Here's what I've done, keep in mind I've never been on stage but I did diet, train, and cut water so basically a full prep without the show part (supporting my wifey with her first prep and bikini show). So the week of (the first 4 days) I cut all carbs out, little or no sodium, ate lean proteins, and drank 2.5-3 gallons of water ED. On the fifth day I started carb loading an reduced my water intake to 64 ounces. Day six depending how you look (if you're looking flat then add in quick carbs if you're looking full then hold what you've got but watch the water intake, just sipping when needed). If you want to go the extra mile before you hit the pool or beach for the first day, carb up and apply some IGF, pump up your arms, chest, back, and shoulders and you'll be pumped and full most of the day.