george rice surfboards
When Dale and I were living at “The Farm” in ‘72 and making our own boards in the back shed, a good friend by the name of Ronnie Bayliss had a board shaped and he asked us if Phil Grace could come around and glass his board.
We of course said yes because, even then, we knew of Phil’s board making experience with George Rice. To watch him glass, put the fin on and filler coat the board in around two hours was incredible. I had never seen anyone work with such speed and confidence in my life.
Over the years, Phil has shaped a couple of Shady Hollow surfboards and I’ve even glassed a few Quiksilver boards that Phil shaped that were going to Spain.
Phil’s shaping ability has earned him the respect and friendship of more people around the world than anyone I know.
Paul and Phil Trigger managed to get the license about twenty years ago to produce some George Rice boards. George knew that the Triggers would do a good job as well as having two of the original shapers in Michael Pierce and Phil Grace.
A few months ago, Phil and Paul were in contact with George and he said it was ok to make a few boards, so of course they asked Phil Grace to shape them.
Both boards are modern takes on an older style.
The green one is 9’2” x 22 7/8” x 3 1/8” square tail mal, with a single fin box. Light green Volan-look tint with rail cut top and bottom with the shield sticker.
The orange deck board is 8’ x 22 5/8” x 3 3/16” rounded diamond tail, “V-bottom” model with four, FCS II plugs and a single fin box. Yellow tint bottom, orange tint deck with a black and white double pin line and the original flower power sticker.
Both boards were polished by Vee at Point Leo and when you look at them side by side, they look incredible.
I must admit when it came time to make them I was a little bit nervous and apprehensive, but seeing them finished, I’m really happy with how they turned out.
Blank: Burford Blanks
Shaped: Phil Grace
Glassed: John Jolly
Polished: Vashti (Vee)
Made at: Trigger Bros Pt Leo
