Rick Neilsen: Brothers Neilsen co-founder and legendary Gold Coast surfer dies at 74

The death of Gold Coast surfing icon Rick Neilsen has sparked tributes recalling the incredible role and his family played in reshaping the industry.

Rick Neilsen was a member of the Australian Team at Oceanside California for the 1972 World Surfing Championships photo Jeff Divine.

Brothers Neilsen co-founder Rick Neilsen is being remembered as “one of Queensland’s greatest surfing legends” after dying at age 74.

The third oldest brother of the surfing dynasty, he was a key player in the sport in the late 1960s and early 1970s and is survived by his son Adam and five brothers

During that time, he represented Queensland in national titles between 1967 and 1972, was runner-up in the finals at the 1971 Bells Nationals and was part of the Australian team for the 1972 World Surfing Championships at San Diego, California.

His also forged a successful career shaping surf boards, one of which his brother Paul rode to win the Australian Open Mens title in 1971.

Rick Neilsen was a semi-finalist at the 1972 Smirnoff Pro won by brother Paul at Haleiwa, Oahu, Hawaii. Photo by Steve Wilkings.

The family soon after launched the Brothers Neilsen company, which became one of Australia’s best known surf brands in the 1980s and 90s.

Close family friend Andrew McKinnon paid tribute to the surfer.

“Rick loved surfing up and down the East Coast and travelling to Hawaii and Bali, although it was Burleigh Point where both Rick and Paul made their mark,” he said.

“He had an infectious personality, and possessed a raucous laugh – everybody loved this loquacious larrikin.

“Rick was one of Queensland’s all-time surfing greats, transitioning from longboards to shortboards and shaping champion-winning surfboards throughout.

“All will sadly miss this loveable giant of Australian surfing. Rest in Peace Ricky.”