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The Solution from Channel Islands Surfboards is a purpose-built small-wave performance shortboard, designed by Britt Merrick to bridge the gap between grovelers and high-performance boards. It’s aimed squarely at the reality most surfers face—average, underwhelming conditions—while still allowing you to surf at a high level.
At its core, The Solution combines paddle power, glide, and responsiveness. A fuller outline with a rounded tailincreases surface area for speed and drive through flat sections, while a single to generous double concave keeps the board lively and quick underfoot. The rocker and outline are completely reworked compared to traditional CI models, giving it a unique feel that maintains speed in weak waves but doesn’t feel limited when the surf improves.
One of its standout features is the five-fin setup, offering real versatility:
Thruster for control and vertical surfing
Quad for speed and projection
2+1 for a looser, twin-fin inspired feel
Designed to be ridden around 2 inches shorter than your standard shortboard, The Solution fits neatly into the step-down category, making it an ideal go-to when conditions aren’t delivering but you still want to perform.
Pros
Excellent speed and glide in weak surf, thanks to fuller outline and added planing area.
Highly versatile fin setup (thruster, quad, or 2+1) allows you to fine-tune performance to conditions.
Balanced bottom contour (single to double concave) delivers lift, responsiveness, and control.
New rocker profile keeps the board fast without feeling flat or lifeless.
Rounded tail provides drive and smoother turns, especially in softer waves.
Strong step-down option that still holds performance when waves clean up.
Custom tail patches add durability in high-stress areas.
Cons
Not designed for overhead or hollow waves — lacks the control and hold of a step-up.
Fuller outline may feel less precise in tight, critical sections compared to high-performance shortboards.
Requires some experimentation with fin setups to fully unlock its potential.
While versatile, it won’t match the extreme small-wave speed of dedicated grovelers in the weakest conditions.
Final Verdict
The Solution lives up to its name — it’s a modern step-down shortboard that solves the problem of everyday, lackluster surf without forcing you onto a full groveler. It delivers the speed you need in weak waves, while still allowing you to surf with intent, control, and progression when the opportunity presents itself.
For surfers who want one board to handle the majority of small-to-average sessions, but still feel like a performance board underfoot, this is a standout option.
 A highly adaptable small-wave weapon that keeps your surfing sharp when conditions aren’t — fast, versatile, and built to perform when it matters most.