Channel Islands CI Mid Surfboard Review
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- čas přidán 13. 09. 2024
- In this episode I review Channel Islands Mid. It has a more traditional mid length vibe than my Seaside and Beyond.
All CI Mid’s get hand shaped and glassed in California. I’m really happy with the glassing job. After 10 sessions, I’ve only got one tiny hairline crack from putting this board through the beatings at New York and New Jersey shore breaks.
From 1 up to 2 ft waves, the board is super cruisy, holding the line pretty well. It paddles much slower than Seaside and Beyond but catches waves way easier especially on windy days. You can milk tiny sections with a lot of glide from CI Mid.
From 3+ and above, CI Mid is turning into a more performance beast and wants you to draw different lines. I have to take my time before settings up any turn and I’d suggest finding a good spot with long sections to start linking the turns. It’s amazing.
I prefer to surf it as a single fin. I didn’t like to surf with the side bites as it felt kind of stiff. I think it would be a great option for big and steep waves to get a good hold.
I didn’t like CI Mid in the beginning. It went opposite after I adjusted my style of riding this board and now, the more I surf on CI mid, the more I love it and feel connected.
I don’t think that CI Mid smoothers my surfing much unlike the Seaside and Beyond. However it makes me feel more relaxed on a wave and learn to look further down the line and try to milk the wave until it gives up.
I think CI Mid is a great board and it’s going to be a keeper even if it's less user friendly than my Firewire Seaside and Beyond.
I’d recommend CI Mid to anyone who wants to experiment and learn new lines.
Thanks for tuning in and enjoy my review!
Board dimensions:
7'0 x 21 1/8 x 2 3/4
Volume: 44.9L
My Height: 5’9” or 175.3 cm
My Weight: 155 lbs or 70.3 kg
The clips were filmed on Soloshot Optic 25/60 and iPhone X.
Instagram: / skippersurfreview
Links:
General rules for single fin positioning:
wavearcade.com...
FINS:
SMITH / PARRISH “7 center fin:
www.trueames.c...
True Ames 3.7” side bites:
www.trueames.c...
The 2+1 fin set that Channel Islands designed with True Ames: shop.cisurfboards.com/collections/fins/products/shapers-ci-mid-2-1-fin-set
#cisurfboards #cimid
Thank you for taking the time to review the board we worked on. It may be tough to compare the ride of Seaside to Mid, they are very different, not apples to apples. One is more from the Fish type of line with quad set up and one from Egg with two plus one. The CI Mid was born of all the stuff I like in a egg type shapes aka Mindlength (which is just a catch all term for longer fuller templated boards in the 6'6 0- 8' range). When it's shoulder high and under I will ride typically ride a traditional longboard or a fish type of board to skate over the flats... The Mid type of design was built with shoulder high and over surf in mind. I wanted an egg design that could go faster on and do bigger turns with full control and ease. Something crisp with a very noticeable spark. I think it's fair to say that in small waves a single-fin on the Mid can make sense if the waves are cruisey or gutless. The side bites are essential in that shoulder high and over to experience all the board has to offer, there is no sensation of drag when waves are over waist to stomach or have some power.. Another thing I noticed on your review is that when you go to do your turns I would recommend pumping more like you are on top of a ballbearing and then when you initiative the turn pick up your back foot and move it toward the tail a few inches to get more over the fin then lean into it. You also made a note about your arm placement which does make a big difference. Anyhow, thanks again for this and I hope people enjoy the board if they decide to give it a try. ..... Here is an article with some helpful info if you are not sure how to approach your next Midlength board. www.surfer.com/features/heres-what-you-need-to-know-before-buying-your-first-mid-length/
Hi Devon, for some reason, CZcams has flagged your well detailed comment with great insights of CI Mid under "Held for review" section.
I've just noticed it today and I would like to say thank you so much for taking your time for watching my review and providing the feedback.
This is really helpful and I can't wait to try to apply your tips in regards to making turns on CI Mid.
When we get the next solid swell, I feel like I'm going to surf it with a different vision from now on.
I will try to put the side bites back and see how it works for me in shoulder+ high waves. So, I'll probably do another review on CI Mid in pumping surf.
I wasn't intended to compare CI Mid to Seaside and Beyond as you said, they have are very different and I'd say they're born with different DNA's.
I spent almost a whole year surfing on the Seaside and Beyond which is "considered" as a mid length. I was expecting CI Mid to perform similar despite the shape and history in the beginning but
after spending a month longer on it, I've started feeling CI Mid better and how to approach to it in terms of performance.
Thank you for CI Mid and I can't wait to see what you are going to create next! Cheers!
Wow. this is great!
I had the same experience and I like the way you described it. Thank you, Devon.
Thank you for creating CI Mid! Helpful article👍
Devon do you ever use bonzer style runners with your mid lengths?
I have had this board for a good 7 x months . Goes really well . I personally don’t like 2 plus 1 so I ride as thruster - large performer at back and interchange on side either medium reactor - flies or the performer set. Recently , put in 2 large M5 twins as a twin fin - Holds and flies in small and fairly big stuff . Easy to duck dive - put that foot on back and it will duck dive well. I am 60 , fairly fit and find as a good winter board it hold well. Flat in rocker , paddles well and holds a late drop. Well, I do need all the help I can get 😊👍
Hi Richard, you’ve got the interesting fin setup. Thank you for your input. I would like to get m5 fins and play around in small waves. That’s what we usually get out here. We rarely have 4-6ft days with good shape and consistency. I have to chase the nuggets all the time😁🤙🏽
Sold! I need one! I love your reviews great to see how a board works in different conditions. 🙌🏼🙌🏼🙌🏼
Thank you, Gary.
It's one of the best reviews out there for ci mid. You surf very smooth.
Thank you!!
Fantastic review! I really like how you go over everything and show the footage too. Similar to your Seaside and Beyond review I think this may be the best personal CI Mid review that's out there! You can really see that they board comes to life when the surf gets a bit higher. I'm receiving mine next month, 6'10 in same colour as you :)
Thank you, Koen. Much appreciate your feedback. Yes, you're totally right about "comes to life" part. Have fun with yours and can't wait to hear about your experience! Cheers!
You're getting better.. The surfing is looking smoother.
Thank you, Casey! We've had a good run of waves for a month . It's been flat for a few weeks. Hope I don't forget how to surf when the waves are back, may be next month. Cheers!
Very informative and well edited review, thank you...♥️🌊🌊🌊🇮🇪🤙
Thank you, Mark!
I wanted to say thank you! After watching your review, I made the right choice and got one. It works incredible! Keep up the great work!
Great to hear! Thanks for watching!
Just called the surf shop to order 7'2". Thank you for the honest review.
Hope you enjoy it!
Great review...i have the ci mid on my radar but after your review it is a must to have that board on the quiver!!!from Argentina, congrats!
Thank you, Marcelo! After I’ve been spending more time on it lately, I found a nice set of side bites www.surffcs.com/products/fcs-b5-bonzer-pg-fins that works amazing for me at this moment. There are a lot of options in terms of fin setup and it’s really fun to play with. Cheers!
Great review. I was on the fence about getting this board, now I'm definitely going to get one. I hope Chanel Island hooks you up, you're a great salesperson!
Thank you, Sand Coffee! Have fun with it! If you could send me a copy of your receipt, I can try to claim a courtesy gift from Channel Islands🙈 jk🤙🏽
Hi,
Love your channel. I’m 51 and getting back into surfing and for the life of me can’t decide on mid lengths! So many options 😂 I think this one looks like the go! I also looked at the m23 , but think the ci mid would catch more waves! Thanks for the great review.
This is incredible review! Thank you, Yuri.
Glad you enjoyed it!
Very comprehensive review. Thanks!
Thank you, FBones🤙🏼
Nice video. Thanks for providing wave period, etc. Really helpful info.
Thank you!
Very good format. The surfer comparisons, very informative.
Thank you, Hugh!
Nice review. I’ve been looking at that board for awhile. lol
Thank you, Charles!
So, no one’s going to mention your switch stance? Nice work there!
I was onto that hahaha yeeeeeww mad dog \m/
Thank you, Peter🙏🏼🤙🏼 An Indoboard helps a lot with that.
I noticed that yeah.
Very cool
Hey Skip - I was wondering about the switch stance too...I’ve not seen anyone ride this board well backhand. Is that why you are switching? Is it difficult? I’m goofy and generally have to surf backhand where I live...keen to hear your view in this. Cheers & thanks
@@kitingham4070 Hey Kit! No, I surf switch stance just for fun. It does work fine going backside, don't have to nurse the turns. Hope this helps!
Really honest review. Thank you. I have ci mid in 7'6" and it rides like a dream in pumping surf!
What is your body size ?
@@NelsonDHD 5'10", 175 lbs. CI Mid needs some size to work better. I rather surf my grov or shortboard in small waves.
@@localripper8904 Thanks, I'm same height but about 30-40 lbs less than you. I'm thinking of one in the 6'11" range and specifically for bigger waves with a bit of get in early to avoid taking off too late, something us not prosurfers struggle with or at least myself...
Glad you like it!
I'm 5'9" 155 lbs. Sometimes it jumps up to 160 if I eat more wifey's apple pies.
Great reviews love your videos! Do you have any thoughts on the Soloshot? You seem like one of the few surfers consistently getting quality shots with it. Reviews seem mixed particularly about customer service so wanted to get your opinion if you have time. Thanks!
Hi Ben, thank you!!! Yes, I do. I’m actually working on the Soloshot3 review and I’m planning on getting it out this week. Stay tuned🤙🏼
Thank You for the great review.
My pleasure!
Thanks for the awesome, thorough review!! Enjoy!!
Thanks for watching!
Nice review! I really enjoyed seeing the different conditions.
Thank you very much!
Great review, very helpful
Hi Mynameisjp07! Glad to hear it!
I really dig your reviews man. Mahalo 🤙🏽
Thank you🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼
Awesome man, another great review! Please keep them coming! It is great to hear your thoughts on these two boards, they echo mine.
I notice the same thing with my 6' 8" SS&B and the 6' 10" Huntsman, with respect to paddling. That big center fin must cause a significant amount of drag, even with the Huntsman having a bit more volume. The paddling difference is noticeable. I found that I need to paddle the Huntsman much more forward, to the point the nose goes under. Almost like paddling a short board. Similarly, I feel the SS&B has more performance, but the Huntmans can handle a steeper barreling waves. I like having both boards. Surprisingly, I prefer surfing the Huntsman, but the lack of paddling performance causes me to grab SS&B. If the Huntsman paddled better, I would probably sell the SS&B. The SS&B is faster and when you start working the rail, yikes it takes off. The Huntsman is just not as fast.
Interesting about the side bites, great info! Thanks again!!!
Thank you, Jamie. You’re right. That single fin.. lol. I need to get a smaller one like 6” to see how it will go. I literally wanted to sell CI Mid after my first session. I think Seaside and Beyond has spoiled me or may be us🙈 CI Mid doesn’t allow me to rush, gotta go with what the wave offers me. I’m mostly chilling on the waves now and tbh, it helped me to surf better on a shortboard. The Huntsman looks really interesting so does Lost Smooth Operator. Oops.. I gotta start a new man-child budget for mid lengths🤯
@@SkipperSurfReview FYI -I am running an 8" fin on my 6' 10". My fin is placed a bit more forward, which I prefer. In saying this, it might be time for me to move it even a bit more forward for my liking. I didn't think I would have recognized the fore/aft movement of the fin, but I did. You might want to experiment with moving the fin more forward as it frees the board and it turns quicker.
Haha - so funny I literally had the same experience. I bought the Huntsman based on a shop recommendation after providing lots of information for my next board for bigger waves point break waves with emphasis on paddling to catch them. The board is not cheap. I got it, loved the looks, the quality. First surf, I was pissed because of the paddling. I felt like I wasn't moving and this is compared to paddling a 5' 8" Cymatic around. I did have fun surfing it, but it felt like step backwards. I didn't know what to do. I was ready to sell it ASAP. I then tinkered with the fin and surfed it a few more times in actually some bigger waves and then I started to appreciate the magic in the board. Only a few boards have improved my surfing and this is one of them. Again paddling the Huntsman much more forward helped a lot. The Album Plasmic was the other one that improved my surfing and it became the board that I grabbed all of the time. I broke the Plasmic over the holidays - whimper, whimper. As I wait for the new Plasmic, the Huntsman is one of my goto boards.
The Huntsman and Plasmic let me surf but also keep me in check with my surfing - if that makes sense. The Plasmic has speed and looseness, but the right amount. I have other boards that are too fast.
It is interesting to me how some boards feel magically in your arms, but don't produce when surfing. I can't figure out why some boards paddle better than others.
Since you CI-mid, the Huntsman is similar. I got addicted to the twin fin feel so I have a few on order.
Anyway, try moving your single fin around (ie more forward) in the CI-mid.
@@jamiemacmahan3417 wow thank you so much for your insights. I’ll definitely move it as soon as the waves arrive🤞🏼🤞🏼🤞🏼 We just got into a flat spell on the East Coast. At least it’s going to be sunny with sitting high pressure over North East. What twin fins are you getting?
Great review and smooth surfing!
Thank you, Maynard🤙🏼
Although I regularly ride fish/ fuller outlined shortboards, I find that my mid allows for a certain sensation that is vastly more enjoyable in most conditions. Along with the rest of my quiver, I have been riding a “mid” for the past 15 yrs. However, it has only been in the last 3yrs that people referred to it as a mid....thanks to CI. People were calling it all sorts of things before that.....fun shape, hybrid etc...they didnt know how to classify it. I really didn’t care, i just rode the hell out of it.
Totally agree! Thanks for sharing your experience. It feels like more people are interested in riding mid lengths these days as more surfboard builders started coming out with different functional models that could give you great advantage either in meager conditions or pumping surf! Cheers!
excellent review champ!
Thanks for watching, Ivan!
Great review!
Thank you, Carlos.
very informative and i like how you surfed in tiny waves!
Glad you liked it!
Hello !!!
I have ci mid 7’ 4 … I really like and I notice all the advantages that you mention …
I m thinking now to grab another mid but smaller size … because sometimes with big waves is not easy to hand the 7,4 …
I m pretty big 1,90 cm 82 kg…..
What do you think bro ?Do you see compatible another ci mid board but 6’ 10 for example ? Or you recommend go smaller size but trying new like “ the cote” pukas or twin track from Christenson?
Great review!
Congrats !
Hey Miguel! Thanks for watching. Well, it all depends on your level of surfing in terms of catching waves/pop up.. Like if you can catch smaller waves on 7'4" from the inside and making late drops, barely paddling to get waves, then you should be fine with dropping down in size & volume. If not, then it's going to be pretty challenging. You are currently at 49L on 7'4" CI Mid..and overall this board is pretty stable. I would suggest in this case to drop 5 liters and may be go with 7'0" Seaside and Beyond LFT which would give you more drive, will be easier to turn. It's very stable on pop up/paddling etc. I've never surfed Christensen nor Pukas so I can't really say anything how they would work in general. You can also consider going custom with Album Surfboards -> Plasmic model (twin fin) and keep the volume around 43 Liters which should allow you to duck dive. Please let me know what you think about it. You can also reach out to me on IG @skippersurfreview to chat more. Cheers!
Please talk more about comparisons of the Seaside & Beyond and the CI Mid in future videos. I was about to get a 7'2" shaped to look a bit like the CI Mid. After watching your videos I am tempted to go with something more like the Seaside & Beyond. We have a lot of mushy mellow waves where I live, but with steep inside sections. I need extra paddle power and wave catching ability because the lineup here is 80% longboarders, and waiting inside for something to slip past them is a drag. I'd also like to sit deep enough to be able to chat with my longboarder friends. Both boards seem to fit the bill, esp. if the S&B were scaled up a bit to match the CI Mid for flotation. However, the "user friendly" side of the S&B sounds appealing, and might be the deciding factor. I'm a 47 yr. old getting back into surfing after over a decade away from the coast. I have creaky knees and a bad shoulder, but otherwise I am in pretty good shape. I need something cruisey and fun that will catch a one-footer, but still allows me to progress and surf overhead waves on occasion. I'd say my abilities are definitely intermediate, but I'm probably a year or so behind you in progression (I'm doing a lot of what you do, but with less confidence and a lower success rate). On the plus side I have a lot of time in the water from my youth which helps me to read and select waves, and generally understand the dynamics of surfing. So you can see why "user friendly" sounds appealing to a guy like me! We all like to progress, but at my age, after so many years out of the water, and with some joint issues, the emphasis has to be on wave count and having fun. Thanks for your videos. They are so thorough! I'd appreciate any further comparisons between these boards, or, if you have time, your personal thoughts on my board dilemma. Cheers!
Hi Tea Horse Guitar Straps! Stoked on your return to surfing! Based on the wave quality in your backyard, I can definitely suggest to go with the Seaside and Beyond. If you are not picky about a cosmetic stuff then I'd go with the LFT. It's not durable but can last long with careful dismounts and avoiding surfing pounding shore breaks LOL. If some upcoming tiny hairline cracks would make you feel bad, then you may want to go with the Seaside and Beyond in Timbertek. May I know your height and weight? Unfortunately, I don't have the 7'0" Seaside and Beyond anymore and I won't be really able to compare that with my 7'0" CI Mid. But I do have 6'8" Seaside and Beyond which feels like a shortboard after surfing CI Mid. I spent too much time on the 7'0" Seaside and Beyond and I still remember how the board worked in all conditions. It had way more flow and may be slightly better paddling speed due to extra volume. Turning the board was a bit slower but not too bad. It was working almost the same as the 6'8" in 3-4+ ft waves with open face. I only had an issue with a nose chattering on bumpy surfaces and when it happened, I wanted to chop it off really bad LOL. Hope that helps!
@@SkipperSurfReview Thanks for your thoughts! I'm 6'3" 165-170 lbs. I am going with a custom shaper, just looking to provide him with guidance on what I want. So even if I want an S&B type long fish, I won't be choosing between LFT or Timbertek. It will probably be EPS/Epoxy, and possibly a bamboo deck. I've never surfed a twin/quad before, so I never thought about the possibility until I saw your video on the S&B. But just seeing your surfing on it, and, of course, Rob Machado's, it looks like the kind of flow and fun that I am looking for.
@@teahorseguitarstraps1856 Thumbs up on getting a board with a custom shaper. If he can possibly make the same one as the S&B that would be sick. The long fishes with the quads and aggressively thin tails will definitely improve overall performance. I rarely surf 6'8" S&B as a twin. It only happens when the surf is small and weak. Yeah, Rob is super light on his feet. Please keep me posted on the board progression!
Awesome review ! I think I’m gonna get CI Mid soon😁 What board would you surf in 3 ft choppy surf?
Thank you. I would go on the Seaside and Beyond. It’s much easier to generate speed and beat closing out sections.
Thank you for the very thorough review.
Thank you for watching!
Nice Review. Thx Juri
My pleasure, Michal!
I am lucky enough to have one, it is such a great board.
Totally agree! I'm glad you are having fun on it. Thank you for watching the video!
Mate rippa review and awesome flow to your surfing. I had the SSB 7'0 and thought it was rubbish, but that's because I was trying to ride it in much steeper and faster waves, so it just kept nose biting and pitching me over. Also had a Torq Mod Fish 6'10 and a Webber Double Diamond 6'10, as well as a Keyo Mini Gun 7'3 All great boards which excelled in various conditions with teh Torq and the Diamond being the bets for a broad range of conditions.
Have wanted to try the CI mid for some time but we don't get that many coming up in the used classified in Oz. Then I tripped over a Waldon 7'8 Mini Magic, looks a lot like a taky scorpion shape with a big round nose on it. Anyway 7'8 and 58L was way beyond my usual length and volume range of 45L, but I did an impulse buy because it was a cheap used board that I could move on if I did not like it.
That is not going to happen though, the thing is nuts. It kinda looks all wrong like a shrunk down mal or a fun board, but don't be fooled, it's a performance monster. It paddles like an 8'0 and moves like a 6'6, bevelled rails with hard edge give it immediate response to turn initiation and puts you exactly where you want to go when you want to get there. No more micro seconds late to hitting the lip and getting pitched. Way more forgiving in the re-entry through white water where boards noramlly start to feel unbalanced and rails bite.
If you get a chance hunt around for either the Waldon Mini Magic 7'8 PU, or if you have coin spare get one of their Mini Magic dual cores in either a 6'10 or a 7'6. If that does not appeal to you then have a good look at the Stewart 949 and the 949 COMP models in mid length size. I've got a Stewart 9'0 Hydrom Hull as my long board and it does everything that the Waldon does but in a longer package. Both the Stewart and the Waldon incorporate the chine rails with single to double concave, and both benefit from these design considerations in a similar way.
Keep up the great videos, I'll be hitting the subscribe button.
Hi Hydroman 7! This was very informative. Thank you so much and I appreciate it. I'm glad you got a magic board that works for you. I will keep an eye on those boards if they pop up on the second hand market locally with a good deal. I used to have 6'0 Walden CD a while ago. At that time, I wasn't ready for it. A few times on surf trips, I rented some 9'0 Stewart's. I remember it was great. These days, I'm trying to stay around 7'0" or below in length and not go much with the volume as I started having some ball of foot pain. It's likely from an extensive use from going frontside 99% of the time and putting too much pressure on it and also not having a tailpad on my Seaside and Beyond when I was surfing barefoot. We've just got into a long flat spell so I'm kinda happy that it will recover faster :)
Cheers!
@@SkipperSurfReview I was exactly the same at the 7'0 limit, but the Waldon mini magic blew that out of the water. It surfs better than any board in the 6'10 to 7'3 range that I have owned in the past. Not sure that many other 7'8 boards would surf as well as the Waldon with exception of a Stewart 949 or 949 COMP.
Bad new about the foot, at 55 I carry a lot of residual injuries from a hectic lifestyle, and a car accident from many years back that causes cystic nerve problems. Definitely let it heal properly otherwise it could become long term.
Keep the vids coming, have you ever considered piecing together footage of similar waves side by side on different boards? That would show some differences in how the boards manouver and how your style is affected.
@@tonywatermann4281 I'm gonna keep an eye on one! I'm always up for new boards to make me happy!
Thank you, Tony!
Gorgeous.
Thank you! 😊
Hey man great reviews keep up the good work! Which board goes better in weaker WAVES?
Thank you, Sean. The Seaside and Beyond goes better in weak waves. It’s more responsive, easier to swing around and generate speed. CI Mid needs more wave but will be mostly just cruising in weak waves. Hope that helps!🤙🏼
@@SkipperSurfReview cheers man thats great,yeoow
I've been enjoying your reviews. What do you mean when you say it paddles slower then the S&B. I have a 7'4" S&B and I've been enjoying it when there's swell. But have been looking at the ci mid for a while.
I meant to say the paddling speed to the lineup from the beach. I was comparing it between 7’0” CI Mid and 7’0” Seaside and Beyond which I surfed on for over 7 months. I think it sits more above the water due to extra volume in the chest area plus it’s slightly lighter. CI Mid would fit perfectly for places with the point breaks where you can take your time, cruise, do turns and not worry about the speed or if you get bored with the Seaside and Beyond in my case(I was on it for almost a year nonstop and needed to take a break) and want to explore&enjoy single fin world optionally with the side bites.
@@SkipperSurfReview Another great review here. Since you have experience with both, which would you recommend for a mediocre intermediate surfer in Seal Beach/Sunset Beach area? I’m 205 lb and debating between CI Mid 7’6 and SSB 7’6. My top priorities are:
1. Catching tons of waves/paddle power
2. Starting to connect turns (I’m coming down from 9’6 longboard)
3. Repairability (self-repair small dings)
4. Fun!
Thoughts on potential winner here?
Thanks again for all your reviews! Just subscribed to your channel!
@@darrenkeele4476 I’d suggest going with the Seaside and Beyond. I think it’s more user friendly in terms of maneuverability as well as catching waves🤙🏼 Cheers!
real nice bro
Thank you, Rodney!
2 ft @ 9 seconds! not that bad for around here! great video, so stoked
Thank you, Lucas. Yew, that's what we need :) Praying for waves now!
So jealous of your quiver!🤘🏼 gotta convince the wife so I can mirror yours haha. How's duck diving on the 7'0? I'm 155 lb too and my 6'8" smooth operator is 40 liters. I feel like that's my upper limit on being able to duck dive as far as liters go.
Hope you make it🤙🏼😜 The duck dive is not easy even on the 7’0 Seaside and Beyond. I try to avoid it at any cost even if I have to miss a few sets. Same here, I’m fine with anything under 40L. How do you like Smooth Operator? My buddy has just ordered one and I’m on a fence to get one too😄 4+1 option looks kinda awesome🔮
Nice review. 2+1 fin set up: make sure the trailing edges of the lead fins are lined up with the leading edge of the center fin. In addition, make the center fin smaller than 7" on a 7' board. go with a 6" or 6.5" center fin and use quad trailers for the front fins. That works for me. YMMV
Thanks for the tips! Much appreciated! I'm about to order a smaller center fin as you recommended. I recently set it up with the bonzer side bites. Game changer. This board has so many options and I love how any tweak in fin setup can change your ride :) Cheers!
@@SkipperSurfReview did you try the long low bonzer or the short upright ones? What did you think it did for the feel of the board...I recall in your video you prefer the single because the usual side bites stiffened it up too much. I assume the bonzer kinda went half way between the feel of the single and the standard 2+1?
If you are able, please test a takayama howard mini and tell us how differently they ride. The howard mini was devons midlength before the ci mid.
Diamonds, I’ll see if I can get one🤯🤙🏼
@@SkipperSurfReview thanks bro. If you ever come to so cal please let us know. Love your channel. Not many average joes reviewing boards on realistic waves.
@@boltup5566 thank you for the feedback. I’ll try to schedule some surf trip soon. It’s getting colder 🥶 and flatter 🌊 in NY😔
Thank you for this review, which inspired me to grab a 7’6 CI MID. I’m 172cm/58kg so this board is relatively big for me to easily catch waves and take off early. I’m amazed that this board can still cruise on small weak waves. Working on bigger waves, simply going down the line generates a lot of speed and gives me confidence.
Now I’m considering grabbing a smaller board for more maneuverability to work on good condition days. My first thought is to get another CI MID (likely 6’8). Would you think this is a good idea? Or would you recommend trying a different shape? Thanks
Hey dude! Thank you for the support! I personally would recommend to not go too short for the next board. There are a few things need to be considered before moving down in size. Do you have any issues with the pop up? Like quick pop up and go? Catching waves and positioning (like you can catch whatever wave you want to.. not missing them)? I recently got CI Mid Twin model in size 6'7" (custom order based on the stock dims). This model is not officially out yet but I reached out Devon Howard to order one. Saw him surfing on it and got inspired to get one LOL.. I'm going to do full review soon once I get the good conditions to surf. Stay tuned!
So, my take away in terms of comparing CI mid to Seaside and Beyond is that SB is a bit more high performance than CI mid while catching waves with CI mid was a bit easier and was more cruisy.
By the way, you have a lot of boards!
Yes, the Seaside and Beyond comes with a shortboard feel and allows you to go more aggressive with maneuvers!
I’m about to start unloading some boards to refresh the quiver🙈
@@SkipperSurfReview Great review, but you stated you don't use the side bites?
@@scottanderson3369 Yes, it felt that I was kind of surfing in slo-mo. I think those side bites was creating a drag. After I ditched the side bites, the board was going much faster and the tail was more responsive. I'm going to play with the side bites later when we get a good swell and test it in steeper/bigger waves. I'm going also try to move the center fin forward. I've set it up right in the middle. The sides bites would give you more stability in some way but I personally like the single fin flow.
What size single fin do you recommend without the side bites
@@kainoajohnson9239 I reckon 8" fin on a 7ft board isn't far wrong
5:58 If you move your front foot back a little, your turns will feel a lot better. Keeping your feet a little closer together further back on the board and staying relaxed will make your turns smooth like the guy on the left. 6:12 Right here, if you move that front foot back like 6 inches, you'll get more leverage on that back foot and it'll turn real easy.
Thanks dude! Much appreciated! I've started working on moving it further down. Hope you will be able to see the result in the next CI Mid vs Seaside and Beyond Review. Cheers!
I use a 7" center and side bites on my 9ft longboard, and a 8" fin when i want to nose ride and have the tail locked into the wave...a 7" center on a 7 ft board is overkill.. probably make the board feel too stiff in small waves..
Tbh, It wasn't that bad. Thanks for sharing your experience!
can you duck dive that board? Or do you have to treat it like a longboard?
Hey Dave, only small waves 1-3 ft when I try to get to the lineup though the white water. If I'm already in the lineup and there is a set coming, I can duck dive through all waves in case the waves haven't broken yet.. if it's a cleanup set.. there is no way to duck dive it LOL. Another part is that I've been on a mid length for over 1.5 years almost every session. I feel like I build up a bit muscle and dial timing on when do duck dive and stuff. However I do miss it sometimes and had to pay to play.
Hope this helps!
Bro these waves are weak but so good . Here in Portugal we have waves .. but more punchy in most of the places .
Great review! I’m looking at a 7’4” CI Mid. Skill level is advanced beginner/early intermediate. Improving but I’m still not the strongest or most confident paddler so I’m wondering if I should go bigger like 7’6” or get it in epoxy. What do you think?
Hey David! Thanks for watching. What’s your weight/height? My buddy had 7’2” CI Mid, 185 5’11” and same level as you probably. He liked that size. When I took it out for a spin in small waves, I wasn’t really liking it. The board felt very heavy and hard to control. I feel like the 7’0” was the ultimate size for me. Where are you located? Check out my review on ThickLizzy Ryan Lovelace which is available now @glidesurfco they shape it down in NJ for Love Machine Surfboards. That’s the board I would recommend for all advanced beginners and up to progress further.
my local store just got a few in stock, although not in my wheelhouse of type of boards or surfing style, your video is making me really want one. haha
the board is black though which has negatives but also some positives, it will never fade or go yellow. :) it's a 6'6, which is the size I want my seaside and beyond and 37 liters which I think is the max of my duck diving ability. so tempting. dang you Yury.
Wow, never seen CI Mid in black color. It works kinda totally opposite than the Seaside and Beyond. It’s more cruisy, you may not like it if you expect to surf it as a beyond with a more shortboard performance with better response. If you end up getting it, make a trip to one the best left handlers perhaps that point break... right above Malibu, then you will get the best out of it😁
@@SkipperSurfReview yeah. $1k is a lot to drop for something I might not like. 😬
@@SkipperSurfReview and I can't surf without a tail pad. The idea of putting a pad on a nice board like that seems wrong.
Nice review. Thank You. Never in stock.
Thanks for watching! Yeah, my friends in CA can't find it in the surf shops. Hope it gets restocked soon!
You surf much better on this board than the Machado boards.
Thank you, Ed.
Agreed. Comparing your riding in this video with your SS&B video(s) you surf much smoother and with more style in this video/with this board.
@@askbachan1879 thank you! I think the board doesn’t like to force it. Gotta go with a flow😁
Great review great structure on how you present your facts easy to follow and very thorough. Loved it. Ps did notice the sneaky switch stance. Do you think the mid ci is a good travel board for a 1-2 board quiver? Planning on a trip around oz
Hi Nicolas, thank you for the feedback and watching it. Yes, it could be a good 1 board quiver if you are not looking for a shortboard kinda performance. This is more suited for long peeling waves preferably point breaks where you can cruise down the line and do the turns. If you have a shortboard and add CI Mid then I think you will be all set with most conditions. Hope that helps!
@@SkipperSurfReview thanks. Any benefits to set it as a 5 fins you think ? or a Twinkie rather than a 2+ 1?
@@nicolasmorel8109 I don't think it would benefit from 5 fins. I think 2+1 is the best combo for CI Mid in particular.
What's that orange fish? You look to be surfing it quite well.
Thank you, Mark. I only have one board in orange color and it’s 5’1” Mini Simmons ~31L shaped locally in NY by Token Surfboards. It’s one of the fastest boards in my quiver🏎
I was referring to the board you briefly surf in this video to compare. Maybe one of your friends boards.
@@markkuehfuss3288 Got it. It was my friend’s 7’2” CI Mid 😁
Great review bud
Thank you kindly
Hey. Great review. I'm going to buy a CI mid. Not sure whether to go for 7.0 or 7.2. My style and ability is similar to you and I'm 74kg without a 5mm suit on. I noticed you had a 7.0 and a 7.2? Which do you prefer or would you recommend? Mostly surfing UK conditions similar to your video, but I do want to take it to indo. I also have a 7ft 6 mal for really shitty surf, so I'm leaning towards to 7.0
Hey George! I would go with the 7'0" for sure. You should be fine to take it on a proper waves everywhere :) 7'2" definitely feels big! Thicker rails and less maneuverable. Have fun!!!
@@SkipperSurfReview have you tried the lost smooth operator of pukas 69r. I'm thinking about those too. Looking for a board that turns a bit more than glyde. Be great to know your thoughts
@@georgegibsonclark89 Hey George! I've surfed Smooth Operator before. it was a big one 7'4". Despite the big size, the board felt gunny and I didn't like the way it paddled. I like CI Mid more. It feels more agile and can cover smaller conditions better IMO.
Awesome Review Yury. That board looks super fun. Your break looks small but I have to say, the shape on some of those waves looks so good. We have had some size on the west coast lately but shape is hit or miss. Anyways, what board are you looking at next?
Hey Thomye, Thank you bro. Yeah, we had one session that had pretty much a perfect shape from a pristine CA Point Break. It was an underrated swell without crowds and I wish I would've brought more boards to surf that day LOL. I saw you were having a lot of fun with the Seaside and Beyond lately. Ripping through the roof on that swell. Are you able to drive to the good point breaks up North or you just prefer to stay local? I'm finishing up Soloshot review this week and I have a few boards that are coming in like Baked Potato 2.. but it's gonna take a while :( and 3 boards that are already in and need to be finished, the Dominator2 is one of them and I can wait to share my thoughts on that.
@@SkipperSurfReview the only days I would want to go to a point break are week days but I have to work so it makes it harder. And, lately because of covid, even weekdays are super crowded at our point breaks.
Weekends are impossible and frustrating at all the famous breaks. Anyways, I was going to also do a review of my soloshot. It is so frustrating at times I thought I would give people a heads up. I'll watch yours and see if you have similar issues.
As for boards, I think I will do the boards I have in possession which are Seaside, Spitfire, GoFish, Neckbeard2, and the Sharpeye Modern2. I may be buying a Pyzel, Shadow. I'll have to wait for a legit big days for that one though.
@@ThomyeSurfs I hear you. I can't imagine what the weekend looks like these days. I don't think you will have any issues with the wave count if you paddle on the Seaside and Beyond at any point break :) The water temp in NY is in lower 40s with freezing temps it keeps the crowds to minimum but it's also flat right now LOL. Look forward to your next reviews!
@@SkipperSurfReview dude, who knew the CI Mid was so popular. I wish it was in my wheelhouse. It reminds me of my 7'6 Seaxe. The same looks so similar.
@@ThomyeSurfs I think a lot of people were waiting for it to come out. I'm really on a fence now between Seaside & Beyond and CI Mid on what board to surf when it's firing and I don't want to hassle on a shortboard.
Hey Yury how r u? Good to meet you here.
I saw your review on the CI mid and I’m wondering whether to get a 7’0 or 6’10. I’m about 178cm and 75kg (5ft 10 and 165 pounds). I surf mostly in bali between 2-5ft, want to get better in turning, and have a 8.0 (which is more like a Pyzel crisis) and 6.8 (hybrid fish) which I do well in both depending on wave size. Where the CI Mid 7’0 will shine is the glide and paddling into waves but I’m thinking may the 6’10 maybe better for turning. Just looking also for an all round board. I saw Devon Howard’s article and he said 12 inches above ur height would be best and that equates to the 6’10 board but wanted to know your thoughts on getting a 7’0 so it’s a bit easier with more volume. I consider myself a low intermediate surfer right now and still working on my pumps and bottom turns and cutbacks. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thank you
Hey Mikey! I would go with the 7'0" to cover wider ranger of conditions! I also tried 7'2" but I found it way too big for myself and nearly impossible to turn on smaller days. I find 7'0" as a good size for this type of board. 6'10" would be a little bit more agile but not much. There is a slight difference in volume. You won't be able to pump on CI Mid in general.. My recommendation is to surf in the pocket and focus more on style/chill vibe while working on round turns. The board holds really well providing a lot of confidence when the waves get bigger. Hope this helps!
Nice review as others have said.
I have a 7ft CI Mid and have used the 2+1 (centre fin is 6.5") and recently stuck some twin fins in it which I'm yet to really get a feel for. I also want to buy a single fin at maybe 7".
My question is what waves do you think the fin set-up suit.
Thoughts are...
Twin (1 to 3ft)
Single (3ft to 4ft)
2+1 (4ft+ )
Or have i got it wrong...
Well, I’ve tried the CI Mid as a twin fin but to be honest, I like riding it more as a single fin from 1-4 ft waves and when it gets steeper/bigger, add the side bites. I think the board wasn’t meant to be ridden as twinny. It wants you to draw more round turns and make your surfing fluid 😎 I just compare it to my other twin fin mid lengths that were specifically designed for it. Cheers!
Uuu
*2021: The Year Of The Midlength?*
Seems like it.. All shortboard versions will turned into mid lengths :)
Thnx for the review! We're you able to duckdive the 7'0?
Thanks for watching. I can duck dive it when the waves are small 1-3 ft but if it gets bigger with more power, I have to turtle roll to get through white water💪🏼
Awesome review bro🤙
What do you think would be better for smaller weaker beach breaks ? CI Mid or seaside & beyond ? Cheers mate
Hey Oli, thank you for watching. Both boards will work in smaller waves but if you are looking for more drive and performance then go with the Seaside and Beyond otherwise CI Mid will provide more glide with cruisy vibe.
@@SkipperSurfReview awesome thanks for reply and info bro 🤙
@@oliwarren9439 anytime🤙🏼
You look good on this board
Thank you Tristan🙏🏼
Nice video! Are you able to duckdive this thing properly? I live in a country with terrible wave period conditions and is is nice to have something, that is easy to catch small waves but also easy or at least ok to duckdive. Cheers
Hi Nila, thank you for watching! Well, if I went with a shorter size, I would likely have less issues with the duck dives.This particular one comes in 45 liters and I'm physically strong. I can duck dive pretty much any board with 40L or less. I can get through first two waves when it's over 3 ft then I give up. LOL. Anything under 3 ft at 6 sec period swell basically gutless wind swell, I can get through with the 7'0". I've recently started working on my next review "Compare CI Mid vs Seaside and Beyond" in some ways. I surf both of them in the same swells and conditions. I noticed that I get push back further down on the Seaside and Beyond when I try to duck dive and the foam catches you in the middle. The CI Mid seems to stay in the same place, I guess due to PU construction and extra weight however it's slightly easier to push down the 7'0" Seaside and Beyond and it's a little faster on paddling. Just in general, I suggest avoiding all of that and wait for the lull between sets. I've been taking this approach in the past year or so and it saved me a lot of energy with less toll on my body! Hope this helps! Cheers!
@@SkipperSurfReview thanks for the fast answer! ;)
Thx for the Review. Honest reviews in gutless surf just like we have here in the North sea. I must say this board Appeals me more to increase my wave count... But I might be biased as the ssb does not seem to be a mid length 😉
Thank you for your feedback, Mark. Haha, it doesn’t glide as good as CI Mid. However I’d go with the SSB to surf in the
Northern Sea😁 if you want to get more or sharper turns on a wave. CI Mid works slightly better on windy days though. Cheers!
@@SkipperSurfReview Thanks skipper, and we have quite some onshore windy surf most of the time. So I just got my 7 6 ci mid in, still nursing a busted elbow, but can't wait to take it out in the surf, big or small, would love to get to know the board.
Do you switch your stands when going left or right so you always surf on your forehand?
Mostly when I go left.. sometimes right but for me, the front side switch is the most difficult one.
@@SkipperSurfReview I meant, do you switch between regular and goofy?
@@Thestripper1 yes I do.. 😁
thanks man
Any time! Thanks for watching!
Great review, thank you! Im f Perú and highly interested in the CI Mid. I’m in Hawaii and saw a very very nice 6’8 but I’m 5’11 and 73kg. Already saw yours and Devon Howard’s advice about the size but would you not recommend me getting the 6’8? In between that or an a 8’0 takayama scorpion 2 (hand shaped). I love the classic surf and have a 9’2 in the pink longboard back home and want to take a nice board to have some fun and improve my surf too. Thank you again and hope to hear f you. Aloha
Hi Eudinho! Thanks for watching. You can go 6'8" CI Mid if you only plan on surfing good waves with push (starting from 3ft +). I recently tried my buddy's 6'8" CI Mid at the point break. The surf was around 2 ft. It worked fine but I would prefer to surf 7'0". It allows me to get into the waves earlier, it gives me better glide and projection down the line. So, I wasn't really impressed with the shorter size surfing it in smaller waves. Hope this helps!
@@SkipperSurfReview Thanks a lot for the advice! You were completely right, glad i did not buy the 6'8. Hope to find and amazing 7'0 or 7'2. Take care and keep on ripping !
@@Estudinho 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻
I agree don't go too small. I'm 6'2" and have a 7ft CI. It isn't a high volume/for/length design. I have a 6'1" board with the same volume. It isn't a groveller either. So definately listen to the size advice that you've read. Best of luck..
Quick question you have likely answered before but what is your weight & height? Just thinking about moving from an 8’ single fin to something sportier
Just watched another review and you shared that data already! keep up the good work.
@@johnbreed2249 thank you. Hope you will get the right board🤙🏼 Please let me know if you have any questions.
Hi , nice video, are you able to duckdive this board with a volume of 40+L
Hi Graham! Yeah, I can duck dive smaller waves 1-3 ft.. and turtle roll white water when there is bigger stuff coming. Im 5’9 and 165lbs now. If you never had a board with big volume, then it can be pretty challenging at first.
Would you recommend that board for an old beginner/intermediate surfer, as a one quiver board in 2ft to head high beach break ?
Hey Daniel,
Yeah totally. I would go with a bit more volume as an old beginner and pick up size around 7'2. CI Mid cruises so well with glide. Let me know if you have any questions. Cheers
@@SkipperSurfReview Thank you very much. Your reviews are always great. My paddle power and technique are not like a 20 yo boy ;)
Would this in a 7' size be a good transition board from a 8' foamie? I've been on the foamie for 2 years and am looking to purchase my first "real board." I primarily surf in NJ during the spring through fall with the majority of my time spent in the water during the summer. So i'll be surfing mushy waves about 2-3 ft high for the most part. Do you think I could make this work or should i go for something in the 7'6 range?
I'm 6'1 tall and weigh about 175-180 pounds. Thanks dude!
Hey mate! I'd suggest starting off with the 7'6" first then move slowly down in size. You are probably looking to lose at least 25 Liters after transitioning from the 8'0" foamie to 7'6" CI MID. If you go straight to 7'0" that' like almost half of volume what you are riding now and from my personal experience it will be really challenging and less fun. Plus more volume would never hurt to catch more waves in weak summer waves in NJ. Have you been checking out the Seaside and Beyond? Cheers!
@@SkipperSurfReview Dude, thank you so much for the great response. You deff have a new subscriber from me! I watched your review on the seaside and beyond as well. Seems like it might be better suited for me than the CI Mid. Do you have any input on that? The 7'4 version seems like it might be good for me but I am not sure. I am praying that surfshops get restocked soon!
@@Ab-fh5cp Hey mate, yes. I think the Seaside and Beyond would be more user friendly in terms of maneuverability for doing turns, carving, generating speed and stuff like that. It's also more stable on take off's. However, CI Mid has more advantages in terms of glide, hold and options with the fin setups from true single fin moving the center fin back and froth + adding the side bites which make a huge difference. This last part I've started feeling in the past two years or so because I've got more time to surf last year. I personally love both models. They almost overlap each other in some ways. Hope this helps! Btw, I'm currently working on my new review "Comparing CI MId vs SSB" where I show side by side how it works in the same conditions. It's likely going to be helpful to see the main difference despite their DNA's.
Hey mate,
Would you recommend this board for beginners?
Hi Chris! To be honest, I wouldn’t recommend. I suggest getting the Seaside and Beyond. The CI Mid is less stable and it requires more skills for maneuvering.
What is your height and weight? Great video!
Hey Big Joe! I’m 5’9” @155 lbs Thanks for watching 🙏🏼
A mid shouldn't be a groveler substitute. Yes they can catch sloppy waves but they should be a step-up not a slug. This board looks pretty sluggish to me.
Well, what if you don't wanna struggle on a groveler to catch waves?
@@SkipperSurfReview A performance mal or mini mal are much better. Grovelers are no match for a mal in waves less than 2' especially slopey waves.
"It paddles much slower than Seaside and Beyond but catches waves way easier " how does it work, puddles slower but catches more waves?
Hey Zachi! The board is slightly heavier than the S&S and sits a little bit lower in the water when you paddle out. However when you paddle to get into the waves on CI Mid, it glides much better even if it's windy/choppy.
@@SkipperSurfReview I think I get it, I am from the Mediterranean and we have A lot of 1-3 feet wind swells. would you say the ci mid is a good option for such conditions ? Or I’m better off with a a wider more eggy shaped board ?
@@ZACHIGR if you’re going to cruise down the line then ci mid will be ok but for turns and stuff, it needs more face 3ft+ I don’t think its worth it especially now when the price went up to $1500😁 You will probably like the Seaside and Beyond more in those conditions🤙🏼
hi. How does it compare to thick lizzy?
Hey Dan! ThickLizzy would feel friendlier, stable with more glide allowing you to catch smaller waves easier. CI Mid would have a little bit more advantage in bigger waves starting from 4 ft + .. It will feel more agile and have more performance! Hope this helps!
Hello I'm curious, is it made of EPS or PU?
Hi Sherlim, it's made of PU. Great quality. But I heard the ones that come in Varial foam, get crazy pressure dings.
@@SkipperSurfReview PU and 2+1 set up - dream come true! Thank you!
No disrespect, but did you learn English in Russia? you have an interesting accent
Hey Luke, I was born and raised in Russia. My ancestors were western mongolians.
@@SkipperSurfReview thank you for sharing! That's so cool!
What size single fin you recommend?
Hi Kainoa, I'd go with 6.5" to reduce the drag and get more speed. I've got the 7" because the surf shop didn't have a smaller version. I was also in rush to hit the swell and didn't have time to look around.
Is CL Mid PU or EPS?
It’s PU🤙🏼
@@SkipperSurfReview Oops, I misspelled the board name... CI not CL (stupid me) hahah. Appreciate the info!
@@Jackmotoniwaqa Anytime! Cheers!
Move your back foot further back to turn easier
Thank you! Much appreciated 🤙🏽 I definitely need to work on that
@@SkipperSurfReview watch Devon Howard, he shuffles back and forth to cutback
@@onshore1ft Yes, by the way Devon left the comment here like 6 days ago and advised it as well. I've started shuffling more in the last year or so. Working on the muscle memory and timing.
Dude side bites help you turn faster and climb the waves face easier.