Sid Abbruzzi is an East Coast Surfing Hall of Famer who has been referred to as a “Godfather” of surfing. He has been an icon of not only the sport of surfing, but skating, over the last five decades.
Water Brother: The Sid Abbruzzi Story is an inspiring documentary produced by Kinnane Brothers that captures the culture of surfing and skating, and the impact that Sid has had on the surf world. The documentary was screened at East Hampton Regal Cinema last month where a Q&A with Sid followed.
Sid has always been dedicated to protecting the history and culture of surfing and skating. Much of the documentary follows the final days of his famous Water Brothers Surf & Skate shop in Newport, RI before demolition right around the time that Sid approaches the age of 72. Featuring interviews and footage with other cultural icons like Tony Hawk and Shepard Fairey, the film emphasizes the importance of our personal histories while serving as a reminder to live in the here and now and to always cherish our pasts and how we got to where we are. It follows Sid’s surfing and skating journey from Newport to Santa Cruz, Cocoa Beach, South Africa’s Jeffrey’s Bay, and beyond.
Sid spoke about Water Brother, his history with the sport, and how his relationship with the surf world is ever-changing yet remains fundamental to who he is. He says, “I was fascinated from the first time I saw guys surfing at the beach, and I was skating even before that on the sidewalk, probably like we were surfers. Then as things developed, after my first board, I became more and more passionate, and it developed all the way to where I am now.”
Sid opened his surf and skate shop when he was just 17 in 1969. Newport was a different town back then than the resort town it has become today. After the premiere of Water Brother at newportFILM last summer in 2023, the town of Newport rallied behind Sid, and a longtime friend secured a plot of land next door to the old shop for a temporary pop-up shop that they are now looking to keep open. Sid says, “We have a small 20X 40 location that we had the blessing of being built for us by my good friend Jerry Kirby. It’s a way for Water Brothers to still do what it does in surf and skate and here in our community, so we’re very grateful.” This has been a testament to how integral Water Brothers shop was in the community, and it shows how a town can rally behind a local business and help it survive.
Sid has recalled many great surfing memories throughout his life, mentioning, “There’s a lot. Just going back whether it was getting dropped off by my mom as a kid and those first years of surfing. And early surf cars, a jeep or VW, and first surf trips headed to places to surf in RI and being able to go to new places. As I got older, I got to go to new locations like South Africa, Ireland, through the States, surfing there and meeting friends along the way was always thrilling. And meeting people I admired and becoming good friends with a few of them.”
His life has been enriched by surfing in so many ways, and he noted that even as his relationship to the sport changes, he will always be a fan. He says, “As you get older everything changes. And I enjoy watching surfing from the shore and am stoked just watching the younger generation surf. I’ll always be a fan as well.”
Sid has surfed all over the world, and even though Newport, RI will always be where his community lies, he noted similarities and differences among many coastal and surf towns. He says, “Each local area has its own flavor and group of surfers that define that area.”
The documentary Water Brother not only highlights the amazing impact Sid has had on the world of surf culture, but it highlights the community that comes along with it. The Kinnane Brothers produced this film, and they had been a part of Sid’s life and shop for a long time. They are a group of eight brothers based in Little Compton, RI. And their entire operation is a family affair from writing, directing, shooting, editing, and producing, their efforts truly highlight the importance of community and family—with Sid being an extension of this familial importance. Sid says, “I grew up surfing with their dad, and all the guys were raised in Water Brothers, buying their first surfboards. Good friends and I watched them all develop into filmmakers though the years.”
Sid feels that his greatest accomplishments in life have been his marriage and his friends, mentioning that friends and family bring him great joy. He also noted that his best advice for young surfers would be, “Respect the water and the locals. And always leave the beach cleaner than when you got there.”
With a true respect and dedication for surf and the water, along with culture and legacy, Sid reflected on the finished product of Water Brother: The Sid Abbruzzi Story. He said that he hopes viewers take away that there are many ups and downs in life. “We learn, sometimes the hard way, between right and wrong. But that there’s always hope for things to change for the better.”
The Hamptons, like Sid’s hometown of Newport, is heavily influenced by surf culture, especially the commonality it holds with a mix of locals and vacationers, but always emphasizing the importance of community. Sid’s story is heartwarming, significant, and one that is sure to resonate with our own coastal community.
Now available, be sure to check out Water Brothers: The Sid Abbruzzi Story for an unforgettable glimpse into the world of surf culture!
