Britt Merrick Hopes The Alternative Surfboard Trend Doesn’t Last Forever

Now Playing... Stab Highway East Coast (USA) Presented By Monster Energy, Episode 7

868 Views

Britt Merrick Hopes The Alternative Surfboard Trend Doesn’t Last Forever

“Performance boards are the least popular and demanded boards on the market.”

cinema // Aug 27, 2021
Words by stab
Reading Time: < 1 minute

Surfboard design is a constantly changing concept. 

Over time boards have gotten smaller, wider, and in some cases softer. All these changes, whether slight or severe, have been a direct response to consumer demand, which is often inspired by a top pro’s performance.

In surfing’s current economic climate, alternative surfboards are the most desired crafts on the market. So much so that we’ve even developed an entire production dedicated to exploring the world of unordinary surfboards. Who’s to blame? Probably the effortless, easy to watch, scroll-arresting clips of Mikey February, Asher Pacey, Torren Martyn, and the like.

So, what does the future hold for alternative surfboard design? According to Brit Merrick at Channel Islands, not a lot. 

During an interview for the upcoming Surf100 Mexico, Britt said, “I don’t think they have a future. Everyone is going to get sick of them and want thrusters that work good again.” He then burst into laughter, as his prediction appears to be more of a personal wish.

While Britt and Channel Islands sell various alternative surfboard models, the second-generation shaper explains his preference for shaping some of the world’s best high-performance surfboards — like that new Two Happy model the CI team has been in love with. One of the two boards that’s up for grabs for our best Surf100 judge.

Click here for all the details.

Comments

Comments are a Stab Premium feature. Gotta join to talk shop.

Already a member? Sign In

Want to join? Sign Up

Advertisement

Most Recent

Legacy Brands Bet Big On Future, Leo Grabs A High-Fashion Bag & The “Influencer Model” Alters Quarter-Century Deals

Nine new sponsorship updates from the surf industry frontlines.

Mar 18, 2025

The Best Wavepool You’ll Never Surf

Jacob Szekely speaks on São Paulo’s internet-breaking, members only, chlorinated catapult.  

Mar 18, 2025

Supertubos Goes From Flat To Firing, Then Straight Up Fucking Scary

Jack Robinson earns his lunch, Erin Brooks takes Caity Simmers to 2-0.

Mar 17, 2025

“The Purest Style Of His Generation”

Shane Herring has passed away, age 52. 

Mar 17, 2025

Why Netflix Hates Surfing

Plus, the real reason Make or Break wasn’t renewed for a third season.

Mar 17, 2025

Small Waves, A Brewing Storm & A Mama-To-Be Makes The Quarters

The women take over Day 2 at the MEO Rip Curl Pro Portugal.

Mar 16, 2025

When All Else Fails, At Least There’s Caity Simmers

A glimmering bastion of hope at the Rip Curl Pro Portugal, day one.

Mar 15, 2025

As Is Tradition, Supertubos Just Went Off Its Schnoz

Stab's preview of the 2025 Meo Rip Curl Portugal Pro. 

Mar 14, 2025

Surf vs. Development: A Bike Path That Could Change Puerto Rico Forever

Are some of the island's marquee waves under threat?

Mar 14, 2025

Stab Highway East Coast (USA) Presented By Monster Energy, Episode 7

12 days, 1,600 miles, and 200 challenges later, our teams are tied and it all…

Mar 13, 2025

“I Feel Like When I’m Parallel And I Hit A Foamball, I Carry A Lot More Momentum”

Watch Tosh Tudor deliver a veritable masterclass in alternative tuberiding.

Mar 13, 2025

Interview: Julian Wilson Earns Wildcard for 2025 Challenger Series

“It’s definitely daunting. I don’t know what my level is against these kids — but…

Mar 13, 2025

Ryan Callinan Is Out For Portugal, One Last Wildcard Up for Grabs

Politics in Portugal — who gets the call?

Mar 11, 2025

Long Read: Usman Trioko’s Path From Abject Poverty To King Of The Desert

"When I'm in the water, I'm not playing around."

Mar 10, 2025

Watch: The New Portugal CT Wildcard Can Fucking Fly

Gatien Delahaye’s masterclass in controlled repetition.

Mar 10, 2025

What’s Your Go-To Kirra Board When a Cyclone Twists?

Surveying Mick Fanning, Jack Robbo, Nav Fox, Asher Pacey, Dakoda Walters, LOB + Milla Coco-Brown's…

Mar 10, 2025

How a $20 Board From A Lismore Op-Shop Led To The Wave Of A Lifetime — And Shedding A Tear With Mick Fanning

Discarded, disregarded, and destined for glory.

Mar 7, 2025

Stab Highway East Coast (USA) Presented By Monster Energy, Episode 6

With 274 challenges and 11 days down, our triptych finally reaches N.Y.C — and one…

Mar 7, 2025
Advertisement