Sid Abbruzzi

Born and raised in Newport, Rhode Island, Sid Abruzzi came to surfing and skateboarding in the early 1960s. In 1969, 18-year-old Abbruzzi drove down to New Jersey to buy a few Rick single-fins, as surfboards were hard to come by in Rhode Island back then. He swiftly sold the boards, then sold another batch, and found a liking for this buying and selling business.

In 1971, Abbruzzi opened Water Brothers Surf and Skate, which became the hub of surf-skate culture in Rhode Island. And in the spirit of "If you build it, they will come," the various quarterpipes, halfpipes, and full-scale skateparks that Abbruzzi spearheaded attracted the world's greatest skateboarders.

Hailed as the "Godfather of New England surfing," Abbruzzi is a regular at Ruggles, the fabled reef break along the scenic Newport Cliff Walk. When it became endangered, he stepped up as the spot's most vocal advocate, fighting the good fight—and winning.

Abbruzzi is a punk rocker. In 1981, he, his brother, and some friends started the band Big World. Abbruzzi was the lead singer. He threw body and blood into the shows. Big World opened for Iggy Pop, The Tubes, and Johnny Thunders, among others.

Abbruzzi is the subject of Water Brother: The Sid Abbruzzi Story, a 2024 feature documentary.

Now 74, Abbruzzi lives with his wife Danielle not far from the break where he first rode his first waves some 60-plus years ago.

In this episode of Soundings, Abbruzzi talks with Jamie Brisick about the founding of Water Brothers, the commitment of cold water surfing, building his legendary skatepark, playing music, and shaping New England's surf and skate scene for over half a century.

Presented by Rainbow® Sandals

Produced by Jonathan Shifflett.
Music by PazKa (Aska Matsumiya & Paz Lenchantin).

Become a TSJ member at surfersjournal.com