Rick Bullock: Surfboard shaping, influence and Pensacola
Sep 19th, 2010 | By Solo Surfer | Category: SpotlightRick Bullock has been shaping boards for over 30 years. Having been the head shaper for Florida surfboard company ” Spectrum ” during the height of one of the surfboard industry’s largest eras Ricky has seen more than his share of mowed foam and fads. This is part one of a series on Rick’s and his home town of Pensacola history. The shapers from this era had to learn to shape surfboards out of blobs of thick foam before easy to shape blanks were invented and it shows in their work. One of the saddest things about the influx of Asian made surfboards is it has put many like domestic board builders out of the business. Many of those craftsmen like Rick who were in a position to pass on what they know are leaving. Rick himself remaining strong in the industry is a testament to the fact that surfers, given the correct information will choose a quality shaper over a cheaply made overseas import when given the option. Rick is one of the talented lucky ones to be able to remain in the industry building surfboards. The surfing world should support these folk while they are still building surfboards here in the U.S.. Who knows what the next generation will hold. For now some of the old masters still remain. Rick now shapes with Waterboys in Pensacola Florida.
Rick Bullock shaping Cheyne Horan Piglet
i have a 1988 Lightning Bolt Surfboard shaped by Rick Bullock.. is that rare?
Man…what a blast from the past. I have a Bullock-shaped Spectrum thruster from 1985….neon colors and full-on 80’s paint scheme. Even the fins have “Spectrum” written on them (where as you can read it when it’s on the roof rack. A double bump squashtail with a removable trailer fin and channels on the belly. Great board! It’s actually in Austin’s shop (Virginia Beach) getting restored. Unfortunately, Ricky’s name (a laminate) can’t be salvaged due to a tail patch, but his initials and board number will remain. It bums me out, since I’ve owned that board for 25 years.
I found a surf board in a garbage heep with the name Rick Bullock which matched the name on the board, wanted it cause it was cool and would look great hanging in my office. Would like to know how much it is worth and where I can get it restored. My daughter has always wanted to learn so thought it might if affordable enough be cool to restore it and learn on a vintage board. She is serving in the military and it would be a great homecoming present for a “southern girl” raised at the beach. Any ideas, give me a yell at luckyk_509@yahoo.com Thanks.Kim
Rick, I have had one of your boards since 1972. It’s a Spectrum Ultralite with Shaped by Rick Bullock Spectrum Glassing and the # 643357-72 with initials RB under the number. Rode it for many years
but at 62 it’s time to retire it. I would love to send pics of it for your thoughts. Ron from Delaware
Rick, just noticed I forgot to leave my E-mail address in case you wanted to see a couple photos…
ronharper17@hotmail.com