How it surfs
This is a board that rewards surfing off the front foot through flat sections and then setting a rail once the wave stands up. Because the outline is wide, most surfers take length out rather than adding volume, which is why Channel Islands recommends going two to four inches shorter than your height if you are an advanced surfer.
Stock boards at US retailers show the real-world dimensions clearly. Surf Station lists a 5'8" at 19 1/2" wide, 2 1/2" thick and 30.30L, and a 5'9" at 19 3/4" by 2 9/16" and 31.9L, both in PU/Poly at $785.
If your local waves are punchy and hollow, the narrower Channel Islands M23 is the better fit. If you surf soft beachbreak most weekends and want one board that still handles a good day, the Rocket Wide is the more useful shape.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5'8" x 19 1/2" x 2 1/2" | 30.30L | Around 70 to 78 kg | Intermediate to advanced |
| 5'9" x 19 3/4" x 2 9/16" | 31.9L | Around 75 to 84 kg | Intermediate to advanced |
How it compares
| Board | Best at | Wave range | Aggregate score |
|---|---|---|---|
| Channel Islands M23 | Hybrid performance | Knee to double-overhead | 8.8 |
| JS Industries Black Baron 3 | Small-wave speed | Knee to head-high | 9.1 |
| Firewire Mashup | Groveler versatility | Knee to head-high | 8.9 |
Recommended fin setups
- Thruster — Stock option and the reference setup for control in better surf
- Quad — Five-fin versions let you free the tail up in smaller, weaker waves
Verdict
A proven wide-outline shortboard that solves the most common problem in everyday surf: keeping speed when the wave stops helping. The squash tail update makes it turn more smoothly than the older outline, and stock pricing at $785 keeps it competitive with the rest of the Channel Islands range.