Al Merrick
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."
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Al's work combines: Action Sports, Design, and Building Things
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Day In The Life
Life & Career Milestones
My path in life has been direct
1.
In high school, he felt like he had no direction, especially compared to his peers.
2.
Went to college for two years because it was "the thing to do," but says it just wasn't for him.
3.
Taught himself how to shape surfboards.
4.
Knew what kind of designs he wanted/what would work from his own experience surfing.
5.
Never thought he could make a career out of shaping until well-known surfers started using his boards.
6.
Says he had the most fun during the "lean times" before he had financial success.
7.
Didn't feel any encouragement from his family, who thought he'd never make a living shaping boards.
8.
Says that fear has driven much of what he's done-the fear of failure gives him his drive.
