Channel Islands Surfboards Australia | Al Merrick High-Performance Shapes

For over 50 years, one name has defined the pinnacle of competitive surfboard performance: Channel Islands. From the original shaping bays of legendary shaper Al Merrick in Santa Barbara, CI has evolved from a local-knowledge operational brand into the absolute global benchmark for quality, innovation, and design. It is the dominant label chosen by world champions, tour veterans, and progressive local shortboarders alike. When you paddle out on an authentic Channel Islands surfboard, you are riding a piece of modern surfing history specifically crafted to optimise your performance and wave progression.

At Southern Man, we live and breathe core surfing culture, and we know that matching the perfect dimensions to your individual style is everything. That is why we are proud to stand as a premier stockist of Channel Islands surfboards in Australia, offering dedicated wave riders direct access to the world’s finest high-performance equipment.

The Al Merrick & Britt Merrick Legacy

Founded by the iconic Al Merrick in 1969, Channel Islands was built on a simple premise: to create high-performance surfboards for the world’s best surfers. This mission led to one of the most fruitful partnerships in surfing history with 11x World Champion Kelly Slater, and collaborations with legends like Tom Curren and Lisa Andersen.

Today, Al’s son, Britt Merrick, continues this legacy of “performance by design.” Working hand-in-hand with a new generation of icons like Dane Reynolds, Parker Coffin, and the Gudauskas brothers, Britt ensures every CI model is relentlessly tested and refined, blending classic design principles with cutting-edge innovation.

Find Your Perfect Channel Islands Board

Channel Islands offers a board for every surfer and every type of wave. We’ve hand-picked the models that excel in Australian conditions.

• For the Everyday Ripper (CI 2.Pro & Two Happy): The CI 2.Pro is the apex predator of performance shortboards, the direct result of feedback from the CI pro team. It’s built for critical surfing in the pocket. For a more forgiving ride that still rips, the Two Happy offers a user-friendly rocker and outline that generates speed and flow in everyday waves.
• For the Modern Traditionalist (CI Mid & Twin Fin): The CI Mid is the modern classic, a mid-length that blends the smooth glide and trim of a traditional board with the turning capabilities of a shorter board. It’s the perfect craft for stylish carves and effortless flow. For those who love that retro speed and freedom, the Twin Fin series, especially the iconic FishBeard, offers incredible down-the-line speed and a skatey, pivotal feel that makes average waves unforgettable.
• For the High-Performance Groveller (G Skate): Don’t let mushy waves ruin your session. The G Skate series is designed to bring life to smaller, weaker conditions. With a focus on speed and responsiveness, these boards allow you to perform your full repertoire of maneuvers even when the waves aren’t cooperating.

Your Channel Islands Headquarters

We don’t just sell boards; we provide the complete experience. Complement your new CI board with a curated selection of genuine Channel Islands fins, traction pads, leashes, and apparel.

Whether you are dialing in a fresh high-performance layout for local South Coast reef breaks, securing a stylish CI Mid cruiser, or updating your kit with premium AM channel fins and tailpads, Southern Man has your surfboard quiver sorted. Explore our full range of authentic Channel Islands shapes online at southernman.com.au for rapid shipping Australia-wide, or visit our retail storefront in Ulladulla to consult directly with our experienced staff and custom check your board volumes in person today.