The 2026 Rhody Surf Scholarship Program is now accepting applications.
Background
Rhody Surf was founded in Newport, Rhode Island in 2011 with a simple idea: the ocean has the power to shape lives in meaningful ways.
While attending Salve Regina University, founder Bobby Drought developed the original business plan for Rhody Surf as part of an MBA program, inspired by a lifelong connection to surfing and the ocean.
Since then, Rhody Surf has focused on creating welcoming, beginner-friendly surf experiences for both visitors and local residents. Introducing people to surfing often becomes a gateway to something larger - a deeper appreciation for the ocean, coastal communities, and the environment that defines Rhode Island.
The ocean plays an important role not only for our beachside company, but for all Rhode Islanders and the state’s broader blue economy. The Rhody Surf Scholarship reflects this connection and celebrates students whose lives have been shaped by the ocean in their own unique way.
Short Essay Description
Every Rhode Islander grows up with the ocean differently - through recreation, work, family traditions, or personal experiences along the coast.
For the Rhody Surf Scholarship Program, we invite graduating high school seniors from Aquidneck Island to share a personal reflection describing how the ocean has positively influenced their life.
Applicants will submit a short essay through the application form below.
Award & Timeline
• Scholarship Award: $500
• Application Deadline: April 15, 2026
• Recipient Announcement: Spring 2026
All application materials must be submitted through the form below. The selected recipient will be notified after the review process is completed.
Applicant Criteria
Applicants must:
• Be a current high school senior
• Plan to attend college beginning Fall 2026
• Complete the application form below
• Upload required materials:
• Transcript
• Resume
• Letter of recommendation
• Attend an Aquidneck Island high school or be an Aquidneck Island resident
Questions?
If you have any questions during the application process, please contact us here.
Scholarship Application Form
Rhody Surf Scholarship Recipient 25’
We're thrilled to announce the winner of the inaugural Rhody Surf Scholarship (2025), Sean Collins of Portsmouth Rhode Island! Sean is a Portsmouth High School Senior and Captain of the Varsity Soccer Team, as well as an avid skier, sailer, and surfer. As a child, his parents passed down their ocean-related hobbies to him, including surfing. Sean reflected in his essay submission that the ocean greatly impacted the shaping of his life and approach to challenges. Sean wrote, "As my surfing matured, I not only began to understand the importance of patience, but also self-reflection and acknowledging my mistakes....These self-reflection skills have been incredibly beneficial in my day-to-day life for self-improvement." Congratulations to Sean as he embarks on his college chapter at Denver University. Best of luck to him and all of our scholarship applicants for your incredible stories and reflections on how the ocean has positively affected your lives.