Channel Islands

Channel Islands · Mid-length

Channel Islands CI Mid Review

9.2/ 10 Estimated score

9.2

Estimated from 2 independent sources (no numeric scores published)

Average price$1,175Range $1,175–$1,175 across 1 retailersSee sources

The Channel Islands CI Mid is the modern mid-length that reset the category — a collaboration with Devon Howard that blends the long, clean rail lines of a traditional egg with contemporary Merrick features: double-barrel concave, gradually accelerated rocker and hard, slightly tucked rails off the tail. It runs 6'6" to 7'10" and comes with a custom True Ames 2+1 fin set.

View on Channel Islands

Quick specs

Type: Modern mid-length / egg
Skill level: Improver → Advanced
Wave range: 2 ft to 8 ft
Construction: PU/PE — 6+4 oz deck, 6 oz bottom
Fin setup: 2 + 1 (True Ames custom set)
Bottom contour: Double-barrel concave with gentle vee

Channel Islands describe the CI Mid as "a modern classic design resulting from a fun collaboration with Devon Howard" — inspired by traditional eggs and single fins but built with the crispness and sensitivity of modern Merrick design. The wide point sits a touch forward for easy paddling and effortless trim speed.

Where it separates from other eggs is in better waves. Channel Islands claim it stands apart "especially in shoulder-high to nearly double overhead point surf — where surfers are able to lay down flowy, arcing turns with total confidence, speed, and control."

Pros & cons

Effortless paddling and trim speed over flat sections
Genuinely turns — flowy, arcing rail turns in point surf
Works as a single fin or with side bites, no re-tuning drama
Well-built with a strong colour range and clean glassing

Flat entry rocker asks for careful take-off angles in hollow waves
Everywhere — you will see other CI Mids in the lineup
Premium price against most mid-length rivals

How it surfs

BLINK SURF's tester, a 104 kg intermediate on the 7'10", reported that the board "packs a longboard paddle ability into the mid-length package" and works equally well as a single fin or with side bites: "you will never slide this board out."

The consistent criticism is not performance but ubiquity — BLINK's rider summed it up as "its only downside is that it's a little bit predictable and you are likely to see other ones every time you surf a crowded spot."

Volume & sizing chart

Use the chart below as a starting point. Add half a litre if you are less experienced, subtract half a litre for a looser feel.

Size	Volume	Rider weight	Best for
6'6"	37.8 L	65–75 kg	Advanced
6'8"	40.2 L	72–82 kg	Intermediate+
6'10"	42.3 L	78–88 kg	Intermediate
7'0"	44.9 L	84–94 kg	Intermediate
7'2"	47.3 L	90–100 kg	Improver
7'6"	51.8 L	98–108 kg	Improver
7'10"	57.1 L	108 kg +	Improver

How it compares

Board	Best at	Wave range	Aggregate score
Channel Islands CI Mid	Modern mid-length	2 ft to 8 ft	9.2
…Lost Crowd Killer	Performance mid-length	Ankle to overhead	9.0
Harley Ingleby Mid 6	Performance mid-length	Waist to overhead	9.2
McTavish The Original	Traditional log	Knee to head-high	9.3

Recommended fin setups

True Ames CI Mid 2+1 set — The custom set Channel Islands developed with Devon Howard — the default.
8.5" single fin — Reviewers report this is about right when riding it as a dedicated single.
FCS II side bites with a 7"–7.25" centre — Adds hold and drive without killing the glide.

Verdict

The reference modern mid-length. Devon Howard's input shows in how naturally it trims, and the modern bottom contours mean it still turns properly when the point starts running — the reason you see so many of them.

Estimated score: 9.2 / 10

Estimated from 2 independent sources — see full list below.

What reviewers around the web are saying

Surfex does not test gear directly. Below are independent retailer and editorial sources. When a source publishes a numeric score, it is normalized to a five-point scale; otherwise the source is listed without a score.

Estimated score

9.2/ 10

9.2

2 sources, none scored

Source	Score	Summary
BLINK SURF — CI Mid review	No numeric score	"There is a lot of hype about this board and it's all true… With a really nice bottom shape, it's super versatile. I really rate this board, it won't let you down."
Channel Islands — model page	No numeric score	"A reliable all-arounder that flies over the flatter, smaller stuff, the CI Mid really stands apart from other eggs and various midlength designs out there."

Where to buy & average price

Listed prices come from verified retailer pages. The average price below is an unweighted mean of verified retailer prices — converted to USD (≈) when retailers list in different currencies. Click any retailer to verify the native-currency price.

Average price

$1,175

$1,175–$1,175 · 1 retailers

Retailer	Price	vs. average
Channel Islands (6'10" stock)	$1,175	—	Visit

Frequently asked questions

What wave size is the Channel Islands CI Mid good for?+

Published ranges put it at roughly 2 ft to 8 ft. It glides over small, flat sections and, per Channel Islands, comes into its own in shoulder-high to nearly double overhead point surf.

What size CI Mid should I buy?+

The range runs 6'6" (37.8 L) to 7'10" (57.1 L). Shortboarders stepping up usually take 6'6"–6'10"; longboarders coming down, or heavier riders, do better at 7'2" and above.

Can you ride the CI Mid as a single fin?+

Yes. It is a 2+1 setup. Reviewers report an 8.5-inch centre fin is about right as a dedicated single, and a 7" to 7.25" centre with FCS II side bites when you want more hold.

CI Mid vs …Lost Crowd Killer — which one?+

The CI Mid is the smoother, more trim-focused egg with longer rail lines. The Crowd Killer is the more aggressive performance mid-length with a five-fin box and more tail rocker. Pick the CI Mid for flow, the Crowd Killer for turning hard.

Is the CI Mid a good board for a beginner?+

It is an excellent improver board because of how easily it paddles and trims, but the flat entry rocker punishes bad take-off angles in steeper waves. Complete beginners should start on a soft-top.