This is your page. In other words, simply click on the link below to send me an email, or short story. Tell me what's on your mind. Try not to be so hurtful. Just keep in mind, that any email, and or letter I receive, could be posted on this page. But keep this in mind as well, I will answer most with a short reply. And don't worry. I will NOT post your email address, but I will post part of your name. After all, that's only fair. However, if you really want to remain anonymous, I'll grant your request. Send me your thoughts, praises, complaints or well wishes...I'd be happy to hear from you.
Click here- Dropping In On Ralph! Be sure to leave your name and State. Thanks.
SO DROP IN ON ME. JUST DON'T DO IT IN THE WATER!
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February 2010

February 28, 2010

That was an informative and very funny message. You will be cracking jokes on your deathbed because you like us to laugh. That is a great quality. Mahalo from all of us, mah baruthah!
I am impressed with Max for being a good kid and doing well in athletics. He is so lucky to shine in his senior year- it is every kid's dream, and you and Cory have somehow (!) helped him achieve that. You have every right to be proud.

I had in an intense last 2 days- we were the last to get power here on the end of High St. I was intent on living at the shop for a few days and went so far as to buy a laptop internet card because after the fire, I couldn't find anyway to email the fire pics they badly wanted. I had to drive them to Kittery in person by 10am Monday am after 3 hours of driving to different towns looking for web service.

That's my story an I'm stickin to it.
Aloha. Johnny...Give Mackey a fist bump or a high five or w/e it is you do these days.

Thanks John. Max usually gives me a headlock these days. He's very hurtful.

February 26, 2010

hey Ralph,
I am a photographer living in Beverly. I stumbled onto your post recently and like it.
I started surfing three years ago and wish I had done so earlier being 36... I snapped a few pics this morning of the washing machine like conditions.
Enjoy.

Matt

Thanks Matt for the pics and for starting surfing so late! I'm kidding (sort of). Look if you're having fun, that's all that matters. Just look both ways before taking off.

February 26, 2010

Thanks for your support and being a friend Ralph. I feel I have been accepted into "this tribe" of surfers here, and i couldn't be happier with the people and friends I have met. Thanks bro and keep that blog rolling, I love it!
B

As long as there's surf and people to ride it, and I have my health and passion,
I'll keep it going.


February 25, 2010

Your 1983 WAVES music video
I
really liked it but terri loved it
I have that album, part of my treasured vinyl collection

SB

What is vinyl?

February 25, 2010

16.9ft @ 10.7sec at my local buoy at the moment!

Ken

Oh baby...hang on to your seats kids, this ride could get a little bumpy.

February 23, 2010

Ralph, I liked your piece on the original Snurfer. Here's mine, which I bought when they first came out in the late 60s. It's a little worse for the wear, but I still ride it, along with my Mickey Munoz Quasimodo model Arbor snowboard. This was the deluxe model which had raised pegs on the deck(all but one gone) for extra grip and a V bottom tail with a metal skeg. The regular model didn' t have the V or skeg and the deck was painted and had raised staples for extra grip.
I too am amazed to watch the half pipe aerial show in Vancouver. We've come a long way from where we started.
I began surfing the same year as you in Southern Maine and NJ and am still at it somewhere deep in Northern New England.
Keep surfing!

Ken
Thanks Ken you're an inspiration to all. Keep Snurfing and Surfing!

February 23, 2010

RPOTW is great as usual.

JC

Thanks


February 20, 2010

Hi Ralph,

On March 6th 2010 I will be hosting a seminar on the SNP speed enhancer product . There will be FREE applications of our product on any item brought in. Surfboards, snow boards, SUPs, paddles , goggles, camera lenses, etc. Howard, Andy, and I will also be explaining the other various uses of the pfroduct. C-Bows is the sponser and will host the event in the shop that day. Would you be so kind as to mention this event in your blog along with the web site info? Have you or Max tried it on one of your surf or snow boards? I think it is a great product, check out the web site info.

Mahalo

Aloha Lenny

Have not yet tried it but I will...looks interesting and the video was cool.

February 19, 2010

Ralph,
Earlier this week saw some great swell pushing through OC. I was out
taking pictures then surfing in the afternoon. Great fun. Of course I've
only gotten out a couple times this calendar year so far, so though fun, I
definitely got housed! Check out the attached images.

Another big swell is on the way, though this one should come complete with
rain, so don't know how many people will be out. It hasn't rained in a
week, and I still got an empty Misson flour tortilla bag in my face coming
up from duck diving a wave today. Awful.
Cheers!
Ben
(California)

There's some weird weather happening on this Planet.

February 19, 2010

Hey Ralph

I have been out of town for the last couple of weeks and the first thing I usually do when I get back is see what waves I have missed. I read with great amusement the story line accompanying the blatant drop in photo.

The story behind the photo goes like this:

I think Tobey was paying me back for an earlier transgression. I dropped in on someone (actually I was up first but he dropped in after me and behind me so we could argue who had priority) and when I realized what was happening and after I had threaded the obstacle course of surfers sitting inside I kicked out. Absolutely unintentional..... A couple of waves later is when the pic was snapped. Being that I am quite blind without my glasses (fat and blind.. what a combo and the ears are going too...) I couldn't be sure if it was Tobey on both waves but I think it was and he was surprised when I didn't let up on the gas and stayed right with him on that wave. Of course I was going in a straight line and he was all over the wave giving me a birds eye view of his ride which I actually enjoyed as he was killing it. I try to enjoy it all as much as I can despite an occasional annoyance.

Your right about John Murtha. I never served but have several active and a couple of retired family members who felt the way you do without even saying it.

See you in the water and thanks for your column

Dave C

There's never a shortage of BLATANT DROP INs...it's good entertainment.

February 19, 2010

Ralph,

Hey! how are ya? love your stories on your site! Especially the one about you and Jack's brother, etc. Hope you and Cory are doing well, please give her my best. I am flying solo now with the liittle hellions! Its all good, Ii'm not complaining since I'm surfing warm waters now. I am getting my A*? handed to me though when its anything over head high! These waves just barrel down hard and throw you deep if your not on your game, and I don't have any game! Yesterday we had a nice small , mellow day for once but all the tourists are here now so it was a bit crowded. I got out early and caught some nice waves with Christopher at Maria's. He is really stepping it up and putting on his brave face.

As you know Drew got the best 10 days in a row they have seen here in a long time. I was so happy for him since he doesn't get to surf much anymore, he killed it even though he's been sitting at a desk for such a long time.

Missing home and look forward to seeing everyone and surfing in N.E again soon. Even if it is cold! When can I get back into a 4'3?? I hope soon since I dont have a winter suit.

Take care,

GK

I was so stoked to see Andrew's amazing waves. Wow! I'm jealous. I wished I could of slipped away to the tropics this year. That's OK, I'm having fun surfing our own waves every week.
Although it has been cold.

Cory is fine. Say hello to the kids for me. And you be careful. Always come up with your hands over your head and face. And don't forget to tell the kids that.

Catch a wave for me.

Ralph


February 18, 2010

Ralph, came right home and watched that video clip.. PRICELESS!!!!!!!!!!!!
Love the music, the hair, the surf shots. You are a riot.

Did you know both Chris and I grew up around Cape Ann too? I spent many summers at West Beach in Beverly Farms.

Also, my favorite spot around here has been in many of your pics lately... the corner
on 1A, right as you come down the hill and see North Beach and Hampton ..
that whole area (actually looking in both ways) is beautiful. Love the pics from
Feb 11th that you put up, beautiful sunset.

Chris (and Chris)

Thank you and thanks.

February 17, 2010

Hey guys,

Another kook question. Florida - water temp 70, air 50 - do I need any kind of wet suit?

Mark

Lycra or 1-2mm vest w/short sleeves.

February 17, 2010

Ralph, I had fun watching "Maria". It reminded me that I have super 8 footage on video of me with my arm around Rincon's Maria. She dissed me. On camera. The audio from CR website kept playing during your show and the only thing I heard of your audio was at the end when the host said "...Hurricane Ralph...". Once again "kind of new to this internet thing aint ya?". So Semper Fi lost to some conga music or something in that weekend's Battle of the Bands.

The first stand up on a surfboard in New England? Paul Hamblet knows about was Cal Colby around 1962. I saw an old guy +- 25 years ago one night by Wallis Sands with his car in a ditch and stopped to help him. He was at least half in the wrappers. I drove him to his home in Newcastle and and went in his house through the garage. In the rafters was a custom Gordon and Smith. I said "you surf?" with some incredulity. He said "not anymore" but that he was the first surfer around here. His name was Cal Colby. I dismissed it as drunken drivel. We talked a little surf talk and passed a few names back and forth... Zetty, Hogan, Jimmy Gray... then I went home. So maybe the stranger in the night was telling the truth. Paul thinks so.

Stan.

If you go thru Cinnamon Rainbows to get to my site, you can shut off the juke box by simply hitting the stop button on their player. Damn you son...

As far as the MTV video goes, we did lose to some other band...I forget which one. And could care less (now).

The oldest surfer in New England is that old guy Cal...I did an interview with him back in 2002. He stopped and talked with me on at Long Sands beach in York. I have his whole story on video.

Thanks

Ralph


February 16, 2010

Hi Ralph,

love your blog... looks like great waves last week... wish I was home! I believe you are technically correct. The North Atlantic is higher salinity than the Pacific. The more salt in the water the higher the density... which means more bouyancy as well (and a bigger wallop when you take one on the head)... the density of water also increases subtly as the temperature drops from tropical to New England winter temperatures... so long as it doesn't freeze (ice floats)! and no, I'm not a prof... it's been a while since I took thermodynamics!

James...

Thanks for the info...I feel better knowing that I was somewhat correct..
I usually hear from College professors slamming me about my lack
of oceanic knowledge. So thanks again.

I surfed yesterday and it was cold and dense. But fun.

Thanks again for verifying my comments.

Ralph

 

February 16, 2010

Caught the Ultimate Wave last night. AMAZING 3D! I couldn't stop smiling throughout the whole movie. Got this incredible natural high watching it due to the 3D effects being just - so amazing! I actually felt like I was standing on the beach with Raimana and Kelly. Incredible. If you haven't been able to get to Boston to see it yet, when you do, try to get seats 3/4 way up theater and center. The best!

H

Can't wait to see it myself.

February 15, 2010

Hi Ralph ,
I know it is too late for this week but maybe you can use something for next week. Wanted to get this to you earlier . Please let me know if the file size is right for your blog requirements and if you are able to pull images from this site . Trying to figure out this site and learning how it works .
Hope all is well with you and thanks for keeping your blog going .
Andrew

This is fine. Just keep em 800 pixels wide and we are good to go.


February 15, 2010

Hi!

I got my second round of chemo today and all went well. I'm grateful that I'm feeling well, able to eat and drink lots of fluids. I feel the full effects of the chemo in about a week, so I will probably be laying low next Sunday/Monday for the following week. So two down and two more to go I'm almost half-way there! I'm sorry I haven't been able to return calls as efficiently as I would like, but thank-you for all the beautiful cards, meals and calls. I feel so blessed to have such a great support system. I'm feeling the prayers, thank-you.

Love Kim

Kimmy we are all praying for you and with you!

February 15, 2010

That video and being on early MTV is classic!"Love's a game I can play.." hilarious.. how's that shirt with the rolled up sleeves! Maria.. I remember the song. Oh.. now the shirt's off! Actually a pretty good vid for the time. ANd I assume that's you surfing Hawaii.. nice. And then to Good Harbor Beach. Aewsome. I never knew about this. So great.

John

But is it really classic? Or just a goofy video?

February 15, 2010

Ralph -

That was by far one of my favorite newsletters do date! Great surf session story, incredible photos (LOVE the one by Brian Nevin's of Casey Lockwood as well as the one by Bernie Baker's of Flynn Novak. Just beautiful shots).....And of course the MTV video was just totally awesome! The scene w/ you painting the waves instead of Maria was so funny!

HV

Pretty funny stuff for sure...

February 15, 2010

Too cool! Maria. MTV
I’ll need a copy of this.
Rich (Bass player for Semper Fi)

Hard to believe that was 22 years ago.

February 15, 2010

Ralph

Everything you wrote was right on!!! Friday afternoon was very memorable for me also.. It was one of those sessions that lock in the memory bank... The waves, the conditions, and the conversation...Its all part of the reason we surf ... Its funny because I remember one other session you wrote about that we had at the Rocks a few years back when it was just you and I and maybe one other guy... You were on your Red Fish and I was on a shortboard just trading wave after wave.. Its funny because you kept saying "Where is everyone"??? and I kept responding "Who cares..." I believe I witnessed you getting barreled that afternoon on the Red Fish...Oh and as far as the Witness Protection Plan... Im right there Ralph

Mike

Thanks Mike...see I had forgotten about that other session...that's why I need you guys on my Witness protection plan to help me remember HA!

February 15, 2010

Ralph, don't do this to me
Amazing shots, especially those Chowderheads tubes. Having missed this swell, I am too sick to write any more about it. See you next week.
Ed

Thanks to the 500mm...

February 15, 2010

Awesome shots this week
Thanks for coming Friday we had a great time Jesse is so inspirational he killed it-- appreciate the props on the page
OOOHHHH MARIA how AWESOME is that!!!
You performed during the transition of so many genres it is great you nailed that 80's feel

Skip

...."I'm a long way from home..."
..

February 14, 2010

Hi Ralph,
It's Dale from surfrider. First of all, good to see you and thanks for all the great photos, the fantastic website, and for your support of surfrider. You sure know how to spread the stoke. Just was looking at your most recent posts and clicked on Tim Oshea's and Zaps photos hoping to see the rest of the mornings images and those photos enlarged.(maybe even a photo of myself although that foxhill ses was pretty weak on my part). Thanks again for all the great images and for your continued support of NH Surfrider,

Dale P

It's all about having fun Dale. Surfing and shooting. Thanks.

February 13, 2010

Ralph,

Thought you might find this old Sano camera interesting. I know you appreciate "old school".

Kd

Pretty cool Kevin thanks.

February 9, 2010

Ralph,

AWESOME low flying video from your friends flying in high places!!
Just Awesome!!

Brian D.

Pretty wild stuff for sure.

February 8, 2010

50 out of 52. Whew. That was a close one.

John

Bam!

February 7, 2010

Hi Ralph, I surfed Rye Beach at 3:30 Thursday. I caught 6 waves and they were almost waist high so the Wall had to be waist high. At 11 A.M. I checked the Rocks and definitely saw waist high sets but I ended up taking a nap. It was so windy and cold. I kept finding reasons not to surf but I couldn't take the self loathing that would have ensued if I woosed out so I finally got myself out there and as always it was better to surf than not to surf. I took some lefts and was blinded by the sun low on the horizon but made the whole wave surfing by touch. Mindy and I walked Rye Beach this afternoon and it was definitely waist high and there were some perfect combers peeling off down the line, possible 50 yard rides. Heavy offshores for several days and still we have long lines and very rideable waves. A bit of a mysto swell, and barely a soul on it. I'll surf tomorrow.

Stan.

Thanks Stan you just helped me in my final decision. With Thursday being 49 out of 51 and Sunday being 50 out of 52 we have reached our One year goal.


February 3, 2010

Love the commentary, Ralph. And I agree, a little rain shouldn't stop
people surfing...unless it's a brownish toxic sludge complete with
floating diapers, fast food wrappers, and I shutter to think what else!
It's so gross.

I used to surf down in Narragansett in the rain. It was great. But
you've been out here enough, I'm sure you know it's sadly just not the
same.

What most people outside of SoCal, the surfer crowd who has spent any time
here, civil engineers, or environmentalists, don't know is that there
truthfully isn't a significantly larger amount of pollutants getting into
the oceans out here over the course of an entire year than back east. But
because it rains so infrequently, the concentrations of oil, heavy metals,
and other gunk from cars/roads is much higher in individual rain events,
creating these highly toxic spikes. Combine that with months worth of
trash in the "rivers" (which have been forced into concrete channels and
flow directly into the ocean), plus currents moving it all up and down the
coast, it just makes it rather funky and bacteria filled everywhere.

The tides have been pretty high lately, and even though it's been 5 days
since the last rain I'm still seeing bits of plastic and debris left at
the high-tide mark.

Crazy California, right?
Cheers,
Ben

Thanks Ben...just keep your mouth shut when you're in the water.

February 2, 2010

Hi Ralph!

You got me, I am guilty!

In my own defense, someone had called Right. The next shot would have been a 3rd guy dropping in on the both of us. (Why we are going straight in the 3rd picture.) Your comments cracked me up.

Next time, can you get me not dropping in or getting crushed? If you peek in the triple barrel photo, that is me getting destroyed if I remember correctly. (Notice the pink nose guard barely sticking out- courtesy of Clara and Sofia 3 1/2).

Thanks for all the pics! Pray for more surf on Tuesday and Thursday mornings (lovin pre school sessions)! Thanks for being our local surf historian and documenting NH surf!

Guilty as charged,

Erica

Oh I was dreading this email. Glad you have a sense of humor.
Hey you made history. It was funny that I just mentioned the week before
about not having featured a women on the BDI section. And then...bam!
I think I stopped shooting when I realized it was you, that's why there's only 3 pics.
I was faced with a dilemma...because I have a way better BDI than yours...I had to fly
with it due to my big mouth the week before.

Thanks for the kind words...

Ralph



February 2, 2010

Ralph:

Talk to me about the Tattoo on the left shoulder of MVF?

Doug

It's Latin: "Densior Est Sangius Quam Aqua"
translation: Blood is thicker than water.
The initials in the cross are my late father GAF
and my late father-in-law GPB .
Any questions?


February 1, 2010

Hi Ralph

Ralph, I am looking for a contact number or e-mail address for Ed O'Connel and i thought you might have it. I had a couple of pics this last week in your column..... thank you very much. I was unidentified but i always look for the fat guy on the yellow and orange rusty!!!! and I then forward them off to my buds in Fla. the waves are warmer there but as your pics point out... the waves are much better here..

Thanks too for sending congrats to Scotty. i know Christine got a kick out of it

see you in the water

Dave C

Thanks Dave just click on Ed'd ad in the right column.

February 1, 2010

Ralph:

Amazing column; Nevins ‘Copper Barrel Sunset’ shot is world class, cover of Surfers Journal worthy, I am extremely jealous (but not enough to did out my winter wetsuit and shoot from 38 degree water).

Your own “Empty Blustery Peak” is great; I love those empty wave, suspended water, just about to fold, shots, especially on a large wave like that. If you do a calendar next year, I think that is the perfect January shot.

You had the perfect angle for that session at ‘Lumpys’.

This weeks video is awesome also.

Hope all is well, great job this week.

Ed

Thanks Ed you're stuff was as good also.