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

Live Now — Episode 3 Of Surf100 Challenge Series Presented By Pacifico

21 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

Surf100 Challenge Series Presented By Pacifico: Episode 3

"The tribe has spoken," Dane Reynolds pronounced, and a surfer's torch was snuffed.

Jul 3, 2025

When Surfer’s Eye Is Actually Cancer

Erin Campbell's brutal journey from surf camp dreams to chemo drops, cryotherapy, and surgical horror.

Jul 3, 2025

Surfing’s 2025 Q2 Report

An assessment of surfing's vital signs throughout the second quarter of 2025.

Jul 2, 2025

What Actually Happened to Occy’s Mad Max Plunger Pool In Yeppoon?

Surf Lakes’ brass talks: internet hecklers, the unplugging of the plunger, and the Tom Curren…

Jul 2, 2025

Poor Goofy Foots 

Data shows that the world is stacked against goofs — they even make 15% less money than…

Jul 1, 2025

Britain’s First Wavepool Has Closed — What Really Happened?

Bankruptcy, social media hackings, debts unpaid — and yet, reopening looms.

Jul 1, 2025

Watch: Was Matt Meola’s Air Actually Better Than Hughie’s?

Watch the full Swatch Nines highlight reel and decide.

Jun 30, 2025

Houshmand Bludgeons Field To Win Second CT — Molly Picklum Tastes Blood, Snatches World #1 In Brazil

You can't argue with big surfing — that's Saquarema wrapped.

Jun 29, 2025

37 Years Old And World #1 — What’s Changed For Jordy Smith?

On rediscovering decades old surfboard templates, having a personality on the CT, and why this…

Jun 27, 2025

Tom Lowe Stars in ‘Let Me Live’

The wild, improbable ascent of Britain’s best big-wave surfer.

Jun 27, 2025

Saq Wrap: Italo Celebrates Mid-Heat, Griff Drops A Freestyle, Jordy + Yago Continue BBQing 20-YOs

Top seeds sow ruin, Final 5 starts to crystallize.

Jun 27, 2025

Surf100 Challenge Series Presented By Pacifico: Episode 2

Our seven surviving surfers confront an oddly large California beach break.

Jun 26, 2025

SEOTY: The ‘Once-In-A-Decade’ Caribbean Swell That Kelly Slater Passed On

Michael Dunphy stars in Jimmicane's 'Blue Veil'

Jun 25, 2025

Who Owns Bingin? Legal Fight To Stop Demolition Begins

Eviction notices served for all businesses built on state land.

Jun 25, 2025

Tony Hawk Just Named Hughie Vaughan’s Internet-Breaking Air Because… No One Else Can

89% of our IG poll respondents claimed the 'stale fish flipper' was the best air…

Jun 25, 2025

German Surfers: AN INVESTIGATION

Truth is the light by which the world can see. 

Jun 24, 2025

“I Lost Everything I’ve Ever Owned, But This Board Came Back”

One month after the LA wildfires, a surfboard washed ashore.

Jun 24, 2025

Shock Therapy: World 1 & 2 Eliminated Early In Saquarema

Gabriela Bryan and Caity Simmers fall victim on Day 1 of the Vivo Rio Pro.

Jun 22, 2025
Advertisement