You know what’s dumb? Being one of those people who has one surfboard that’s made for a professional-level surfer in world class waves. It’s not dumb if you are a professional-level surfer in world class waves, but chances are high that you’re not. Grovelers are one of the most important parts of any quiver for the simple reason that waves are bad more often than they’re good.
Channel Islands, just like every other surfboard company on earth, has latched onto the idea that they’ll sell more boards that are made for the everyday surfer surfing everyday waves. Here are Wade Goodall, Reef Heazlewood, Soli Bailey, Kai Otton, and Connor O’Leary—professional-level surfers used to world-class waves—surfing on the Neck Beard II, the CI Fish, and the Rocket wide, three grovelers that would probably be a good addition to your board rack. Here’s something to remember, though: none of these boards will make you surf as well as these guys. Not even close.
