Channel Islands are the quintessential Californian surfboard brand. They’ve existed forever and have provided the hardware that has helped many professional surfers reach their potential. When many of us consider Channel Islands we think of Kelly Slater who was sponsored by them for two decades before starting his own brand – Slater Designs. Images of Kelly threading giant barrels in Fiji, or launching unimaginable airs, were always associated with the CI surf brand. Then came Dane Reynolds and his unconventional Channel Islands shapes – think the Neckbeard! But, man, can Dane make those weird boards fly.
CI is embedded in surf history and will be revered as innovators who pushed surfing to new frontiers. Some of the wafer thin boards Kelly rode during his reign in the 1990’s are testament to just how much CI – and master shapers like Al Merrick – were prepared to seek peak performance, both in design and for their athletes.
Table of Contents
History of Channel Islands Surfboards
When was Channel Islands Surfboards founded?
Channel Islands Surfboards was founded in 1969.
Where was it founded?
Channel Islands Surfboards was founded in Santa Barbara, California.
Who were the founders?
Channel Islands Surfboards was created by Al and Terry Merrick.
Why was it founded?
Channel Islands Surfboards was created because Al and Terry Merrick owned a surfboard factory.
Important milestones in the company’s history
Ownership of Channel Islands Surfboards Returns to the Merrick Family.
Any other important people who contributed to success?
Britt Merrick, son of Al and Terry Merrick. He is now the lead shaper and designer for CI and carries on the family tradition of developing high performance board designs collaborating with the world’s greatest surfers
Company mission, vision and values
| Misson and Vision | Channel Islands Surfboards is focused on rider-driven product and manufacturing the best possible equipment available. |
| Values | Dedication to performance and quality through hard work, innovation, and originality |
The Company Today
Who is the CEO?
Britt Merrick is the CEO of Channel Islands Surfboards.
How many staff do they have?
The estimated number of employees is 39.
How much revenue do they earn?
Channel Islands Surfboards earns a revenue of $7 million.
Where are they located?
Channel Islands Surfboards headquarters is located in 36 Anacapa St, Santa Barbara, California, 93101, United States.
Do they have a foundation / non-for-profit arm?
- 1% of profits from the Channel Islands accessory line donates to the Pablove Foundation.
- Channel Islands Surfboards provided funding for The Teddy Bear Cancer Foundation’s 14th annual surf day for kids fighting cancer with 52 little warriors and their family members enjoying the ocean with family and friends.
Which products do they specialize in?
Channel Islands Surfboards specializes in surfboards, surfboard fins, surfboard leashes, surfboard traction pads, surfboard board bags, surf backpacks, surf bags, and surfboard accessories.
In the News
Any mainstream news articles referencing the brand?
- Channel Islands Surfboards is Officially Under New Ownership
- Employees of Channel Islands Surfboards to Buy Company From Burton
- Best Channel Islands Surfboards (2020)
- Channel Islands Releases Two New Boards For 2020
- Running it back: Locals buy back Channel Islands Surfboards
Any interesting quotes from executives or ambassadors?
The driving force behind Channel Islands Surfboards is the demand on design created by the world’s greatest surfers, allowing for the highest performance surfing possible. To provide the most dedicated surfers with the most advanced, performance designs is my passion”
Al Merrick, Designer/Shaper
The Ambassadors
Who is sponsored by the company?
Dane Reynolds, Lakey Peterson, Bobby Martinez, Parker Coffin, Sage Erickson, Tom Curren, Connor O’Leary, Yadin Nicol, Vahine Fierro, Wade Goodall, Michael February, Tanner Gudauskas, Nikki Van Dijk, Pat Gudauskas, Alex Gray, Dane Gudauskas, Sebastian Zietz, Soli Bailey, Kiron Jabour, Masatoshi Ohno, Jesse Billauer, Marc Lacomare, Lisa Andersen, Timmy Curran, Jabe Swierkocki, Eithan Osborne, Taj Lindblad, Luke Swanson, Kale Walsh, Miguel Tudela, Eimeo Czermak, Josiah Amico, Reef Heazlewood, Quincy Davis, Andrew Jacobson, Cory Arrambide, Pat Curren, Michale Dunphy, John Mel, Jarvis Earle, Marlon Harison, Jackson Baker, Imogen Caldwell, Kirra-Belle Olsson, Bodhi Leigh-jones, Cedar Leigh-Jones, Jordy Lawler, Kai Otton, Soli Bailey, Kael Walsh, Lennix Smith, Sandy Whittaker, Piper Harrison, Miguel Tudela, Matias Mulanovich, Tai “buddha” Graham, Arpad Leclere, Tommy Sobry, Made Lana, Puanani Johnson, Tumbling Sudiantara, Kayu Vianna
| Dane Reynolds | Facebook |
| Lakey Peterson | Facebook |
| Bobby Martinez | Facebook |
| Parker Coffin | Facebook |
| Sage Erickson | Facebook |
| Tom Curren | Facebook |
| Connor O’Leary | |
| Yadin Nicol | Instagram |
| Vahine Fierro | |
| Wade Goodall | Facebook |
Sustainability
Do they produce any eco-friendly products or have a sustainability focus?
- The Ecoboard Project
- Channel Islands Drives Towards Sustainability
- Just What Makes a Surfboard Sustainable?
Campaigns and Partnerships
Are they doing anything interesting in terms of campaigns or partnerships?
The 2020 Channel Islands Surfboards Demo Tour
Showcase products
For more information
Visit Channel Islands Surfboards website.