Al Merrick Fishbeard + Channel Islands Fish + Neckbeard 2 Review - The Surfboard Guide

Hi,
Welcome to our review of the Channel Islands Fishabeard!
I have been riding the Fishbeard in the stock 5'9 x 19 5/8 x 2 1/2 - 30.7L
The Fishbeard is a new high performance twin fin by Channel Islands based off the very popular Neckbeard 2, and a little influence from the C.I Fish.
I've been riding my Fishbeard for a while now across a whole variety of conditions, and have been very impressed with how capable the board is in anything from 1ft to 6ft.
From www.cisurfboar...
Parker Coffin said it first: “A NeckBeard 2 would work sick as a keel-fin fish!” So we go to work redesigning the back half of the NB2 template and rocker, paired the board with our CI Keel Fins, and the FishBeard was born.
The FishBeard is pure business in the front and all party in the back. Get forward on this user-friendly board and drive from the center and you’ll have all the speed and flow you always desired. Step back on the tail to engage the fins and rails, which provides you hold, pivot, projection and the freedom to rip as hard as ever. To keep the party going, we dug into the archives and found some vintage mid-80’s, fluorescent logos and recreated CI’s iconic layup from that era.
For maximum performance, we highly recommend pairing the board with Futures AMK Keel Fins. Although inspired by classic keel outlines, the all-new AMK template boasts a modern rake shape, graduated tip flex and flat inside foils finely tuned for fast, high-performance surfing. This keel-fin design is built to rip but also ideal for those that just want to groove.
For fins in the board, i've been riding a few different fins in the Fishbeard, but have been most impressed with the AMK and K2 keel twin fins by Futures Fins.
Al Merrick Keel (AMK) - futuresfins.co...
Make no mistake, this fin ain't retro. Although inspired by classic keel outlines, the all-new AMK template boasts a modern rake shape, graduated tip flex and flat inside foils finely tuned for fast, high performance surfing. This keel-fin design is built to rip but also ideal for those that just want to groove.
K2 twin fin - futuresfins.co...
The K2 Fiberglass Keel fin is a smaller, more refined version compared to our traditional K1 Keel. The K2 Keel is made of solid fiberglass offering stability and control at top speed, while the smaller template offers a more high performance feel while maintaining the classic glide and trim of the keel.
Thanks so much for watching today, and be sure to check us out on Instagram at thesurfboardguide
Also, thanks to Sam from You Surf I Film for the surf footage - check him out at yousurf_ifilm
Thanks again for watching, and be sure to subscribe if you want to see more surfboard reviews, and feel free to share!

[@ShauninParadise]

Thank you so much for this thorough review. I'm buying a 5'7" today even though its 1.5 more litres than my shortboard. I want a little float and I like the longer rail line.

[@TheSurfboardGuide]

Sorry for the delay getting back - but i would have recommended that, so hopefully it went well!

[@craigduplooy6249]

Hey Craig, would you go Fishbeard or Lane Splitter for the conditions in Sydney? Cheers

[@Kyokushinkaisaitama.yokawadojo]

I’ve been to ride for 2years .it’s not only front side but especially back side is so fun ride👍

[@TheSurfboardGuide]

Awesome to hear! It’s a super fun and capable board! ✌️

[@jordidalmau8471]

So wich are the differences btw the neckbeard and the fishbeard for you ? Did you notice the fishbeard faster/looser or different in any other aspect? I guess than otherwise it would be wiser going for a neckbeard2 instead having the option of 3 fins? Am I wrong? Thanks mate

[@TheSurfboardGuide]

Hey! Yeah, they surf very differently, it isn't just like a NB2 with a twin setup. The Fishbeard has a straighter and longer feel and really wants to do more longer rail turns, where the NB2 wants to snap loosely in and out of more modern performance surfing. Hope that makes sense...

[@jordidalmau8471]

@@TheSurfboardGuide Sure it does, thanks mate! And in terms of speed, do you notice any difference? Would you define any of them as a decent groovelers?

[@jordidalmau8471]

??

[@kevincomerford9849]

Craig, awesome review i've watched this like 100 times now and this board seems similar to the Panda Rocket Fish which is another board im looking at (also have seen that review 100 times). What would you say are the main differences between these two boards. I'm about a beginner transitioning intermediate surfing smaller jersey swells like 1-5 ft, which would be a better twin for max fun?

[@bencarr605]

how much do you weigh? I'm currently riding a board with too much volume and i think I'd like to drop down to the 35ish range but also want something shorter than 6 feet. The 5 10 sounds like something I'd like to try but at 32 litres of volume im a bit concerned. Im 210 pounds 6' 1"

[@TheSurfboardGuide]

I'm 90kgs - but i'm only 5'10 and height makes a difference too... I think you could come down in volume, but the length you wouldn't want to go too short as a taller guy.

[@seppyrox]

Hi mate, thanks for great review. How do you think this board would go in spinetek? I'm same height/weight as you ( got a few years on you though ) and was looking at the 5'11. My HPSB sit around 33-34ltr so hoping this will suit. Whaddya reckon? Cheers

[@TheSurfboardGuide]

sorry just saw this. I think it would be amazing in Spinetek, I've seen a few since and they look great!

[@buzzo89]

Got a 6'0 fishbeard in spinetek and it's unreal, can't believe I've waited so long to ride a twinnie just so fast.

[@nickbrown7955]

Hey Craig, how does the board go with no tail pad? Just interested to see if you felt any limitation to riding a high performance board without traction?

[@TheSurfboardGuide]

I thought i would struggle, but it was actually ok. I'd rather a pad, but they look funny on boards like this...

[@allenwilliams8962]

How does FB go backside for a 47 year old lifetime thruster rider? and could size this 3Liters more than HP board for groveling 1-2 foot? or would it be to hard to control w/ twin?

[@TheSurfboardGuide]

Forehand and backhand it felt good. If you're a thruster die hard, then this is probably a good twin to transition to. I'd add a little more foam, but don't go too big.

[@justinallen3475]

Some of your best surfing I’ve seen on that FB

[@TheSurfboardGuide]

Not sure if that’s a compliment or not…

[@justinallen3475]

@@TheSurfboardGuide haha it was! You were ripping on that thing Craig. Hey while we’re at it, do you have any experience with the Britt Merrick twins? I’m about your size and feel like i just don’t get enough drive off most upright twin fins

[@TheSurfboardGuide]

Do you mean the BMT’s by Futures? Yeah, I think I’ve surfed them in a few boards (this one), and also the C.I Mid Twin, and the Twin Pin. They feel good, in between a keel and an upright twin ✌️

[@lorenzovannelli8961]

Hey mate! What size and volume would you suggest for a 6'3 tall guy at 75 kg, who normally surf 29 liters?

[@TheSurfboardGuide]

Hey! Probably just go a litre or two above your shortboard volume, unless you think that will be too short, then you may need to custom one a bit longer as you're quite tall.

[@lorenzovannelli8961]

@@TheSurfboardGuide thankssss

[@didymostruespeal]

Hi. What differences did you feel between the panda surfboard rocketfish and the fish beard?? Thank you very much in advance

[@TheSurfboardGuide]

BOth great boardsm, but the fishbeard surfed more like a shortboard - i think that is due to the design coming from the Neckbeard. Where the Rocket Fish is based off you more traditional "Fish" design.

[@didymostruespeal]

@@TheSurfboardGuide you're a legend thanks bro. I disagree with your assessment about weight and volume. I had a custom made fish beard with wider thicker. I'll tell you how it goes it's been 8 weeks being made. I get it tomorrow. Thanks again. Keep doing what you're doing it's working

[@TheSurfboardGuide]

@@didymostruespeal sounds good! What part do you disagree with re weight/volume?

[@didymostruespeal]

@@TheSurfboardGuide I just saw that latest reply. I have boards that are 45 l that I can surf up to 210 lb. My usual weight is 180. Then I have less the new board I think is I don't know that I didn't measure liters it's 21 and 3/4 in wide 2 and 7/8 in thick 5'10 fish beard- ish by the local Master shaper Sauritch... Changed from a big heel to a shorter keel high performance fin and it just smokes it's awesome! You have about five new episodes I've got to catch up on. Thanks again brother

[@TheSurfboardGuide]

@@didymostruespeal Thanks for your response - sounds like you're all over it!

[@johnslater945]

craig, great review, im 5.7, my local surfshop has a 5.8 fishbeard, do you think it too big?

[@TheSurfboardGuide]

Maybe - how far off your normal volume is it?

[@nickozu169]

Noticed your nb2 is in PU. Have you tried it in spinetek?

[@TheSurfboardGuide]

Bang On Blinds no - but I’m hoping to get one shortly for a possible wave pool visit. Stay tuned...

[@nickozu169]

@@TheSurfboardGuide for celebrity stab high in Melb? 😉😆

[@garyclutton1388]

Hey ! I m looking at a6.0 35.2 lts I fishbeard , I’m in my 50s 95kg do you think it’s enough volume , i am an advanced surfer ? CHEERS

[@TheSurfboardGuide]

Yeah for sure - what volume do you normally ride? Don't go too much above that, as this board is very performance.

[@garyclutton1388]

@@TheSurfboardGuide would you believe 37 lts just got a neck3 in 35.5Lts it’s such a fun board . Cheers

[@MasterPetrie]

Do you like the Fishbeard better than the Christenson Fish?

[@58shortboard]

Craig, excellent review and analysis of the “fish beard.” It really helped me finalize my dimensions for a custom fb. Only 7 more weeks, till I get my hands on it! What about a fish beard part 2 follow up, 2 months from now. Is it a one board quiver? Etc. Thanks and looking forward to more reviews

[@TheSurfboardGuide]

Adventure1st let’s see how we go - great idea though! Also, let us know how you go with yours?

[@terenceingram7786]

Great review. You were looking good on the board. And you answered my question whether or not it can be my daily driver up to almost double overhead (dependent on the wave). Glad you tried T1 fins. I have the AMK. So fins are sorted. I even have Machado keels from GoFish I could try. You have just made my next board decision a little more challenging. I wonder if I should try and order it in Spinetek?

[@TheSurfboardGuide]

I saw a Spinetek last week and it looked pretty spicy, bummer i didn't get to try one out! If you get one, please let us know how you go with it!

[@MoskNJ]

Thinking about stepping to my first non-longboard. Good option? I'm 6'2" and 85kg, looking at the 6'4". Nice moves btw!!

[@TheSurfboardGuide]

Sounds good - try not to go too big though, you want to keep it short and loose as it has a fairly long/straight rail line and will surf quite long/big. Just make sure it has the right float in it for you!

[@---bd2zy]

What size you recommend? I’m 6’0 95kg, was thinking 6’0. Ride 35l shortboard

[@TheSurfboardGuide]

Hey mate! Sizing is personal, but i'd aim to your regular volume you ride in a shortboard, or adding just a tiny amount of foam!

[@capricorn_drifter]

Hi Craig, nice review, if you had to choose Fishbeard or Neckbeard 2?

[@TheSurfboardGuide]

ttv74 don’t think I could pick at the moment. I’m so frothing on the Fishbeard as it’s new, but the Neckbeard is so solid - so I think I need both!

[@capricorn_drifter]

@@TheSurfboardGuide Nice, what is an FCS equivalent to the AMK?

[@TheSurfboardGuide]

ttv74 I’m not sure - I’ve only used FCS’s upright twins, never keels...

[@TheSurfboardGuide]

James Schramko thanks mate! Same template, or just very similar?

[@capricorn_drifter]

Thanks James 👍

[@ocean1141]

How did the FB go on your backhand?

[@TheSurfboardGuide]

Good! Unfortunately we only got rights when filming... :-(

[@excaliburfeiraseventos6952]

Hi Craig, Fishbeard or HK Twin? =)

[@TheSurfboardGuide]

Flip a coin… 😂 That’s a tough one

[@coreymiddleton1798]

GREAT to see "the beast" unleashed in some decent sized waves! Id like to see you cut loose in a special Hawaiian or Indo edition. Shit yeh!

[@TheSurfboardGuide]

Haha! Thanks mate! Hopefully get back over to Hawaii soon and tee up some filming, love me some Rocky Point!

[@rallnaude642]

Love this board, but have to say the NB2 in Spinetek is amazing 🤙🏻

[@TheSurfboardGuide]

Rall Naude epic! I’ve got one coming hopefully for an upcoming wave pool visit... 🤙

[@rallnaude642]

The Surfboard Guide was down in Melbourne last week for business and on the way back visited the pool, looks epic. The NB2 in Spinetek will be on 🔥 in the pool 🤙🏻

[@TheSurfboardGuide]

@@rallnaude642 I'm frothing - hopefully have some dates sorted tomorrow. Then, going to look at a few boards that would be best for the pool...

[@dporri]

Thoughts on fishbeard vs Hypto krypto? Loved both your reviews. Would appreciate your opinion.

[@TheSurfboardGuide]

Not even comparable, both very different boards... If that was my two board quiver though, i'd be very happy!

[@nipuna3052]

Black baron or fishbeard?

[@TheSurfboardGuide]

oh... I'm thinking Fishbeard!

[@BeatOnTheBratOhYeah]

Great review and sick board! Are you going to review the christenson lane splitter? It looks so much fun could be a killer review!

[@TheSurfboardGuide]

Hey! No plans for the Lane Splitter, but agree it does look like fun and the surfing I've seen on it in clips etc looks epic!

[@soulsurfer3102]

Hey Do more reviews.

[@TheSurfboardGuide]

surfer I’ll give it a go! Thanks!

[@billyflynn4521]

What’s your weight and height

[@TheSurfboardGuide]

5'10 x 90kgs

[@bonsummers2657]

What's your weight?

[@TheSurfboardGuide]

90kgs

[@glengoodwin]

Hmmmmm, Black Baron or Fishbeard?

[@TheSurfboardGuide]

Thats a tough one... I think the Fishbeard works well across a wider range of waves (1-6ft), where the Black Baron was amazing, but really kind of taps out at around 4ft.

[@jasonsonderfan2381]

How much do you weigh mate?

[@TheSurfboardGuide]

Jason Sonderfan 90kgs

[@jasonsonderfan2381]

Oh ok just curious. I weigh 190 lbs. wondering what literage I should ride.

[@TheSurfboardGuide]

Jason Sonderfan what’s that - like 85kg? I ride quite low volume to weight, but this sits at almost a liter more than my normal shortboard, and around 2” shorter. Don’t go too short with it, and add a tad more foam for paddle power! ✌️

[@jasonsonderfan2381]

Thanks mate

[@transplant07]

🤟🤟🤟🤟🤟🤟🤟🤟🤟🤟🤟

[@TheSurfboardGuide]

Yes! 👍👍👍👍

[@fishlexic]

sahhhhhhhh

[@TheSurfboardGuide]

Ssssaaaaaahhhhhhhh!