A blend of retro roots and modern refinement, the Channel Islands Twin Fin offers a nostalgic ride with contemporary performance under the hood. Originally designed by Britt Merrick for a retro shaper’s contest, the board takes inspiration from a twin fin Al Merrick shaped in the late '70s—resurrected and reimagined after a friend stumbled upon it at a garage sale. Britt modernized the design with updated rocker and foil, giving this board more positive drive and the ability to carve tighter than traditional twin fin outlines would allow.
Despite its throwback aesthetic, the CI Twin Fin isn’t just for cruising. With input and testing from Britt, Dane Reynolds, and CI’s factory crew, this board has proven itself across everything from soft beach breaks to firing Rincon. While it holds onto the float and paddle power of a classic twin, its tapered, relatively thin rails offer unexpected sensitivity and response. Designed to be ridden 2” to 4” shorter than your height—and a touch wider and thicker than your standard shortboard—the Twin Fin is as functional as it is fun.
Pros:
Retro Look, Modern Ride: Classic outline with updated rocker and rail work for more drive and carving precision.
Excellent Paddler: Higher volume and wide outline make catching waves easy and fun.
Responsive Feel: Thin, tapered rails counteract the sluggishness of typical retro boards.
Versatile Performer: From mushy beach breaks to lined-up points, it handles a surprising range of conditions.
Cons:
Twin Fin Limitations: Lacks the vertical attack and tight-pocket performance of a thruster or quad.
Takes Adjustment: Riders used to modern shortboards may need a few sessions to adapt to the glidey twin fin flow.
Final Verdict:
The CI Twin Fin is a celebration of surfing’s stylish past, reborn with just the right amount of modern flair. Whether you're looking to tap into some retro charm, spice up your small wave sessions, or just add a fast, smooth alternative to your quiver, the Twin Fin delivers in spades. It’s a board that invites you to draw new lines, loosen up, and have more fun—exactly what surfing is all about.
