The Big Happy is Channel Islands’ answer to the mature surfer who still wants to surf well—without sacrificing comfort, paddle power, or style. Designed by Britt Merrick for himself at 6’6” and 52 years old, the Big Happy embraces the realities of aging bodies while delivering a shape that still rips. It features a lower entry rocker, generous foam up front, tapered rails, and a gentle single concave—all aimed at enhancing performance for surfers whose strength and mobility may not be what they once were, but whose desire to surf well hasn’t faded.
Pros
Optimized for Older/Bigger Surfers: More foam where you need it, without compromising performance.
Great Paddle Power: The lower rocker and forward thickness help get you into waves early.
Still Rips: Subtle performance contours and refined rails let you surf like you mean it.
Confidence Booster: Designed to keep you surfing longer, better, and with more flow.
Cons
Not for Groms or Lightweight Rippers: The Big Happy’s volume and outline are overkill for smaller surfers.
Less Suited for Critical Pockets: While responsive, the focus is on smooth flow, not tight-in-the-pocket high-performance maneuvers.
Final Verdict
The Big Happy is a thoughtful and refined board for surfers who want to keep progressing, even if their bodies aren’t what they used to be. It's about more waves, better sessions, and fewer struggles—with just enough performance baked in to keep things exciting. If you're a bigger or aging surfer who still wants to charge, the Big Happy lets you do it all—while staying stoked, confident, and, yes… happy.
