefing starts.
For a four-hour event, allow two snack portions per person and one larger meal portion if food is served. Prepare salads and barbecue food in separate coolers, and pack serving platters, cutting boards and utensils before loading the food.
Pack one reusable cup, plate and cutlery set per person, plus 10% extra. Bring coffee cups separately, and count buffet tables, folding chairs and waste bins before leaving for the venue.
Keep safety and communication supplies in a waterproof, clearly marked container. Charge the walkie-talkies and portable speaker the day before, and pack flashlights, throw lines, life rings and first aid kits where they can be reached within one minute.

Frequently asked questions

How much food do I need for a water sports day?: For a four-hour day, plan two snack portions per person and one meal portion if lunch or a barbecue is included. Add 10% extra food for late arrivals, larger appetites and damaged or dropped portions.
How many drinks should I buy for a water sports day?: Allow two to three drinks per person for the first hour, followed by one drink per person for each additional hour. Include extra drinking water because paddling and warm weather increase fluid needs.
How many life jackets do I need?: Provide one correctly fitting life jacket for every person going on the water, plus at least two spare jackets in different sizes. Check every jacket before participants arrive rather than relying on the equipment supplier's count.
What safety equipment should I bring to a water sports day?: Pack life rings, throw lines, first aid kits, flashlights and waterproof walkie-talkies, and keep them at the dock or activity area. Charge communication equipment at least one day before the event and inspect the safety gear again on the morning of the event.

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