Channel Islands M23 - Al Merrick - X-Lite - Futures - 3 Fin - Mid-Length

The M23 comes from the renowned M13 bloodline, a beloved hybrid board that Al Merrick made for himself and rode variants of for decades, from playful Rincon to maxing Sunset. A true high-performance hybrid that suits the widest possible group of surfers and the widest range of wave conditions.

Don't confuse it with the CI Mid: the M23 carries more foam, with a fuller rail and a tighter nose outline. It paddles like a champion yet rides more like a shortboard.

Fins included: None

Construction - X-Lite Technology by Torq Surfboards

X-Lite is Torq's TET press process with a performance tweak for the Channel Islands collab models.

X-Lite starts with a blown blank: EPS is blown directly to the final size and shape, for a perfect reproduction of the shape without shaping, waste, or deviations. The cut-outs for the fin boxes are already included in this process.

The blank is wrapped in biaxial fiberglass cloth, Impact Mesh against dents, carbon strips on the bottom for responsiveness, and a Shield Skin against scratches.

A second press mold, CNC-milled from a single block of aluminum with precision, is used to cure the resin; heating ensures the resin is perfectly distributed.

What does it offer?

Accuracy - no shaping or sanding, and no guesswork. The entire process is controlled: foam density, resin content, and fin inserts.

Low waste - no shaping means no shaping waste. The cloth is laid dry, allowing remnants to be recycled. The resin is measured and applied by weight, with nothing lost on the floor.

Durability in use - biaxial cloth is stronger than plain woven cloth, and the efficient lay-up allows Torq to use a lot of it. The blanks consist of high-density EPS, and epoxy resin is stronger than polyester.

Environment - a low-waste process and a long lifespan mean less impact. Production runs on solar energy, all materials are sourced locally, and the boards are shipped in narrow, chlorine-free boxes with plastic-free packaging materials. Torq makes the fin boxes from GRS and UL-certified recycled plastic.

How do they surf?

Fast and built to last.

The feel is similar to that of a PU, with slightly less of the lightweight directness of a vacuum EPS/epoxy board. They dampen well but don't feel flat: the carbon maintains stiffness for responsiveness.

Across the board, they are fast, and you'll only need a short time to get used to them if you're coming from another board technology.

About Torq

Torq builds surfboards in its own press constructions like TEC and X-Lite, collaborating with established shapers and brands, including Channel Islands and Rusty. The boards are light, durable, and produced with an eye for waste and energy consumption. Exactly the kind of board that suits the cold, changeable waters where Hart Beach surfers spend their hours.