A Not-So Subtle Reminder For This Indo Season: Pack Some Foam

Ever wondered why being poor can actually end up costing more? 

That’s the idea behind the Sam Vimes “Boots” theory of socioeconomic unfairness. Simply put, when you don’t have much money, you’re forced to buy cheaper stuff — like flimsy boots — that wear out quickly and need constant replacing. Meanwhile, someone wealthier can afford high-quality boots that last much longer, saving some cash in the long run. The concept comes from a Terry Pratchett novel, where the character Sam Vimes, a no-nonsense city watch captain, breaks it down in a rather relatable way.

It would be unfair to compare a cheap boot to a surfboard brought to existence by the large, callused hands of Britt Merrick, but the rate at which the triple hexagon company churns out new models — awakening desires for quiver additions we never knew we needed — will sure strip some figures off our bank balances. Though they might just push us into the green when it comes to satisfying aquatic experiences.

Britt and the CI team have worked tirelessly to create a surfboard that performs well in a wide range of conditions. The result was the CI 2.Pro — a reliable, high-perf blade for those who wiggle the hardest — earning an STID title in 2023, as recognized by current world #1, Italo Ferreira.

The following step? The CI 2.Pro Step Up — a knifier, more refined, elongated version for BPM-increasing conditions. It maintains the same curves and contours as its predecessor, performing identically in larger, steeper waves while delivering extra paddle power, hold, and a bit of predictable comfort in consequential surf.

While the aptly named Happy Traveler aimed to deliver the one-board dream quiver to the everyman, the CI 2.Pro Step Up checks all the boxes for the more advanced, devil-may-care “Joey Pepperoni.” It’s built for waves you won’t come across often, but you’ll be glad to have it by your side when you do.

You’ll also want to add 2-4 inches to your CI 2.Pro‘s length before punching those 16 digits into your payment portal of choice.

No printed manual included, but the video above serves as your visual guide — featuring Teddy Bille’s chip-in from the high-seas (seen in our most spectacular waves of 2024 compilation), Milla Coco Brown getting cozy over shallow reef prior to her Natural Selection domination, and Liam Turner and Marlon Harrison practically cheating their way into early entries on the wave Lance Knight unveiled to the world.

At this rate, CI’s ever-expanding family of surfboards — and the performances they enable for those who put them to the test — might soon warrant a governmental “Buy Responsibly” label.

PS, if you’re going to Indo this season and want to sample some CI flavors without the long-haul board bag fiasco, grab a stock or custom from Onboard Bali — they made most of the boards in this video.