Channel Islands CI MID by Al Merrick

The CI Mid is a modern classic design resulting from a fun collaboration with Devon Howard, a southern California surfer that has spent the past two decades riding and refining this genre.

Inspired by the clean, longer-railed lines drawn by traditional eggs and single-fins, the CI Mid infuses that vibe with the crispness, sensitivity, and freedom made possible by modern features synonymous with Merrick design principles. Boasting a moderate midlength template with low entry rocker and foam forward for ease of paddle and effortless trim speed, the CI Mid scoots, squirts and swivels thanks to contemporary features like double-barrel concave, graduated rocker, and hard, slightly tucked rails through and off the tail.

A reliable all-arounder that flies over the flatter, smaller stuff, the CI Mid really stands apart from other midlength designs in shoulder-high to nearly double overhead point surf, where surfers are able to lay down flowy, arcing turns with total confidence, speed, and control.

The minimalist logo is out of the Channel Islands Archives—a lam Al put on his boards in the early ’70s—all CI Mids are stocked with high quality, colorful resin craftsmanship (6-4oz. decks with 6oz. bottoms).

As we know, fins can make or break any surfboard. For the CI Mid, we worked closely with SoCal surfer Devon Howard and our friends at True Ames Fins to custom build this 2 + 1 set that enhances our new midlength’s high-performance characteristics, as well as proving to be versatile in a wide range of conditions with just a simple adjustment of the center fin.

Thanks to decades’ worth of knowledge, as well as countless rounds of R&D, Devon and True Ames founder Chuck Ames landed on this beautiful, tidy, well-balanced outline with full base and moderate rake that was hand foiled for medium flex—making for a very responsive ride with just the right amount of hold and lift that helps you accelerate through turns. Shaped from clear fiberglass panels, the CI Mid’s 6.5” center box fin is available with either 4” FCS two-tab side bites for medium to bigger sized surfers, or 3.6” for lighter weight riders.

The manufacturing time will be approximately 8 weeks.