It’s an unseasonably “warm” February afternoon in Newport, RI. By “warm” I mean 10°C, whatever that means to Americans, figure it out. After long, lonely weeks and months on end of negative temperatures, the slightest kiss of weak sunshine and mild temperatures tricks some into acting like they are living in a cruel Summer daze. Hastily shedding layers, trading Ugg Boots for sandals and things of that nature. I hopped on my bike and headed to Ruggles for a fictional surf check, knowing full well that it was dead flat.

Gilded Age summer cottages — which resemble French Chateaus — all owned by the likes of the Vanderbilts, Astors and Morgans dot the drive to the beach. This is home to the historic America’s Cup Yacht Race and style icon Jacqueline Lee Bouvier Kennedy Onassis. But more important than gold-filled mansions, snooty heiresses and multi-million dollar sailboats, is Ruggles. There are a number of breaks in the Newport, R.I. First and Second Beach offer fun beach break conditions — but Ruggles stands supreme. Crowded, colder than a brass toilet seat in Reykjavik and pretty damn fickle, but on it’s day it’s all worth it.

The point of Ruggles is also conveniently located adjacent to the exclusive and exorbitantly priced Salve Regina University. The University is recognized for its prestigious nursing program but more celebrated for its rather attractive nursing students. So off I went on my bike to see if there were any sundresses wandering around campus.

After the disappointing realization that knee high boots, chunky sweaters, infinitely long scarves and Carhartt beanies are still de rigueur, I decided to cut my losses and seek an exit. On my way home I figured I’d stop by Water Brothers Surf Shop for some fucken frigid wax and neoprene cement, but mainly to see if Danielle was around. Danielle is a stone cold fox (I mean this with the utmost respect) and also the wife of the legendary Sid Abbruzzi.

Sid is a rare breed, still as core and relevant in our collective surf consciousness as ever. Steve Rees wrote a revealing piece on him for Beachgrit a couple of months ago, detailing the recent surf boom’s effect on Water Brothers and revealing the upcoming biographical documentary of Sid’s storied life.

Shortly thereafter Sid chatted with Chas and Derek on the pinnacle of audible discourse, their infamous Dirty Water Podcast. Sid’s gravelly voice offering up wild tales and perspective after decades in the business of surf.

Something wicked this way comes. Sid was notified last week that he has until March 19th in his current retail location, which he has occupied for the better part of 30 years, give or take a few short stints in other spots before the building will be demolished in April.

The owner is in the process of finalizing plans to develop a “new, architecturally appealing and appropriately scaled vacation guest facility, with a total of 12 guest units.”

“I knew the writing was on the wall, Sid says. “I was hoping to stay until the end of the year. We have no idea as to where we’re going now. The prices of leasing retail space in Newport just drive regular people out of business. We’re not a big corporation. We’re just hoping something walks in the front door during our next 40 days here.”

The first iteration of Water Brothers Surf Company in Atlantic Beach in Middleton. [PHOTOS from Daily News File Photos].

I mentioned some twisted allegory, alluding to the Temptation of Christ. Jesus wandering the desert for 40 days, fasting and being tempted by the devil. Sid just looked at me, slightly concerned.

“Water Brothers is going into its 51st year and is not going out of business as a brand or as a company. We just have to find another physical location.”

Sid’s seen it all before. You don’t go through 50 years in any business without some feral ability to land on your feet and possessing the proverbial, feline nine lives. Sid, and those of his ilk bleed for surf and the local surf community will continue to be loyal and support Water Brothers through whatever storms come next. The shop is still the first stop for traveling pro’s passing through town to pay homage, and that’s not going to change any time soon.

If you know someone in or around the Rhody area, tell them to head to 39 1/2 Memorial Blvd before March 19th and snatch up a prized and ever sought after WB beanie, hoodie or whatever swag is left at the shop, just don’t pull in too hot to Ruggles on a good day.

As I left the shop and said cheers to Sid and Danielle for now, he reminded me of a hard rocking surf buccaneer. I recalled an age old war command that he and very few others echo and epitomize: “Don’t give up the ship!”—Joel van Wyk