For surfers seeking the perfect balance between stability and manoeuvrability, the Ocean & Earth Happy Hour Epoxy Soft 8'6" emerges as a standout choice in the ever-growing soft board market. This board successfully bridges the gap between beginner-friendly features and performance capabilities that more experienced surfers will appreciate.
Design and Construction
The Happy Hour 8'6" showcases thoughtful design elements that set it apart from typical soft boards. Its 22 3/4" width and generous 71L volume provide excellent stability, while the narrower tail design allows for surprisingly responsive turning. The fuller nose area not only aids in early wave entry but also makes nose riding accessible for those looking to experiment with different surfing styles.
What truly distinguishes this board is its construction quality. Built around a lightweight EPS core with epoxy glass reinforcement, the board delivers a level of performance that belies its "soft board" classification. Ocean & Earth takes particular pride in their glassing process, with this model featuring a robust 6+4 oz fiberglass layup on the deck and 6 oz on the bottom. The plywood stringer system provides additional rigidity and durability, resulting in a board that feels notably more substantial than many alternatives in the market. As the boards are manufactured in Taiwan, the quality control and construction standards are evident in the final product.
Paddle Power and Wave Catching
One of the Happy Hour's strongest suits is its exceptional paddle power. The combination of volume distribution and rocker profile allows the board to sit high in the water, making it incredibly efficient when paddling out to the lineup. This translates to earlier wave entries and more caught waves per session – a feature that both beginners and experienced surfers will appreciate on smaller days.
Performance and Versatility
The fin setup is where this board really shows its versatility. Coming equipped with a 9" polycarbonate center fin and two 3.75" side fins, the Happy Hour can be configured in multiple ways to suit different conditions and riding styles. The single fin setup offers classic longboard-style glide, while the thruster configuration provides additional control and manoeuvrability.
The board's performance truly shines in waves from knee-high to head-high conditions. While it excels in smaller, mushier waves, it maintains composure in more sizeable surf, offering a stable platform that inspires confidence. The narrower tail allows for surprisingly sharp turns when needed, while the overall design promotes a smooth, flowing style of surfing.
Deck Features and Practicality
The textured deck is a standout feature that eliminates the need for wax – a practical touch that makes maintenance easier and prevents messy situations in hot cars. The grip is reliable both for paddling and surfing, providing secure footing without being overly aggressive.
Who Is It For?
While marketed as a soft board, the Happy Hour 8'6" defies easy categorisation. It's an excellent choice for:
- Intermediate surfers looking for a versatile board for smaller days
- Beginners transitioning from longer foam boards to shorter designs
- Experienced surfers wanting a fun board that doesn't sacrifice performance
- Families seeking a shared board that can accommodate different skill levels
Value Proposition
At 8'6", this model sits at the larger end of the Happy Hour range, offering maximum versatility and wave-catching ability. The construction quality, including the EPS core and epoxy glass, justifies the investment, as this board is built to last significantly longer than typical foam boards.
The Verdict
The Ocean & Earth Happy Hour Epoxy Soft 8'6" successfully delivers on its promise of combining fun and performance. While Ocean & Earth may be relatively new to surfboard manufacturing compared to some legacy brands, they've clearly done their homework in designing and constructing this model. It's a board that can grow with your surfing journey, offering enough stability for beginners while maintaining performance characteristics that will keep experienced surfers engaged. The thoughtful design elements, quality construction, and versatile fin setup make it a valuable addition to any quiver, whether as a primary board or as a reliable option for smaller days.
For surfers seeking a board that bridges the gap between soft board accessibility and performance board capabilities, the Happy Hour 8'6" stands as a compelling choice that will indeed bring hours of surfing joy.
Rating: 8.5/10
Key Strengths:
- Excellent paddle power and wave-catching ability
- Versatile performance across various conditions
- High-quality construction with EPS core and epoxy glass
- Practical features like wax-free deck
- Multiple fin configuration options
Minor Considerations:
- May feel slightly large for smaller surfers
- Premium pricing compared to basic foam boards
