Sports
Surf Fest at Doris Duke's Rough Point on Thursday's Gallery Night
Doris Duke was an avid surfer and learned from the best. See her 1960 Velzy surfboard and learn about the sport's history on Thursday.
Surf’s up, Islanders!
Even if you can't catch a wave, you can catch up on local surfing history and its legends, including avid surfer Doris Duke and her mentor Duke Kahanamoku, who was an Olympic diver and celebrated champion surfer, this Thursday at .
As part of Gallery Night, which takes place the second Thursday of every month, visitors can expect to see Doris Duke’s 1960 Velzy surfboard and will have the opportunity to browse the iconic 20th-century sportswear and equipment in the exhibit Dressed to Play: The Sporty Style of Doris Duke.
The exhibit illustrates Duke's athletic lifestyle, which included surfing in Hawaii and daily swims in Newport.
Created by Dale Velzy, who some claim opened the first conventional surf shop in California in 1949, the Velzy surfboard was used by Doris Duke at Shangri La, her home in Hawaii.
“Doris Duke was herself an avid surfer, learning from the great Sam and Duke Kahanamoku. We wanted to do something that not only gave people a chance to see the exhibit but also explore a real passion of hers,” said event organizer Liz Spoden.
Local surfing legend Sid Abruzzi, of Water Brothers, will talk about the history of surfing as well as his personal experiences at the event.
“I’ve been surfing off these rocks for over 40 years. To be able to come to Rough Point and talk about surfing is the culmination of my career," Abruzzi said during a final planning meeting.
Kevin Cunningham, founder and designer of Spirare Surfboards, will discuss his innovative, eco-friendly boards. Cunningham describes his boards as functional art.
There will also be footage of Newport surfers, raffles for lessons and equipment, a cash bar and music. Tickets are $5.
