Surf fest makes waves for National Kidney Foundation

[okarol]

Surf fest makes waves for National Kidney Foundation

By Jenet Krol

Krol@hometownnewsol.com

COCOA BEACH - This Labor Day weekend, the waters of Cocoa Beach will host one of the largest nonprofit surf fests in the country.

Close to 50,000 spectators and competitors and 300 volunteers are expected to turn out in support of the National Kidney Foundation at the 24th annual Cocoa Beach Surf Company NKF Pro-Am Surfing Festival.

Started by Rich Salik, a Cocoa Beach resident and former professional surfer, the surf fest raises funds for patients in need of kidney transplants or who are on dialysis.

"Most kidney patients don't have a disposable income and travel and medication can really wear you down financially," said Mr. Salik.

A three-time kidney transplant recipient, Mr. Salik knows the issues dialysis patients face. For example, the NKF has an agreement with power companies to return power to patients who are dilating in their homes.

"The funds we raise are for immediate assistance, such as food, clothing, transportation, medicine and shelter," said Mr. Salik.

Surfers will hit the waves Sept. 4 at Shepard Park and the Cocoa Beach Pier to participate in competitions such as the Steve Cassanova Men's Pro, the Angel Eyewear Women's Pro, the Anarchy Eyewear Junior Men's Pro and the Space Coast Credit Union's Men's Pro Long board.

The three-day event also includes competitive tandem surfing, stand-up paddle boarding competitions, skim boarding and swimsuit competitions and karate demonstrations.

Recent kidney-transplant recipients, as well as patients on kidney dialysis, will join the professional and amateur surfers among the waves.

Professional surfing stars will sign posters each day at 1 p.m.

Spectators can enjoy thrills on a bungee jumping station that will be set up on the beach, visit booths including Kashi Foods, the Beach Spa, surfboard shaping demonstrations and food and beverage vendors.

The surf festival also includes The Taste of Brevard, which features more than 25 local restaurants showcasing their cuisine and a silent auction with more than 800 items including surfboards and hotel stays, of which all proceeds are donated to the National Kidney Foundation.

The Taste of Brevard is scheduled for Sept. 6 at 6 p.m. at the Double Tree Hotel in Cocoa Beach, 2080 North Atlantic Blvd., Cocoa Beach.

Admission is free, with a $20 suggested donation.

One hundred percent of the proceeds raised during the surf fest will be donated to the National Kidney Foundation, which works toward preventing kidney and urinary tract diseases, improving the health and well being of individuals and families diagnosed with those diseases and increasing the availability of organs for transplantation.

For more information on surf fest, including a schedule of events, visit www.nkfsurf.org.

For more information on the National Kidney Foundation visit www.kidneyfla.org or call toll free (800) 927-9659.

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