The OG Flyer stands as Channel Islands’ all-time most popular design—and for good reason. First introduced in 1999, this board was Al Merrick’s response to a critical need on the world tour: maintaining elite-level performance in subpar conditions. At the time, most boards were narrow and highly rockered, great for perfect waves but sluggish in the everyday stuff. The Flyer changed the game by introducing a wider, shorter outline that helped usher in the modern high-performance shortboard as we know it today.
Still a staple in CI’s lineup, the OG Flyer is a do-it-all shortboard that thrives in everyday surf. A single concave entryprovides early speed and lift, transitioning into a double concave through the center for control, and finishing with a vee out the tail to keep turns smooth and responsive. The bump squash tail, slightly down rails, and subtle beaked nosegive the board added character and functionality, offering a blend of hold, release, and paddle power.
Designed to be ridden at or near your height, the OG Flyer is a reliable daily driver for intermediate to advanced surfers who want to keep performance high even when the waves aren’t.
Pros:
Legendary All-Arounder: A time-tested design that delivers in most everyday surf.
Balanced Bottom Contours: Single to double to vee creates a perfect mix of speed, drive, and maneuverability.
Versatile Outline: Wider and shorter than traditional shortboards, making it more forgiving without sacrificing precision.
Proven Legacy: Countless pros and everyday surfers have relied on this model for decades.
Cons:
Not for Big Surf: Its outline and rocker favor shoulder-high and under—best to swap it out for a step-up when things get serious.
Aged Feel for Some: Compared to ultra-modern shapes, it may feel more classic than cutting-edge, especially for those chasing the newest tech or templates.
Final Verdict:
The OG Flyer is a benchmark board in the evolution of performance surfing—a go-to model for countless surfers looking to keep things fast and fun when the waves aren’t perfect. With its well-balanced shape, trusted design pedigree, and ability to perform in nearly all conditions, the Flyer remains one of the most dependable and beloved boards in the Channel Islands lineup. A must-have for any surfer’s everyday arsenal.
