Channel Islands Surfboards Set To Launch In South Africa

Durban - One of the world's most well-known surfboard brands, Channel Islands Surfboards, is set to launch in South Africa tomorrow 01 May 2010. Channel Islands' founder, shaper and designer Al Merrick and Channel Islands Surfboards are set to shake up the surfboard-making industry in South Africa and reveal new levels of excellence in board manufacturing. Some of the world's best surfers, including Kelly Slater, Rob Machado, Dane Reynolds and Taylor Knox, all ride Al's boards, and for a good reason. These surfers have all achieved incredible surfing success riding Channel Islands Surfboards throughout their careers.

The Channel Islands factory will be set up in Durban, while the Gateway Theatre Of Shopping will host a Channel Islands Retail Outlet. The materials used in the production of Channel Islands Surfboards - everything from blank to resin to cloth to sanding equipment - will be identical to those used in the Santa Barbara factory. This will ensure that the consumer gets the same consistency and high quality that is offered in the states, but it will be produced here in South Africa using our country's labour and helping to strengthen Durban's growing economy. The factory will be utilising a computer shaping machine to ensure the exact dimensions of the models are replicated.

Sales and marketing of Channel Islands Surfboards will be run by dynamic young surfer Stanley Badger. Always a stand-out in any conditions, Stan is a well-known face amongst surf contest winners' circles and is a regular contestant in speciality invite-only surf events around the country. "This is a great time for the surfboard industry in South Africa," said Stan of the Channel Islands Surfboards launch. "When we were younger we were always jealous of the pros who arrived in South Africa with their new "Merricks". It was always a goal to pick up a few whenever we travelled overseas to surf events. Now with our new set-up and with modern technology, when Al develops a new model or new detail, the information and specifications willl be available instantly in South Africa."

The CI team signature models currently ridden by Kelly Slater, Dane Reynolds, Tom Curren and Rob Machado will be available, as well as a host of others. There will also be a limited apparel range available. The Channel Islands global team will help push the brand here in South Africa, and as the brand grows, a young local team may be established in the near future. With regards to availability, there will be equal distribution across the country, so any reputable surf shop can stock the boards.

Channel Islands Surfboards South Africa will soon have various internet portals where you can communicate, ask questions, view videos and check out the specs of the models available. We are very excited to bring a brand with such an incredible history, undoubtedly the best team in the world and an unwaivered reputation for performance quality and consistency to all of you here in South Africa.

Stan Badger can be contacted on:
email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
cell: 076 242 9909

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About Al Merrick and Channel Islands Surfboards.

Since 1969, Channel Islands Surfboards has been dedicated to performance and quality through hard work, innovation, and originality. Over the last 38 years, Channel Islands has grown from a local grass-roots operation to a cutting edge organization, catering to the best surfers in the world. It started with hard-core surfing and quality in mind and these guidelines have brought us through three decades of constant change in the surf industry. Channel Islands will shape the new millennium with innovative design and quality as our main focus.

"The driving force behind Channel Islands Surfboards is the demand on design created by the world's greatest surfers, allowing for the highest performance surfing possible. To provide the most dedicated surfers with the most advanced, performance designs is my passion" - Al Merrick, Designer/Shaper

In July of 2006, Channel Islands Surfboards was acquired by Burton Corporation. This is a marriage of two like-minded companies; both being privately held organizations focused on rider-driven product and manufacturing the best possible equipment available. At a time when the surfboard industry was undergoing massive changes, the added resources brought to CI from Burton allowed us to renew our focus on design and board building in our home of Santa Barbara California. CI promptly moved to a larger facility just blocks from Rincon Del Mar, setting the foundation for developing, testing, and building boards in Santa Barbara for many years to come