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Things Will Come


Al Merrick

Al Merrick

Founder

Channel Island Surfboards

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.

About Al

  • 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.