What to bring for a water volleyball tournament

A water volleyball tournament needs more than a net and a ball. You’ll need equipment that stays usable around water, a clear way to record scores, and enough shade, drinks and serving supplies for players and spectators. Plan refreshments by headcount, then add ice and coolers so drinks remain cold throughout the matches. Check power access early if you are bringing a speaker, microphone or other equipment that needs extension cords.

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What to bring

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

Sports equipment

Water volleyball netsqty 2
Volleyball postsqty 4
Water balloonsqty 8
Field linesqty 4
Line anchorsqty 16
Referee whistlesqty 4
Scoreboardsqty 4
Competition bibsqty 64
Waterproof scoreboard coversqty 4
Stopwatchesqty 4
Towelsqty 20
Non-slip matsqty 8
Basic first aid kit
Life ringsqty 2

Furniture

Party tentsqty 2
Foldable tablesqty 8
Folding chairsqty 40
Registration desk
Coolersqty 4

Catering

Drink dispensersqty 3
Thermos flasksqty 4
Reusable cupsqty 150
Reusable platesqty 100
Reusable cutleryqty 100
Serving plattersqty 12
Pouring jugsqty 6
Groceries
- Spa Blauw - 12 bottles
- Sparkling water - 8 bottles
- Cola - 6 bottles
- Cola Zero - 6 bottles
- Sinas - 4 bottles
- Iced tea - 6 bottles
- Apple juice - 4 packs
- Orange juice - 4 cartons
- Non-alcoholic beer - 24 bottles
- Coffee - 3 packs
- Tea - 2 boxes
- Sugar - 1 kilogram
- Milk - 6 liters
- Oat milk - 3 liters
- Ice cubes - 12 bags
- Baguettes - 20 pieces
- Wholemeal bread - 6 loaves
- Wraps - 6 packs
- Mild cheese - 3 kilograms
- Cooked ham - 2 kilograms
- Chicken breast slices - 2 kilogram
- Hummus - 8 tubs
- Cream cheese - 6 tubs
- Lettuce - 8 heads
- Cucumbers - 12 pieces
- Tomatoes - 3 kilograms
- Bell peppers - 2 kilograms
- Red onions - 1 kilogram
- Mayonnaise - 2 bottles
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Mustard - 2 jars
- Paprika chips - 8 bags
- Plain chips - 8 bags
- Tortilla chips - 6 bags
- Salsa - 6 jars
- Salted peanuts - 4 bags
- Muesli bars - 80 pieces
- Bananas - 8 kilograms
- Apples - 8 kilograms
- Grapes - 5 kilograms
- Watermelons - 3 pieces
- Lemons - 2 kilograms
- Salt - 1 pack
- Pepper - 1 jar
- Olive oil - 1 bottle
- Napkins - 300 pieces
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Trash bags - 80 pcs
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Disinfectant wipes - 4 packs
- Hand soap - 4 bottles
- Paper towels - 8 packs

Kitchen

Cutting boardsqty 3
Kitchen knivesqty 3
Serving tongsqty 6
Ice packsqty 24

Equipment

Speaker
Microphone
Extension cordsqty 3
Power stripsqty 3
Waterproof clipboardsqty 8
Waterproof markersqty 12

Lighting

LED light garlandsqty 4
LED lanternsqty 6

Decorations

Tournament banner
Directional signsqty 8
Tableclothsqty 8
Trophiesqty 3
Medalsqty 24

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 8
Washing-up tubsqty 3
Spongesqty 6
Dish brushesqty 3
Broom and dustpanqty 2
Mopsqty 3
Bucketsqty 4

Tips

Bring one water volleyball net and a set of posts for each playing area, plus field lines and line anchors so boundaries stay visible and secure.
Prepare one competition bib for every player who needs team identification, and keep waterproof scoreboard covers ready in case the score sheets or boards get splashed.
Allow at least 2–3 drinks per person for the first hour, then 1–2 drinks per person for each additional hour. Use coolers, drink dispensers and ice packs to keep them cold.
Plan one reusable cup per participant, plus reusable plates and cutlery for anyone eating. Add serving platters, pouring jugs, tongs, cutting boards and kitchen knives before shopping day.
Bring party tents for shade, with enough folding chairs and tables for registration and refreshments. Test the speaker, microphone, extension cords and power strips before tournament day.

Frequently asked questions

How much water and food do I need for a water volleyball tournament?: For drinks, allow 2–3 per person in the first hour and 1–2 per person for every following hour. Plan fruit and snacks for the full participant count, with extra portions if spectators will also eat.
What equipment do I need for water volleyball?: Bring water volleyball nets, volleyball posts, field lines and line anchors for each court. You’ll also need referee whistles, stopwatches, scoreboards, competition bibs and waterproof scoreboard covers.
How many reusable cups should I bring?: Bring at least one reusable cup per participant, plus 10–15% extra for replacements and guests. If cups will not be washed during the event, plan two per person for a half-day tournament.
When should I buy ice and chill the drinks?: Buy ice on the event day or the evening before, depending on storage space. Fill the coolers and chill drinks at least 2–3 hours before the first match so everything is cold when players arrive.

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