New Jersey Surfer Rob Kelly Joins Jetty as Brand’s Newest Pro Rider

November 14, 2024

The Garden State Surf Brand and Celebrated Pro Surfer Unite to Tell the Story of East Coast Authenticity

Manahawkin, NJ – November 14, 2024 /OUTDOOR SPORTSWIRE/ – Jetty, the East Coast surf apparel brand with a growing presence in the outdoor and active lifestyle markets, today announced the signing of 35-year-old Ocean City, New Jersey professional surfer Rob Kelly. The move further solidifies Jetty’s commitment to its hardcore surf roots and dedication to Northeast coastal culture.

“I was building a surf career around the same time Jetty started; both of us trying to make an impact on the surf world from an unlikely place,” said Rob Kelly. “I’ve been blessed to make a living around surfing the past 20-plus years and have watched Jetty grow to a respected global brand at the same time. One of the things I’m most proud of is creating a career in surfing without having to leave New Jersey. The surf community here has grown so much in the past two decades and that passionate support has given us both opportunities, while staying based locally.”

After 16 years of riding for a heritage surf company from the West Coast, Rob decided to make a change, refocus on his home turf, and join Jetty as its newest brand ambassador.

“It was time to draw my own line,” he stated.

Rob is one of the most accomplished surfers from New Jersey, with a long list of competitive accolades matched only by his extremely dynamic free surfing adventures. He dominated the amateur ranks, leading the Ocean City High School Surf Team to four consecutive championships and a national finals appearance. He took home the Eastern Surfing Association (ESA) Easterns Surfing Championship Junior Men’s and Open titles in 2007, while also acing the East Coast Surfing Championships Junior Pro.

He scored huge victories at the 2017 Monster Belmar Pro, 2017 Sweetwater Pro, and 2018 Water Brothers Pro. In 2021, he won Surfline’s Northeast Wave of the Winter. Most recently he took home the crown at the prestigious Garden State Grudge Match in 2022 and 2023.

Rob’s surfing career has led him all over the world. His trademark is not only the ability to paddle into a bomb, but the capacity to show respect, lift-up those around him, and be welcomed back time and again. He has become a hometown hero in Ocean City and has proven himself a fantastic role model to the next generation of surfers.

The Jetty crew has watched Rob grow from a grom and move with grace in the spotlight, now married with two children and surfing better than ever. Rob has long admired Jetty’s events, deep community ties, and steadfast commitment to producing high-quality eco-minded garments.

“It just makes sense to team up and continue to make an impact in the surf world, while proudly flying the Jersey flag to ensure the groms coming up know that you can come from New Jersey and do great things in the surf world,” added Rob.

The move solidifies Jetty as the most prominent surf apparel brand on the East Coast. With more than two decades under its belt, Jetty is a Certified B Corporation with over 700 retail partners throughout North America and a thriving 501(c)(3) nonprofit division, the Jetty Rock Foundation. Jetty will leverage its relationship with Rob to create compelling content with storytelling at the forefront, engage him in community events, consult with him on product development, and more.

“There simply isn’t a better match for Jetty than Rob. Just like our brand, he represents every aspect of this part of our rich coastal history and four distinct seasons,” said John Clifford, Jetty Chief Creative Officer & Partner. “He’s won at the most DIY homegrown contests to marquis events around the world. On those blustery, mean winter days, when the entire surf world is watching New Jersey, Rob is the one making the biggest, heaviest barrels. But he also personifies the other part of the East Coast that’s relatable to so many: surfing under the fireworks in his hometown on July 4th, taking his kids for pizza, and just hanging out on the boardwalk.”

Rob joins an energized team of Jetty Ambassadors including Puerto Rico commercial fisherman/surfer Darren Muschett, Nicaraguan surf guide Sean Pearson, New Jersey legend Randy Townsend, and other rippers spanning the generations.

About Jetty:

Founded in 2003 and headquartered in Manahawkin, NJ, Jetty was created on a shared love of surf, fishing, art, travel, and music, and a desire to draw its own line. Now in its 21st year of business and a Certified B Corp, Jetty continues to offer eco-minded, durable apparel that embodies the fickle conditions of Northeast surf and encourages outdoor adventure despite the weather. Find out more at www.JettyLife.com or follow along on Instagram and Facebook.

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