Channel Islands M23 Review

8.8/ 10 Estimated score

8.8

Estimated from 2 independent sources (no numeric scores published)

The Channel Islands M23 is a high-performance hybrid descended from Al Merrick's M13. Its full rails, extra foam and sleek nose target surfers who want mid-length paddling help without giving up shortboard-style turning.

View on Channel Islands

Quick specs

Type: High-performance hybrid
Recommended setup: Thruster
Wave range: Knee-high to double-overhead+
Breaks: Point, reef and beachbreak
Rails: Full
Entry rocker: Relaxed to medium

Channel Islands traces the M23 to the M13 boards Al Merrick rode from Rincon to Sunset. The updated outline adds a fuller rail and more foam than the CI Mid while retaining a sleeker nose and a thruster setup.

The official product selector places it across weak, medium and powerful surf, with point, reef and beachbreak compatibility. That breadth makes it relevant to surfers stepping up from a shortboard and larger riders who still want responsive rail work.

Pros & cons

Extra foam supports easier paddling
Wide wave range listed by Channel Islands
Full rails suit a broad range of surfer sizes
Turns more like a shortboard than a conventional mid-length

More board to redirect than a standard shortboard
Thruster focus will not suit riders seeking a loose twin-fin feel
Exact stock price varies by construction and options

How it surfs

Published M23 coverage consistently focuses on the same trade-off: more paddle power and stability than a shortboard, with a shape intended to stay responsive. Buyers should use the official dimension chart because the unusually broad length range changes the board's role significantly.

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
6'0 to 6'6	See official dimensions	Lighter to mid-weight riders	Intermediate+
6'7 to 7'4	See official dimensions	Broad all-round range	Novice to expert
7'5 to 8'0	See official dimensions	Larger riders / maximum paddle help	Novice to expert

How it compares

Board	Best at	Wave range	Aggregate score
Channel Islands Happy Everyday	Compact daily driver	Knee to overhead	8.9
Pyzel Phantom	Everyday performance	Waist to overhead	8.6

Verdict

Across verified manufacturer and retailer sources, the M23 stands out as a broad-range hybrid for surfers who value paddle support but still want a thruster-driven, responsive shape.

Estimated score: 8.8 / 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

8.8/ 10

8.8

2 sources, none scored

Source	Score	Summary
Safari Town Surf M23 review	No numeric score	"A dedicated review of the M23's hybrid outline, paddle performance and intended wave range."
Down the Line Surf M23 listing	No numeric score	"An authorised retailer listing with model-specific product details and stock configurations."

Frequently asked questions

Is the Channel Islands M23 a mid-length or a shortboard?+

Channel Islands describes it as a high-performance hybrid. It has more foam and paddle support than a shortboard, but its thruster setup and refined outline are intended to turn more like one.

What waves suit the Channel Islands M23?+

The official page lists knee-high through double-overhead-plus surf across point, reef and beach breaks.

What fin setup does the M23 use?+

The recommended setup is a thruster. A five-plug option is available through the official custom configuration.

Who should buy an M23?+

It best suits surfers who want easier paddling, added stability and a broad wave range without moving to a traditional cruiser-style mid-length.

How should I choose an M23 size?+

Start with the official dimension chart and prioritise the length and volume that match your weight, fitness and local waves. The 6'0 to 8'0 range covers very different use cases.