MIDDLETOWN, R.I. (WPRI) – A local surf contest managed to draw waves, crowds of spectators, and professional surf contestants with a goal to benefit multiple charitable purposes. The ‘Water Brothers Pro 2016’ event was held at Second Beach in Middletown Saturday, Oct. 22.
The contest was wave reliant and Saturday didn’t disappoint, as swells at Newport and Middletown beaches were in the 3-5 foot high range. The northern offshore prevailing wind kept the waves clean enough to provide plenty of workable waves for the competitors and contest judges.PHOTO GALLERY:
The event was 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 was the top prize for OPEN PRO winner with cash prizes for the top eight contestants.
The event also collected gift certificates and 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 was also be onsite representing the charitable portion of the event.
The day’s events were capped off with an awards ceremony and after party for participants and fans at Pelham East nightclub in Newport. At the awards ceremony, surfer, Rob Kelly took first place and was crowned Water Brothers Pro 2016 champion.
