Home » 31st Annual NKF Rich Salick Pro/Am Surf Fest Set To Open Friday At Cocoa Beach Pier

31st Annual NKF Rich Salick Pro/Am Surf Fest Set To Open Friday At Cocoa Beach Pier

By  //  September 2, 2016

largest charity-based event of its kind

ABOVE VIDEO: Highlights from the 30th Annual NKF Surf Fest in memory of Rich Salick at the Cocoa Beach Pier. 

BREVARD COUNTY • COCOA BEACH, FLORIDA – The NKF Rich Salick 31st Annual Pro-Am Surf Festival, set for this weekend at the Cocoa Beach Pier, is the largest charity-based event of its kind, featuring amateur and professional surfers from all over the world.

In 1973 Rick Salick was a professional surfer on the U.S. and World Surfing teams and his future looked very bright. Suddenly, he lost 35 pounds in two weeks and was diagnosed with kidney disease. (Image for SpaceCoastDaily.com)
In 1973 Rick Salick was a professional surfer on the U.S. and World Surfing teams and his future looked very bright. Suddenly, he lost 35 pounds in two weeks and was diagnosed with kidney disease. (Image for SpaceCoastDaily.com)

The Surf Fest has drawn thousands of spectators, and is supported by a small army of dedicated volunteers.

All of the action is taking place at the Cocoa Beach Pier in Cocoa Beach, and all proceeds will go to the NKF of Florida to support programs in patient services, research and organ donation.

Rich Salick, who died in 2012, and his identical twin brother Phil, founded the festival as a way to raise funds to help fight kidney disease and assist dialysis patients.

Increasing Awareness of Kidney Disease

This year’s festival will once again include professional and amateur surfing competitions, stand-up paddleboard and tandem competitions, skateboarding, karate and entertainment.

Rich Salick’s Spirit and Legacy of Hope Lives On, 37th Annual Surf Fest Underway This WeekendRelated Story:
Rich Salick’s Spirit and Legacy of Hope Lives On, 37th Annual Surf Fest Underway This Weekend

This event, which will start Saturday and concludes on Monday, has all proceeds going to the NKF of Florida to support programs in patient services, research, public and professional education. The festival also strives to increase awareness of kidney disease with an emphasis on prevention and support for organ donation.

Event Has Raised Millions For NKF

With Rich’s death, the Surf Festival has becoming even more compelling for Phil. In its 31-year history the event has raised millions of dollars for the National Kidney Foundation of Florida, and is the largest event of its kind for the benefit of charity.

FOR INFORMATION LOG ON TO NKFSURF.COM

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The NKF Rich Salick 31st Annual Pro-Am Surf Festival, set for this weekend at the Cocoa Beach Pier, is the largest charity-based event of its kind, featuring amateur and professional surfers from all over the world. (NKF image)

CLICK HERE for amateur Heat Schedule

NATIONAL KIDNEY FOUNDATION PRO/AM SURF SCHEDULE

Thursday, September 1

6:00-9:00 PM VIP, Sponsor, and Press Party
Location: Fishlips and The Wyland Gallery at the Port
Description: All sponsors, VIP guests, and press welcome. Press can pick up their press packs.

Friday, September 2

6:00-10:00 PM Registration Party
Location: Westgate Resorts Cocoa Beach Pier – Keith’s Oyster Bar
Description: Competitors and spectators welcome. Registration opens for all competitors until 8:00 pm.

Saturday, September 3

7:00 AM Beach Registration ($10 late fee)
Location: Westgate Resorts Cocoa Beach Pier
8:00 AM Pro-Am Surfing Competition Begins.
Location: Westgate Resorts Cocoa Beach Pier
Description: Preliminary surf heats take place.
9:00AM-1:00 PM Ron Jon Surf School Open to the Public
12:00 – 1:00 PM Tandem Surfing Competition on the Main Stage Area
7:00-9:00 PM Hawaiian Night and Surf Movie
Location: Main Stage at the Westgate Resorts Cocoa Beach Pier
Description: Traditional Hawaiian Luau Performance and Pig Roast followed by a Surf Movie on the main stage. Tickets are $10 and include food.

Sunday, September 4

7:15 AM Non-Denominational Church Service on the Beach by Christian Surfers
8:00 AM Pro-Am Surfing Competition Continues
Location: Westgate Resorts Cocoa Beach Pier
Description: Quarter, semifinals, semi-mains will take place.
9:00 AM-1:00 PM Ron Jon Surf School Open to the Public
12:00 AM – 1:00 PM Tandem Surfing Competition on the Main Stage Area
6:00-10:00 PM Taste of Brevard and Silent Auction Sponsored by Regions Bank
Location: Radisson Resort at the Port
Description: “Cocoa Beach’s Tropical Party of the Year” Sample foods from over 20 of Brevard’s finest restaurants, bid on over 500 auction items, and enjoy great music. Admission: $35 at the door.

Monday, September 5

9:00 AM Pro Am Surfing Competition Finals
Location: Westgate Resorts Cocoa Beach Pier
9:00 AM-1:00 PM Ron Jon Surf School Open to the Public
12:00 – 1:00 AM Tandem Surf Competition Finals
2:00 PM Professional Awards Ceremony (tentative time)
5:00 PM Amateur Awards Ceremony (tentative time)
Location: Westgate Resorts Cocoa Beach Pier
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The NKF Pro-Am Surfing Competition will begin Saturday at the Westgate Resorts Cocoa Beach Pier. (NKF image)