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

Just Wrapped: Finals Day! Stab High Japan 2025 Presented By Monster Energy — Re-watch Below

1065 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

If The Challenger Series Is The Answer, What Is The Question?

Surfing’s middle child returns: the 2025 CS preview.

Jun 2, 2025

How Do You Recreate A Particular Strand Of Madness? 

Inside the creative workshop that spawned the 2025 Swatch Nines surf event.

Jun 2, 2025

The WSL Just Gave The Kids A Steak Knife

The Challenger Series gets a run at Pipeline, and a double-take at Newcastle.

Jun 2, 2025

Mason Ho Follows MP’s Trail, Discovers The Delicate Art Of Not Getting Arrested

"That’s it. We’re cooked. I just told the boys this lane was mine, now I’m…

May 31, 2025

8x World Champion Skater Pedro Barros On God, Localism, And Almost Being A Semi-Pro Surfer

Wisdom from one of the greatest two-sport talents of our generation.

May 30, 2025

Where’s The World Title Going In 2025?

A post-cut debrief featuring thoughts from world number one Jordy Smith.

May 29, 2025

Axel Lorentz Steps Down As Head Shaper At Pukas, Starts Eponymous Board Label

What comes after a twelve-year career and five Stab In The Dark finals?

May 28, 2025

Aquatic Outlaws: How Surfing’s Wild West Was Won

Before the Margaret River Pro, there were a few rogue men from Perth.

May 27, 2025

Vale Jack McCoy: The Pillar Of Surf Cinema Passes On At 76

The creator of Blue Horizon, The Occumentary, the Billabong Challenge and more goes out swinging.

May 27, 2025

2025 Belongs To Power Surfing

Jordy Smith notches first multi-win season of his career + Gabriela Bryan overpowers Caity Simmers.

May 27, 2025

Jordy Smith Is The Number 1 Surfer In The World

Yes, in 2025. A Margaret River Pro day 4 report.

May 26, 2025

This Is Why We Do It — Stab High Japan x Monster Energy 2025, Dissected

Hughie Vaughan, Mikey Wright, Sierra Kerr, Loci Cullen, and Eden Walla are your 2025 Japanese…

May 25, 2025

Watch: Finals Day Highlights From Stab High Japan Presented By Monster Energy

Episode Three of Poolside hosted by Kona Big Wave.

May 25, 2025

Re-Watch — Finals Day At Stab High Japan 2025 Presented By Monster Energy

$50,000 in prize money and the biggest chlorinated ramp to ever host a contest. 

May 24, 2025

Watch: Day One Highlights From Stab High Japan Presented By Monster Energy

Episode Two of Poolside hosted by Kona Big Wave.

May 24, 2025

Mikey Wright “Puts The Roof Straight On”, Traps 25 Souls Inside A Japanese Aerial Inferno

A (semi) objective Day 1 report of Stab High Japan 2025 x Monster Energy

May 24, 2025

Watch The Replay — Day One Of Stab High Japan Presented By Monster Energy

Watch the Opening Round of the Open Men's, Ladybirds, and Bottle Rockets.

May 23, 2025

Watch Julian Wilson, Harry Bryant, Mikey Wright, And More Warm-Up For Stab High Japan Presented By Monster Energy

Episode One of Poolside, brought to you by Kona Big Wave.

May 23, 2025
Advertisement