Local surfboard shaping legend passes away

THE local surf community is in mourning following the passing of Victorian surfboard shaper George Rice.

The much-loved local figure passed away last weekend, aged 90.

Rice was well-regarded for his huge influence on surf culture, his personability and great communication skills.

He made his first surfboard in his garage in Highett in 1958 when he was just 18 years old.

By the mid-1960s, Rice honed his natural manufacturing skills and opened his first shop in High Street, Preston during the summer of 1963-64.

He moved to West Heidelberg to shape in 1965 and begun taking inspiration from Bob McTavish’s progressive designs.

Rice became the standout leader for the new wave of surfboard shapers in Victoria, and by 1969 was peaking at 80 stringerless surfboards a week in the Christmas season.

He set up his final surf store in Bonbeach in 1972 before retiring for an easier lifestyle in 1975, making more time for fishing and golf.

The shaper was often in Anglesea at his beach house and venturedto local competitions to cast his eye over the next generation of surfers.

He attended monthly coffee catchups with his surfing friends including Bob Smith at Swell Cafe in Jan Juc. Mr Smith said it was a tragic loss.

“He was a great friend and a wonderful man. He loved a beer, his fly-fishing and was a passionate Richmond supporter.

“George was one of the early manufacturers in Victoria and in Australia. He was a carpenter by trade. After a bit of a recession, he started making boards for a few mates. More mates kept asking him to make boards.

 

“He gradually got more business and set up in Preston and finished up in Bonbeach.

“George was in everyone’s opinion one of the big three in Victoria in the early days. He employed a lot of people and gave them a great start. Pat Morgan, Doug ‘Claw’ Warbrick and more.”

The Surf Coast Longboarders Club stated he would be greatly missed. With great sadness we farewell our friend and club patron George Rice.

“George has spent time assisting at comps such as West Coast Wax Up judging Old Mal Expression Session in 2024, attending comps to say hello and attending our presentations nights to present our award: The George Rice and Gail Couper Spirit of Surfing Award.

“We wish his family our condolences and love. Rest in peace George.”