Nearly 300 professional and amateur surfers competed in the 34th Annual NKF Rich Salick PRO/AM Surf Festival held October 11th-14th at the Westgate Pier in Cocoa Beach. The popular Surf Festival presented by Ron Jon Surf Shop included world class surfing and the Taste of Brevard/Silent Auction to benefit the National Kidney Foundation of Florida raising thousands of dollars, while building awareness of kidney disease and the need for organ donation. Proceeds collected benefit the programs and services of the National Kidney Foundation of Florida, helping patients with kidney disease. The charity surf event was a great success, bringing in thousands of beach goers and spectators who enjoyed the surfing, tandem exhibitions, and nightly events including live music and surf movies on the beach and the premiere of the Hobgood brothers documentary: And Two if By Sea. You can view pictures of the Annual NKF Rich Salick PRO/AM Surf Festival by visiting our NKF “Rich Salick” Facebook page.
Due to Hurricane Dorian’s path towards Central Florida’s Space Coast during the days leading up to the Surf Fest, the event was postponed to the backup date of Columbus Day Weekend, October 11th-14th. This is the second time in all 34 years of running the event where the Surf Fest had to be postponed due to an incoming hurricane. Although hurricanes produce great waves for Florida’s east coast, they can be life threatening and very dangerous. Keeping the competitors and volunteers is of primary importance for event organizers. Fortunately, the October weekend provided perfect glassy, chest high waves and beautiful fall weather. Congratulations to all competitors and a special thanks to our volunteers and sponsors for making this year’s event the best one yet.
The NKF Rich Salick Pro/Am Surf Festival honored the co-founder and 3 time kidney recipient Rich Salick who passed away in July 2012. For more information on future NKF of Florida events call 1.800.927.9659 or visit us online at www.kidneyfl.org or nkfsurf.com.
The National Kidney Foundation of Florida’s mission is to prevent kidney and urinary tract diseases, improve the health and well being of individuals and families affected by these diseases and increase the availability of all organs for transplantation.
