Britt Merrick

Britt Merrick is the heir of Channel Islands Surfboards—arguably the most influential surfboard company in the world. He is a preacher of the divine and therapeutic nature of surfing, wears a Jesus style beard, and creates surfboards that allow people to walk on water. From his birth in 1972, Britt Merrick spent his days in the Channel Islands factory by the beach in Santa Barbara, from toddling around blanks to sweeping out shaping rooms. Eventually he started shaping alongside his legendary father, Al Merrick, in 1990. He is now the lead shaper and designer for CI and carries on the family tradition of developing high performance board designs in collaboration with the world’s greatest surfers. Many top pros seek the anointment of Britt's magic boards and Channel Islands continues to evolve with the highest standard of surfing. Britt’s beard has the rugged softness that symbolizes the way that he lives his life—through devotion to the principles of determination and love.

Beards In Sync With Your Wardrobe

by Bill Alley, Broadcast Host, Wordsmith and Beard

As men we have basically three ways to present ourselves. Some of us have a purpose to that presentation because they want to keep a good appearance and are comfortable being well dressed. A wider majority of guys have a two-act play each day; first, an acceptable attire for work, followed by dressing down for relaxation, sport or family and friends. The last category concerns the fellow with no rules, flex schedules, and lots of autonomy.

In many years of researching beard topics on dress and style, the easiest path to suggestions and impressive presentations takes me first to Pinterest. For this article you’ll find links to awesome views that will fit what you aim to fashion.

Facial hair often takes refined shape when better grooming becomes a style preference. For gents with the Type A ‘know what they want and seize the opportunity’ stance, there are volumes of photos, writings and blogs to utilize.  Refined attitude has a trusty companion in a placed called Next Luxury which suggests attainable refinements in attitude, appearance, travel, sport and comfort. This website is refreshingly beard-positive and I spent over an hour checking out their fare for that reason.

Guys whose jobs are not necessarily driven by career often have to balance work and free schedules. As beards are largely accepted these days one’s manhood has less stress having to conform (to oppressive shaving) which allows the off-work guy less schizophrenia. His ‘bearditude’ may have a desire to dress up or down as schedule suggests, and tends to roll with the occasion in order to suit himself to it. From Pinterest’s vast assortments to legendary clothiers like LL Bean, Duluth Trading Company and Orvis, the choices are endless and finding your style-to-whisker link very attainable.

The third group I refuse to call ‘layabouts’, and for good reason: some of the most ingenious men among us appear peculiar. They often live by contradiction - unique to the crowd, highly individualistic and keen on what kind of impression they wish to establish. Risk with them is part of the reward, and whatever they conjure for clothing and beard style, they will imprint your mind. A tendency is to ‘theme’ a life around wardrobe, such as leather attire, accented color or patterns forming wardrobe (like the psychedelic 60s tie-dye look) and beards that tend to parallel the motif.

Balm at the Beach and Other Free Associations

by Bill Alley, Broadcast Host, Wordsmith and Beard Advocate

Beards in the 21st century have a growing love affair, one that is showing no signs of slowing. The diversity of the natural whisker set free to develop and design catches the onlooker and the camera lens. Barber/stylists have a strong growth segment for the whiskered male which has unleashed the widest array of flexibility possible in grooming. All that is out there for whisker perfection and what is found here at Beardsley for care and advice empowers men to perform great self-maintenance with superior products.

From designs for scalp and facial hair to baubles at Christmas to pairing your whiskers to a particular look, so many craftsmen are adding to the beard trade with ‘aftermarket’ merchandise, clothing and memorabilia. For a little fun, let’s get creative and pair something Beardsley with a companion item.

Beardsley Beard Wipes and Beard Cakes...you’ll find them on Pinterest from cake designers that have amped the style and presence of honoring the bearded man’s special occasions from birthday to beard anniversaries. The fine aroma of Bay Rum and Sandalwood in Beardsley Wipes will pair well here as Marzipan frosting and Cake crumbs are fine to remember...but don’t make good whiskered keepsakes.

Scottish, Right!...for the kilted and whiskered there’s been a trend. Some men have been taking to the donning of Kilts; of those with Scottish ancestry they boast their “plaid” patterns to region or lineage. Others go plaid or plain to break the pants routine or for fashion when engaging in a local festival. They’re also found as a stylish attire at weddings! Let’s pair this fittingly with a fine bottle; the Bay Rum in Beardsley Beard Oil on the whiskers is like a pint of ale to the taste buds – quenching and refreshing!

Balmy Breezes...Beach season gives plenty of reason to take a break from routine, catch some sun, lingering walks, and the sunrises and sunsets deserving of a pause. Depending on the breeze it could feel inviting or a bit irritating if strong enough to stir sand. You’ll enjoy beach life better paired with Beardsley Beard Balm! Refreshing scent and great protection coat your whiskers with key moisturizers for mastering of sun, sand and wind.

Shower Companions!...Beardsley features bonafide dignitaries that buddy up with your  cleansing routine. Each character on every Beardsley Shampoo bottle represents a manly quality with historic relevance which we paired with an aroma and regimen that delivers on legendary promise: quality ingredients, great results and no bitter aftertaste. This buddy system does right by your appearance: confident, clean and easy to style.