Pro surf event coming to Newport for charitable causes

NEWPORT, R.I. (WPRI) – A new local surf contest set for October aims to benefit multiple charitable purposes. The ‘Water Brothers Pro 2016’ event is set to be held at Second Beach in Newport Saturday, Oct. 22.

The event will be held in memory of Ryan Roberts, a surfer who made a lasting positive local impact and a friend of event organizer, Sid Abruzzi. Abruzzi is behind many large-scale surf events held in recent years in The City by the Sea, including the Annual Water Brothers Surf Fests.

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A $5,000 purse is set for the OPEN PRO with cash prizes for the top eight contestants.

The event is also collecting gift certificates or cash donations to the Water Brothers Charity Raffle to benefit “Roll For Rob”.

Roll For Rob is a fund created by friends of Rob Pontes to help support him and his family as Rob continues treatment for ALS.

Clean Ocean Access will also be onsite representing the charitable portion of the event.

The contest is wave reliant and the official date will be confirmed before the contest is held.

Contestants, participants and spectators are encouraged to follow the Water Brothers Pro site and social media platforms for updates.