Al Merrick Clothing

Al Merrick Surfboards

For over 30 years Al Merrick has been referred to by many as the worlds leading surfboard shaper, producing more world champions' boards than anyone in history. Whether you're on the dream tour or grovelling at your local beach break, there's an Al Merrick surfboard for you ... take one for a ride and you'll soon see what all the fuss is about.

"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 in the world with the most advanced, performance enhancing designs is my passion”
- Al Merrick, Designer/Shaper

When Clark Foam ceased operations in 2005, Al Merrick embraced epoxy technology with vigour, rapidly becoming a leader in the field (whilst continuing to manufacture foam & fibreglass surfboards on a large scale). Another big moment for Al Merrick came in 2006, when snowboarding giant Burton aquired his Channel Islands label, allowing the two companies to pool their resources.

Al Merrick has been and is the shaper of choice for Tom Curren, Kelly Slater and Dane Reynolds - perhaps the three greatest natural-foots in surfing's history. And it's not a case of Al Merrick paying them more money than the other guys (that carry-on is for the clothing sponsors). They simply wanted to ride Al Merrick's boards because they feel comfortable on them. And who are we to argue?!