It's Official: Burton's Sale of Channel Islands Surfboards brand to Britt Merrick and crew is complete.

As of January 1st, 2021, Channel Islands Surfboards is now owned by CI Surfboards LLC, which is led by Britt Merrick and comprised of senior members of the Channel Islands management team, employees and teamriders. While the announcement of the sale was made in late November to purchase the iconic surfboard brand that was founded by Al and Terry Merrick back in 1969, the deal became final and active as of the new year.

From Britt Merrick, CEO and Lead Shaper/Designer of CI Surfboards LLC released the following announcement earlier today: “This marks the beginning of something that means so much to me, my family and all those that have worked so hard at Channel Islands Surfboards for the past 51 years to make it what it is. Our passion is to enjoy making great surfboards and to in turn help people have beautiful experiences in the surf. We realize that a good board came make for moments of true happiness - and that’s a valuable commodity in today’s crazy world. Our ownership of CI will help us keep pursuing these goals wholeheartedly for years to come. And, though we’ll take a minute to celebrate the occasion and soak it all in, we remain hard at work on a new collection of boards and fins for late winter and spring that I think may be our best collection yet.”

Several long-time CI team riders, who are also now fellow co-owners shared their thoughts on social media today as well.

Dane Reynolds: “CI is as authentic a surfboard business as one can be. I love getting into the factory and seeing it run by surfers. Everyone in there cares about surfboards and the product they’re making.”

Yadin Nicol: “It’s going to be rad to see everyone’s ideas plugged into what we do going forward.”

Lakey Peterson: “I really see an amazing future for CI and the surfboard industry in general, so I’m excited to be a part of that and hopefully be a helping hand along the way.”

Parker Coffin: “I always feel at home when I walk in the doors at Channel Islands, and surrounded by people that are as passionate about surfing as I am.”

Pat Gudauaskas (on behalf of all three G Bros): “Being a part of helping preserve what CI is all about for future generations gives us so much happiness and purpose for being involved with the building of surfboards and what that means for surf culture…. Simply an honor.”