Channel Islands and Grain Surfboards

by Mr Christian on June 2, 2009

Some cool news from Mike and the Grain crew at the skunkworks up in Maine. From their newsletter…

Channel Islands Surfboards produces some of the most well-known surfboards in history. Led by legendary board shaper Al Merrick, and with a team of riders that include Slater and Machado, they are the envy of the surfing world.  Though it’s hard to picture when you visit their current state-of-the-art factory, many remember the humble beginnings of CI that echoed in the rickety halls of their former HQ where some of the world’s best shapes were jammed under every rafter.

But we remember. “Humble” isn’t the word for our own hardscrabble start – old drafty barns, borrowed tools, and cadged supplies – we’re practically still living it. Yet both companies are dedicated to building boards of the highest quality, and subjecting them to constant R&D and improvement. There the similarities stop, though. We could never hope to approach the sophistication of Al Merrick’s shaping abilities, the global scale of Channel Island’s appeal or the recognition that they have earned over the years.

Grain Surfboards and Channel Islands Surfboards are pleased to announce a new partnership. Using our tried and true wood construction method, we’ll be rendering some of the Channel Islands surfboard line using sustainable-yield cedar, low VOC epoxy, even bamboo cloth instead of glass for those who want it.  We’re starting with Rob Machado’s board, the Biscuit, a stubby wave-catcher for knee to head-high surf.  Our first size will be the 6′2″ with more to follow. Soon, these boards will be available as kits as well.

Working with CI to deliver wood versions of their boards is really exciting for us and inspires us to think about the unusual nature of this project.  We’re tempted to make some comparisons with the arrangements some well-respected shapers have entered into with epoxy pop-out factories. Where pop-outs are machine made, our boards couldn’t be more hand-crafted. Where pop-outs can feel corky, ours are solid with great glide and speed. And with more and more boards made overseas (where environmental laws are often lax) being able to get a board made in Maine by folks who make their impact on the planet a daily conversation is becoming a revolutionary choice.

www.grainsurfboards.com