Trip Forman: Welcome to the REAL Board Loft. I’m Trip Forman, and today we’ve got Dawson with us. Dawson, welcome.
Dawson: Thank you.
Trip Forman: Today we’re reviewing the Channel Islands Happy Traveler, part of the popular Happy Family lineup—Better Everyday, Happy Everyday, Two Happy, and the Happy Traveler. This one is designed as a travel-friendly, high-performance all-arounder. It keeps the three-stage rocker but is more foiled out, thinner, and narrower—tuned more toward better waves.
Dawson: I’m 5’9”, 160 pounds, and this board is 5’10”, 18 3/4”, 2 3/8”, 27.6 liters. I rode this as my go-to board all winter—barrels, small waves, medium waves—it handled everything.
Trip Forman: Let’s talk about how it feels in good, hollow waves.
Dawson: I like riding shortboards in all conditions because of the rail line—you can really round out your turns. The round tail makes it super quick down the line, and once you’re in the pocket, it handles steep waves really well. Even in smaller waves here, which are still steep, it worked great and got barreled no problem.
Trip Forman: Compared to a standard shortboard, how does it feel?
Dawson: Honestly, it feels very similar—same kind of performance, but with more range on the top end. It works in all the same conditions as a shortboard, just gives you a bit more confidence when the waves get better.
Trip Forman: What about wave type—where does it work best?
Dawson: It really shines in waves with shape and push. If you’re in mushy conditions, it might not be the best choice. But in steeper waves like we get here, it fits perfectly.
Trip Forman: And when the waves get more powerful?
Dawson: That round tail holds really well on takeoff under the lip, and the narrow nose lets you knife into steeper sections. Once you’re in the barrel, it’s super fast—one pump and you’re flying.
Trip Forman: Who would you recommend this board for?
Dawson: Intermediate to advanced surfers who are already riding shortboards and want to step up performance. If you’re coming from a more forgiving, wider board and want something more high-performance, this is a great next step.
Trip Forman: Let’s talk setup—what fins were you riding?
Dawson: I rode the Futures Jordy fins—more rake, great for speed and drawing out turns. I tried more upright fins at first, but the raked fins matched the board better.
Trip Forman: Any final thoughts?
Dawson: I was super stoked on it. Rode it all winter, and it’s still holding up great. Definitely my go-to board for a wide range of conditions.
Trip Forman: The Channel Islands Happy Traveler is available in a wide range of sizes. If you have questions or want to order one, give us a call or visit realwatersports.com. Thanks for tuning in.
