Surf Simulator FAQs
The surf simulator page covers the ride itself. These are the practical questions that come up before people book it - cost, space, power, ages and what it needs under it. It sits in our rodeo bulls and multi-rides range, and general multi-ride questions (attachments, delivery, competitions) are answered on our rodeo and multi-ride FAQs page.
How much does surf simulator hire cost?
A three-hour session starts at £345 plus VAT, and that includes the trained operator for the whole hire, the inflatable wave surround, the digital timer, safety matting, £5 million public liability insurance and risk assessments emailed to your venue in advance. Extra hours are £60/hr on a standard single-ride booking. For bigger multi-item events we quote the extra crew time as part of your overall quote.
How is it different from a rodeo bull?
On the rodeo bull you sit and hold on. On the surfboard you stand and shift your weight to stay upright, so it's a balance and footwork challenge rather than a grip one. The surf unit itself is 18ft x 15ft and 8ft tall, and it needs 20ft x 18ft of clear space with 8ft of headroom, against the bull's 18ft x 18ft and 10ft - which makes it the easier fit for halls with lower ceilings. Same staffing model though: DB operator on the controls, digital timer, leaderboard if you want one, and the same £5 million public liability insurance.
Who can ride?
Children and adults both ride. The operator adjusts the speed and intensity for each rider, so a ten-year-old and a stag do get appropriately different waves. For younger children who want the rodeo experience, Billy the Bull takes ages 3 and up and never spins.
How many people get a go in a session?
The timer logs every ride and the leaderboard keeps the competition going, so people come back for another attempt all session. Most rides end with a tumble onto the cushioned bed - the board bucks harder than it looks - and the queue moves quickly because each ride is short.
How much space and power does it need?
Allow a clear area of 20ft x 18ft with 8ft of headroom and 3ft of access width through doors and gates. It needs two standard 13A sockets within 25m; if there's no mains power we can bring a 6kVA diesel generator for £86. Indoors it sits on artificial grass or a hard floor; outdoors it needs flat grass or hard standing. It won't set up on bare concrete, on a grass-and-hard mix, or on wood chip, because the inflatable bed needs an even base.
What events does it suit?
Beach parties, Hawaiian nights and summer-themed dos are the obvious ones - we hired one to The Sportsman pub in Sheffield for their beach party, and Michelle, who organised it, told us "Everybody had a fabulous fun time. Staff that accompanied were very polite, helpful and fun." It also works well at corporate team building days, where you want something physical that anyone can have a go at, and at summer staff fun days alongside the rest of our range.
What if it rains?
The Spider Marquee fits over the surf simulator the same as it fits the rodeo rides - 22ft x 22ft of cover over the ride, the queue and the operator, £60 plus VAT, with its own power supply. If the forecast is poor for an outdoor booking, ask for it when you enquire.
Do you supply the operator?
Yes, every hire comes with a trained DB operator who runs the board for the full session - setup, running and pack-down. Staff work until 10pm as standard, and a free PA system and floodlights are available on request for evening events.
Where do you deliver?
From our warehouse in Rotherham, five minutes from the M1, A1 and M18. Sheffield, Rotherham, Doncaster, Barnsley, Worksop and Chesterfield are regular runs, and we deliver nationwide for larger bookings.
Question we've missed? Call 0114 345 0135 or send an enquiry and we'll answer it.