ESR

Surf Simulator for EF Academy's Luau Party in Pasadena

EF Academy called us two days before its luau, and the surf simulator was running on the campus lawn by party time. Students rode virtual waves under the evening sky in Pasadena.

A student rides the surf simulator at the EF Academy luau

Luau Party · EF Academy, Pasadena

What EF Academy needed, fast

A short deadline shouldn't mean a weaker party. EF Academy contacted us only two days before its event.

The school planned an outdoor Luau Party with a Hawaiian ocean theme for its international students on July 10, 2026. The party took place on the lawn of the EF Academy campus in Pasadena.

The school needed an activity that fit the theme and kept the line under control. It also wanted delivery and operation as one package, within its budget.

Our page on college event entertainment shows what we run for schools and campuses. For other themed evenings, see how we build a theme party around one idea.

Our crew rolls the surf station across the campus lawn ahead of the party
Luau guest balancing on the surf simulator board

A surf station built for the lawn

You get an ocean-themed activity that works outdoors and comes with its own crew. EF Academy picked surfing from several interactive options we offered, and we supplied:

  • Surf simulator. A balance board linked to a gaming system.
  • Outdoor display. A 50-inch TV that stays readable outdoors.
  • Digital leaderboard. A running ranking of the best rides.
  • Operator. One operator ran the station and helped each rider.
  • Delivery, setup and support. We brought the station, set it up and handled the technical side all evening.
  • Queue. School staff helped organize the queue, so our operator could stay focused on the riders.

Evening schedule on the lawn

We checked the lawn ourselves on arrival, two and a half hours before the party.

  1. Step 1: 5 PM

    • We arrived on campus with the station.
  2. Step 2: On site

    • We checked the outdoor light, a level surface, power and space for the queue.
  3. Step 3: 7:30 PM

    • The party started and the first students stepped on the board.
  4. Step 4: 9:30 PM

    • The party ended and we packed up.

How the luau went

The surf station fit the ocean theme, and students lined up to ride.

Students line up to surf at the outdoor luau party
Students line up to surf at the outdoor luau party

Many students tried virtual surfing as part of the luau program. The day after the party, our team followed up with the school and sent the event photos.

We didn't record a player count. The school expected about 715 students at the whole party, across all activities.

Photos from the luau

This shot shows how riders follow their wave on the screen while they balance.

  • A student follows her ride on the surf simulator screen

Surfing simulator for your next party

The EF Academy setup is one booking, indoors or outdoors.

  • Surf simulator

    Board, gaming system and a 50-inch screen. More on our surfing simulator page.

    Surfing simulator
  • Digital leaderboard

    Best rides on screen, for a friendly contest.

  • Your branding

    Station panels, your colors and leaderboard graphics.

  • Short notice

    Ask even if your event is only days away.

  • Custom quote

    Every event gets a custom quote. Read how we build a quote to see what to include.

    How we build a quote

Questions from schools

Can you set up a surf simulator outdoors on a lawn?

Yes. At EF Academy the station stood on the campus lawn. We check the light, a level surface, power and queue space when we arrive.

Can you book a surf simulator on short notice?

Sometimes, yes. It depends on the date and the station's schedule. Send your date, and we'll tell you if it's open.

Who runs the line at a student party?

Our operator runs the station. At EF Academy, school staff helped keep the queue in order. We'll plan that split with you.

Do you send photos after the event?

Yes. At EF Academy our team sent the school event photos the day after the party.

Do you only work in Pasadena and Los Angeles?

No. Los Angeles is one of our two bases, and Orlando is the other. The surf simulator travels anywhere in the U.S. For local events, see our page on us as a corporate event planner in Los Angeles.

Send us your party date

Tell us the date, the place and the theme. We'll reply right away and check availability, and you'll have a quote in minutes. One team will bring the surf station, run it and pack it up. Include the event type, date, city, expected guest count and budget. Tell us whether the party is indoors or outdoors. Or call +1 213 912 1010