Channel Islands Surfboards: Who Owns It and Which Board to Ride
Al and Terry Merrick founded Channel Islands in Santa Barbara in 1969. After 14 years under Burton it has been owned by the Merrick family, its staff and its team riders since 2021.
- Founded
- 1969
- Origin
- Santa Barbara, California, USA
- Founders
- Al and Terry Merrick
- Owner
- The Merrick family, employees and team riders, since January 2021. Burton owned it from 2006 to 2020
- CEO
- Britt Merrick, since 2021
- Based in
- Santa Barbara, California, USA
- Made in
- Santa Barbara, California
- Known for
- High-performance shortboards shaped by Al and Britt Merrick, and the boards under Tom Curren, Kelly Slater and Dane Reynolds
- Website
- Visit
Facts checked 29 September 2026. See our sources. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.
Flagship products
The Channel Islands Surfboards products that matter most, each labeled by how well we know it.
The Solution
Team pickCI's newest everyday board, with a fuller outline and rounded tail for ordinary waves. It's our all-rounder pick in the best surfboards guide.
CI Mid
Team pickThe modern default for mid-lengths, and one of our two mid-length picks.
Sampler
Tested by usDane Reynolds' groveller, built for average conditions. We rated it 3.8 out of 5 in 2018, and it's still in the range.
Happy Everyday
On our radarThe everyday version of the Happy, CI's high-performance shortboard. We haven't ridden it yet.
Tested by us means we published a hands-on review. Team pick means we back it on reputation but haven’t formally tested it. On our radar means we want to test it next. No brand pays to be listed or ranked.
In this article
Channel Islands is the quintessential Californian surfboard brand. For more than 50 years it has built the boards that the best surfers in the world ride. Tom Curren won his world titles on them. Kelly Slater rode them for two decades, including the wafer-thin shortboards of the 1990s. Then came Dane Reynolds, and a new generation of boards for ordinary waves.
It is also one of the few big surf names that has gone back into the hands of the people who make the product.
Who owns Channel Islands Surfboards?
Channel Islands is owned by the Merrick family, its employees and some of its team riders. They bought the company back from Burton Snowboards in a deal announced in November 2020 and completed on 1 January 2021.
Burton had owned Channel Islands for 14 years. The new company is led by Britt Merrick, the founders' son, as chief executive, with long-time general manager Scott Anderson as president.
History of Channel Islands Surfboards
When was Channel Islands Surfboards founded?
Channel Islands Surfboards was founded in 1969.
Where was it founded?
In Santa Barbara, California. The boards are still made there.
Who were the founders?
Al and Terry Merrick. Al shaped the boards. The label is often called Al Merrick for that reason, and many boards still carry his name.
Why was it founded?
To build high-performance surfboards. The company says its designs have always been driven by what the world's best surfers ask for.
Important milestones in the company’s history
- 1969: Al and Terry Merrick start Channel Islands in Santa Barbara.
- 1980s: Tom Curren wins world titles on Al Merrick boards.
- 1990: Britt Merrick starts shaping.
- 1990s: Kelly Slater begins a run of world titles on Channel Islands boards.
- 2006: Burton Snowboards buys the company.
- 2015: Slater becomes majority owner of Firewire and moves on.
- 2021: Ownership returns to the Merrick family, staff and team riders.
Any other important people who contributed to success?
Britt Merrick, son of Al and Terry. He is now the lead shaper and designer, and has won Stab in the Dark three times with three different surfers.
Company mission, vision and values
Channel Islands says it is focused on rider-driven product, and on dedication to performance and quality through hard work, innovation and originality.
The Company Today
Who is the CEO?
Britt Merrick is the chief executive of Channel Islands Surfboards. Scott Anderson is president.
How many staff do they have?
Channel Islands doesn't publish a headcount, so we don't quote one.
How much revenue do they earn?
Channel Islands is privately held and doesn't publish its revenue. The figures on data-broker sites are estimates.
Where are they located?
The shop is at 36 Anacapa Street in Santa Barbara, California. The factory is a short drive down the coast, near Rincon.
Do they have a foundation / non-for-profit arm?
Not a foundation of its own. Channel Islands has supported the Pablove Foundation through its accessory line, and the Teddy Bear Cancer Foundation's surf day for children with cancer.
Which products do they specialize in?
Surfboards. Channel Islands also sells fins, leashes, traction pads, board bags and clothing.
In the News
Any mainstream news articles referencing the brand?
- Ownership of Channel Islands Surfboards returns to the Merrick family (World Surf League, November 2020)
- Channel Islands Surfboards is officially under new ownership (January 2021)
- Running it back: locals buy back Channel Islands Surfboards (Coastal View News, 2021)
The Ambassadors
Who is sponsored by the company?
Channel Islands backs one of the largest teams in surfing. In September 2026 its site lists Dane Reynolds, Michael February, Joao Chianca, Barron Mamiya, Lakey Peterson, Brisa Hennessy, Vahine Fierro, Bobby Martinez, Parker Coffin and Tom Curren, along with riders in Australia, Japan, Costa Rica, Peru and Indonesia.
Some of them are co-owners of the company.
Sustainability
Do they produce any eco-friendly products or have a sustainability focus?
- ECT. Channel Islands offers some models in Eco Carbon Tech, an epoxy construction.
- The Ecoboard Project. Channel Islands has built boards to Sustainable Surf's Ecoboard standard.
These are the company's own claims. We haven't tested them.
Campaigns and Partnerships
Are they doing anything interesting in terms of campaigns or partnerships?
Channel Islands runs a demo tour, where you can try boards before you buy one.
Product Reviews on Surfd
Still in the range:
Older boards, worth knowing if you're buying used:
For more information
Visit the Channel Islands Surfboards website.
Brands like Channel Islands Surfboards
Sources
The company facts on this page were checked on 29 September 2026 against:
- Channel Islands Surfboards: About
- Channel Islands Surfboards: Team
- World Surf League: Ownership of Channel Islands Surfboards returns to the Merrick family (25 November 2020)
- Shop Eat Surf Outdoor: Channel Islands Surfboards is officially under new ownership (January 2021)
- Boardsport Source: Channel Islands bought back from Burton by Merrick family, staff and athletes (25 November 2020)
- Coastal View News: Locals buy back Channel Islands Surfboards (2021)