Joy vs. Pleasant Pheasant

Built for every day, designed for every season.

Helping surfers choose between the Joy and the Pleasant Pheasant might be our most-asked question—and for good reason. These are two of our most loved midlengths. You won’t go wrong with either, but we want to match you with the board that best serves where you’ve been and where you’re going.

The 10‑Second Answer

• Joy: A natural step‑down for longboarders who want more maneuverability without losing glide or wave‑count. Designed to be surfed from the middle; it accelerates by harnessing the wave’s energy rather than constant pumping.
• Pleasant Pheasant: A natural step‑up for shortboard/fish surfers who like to drive a board, pump for speed, and draw tighter turns. Designed to reward a more proactive approach—especially with your back foot on the tail.

If effortless glide and high wave‑count are your aim, choose Joy. If you want to explore more of the wave face and link turns with intention, choose Pleasant Pheasant.

Concept: Glide vs. Pump

• Joy: Elliptical outline + centered stance
  The curve is long and sweeping, which keeps the board lively from the middle. Slide slightly forward to trim; slide back a touch to add power to turns. The outline and rocker let the wave do the work—ideal for building confidence and keeping your feet near home base.
• Pleasant Pheasant: Straighter outline + tighter tail
  To help surfers who are used to shortboards and fishes generate their own speed, we purposely narrowed the template and straightened the outline. That straighter rail gives you something to push against when you pump. We paired a round tail (for a tighter turning radius) with small side‑bite fins to regain the edge and bite you want when you’re driving, redirecting, and linking turns.

What this means in the water

• The Joy glides early, carries speed easily, and forgives busy footwork. It’s great for beginner–intermediate surfers and anyone who wants more days to feel smooth, simple, and fun.
• The Pleasant Pheasant rewards rail‑to‑rail surfing and a back‑foot command center. It loves full‑wrapping, lateral turns and a rider who likes to create speed, not just keep it.

R‑Series Options (Durable, USA‑Made, 100% Recyclable)

• R‑Series Joy — 8’0” (72.2 L): Our highest wave‑count mid-length. The length and relatively flat rocker help pick up the wave’s energy and translate it into glide. Very rider‑friendly, and still ready to keep up as you progress.
• R‑Series Pleasant Pheasant — 6’4” (50 L): We beefed up the foam compared to the glass version—roughly 23% more than a typical 6’4” Phez off the rack—to maximize paddle power and keep that midlength glide in a compact package.

Both are Made in the USA and 100% recyclable.

Key Differences at a Glance

• The Joy feels familiar to longboarders—it glides, trims, and rewards subtle shifts in stance.
  
• The Pleasant Pheasant feels familiar to shortboarders—it drives, pumps, and rewards active rail work.
  
• Joy = ease, wave‑count, calm control.
  
• Pheasant = drive, turns, exploration.

If you were to line them up, you’d notice the Joy’s more elliptical outline and single‑fin sensibility, while the Pheasant’s straighter rail, round tail, and side‑bites invite a livelier, more dynamic feel.

Real Customer Reviews:

“If you’re looking for something that can paddle into waves like a longboard but is easy to maneuver on the face, look no further… I was catching waves with ease the first time I took it out.” — Scott P., 7’6 Joy

“I’ve been surfing for 30 years and it is the best board I’ve ever owned. Paddles like a longboard but still turns when you need it to.” — Brian B., Pleasant Pheasant

Choosing by Goals

• Maximize wave‑count & simplicity? → Joy.
  Keep it easy. Let the glide do the heavy lifting while you build timing and confidence.
• Expand your lines & turning repertoire? → Pleasant Pheasant.
  Learn to drive, wrap, and connect sections with intention.

Add One to Your Quiver

You can get either model in the way that best fits your goals and timeline: 

1. R‑Series (durable, easy‑care, USA‑made).
2. Current Stock (several lengths typically available).
3. Custom Order (built to your specs).

Our aim is simple: equip you for maximum joy and longevity in the water—every day of the year.