Over the last decade, surfboard design has experienced a profound transformation. The rigid styles of the 90s and early 2000s have given way to a more versatile approach, where surfers increasingly seek boards that allow them to get to their feet and ride the line effortlessly. As a result, many modern surfers are embracing a more diversified quiver, experimenting with various designs that emphasize smooth, flowing lines.
While numerous surfboard manufacturers cater to this evolving demand, Channel Islands Surfboards (CI) has been a leader in offering a broad spectrum of designs. Known for being the most decorated surfboard manufacturer in history, with 20 world titles to its name, CI has built its reputation primarily around high-performance shortboards. However, the company has long offered a variety of alternative shapes, including longer boards that cater to different surfing styles.
In a recent interview, I spoke with Devon Howard, a key figure in CI’s design development, to learn more about the company’s diverse board offerings, including the CI 2.Pro for competitive surfers, the Better Everyday for everyday riders, and the Mids and Logs, which Howard was instrumental in creating.
Howard’s background in traditional surfing is noteworthy. He spent 25 years as a team rider for Donald Takayama, a legendary figure in longboarding. A competitive longboarder and a long-time editor for Longboarding Magazine, Howard describes himself as somewhat of an outsider in the mainstream surf industry. His deep connection to the roots of surfing makes him an ideal fit for CI, a brand known for its innovation.
“I’ve always respected CI’s ability to create top-tier shortboards while also producing fun, alternative boards like the Machado Single Fin, Biscuit Bonzer, Retro Fish, and M13,” Howard explains. “When I joined CI in 2018, they were looking to refresh their midlength offerings, and they turned to me for help, given my extensive experience with these designs. We launched the CI Mid in 2020, and the response was overwhelming. It remains a customer favorite.”
As the CI Mid gained traction, many questioned why CI, known for its high-performance shortboards, was expanding into alternative shapes. Howard acknowledges the company’s established reputation in competitive surfing, particularly after its success with Kelly Slater, who claimed 11 of his 20 world titles riding CI boards. Despite this dominance in the high-performance category, Howard points out that CI has always had a history of exploring other design avenues.
“CI was never just about shortboards. In the early 2000s, as Rob Machado began stepping away from the competitive tour, he explored new directions, even designing a single fin. Before that, Al Merrick was creating eggs, like the ‘huevo caliente,’ and the M13, a hybrid model known for its versatility in all conditions,” Howard recalls.
A significant shift in the surfing world came with the rise of social media, which democratized surf culture. The perception of what was considered “cool” began to change, and surfers started gravitating toward more relatable, soulful performances. This move away from airs and high-performance tricks paved the way for a renewed appreciation of simpler, more classic styles—something exemplified by surfers like Howard and Torren Martyn.
Despite this cultural shift, Channel Islands has not abandoned its roots in high-performance surfboard design. Howard emphasizes that CI’s commitment to excellence remains unwavering. “CI aims to create the best possible boards, regardless of the category. Product quality is at the heart of everything we do. We never rely solely on marketing hype; it’s all about creating boards that surfers will respect and enjoy,” he says.
One of the most remarkable successes for CI came with the release of the CI Mid. Howard recounts that when the board was first launched, the expectation was modest: produce 30-50 boards, with the rest made to order. However, the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic changed everything. As many surfers returned to the sport after a hiatus, the CI Mid quickly became a standout, selling in top markets worldwide. “It was pure luck,” Howard admits, acknowledging that the timing of the board’s release coincided perfectly with a surge in surfing’s popularity during the pandemic.
Howard’s journey in the surfboard world began with longboarding, where he was heavily influenced by legends like George Greenough and Nat Young. His years riding for Takayama shaped his understanding of style and board design. But it was his partnership with CI that allowed him to fully realize his vision for the modern longboard.
“The CI Log came from years of accumulated experience—lessons learned from Thomas Bexon, Tyler Hatzkian, and Donald Takayama, among others,” Howard says. “Wayne Rich, who played a key role in the board’s design, introduced a low rail line with no edge. At first, I was skeptical, but once I rode it, I was sold. This design offered a unique combination of rebound and acceleration, a perfect fit for waves like Malibu and Rincon.”
The process of refining the CI Log was no easy feat. Howard explains that, while the board turned better than anything he had ever ridden, it posed a challenge for noseriding. After extensive back-and-forth with Rich, they found a balance that delivered exceptional trim and turning, though Howard notes that noserides are not the board’s strongest suit. “It’s a good noseride, but not the best,” he says with a smile.
The goal behind the CI Log was never to dominate the longboarding market but rather to create a board that would earn respect from surfers of all styles. Howard cites riders like Harrison Roach, Justin Quintal, and Karina Rozuko as examples of surfers who would appreciate the CI Log’s blend of traditional style and modern performance.
Ultimately, Channel Islands continues to push the boundaries of surfboard design, honoring both tradition and innovation. With Devon Howard’s expertise and vision guiding their efforts, CI remains a brand that prioritizes excellence in every aspect of the sport, from high-performance shortboards to alternative designs that offer a new wave of surfboard possibilities.