Al Merrick
Founder
Channel Island Surfboards
Santa Barbara, CA USA
“People are in a rush to start their lives, and it's sad...the rest of their lives, they're working at something they don't enjoy.”
Videos
By Roadtrip NationAl Merrick
Milestones
My road in life has been direct.
In high school, he felt like he had no direction, especially compared to his peers.
Went to college for two years because it was "the thing to do," but says it just wasn't for him.
Taught himself how to shape surfboards.
Knew what kind of designs he wanted / what would work from his own experience surfing.
Never thought he could make a career out of shaping until well-known surfers started using his boards.
Says he had the most fun during the "lean times" before he had financial success.
Didn't feel any encouragement from his family, who thought he'd never make a living shaping boards.
Says that fear has driven much of what he's done-the fear of failure gives him his drive.
Keep following my journey
Career
Founder
I design and shape surfboards for the world's greatest surfers.
Career Roadmap
My work combines:
My work combines:
Action Sports
Design
Building Things
Interviewed By
Beverly Hills - San Francisco
The Southern route team heads to Beverly Hills to interview Hugh Hefner, founder of Playboy Enterprises. In Santa Barbara, the Central Route team meets with Al Merrick, founder of Channel Island Surfboards. The team then heads off to San Francisco to interview Devorah Major, poet laureate.
