Test: Bruch Boards Happy
On land: It is not surprising that the Happy model is somewhat reminiscent of earlier Starboard shapes such as the Black Box or Reactor - after all, Dany Bruch was heavily involved in the development of these boards at the time. The Happy 95 is very compact at 215 x 63 centimetres, and the wide, voluminous stern is definitely striking. The deck and underwater hull are completely laminated with Biax carbon, and the weight of 6.6 kilos is impressive. The board is available in increments of 10 from 85 to 115 litres.
On the water: First things first: the Bruch Happy is a very planing board. However, it takes a bit of familiarisation to elicit this strength from the shape. Compared to other, less short shapes, you have to load the Happy sensitively on the cross axis. If you don't stand far enough back when starting off, you'll quickly send the bow into a dive and nimble feet are also required when turning. Once you've got into the groove, however, the board glides effortlessly over the planing threshold, the acceleration is excellent and, thanks to the free planing position, you still have the feeling that you can immediately take the first jump even in underpowered wind conditions. In front or back loops, the Bruch also feels very compact underfoot. Jibes against the wave are easy to glide through and thanks to the strong planing performance it is easy to position yourself correctly on the wave. When riding waves, the Happy pulls over the rail with good grip, especially in medium radii you stay in the flow. According to our test impression, the wide tail is less able to cope with very tight radii and fast hooks. However, crisp cutbacks still work quite well in unpressurised waves, as the board carries the speed very well through the turn.
surf conclusion: The Bruch Happy is not designed as a maximum turning performance waveboard for turns on the plate - the Bruch range includes models such as the "Madness" or "Stoked". The Happy really shines in less favourable wave conditions and in light winds - then you're always surfing in the flow of the wave and have the best conditions for big jumps thanks to its great acceleration.
Info: www.bruchboards.com
