Designed with simplicity, fun, and accessibility in mind, the Average Joe is Channel Islands’ answer to what most surfers truly need in their quiver: a board that’s easy to ride, catches tons of waves, and keeps every session lighthearted. Born out of years of feedback from CI’s demo tour, this model skips the complexity and zeroes in on what makes surfing fun—more waves, more flow, and less frustration.
The outline is compact and full, keeping volume high in a short, stubby package. Full rails contribute to the board’s forgiving feel and float, while a light single concave through the front third transitions into a deep concave vee out the tail, offering a balance of paddle power, lift, and easy rail-to-rail engagement. Al Merrick’s signature hip tail adds just enough bite and responsiveness to keep the board driving forward rather than sliding out.
Though Channel Islands is renowned for elite-level performance boards, the Average Joe is intentionally laid-back. It’s not for chasing contest wins or threading double-overhead barrels—it’s for enjoying surf at its most relaxed. The kind of board that helps you connect more sections, up your wave count, and rediscover the joy of gliding.
Pros:
Wave Magnet: High volume and flat rocker make paddling and catching waves nearly effortless.
User-Friendly Design: Great for beginner to intermediate surfers, or advanced riders looking to just cruise.
Rail & Tail Versatility: Rides well from both the rail and the tail, keeping it dynamic in smaller surf.
Compact but Full: Short length with full outline gives maneuverability without compromising float.
Cons:
Not Built for Performance Surfing: Lacks the snap and precision of CI’s more technical shortboards.
Limited in Sizeable Surf: Best suited for knee- to shoulder-high waves; beyond that, you’ll want something with more control and rocker.
Final Verdict:
The Average Joe is a refreshing reminder that surfing doesn’t always have to be about high-performance maneuvers or contest-ready precision. Built for maximum fun in average waves, it offers an accessible, high-volume ride for surfers of all levels who just want to catch more waves, cruise down the line, and enjoy the simplicity of a well-designed board. Whether it’s your first shortboard or a break from your daily driver, the Average Joe is pure surf joy—made easy.
