Discover the Best Channel Island Surfboards for Summer

When the sun’s out and the waves are small but fun, you want a board that brings the heat without compromising on performance. We’ve handpicked three Channel Islands surfboards that fly in summer conditions the Dumpster Diver 2, Mikey February Fish (Feb's Fish), and the Better Everyday.

These boards cover everything from playful grovellers to cruisey twin-fins, giving you a set of options for any session. We’ve ridden them, reviewed them, and added in the tech specs so you know exactly what each model brings to your summer quiver.

Better Everyday

The Channel Islands Happy Everyday Surfboard just got an upgrade. Introducing the Channel Islands Better Every Day — a board built to push performance further while maintaining the versatility people loved in its predecessor. We have been frothing to get this Channel Islands board in - it's a must for the quiver.

Designed to thrive in many conditions, the Better Everyday brings a refined feel to your daily driver, whether the waves are mellow or punchy.

Design & Features

This board takes the DNA of the Happy Everyday Channel Islands surfboard and has been fine-tuned into a sleeker, more performance-focused shape that will have you shredding in no time. Check out our Board Review done by our shop manager, Justin!

Why we love it:

• Increased nose rocker for a smoother entry in steeper waves.
• A sleeker tail and softened CI hip for more responsive turns.
• A swallow tail and five-fin setup comes standard, providing added grip and adaptability. Based on past feedback, this tail/fin combo has already proven popular, with earlier Happy Everyday Customs receiving high praise from our customers.

CI Specs:

• Rocker: Balanced entry with a relaxed to medium nose rocker and medium tail rocker for all-round performance
• Rails: Medium rails for a forgiving yet responsive feel
• Concave: Subtle single to double concave for lift and control
• Tail Shape: Swallow tail for added hold and manoeuvrability
• Fin Setup: Versatile 5-fin set
• Recommended Skill Level: Ideal for intermediate to expert level
• Wave Type: Performs best in waist-high to overhead, quality waves

Performance

The Better Everyday performs across a wide spectrum, making it worth the hype:

• Small wave groveller? Check.
• Bigger, punchier surf? Absolutely
  
• The new tweaks give this board more drive, more release and even more manoeuvrability! Nonetheless these changes do not sacrifice any of the flow and down the line speed that we have come to love from the Happy Everyday.
• Importantly, it’s been optimised for quad fin setups, with Channel Islands recommending their FCS CI quad template for the best experience. The slightly more upright profile of these fins boosts pivot and provides a lively, fun feel, especially suited for this board’s shape. Although the quad set up is highly recommended by us and Britt Merrick, a thruster set up will always do the job!

Our Thoughts

We’re stoked on this board. It’s more refined, more responsive, and more adaptable, the name says it all. Whether you’re already a CI fan or on the search to add a reliable go-to to your quiver, the Better Everyday feels like a no-brainer. Come into the shop, get it under your arm, and see why we think it lives up to the name.

Feb's Fish

The Feb’s Fish by Channel Islands is a standout twin fin made in collaboration with Mikey February, the style master. Featured in his latest film Spearfish (a must if you haven’t seen it already), this board has captured attention for its smooth, stylish lines and all-around capability.

Whether you're hustling mellow beach breaks or solid overhead conditions, the Feb’s Fish delivers with confidence and ease.

Design & Features

What sets the Feb’s Fish apart isn’t just its style—it’s the performance-driven details built into this product. This board blends the fluid freedom of a classic twin with modern elements that enhance speed, control, and versatility across a wide range of waves. Let’s take a closer look at what makes it special.

Why we love it:

• Unique tail shape that sets it apart from typical twin fins
• More rocker than a traditional keel-fin fish, creating added manoeuvrability and responsiveness
• Balanced template for smooth transitions and flow
• Blends a classic twin fin feel with progression

CI Specs:

• Ideal Wave Height: Best in mid/chest high to well overhead conditions
• Break Type: Suitable for point breaks, reefs, and beach breaks
• Wave Power: Performs in a wide range, from weak/mushy waves to medium/steep and barrelling surf
• Performance Approach: Handles vertical drops, power carving, and cruisy drawn-out lines
• Surfer Skill Level: Suitable for intermediate and expert.

Performance

Britt Merrick has created a surfboard that shines across a wide range of conditions—from crumbly local beach breaks to hollow, powerful surf. Mikey February demonstrates his capability with expressive, fluid lines, especially on his backhand form at Uluwatu. It’s reliable, fast, and turns tight when you need it to—offering a progressive twin fin experience with plenty of hold and drive.

Our Thoughts

Our board review demonstrates how the Feb’s Fish is a beautifully executed, versatile twin fin that pushes the boundaries of traditional fish shape and is inspired by one of the most stylish guys out there. It’s perfect for surfers looking to bring a bit more style without sacrificing performance. If you’re after a board that turns heads in and out of the water, this is the one to go for, and we have stock!

Dumpster Diver 2

The Dumpster Diver 2 from Channel Islands and Dane Reynolds has officially landed with a bang in the UK! It's been highly anticipated - we have been psyched to finally be able to pop this one under the arm. Born from Dane’s “Out of the Rafters” project, where he revisited his original Dumpster Diver and remembered how much he loved it, this updated model has stirred excitement through clips of Dane ripping on it and the buzz around the Small Wave Support Group. It's a modern evolution of a cult classic, and we highly recommend you add one of these to your quiver!

Design & Features

While maintaining the core DNA of the original Dumpster Diver, the DD2 introduces several contemporary upgrades. Check out our board review!

Why we love it:

• Wider Nose and Tail: Enhances paddle power for quicker take-offs and better positioning
• Increased Nose and Tail Rocker: Boosts responsiveness and helps with tighter turns.
• Subtle Single Concave: Adds drive and speed down the line.
• Refined Hip in the Tail: Provides extra release through turns for a looser, more agile feel.
• Fin Compatibility: Pairs well with Dane’s custom fins or the CI AM templates. We also have FCS2 and Futures available - plenty of options for the perfect ride.
• Construction Options: At Down the Line Surf, we have PU available as well as the famous Spine-Tek version!

CI Specs

• Break Type: Point, reef, and beach breaks
• Wave Size: Great for knee-high to double overhead and chunkier slabs
• Wave Power: Handles mushy to barrelling surf - ideal for us guys in the UK
• Skill Level: Intermediate to expert
• Rails: Full
• Tail Width: Medium squashed tail
• Rocker: Relaxed

Performance

The Dumpster Diver 2 is a versatile, high-performance shortboard made to excel across a wide range of wave conditions. It is a modern evolution of the cult classic, designed for quick paddling, responsive turning, and smooth flow in a wide range of conditions. A perfect collaboration between Britt and Dane!

Our thoughts

The Dumpster Diver 2 is a standout board for UK shredders looking for something that balances performance and versatility in all conditions. It’s lively, fun, and forgiving in smaller waves but still holds strong when pushed in bigger surf. The fin options—either the Channel Islands, Dane Reynolds' own set, or the trusted AM templates—pair perfectly with the design.

We currently have both PU and Spine-Tek constructions in stock and don't forget you can also order your dream custom board through us at any time. If you’re curious or need more info on any Channel Islands Surfboards, don’t hesitate to get in touch—we’re here to help.

To Sum it Up

Whether you're chasing punchy peaks or mellow peelers, these Channel Islands boards deliver. From the speedy Better Everyday to the stylish Feb’s Fish and all-around ripper Dumpster Diver 2 — your Channel Islands summer surf setup is sorted.

Pop in, pick your weapon, and get out there. Summer’s calling.