June 30, 2010
Ralph:
Great story, puts things in perspective. I did not remember hearing it before.
Looks like another slow surf week, I will try and have some leftovers ready soon.
Hope all is well
Ed
There were waist high plus on Tuesday. I shot a bunch.
Shot some mini water shots yesterday.
Got a bunch from Cali this week from Ben and some classic Hawaiian stuff from Bernie.
That Thomas story should almost be a short story somewhere.
I actually have photos that Cory took of him riding with me.
June 30, 2010
Hi Ralph,
I just read your editorial response to the Hampton Falls guy who felt slighted by your silence at the memorial service.
I am writing to compliment you highly on your show of class.
You could have taken that opportunity to put that guy in his place, with biting comments that I'm sure would have been cheered by many veterans and non-veterans alike.
Instead you took a measured approach, simply stating what occurred, and respectfully declining to engage this fellow in verbal combat which perhaps would give him the stage he wanted...
…nor did you deny his right to what are probably some heartfelt and passionate opinions towards our current conflicts.
It occurred to me that you are probably a target for such commentary because of your position as a front-and-center advocate.
I'm just a young sprout, but your actions on that day and letter that followed, showed some understated poise.
It is a privilege to have you as a spokesperson for our community. Way to go.
Regards,
Dale
Thank You Dale. Like I said before, there's a time and place for everything. Memorial Day was not the place to protest the War in Afghanistan.
June 29, 2010
Ralph, That photo of your dad shows a lot of Mackey V in resemblance. Too funny. And Gabbie, too. Strong DNA. Great Thomas story. You did a great thing for that boy.
I am glad General Petraus is taking over. Morale means a lot. Chalk up another great decision by Baracky! (Now why I gotta be so hurtful!)
I enjoyed listening to Red House as I perused the Sunday FREE Paper.
Right on! Johnny
That's so funny...the SUNDAY FREE Papaer.
June 29, 2010
Ralph,
I saw 2 waist-high waves this morning, up close & personal. No photos but I will go on the record saying it was waist high :)
I saw 'em and shot 'em.
June 29, 2010
R
Great stuff, congrats on the commitment to another tour, heros are hard to find my brother.
D (California)
p.s. I remember the Thomas story and it got to me again, good stuff.
Thanks D.
June 29, 2010
Ralph,
I remember that story about Thomas. I'm sure he has never forgotten it either. Only someone with a heart as big as yours would do something most of us would just think about doing. That's what makes you so special. Your courage comes from deep within you. It's what constantly drives you forward. You will be protected by the abundant prayers of everyone around you. We should all take a lesson from this.
So it's a big YES from me!!
Love,
Evamarie
Thanks Evamarie
June 28, 2010
you are a good man Ralph, let me know where I can contribute to the cause.
rock
Thanks Rock. I'll let you know. It's a year long endeavor.
June 28, 2010
Once again, a very touching column obviously written from your heart and tugging on the hearts of us readers. Well done. As far as what you're doing, I get it and I'm proud of your intention but to put everyone at ease maybe you could make a promise to your family that if you have second thoughts beforehand or if you do it and realize it's too much, you'll bow out. Just keep a clear head and use your best judgement.
Kelly
Thank you for the kind words about my column this week. That was an amazing event. Meeting that little boy on the beach that day. I never would of met him had I not been surfing every day. There were more positive things that happened to me than bad. Trust me, way more. Yes it will get cold. Yes it will get nasty. And yes the surf will get big and out of control. But hello? I've been surfing since 1964.
I think I know what I'm doing out there.
My surfing everyday won't bring any of the loved ones back. But it will keep their memory alive. And it will once again, raise awareness to this awful killing disease.
I made a promise and a commitment. And I'm going to see it through.
June 28, 2010
Hi Ralph,
That was the most touching story! Thanks for sharing it. Also I'm so sorry to hear about your friend Mike. I feel like I don't know much about your time in Vietnam but make no mistake, I never miss an opportunity to tell people that my brother is a vietnam vet. I'm really proud of that you know.
PS - I didn't read the BP stuff
Gale
Thanks Gale. That day really was special. That kid was so full of life.
Thomas. I'll never forget him.
Mikey Guezzetti was this young kid who never shaved a day in his life.
I used to really give him a hard time because he was so young looking.
I'll never forget him either.
June 28, 2010
Hey,
You gave me bleep for the below fellow birthdayers. What’s with the Mike Tyson Bday reference on today’s blog? I never heard the Thomas story before: tearjerker. So today is day 3 of the new 365 venture?
Great blog today. I can’t put my finger on the correct literature term, so I’ll say it reads real “smooth”. Maybe “good flow” is a better term, and it sort of had me moving decidedly along to the next paragraph.
Regards,
Rich
Mike Tyson has the same birthday as Cory...I always give her crap about it.
I start July 26...next month. And thanks for the kind words.
June 28, 2010
Ralph,
It was great talking with you this morning. You have made a great
place to work and create, it is inspiring to witness! I'll check out your
BLOG and Kings X.
Musically,
Sean (Ohio)
Thanks Sean
June 28, 2010
good stuff Ralph, I liked Red House, a great song.
I couldn't figure out who was the handsome daddy though.
Rocky (Cali)
Now why ya gotta be so hurtful?
June 28, 2010
Ralph..here is sunday morning Wedge pass it along on your site...dale
Dale that's great footage. I love that slo-mo.
June 27, 2010
Hey my friend!
We are doing ok. Steve was happily back on his road bike for a short time. He is OK, but was struck by a car while riding. He has a fractured left shoulder, so he is off road again.
We were showing our friends your web site last night. Anita grew up in Keene and knows the Wall well. Steve and I are looking to settle on a date to take the ride up to see you all soon. We'll be in touch.
We will be proud to support you. You are awesome. Joe is certainly smiling down on you.
Peace and love,
Donna & Steve (New York)
Thanks guys...I'll be doing this Surfing Every Day for Joe too.
June 27, 2010
Very nice. That Nevin’s is a helluva photographer.
Jeff (California)
He is very talented.
June 27, 2010
1 good luck and you have our support catch those waves
2. thanks for posting those photos of the band
3. video of BHD nice sounds for sure
4. great old photo
5. You're welcome
6. Thank you.
June 22, 2010
Ralph-
The Surfing America Championships are going on right now. Early rounds
have been going on at the Huntington Beach Pier the past couple days (I've
been in Utah-got some great pictures, just not of surfing!); finals for
the men's, masters, seniors, women, and all longboard divisions are
Wednesday down at Trestles; all the youth divisions (under 12, under 16,
under 18, etc) also start Wednesday down at Trestles, with finals next
Monday the 28th. I'll definitely be there Wednesday and the following
Monday. Are there any New England surfers who are out here that I should
look out for? How about for the NSSA Nationals which take place after
this, during the week leading up to the 4th?
Cheers,
Ben
I don't think we have anyone out there for those contests. You sure sound busy Ben.
June 21, 2010
Hope the pics are right this time. I added a few more that Kyle took of me surfing San Onofre (AKA Old man's) on sunday. We had a nice Day longboarding on Fathers day since my Dad is in NH and he doesn't know his father. I was glad we could spend some time together. That little shit doesn't call and hang out with me as much since he got a car and license a few years ago, I am sure you can relate to that. They grow up so fast. Take care thanks for the reply.
Corey
Kyle's just acting his age. I'm going through the same thing with you know who.
June 21, 2010
Ralph -
Once again....i love your weekly blog.
This weeks blog about fathers day and your experiences growing up with a "surfer dad" was very touching.
I have a 18 month old daughter who loves the water already and climbs all over daddy's boards on the sand or in the basement.....i hope she has the desire and passion for surfing her dad does.
On thursday, my wife and I discovered that baby #2 coming in November is going to be a boy! Needless to say, this fathers day was so special for my wife and I and my dad. My son will be Gilbert Ciro Donatelli, III. We will call him Ciro or "Tre". Just reading your blog this week about your surfing experiences with your dad and then your son make me so excited about what my future holds.
I am already a surfer but becoming a "surfer dad" makes me very excited.
Keep up the great work and see you soon.
Gilly
Thank You Gilly and congrats on the big news. You'll have to bring the kids up to my yearly beach outing for Surf families when they get a little older. It's called SURF FAMILY ROBINSON. Pretty fun time.
June 21, 2010
Hey Ralph - Thanks for the photos on the Blog...
This one makes up for the drop in of the week a couple weeks back when "I dropped in on my Wife" LOL!
Great stuff. Maybe I could finally get "unknown" removed.
Have a great one.
CHRIS
Thanks Chris, except Ed O'Connell took that shot. Unless you guys start wearing name tags, I'm afraid the UNKNOWN tag will stick.
June 21, 2010
Ralph,
Wanted to show you what I got as a retirement gift. Tim did all the leg work to make it happen. Retirement is good. Doing alot of surfing. The picture was taken at Onslow Beach Camp Lejuene NC. Take Care.
Semper Fi
Shawn O'Shea
Thank you Shawn you earned the Retirement. I want to see surf pics of you on that craft.
Thank you for your service and Semper Fi Brother.
June 21, 2010
Hi Ralph,
I read the column early Sunday. I now call it the "Sunday paper". It's got news, editorial, world, sports, lots of pics for us who cant read to good, and of course comics (weekly Drop-in!).
Jehovah Witness inference will surely get you some interesting feedback!
Nice story about you and your father. I had nothing remotely like that in my life. Thus my borderline insanity!
Even I am sentimental about Mackey and Jesse and the kids all moving on. We will never forget the 2009/2010 year in Warrior athletics and the games we all shared.
OK. After seeing the pics of Grad Day surf I am tearful. Now why ya gotta be so hurtful.
The dog always wins over the human.
Riight on!
Johnny C
Thank you Johnny. We did share some good times this year.
June 20, 2010
Hi Ralph, Happy Fathers Day! We want to come up and hang on the beach
with you guys. I've got Jaiden a lot so Ill give you a ring, and we'll
be up!
Love you so much, thanks for bringing me up with music and surfing!
Talk to you soon.
Jesse
Thank you for all the amazing music and good times. Pass it on to Jaiden. Come up anytime...surf or no surf. The beach is still the healing and comfort zone.
June 19, 2010
Hey Ralph,
How are you? I saw the portfolio of you that Nevins did it was really cool and well done. Here are a couple pics of me lonboarding at Doheny in Dana Point. Love the column and still read it every week. Robin came over the other week and saw some of the old footage you posted and loved it. He said he was gonna call you but I'm sure he hasn't.
Corey (California)
The big man has not called. Tell him I said hello.
June 18, 2010
Ralph,
You stand in front of the flag on flag day with a freakin AK ?????
Whats wrong with you?
Dano
There's plenty wrong with me. That photo was taken a month before Flag Day.
Regardlesss, I don't have a problem with it.
June 18, 2010
Well done. ralph you are the best. I love you and all that you stand for. You make me proud always. b
Thanks .
June 18, 2010
Hey everyone! This is my personal effort to put in my two cents about our business and forward this email to friends and family. Andrew and I are excited about all the new incentives that come with Simply Green, so I want to pass this along for everyone to take advantage. If you don't already use biofuels in your tank at home and want to this is a great time to sign on! Or if you don't use oil and know anyone that does please please pass this along for them to see. Remember, you don't need to do anything special to change to biofuel, it go's right into your tank like your traditional oil. Biofuel is actually a mix of alternative and traditional oil already. We all can do our part to make a difference for our children's future and this is one BIG step in the right direction!
Thanks for your time and your support if your already a SIMPLY GREEN customer or want to sign up to be one!
Sincerely,
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My two cents is "Simply Green is Simply The Best."
June 17, 2010
Hey Ralph-
With the time difference and all I just wanted to let you know I'm
reviewing/selecting some new photos to send you. I'll try to get it out
before the start of game 7.
The next 2 weeks are pretty full out here. It's the Surfing America
nationals down at Trestles next week, and week after that the final rounds
of the NSSA nationals at the HB Pier. Of course that's the same time as
when my lease is up and I'm making the jump from Newport Beach a drastic
OC distance of 5 miles down the road to Huntington, so I'll be busy
packing and moving as well, but I'm planning on being at each comp for the
final heats if not for more.
Cheers,
Ben
Good luck with all of it. The contests and the move. Keep shooting Ben.
June 17, 2010
Hey guys,
No surf down here on the Cape again. The boards are in a board bag backing in the car. I have to come back down here in August as well and was wondering if you know of any lodging that is on a surf beach down here on the Cape. I usually talk between Orleans and New Bedford so anywhere in-between or on either end is fine.
Mark
Google it...
June 16, 2010
Bam bam double bam slam. Awesome.
Jim.
Whatchoo talking about Willis?
June 16, 2010
And one more. Is that vengeance? Incompetence? Paddlers fault?
We may need Judge Judy for this one.
Bill
Ya have to love the Internet! Thanks again.
June 15, 2010
Hey Ralph,
How’s it going? Here is a pic you may not have yet.
Could be the Drop-in of the Week.
See you Friday!
Bill
This is classic. Thanks Bill.
June 15, 2010
I enjoyed your Piping Plovers story in your column. They are a big deal around here. Last year we saw a funny bumper sticker. It said "Piping Plovers-Taste Like Chicken". We thought it was funny; I’m sure the granola crunchers didn’t.
Judith (Maine)
.
Piping Plovers—Taste like chicken? More like Chicken McNuggetts. They're pretty small.
June 14, 2010
Thanks Ralph, first Maine cover in the history of ESM, you guys are DEFINITELY holding and believe me, every jaded Florida surfer (or maybe it's just me) wishes they could break free of this hot, flat hell and get up to New England... Nick (Florida)
You should come up and hang with the Northern boys. You might never go back.
June 14, 2010
Hi Ralph,
I have to say ... even though I was out for three hours on Friday I
never saw anything like this!
That picture really hurts .... but it's a good one! (I was out at FH
, it was smaller but there were just a couple of guys out.) Keep
up the good work,
Michael
Thanks Michael
June 14, 2010
That shot of you is classic. No way! Hahahah did you shoot Saturday? Got some good ones between 6th and 8th, what an afternoon, super fun waves. You were prob shooting more towards 12th though, right? There was this guy in the water older, I have seen him a bunch, throwing down. The waves were so sick. You didn’t get any unknowns from Friday maybe a kid in a 6’0 schaper?
The double drop in is hideous hahahah! Nice work!
Josh
I did shoot. But I don't think I got you. Sorry.
June 14, 2010
Ralph,
Happy Flag day. Are you gonna use that machine this fall for deer hunting?
Lord knows you need a magazine that big……(Like I should be talking, but hey I couldn’t resist)
Yes I remember tuning in to BCN for your surf report. Good blog.
Regards,
Rich
WBCN was King in the day.
June 14, 2010
Great Photo Ralph, and Happy Flag Day, assuming BATF Agents haven’t already hauled you away. Great column this week You got some great photos last week, and Nevins’ stuff always blows me away.
Ed
Haul me away for what? Defending the Flag? Ha!
June 13, 2010
Hi Ralph,
I remember when you gave the surf reports. On the Big Mattress- too funny. Remember Duane Ingles Glascock- of course you do. That was a fun time in radio.
Giving the report on a cell phone "on a surfboard"... only you. That pic is awesome!
Brian is riding a nice wave.
I disagree, you cannot be anything you want to be. That's a lie people tell kids. But you can be many things. I cannot rip but I can take good pictures of rippers. You cannot surf Pipe, but you can share Bernie's exclusive photos of Pipe with thousands of readers from 21 countries around the world.
Pic of Mackie is priceless (supping).
Brians cloud wave pic is so good.
First ever DDI! SUmmer is here.
Of course I missed it when it was good but I did go out on my rusty legs for a bit in evening.
Right on!
Johnny
Thank you Johnny at least you got some waves.
June 13, 2010
Hi Ralph,
I loved your Plum Island beach report story. My wife was in the other room as I was reading it asking me what I was laughing at . . . and that surf animation you posted was great - my kids loved it. I’ve attached a couple photos I took here on the North Shore after a pretty nice, glassy session on Saturday morning June 12th.
Hope you are well.
Regards,
Stephen A (from Beverly)
Thanks Stephen...that was a wacky summer for sure.
June 11, 2010
ralph -
i hope all is well. My brother Garrett and I did the dawn patrol at the wall this morning....
.6-8AM......it was a lot of fun and some real good size. I hope you were able to get wet!
Take care.
Gilly (Mass)
Today was fun for sure.
June 9, 2010
Hi Ralph
Was that you in the red Jeep near Cinnamon Rainbows last night? Apologies for just driving past you. I didn't recognize the vehicle and only got a glimpse of the driver as I went by.
I hope that young filmmaker didn't rub you the wrong way. He emailed me to say he was planning to make a movie about surfing in NH so I pointed out there were many people who know a lot more about it than me! I specifically mentioned yourself (and your blog) to make him aware that you were already doing this type of work. Please let me know if you want me to have a word with him.
Dale said you'd talked to him about this in the water and he was a bit confused because he didn't know about it. Dale is the shorter guy with no hair, I'm the taller English guy with the goatee...
All the best,
Jamie
Sorry Jamie, like I said to Dale...I hate getting old and forgetful.
June 8, 2010
(TV) Dead but cool! Great line... reading on. Damn. Between heartbeats. Now that is a close call. Wow. I can't believe how it traveled through your whole house.
Cool Coast Guard pic.
Little Kalani is soooo lucky. Bernie gets right up in their face and they all know him so he can. He is also lucky. But he has earned it.
Hey you posted the Iwo Vet. Nice. It still amazes me what he saw.
13.5 is your best.
Julia's photo is sick. She is getting some nice pics.
Love the Marines hitting beach. "Readiness." You know the drill. Would love to be a mil photog. Those Chinooks are sick. I beleive they are Chinooks.
Once again, great job.
JC
Mahalo my brother...
June 7, 2010
Ralph,
Thanks for another entertaining weekly post. I always look forward to your new material. Our community is blessed to have your site as a repository of local surf stoke.
When we were taking a couple of weeks ago at the wall after a surf, I thought that you called me Jamie, but that it was just a slip. The pics you posted this week of me,
Dale of NH Surfrider, confirm that somehow our names and faces have been transposed in your mind. No major, just thought I'd let you know.
Thanks again for all the hard work and great images,
Dale P
Sorry Dale, I hate getting old and forgetful.
June 7, 2010
Ralph,
Funny thing happened. I was talking tomy dad yesterday morning and thunderstorms were a topic of conversation. I told him about you getting zapped while driving your PC – and I was guessing 7 or 8 years ago (He’s probably had an accounting of this story in the past from you or I). Low and behold you recount this event in your blog today but I assume you were wrote yesterday: same day. How about that for a coincidence. Was it the black skies present yesterday that got you to writing it?
Rich
Actually, the storm on Thursday got me thinking.
June 7, 2010
It may have been small but it was fun as hell. My arms are burning...
I now see that my friends surf substantially better than I, but I can at least take a better picture.
Go team longboard.
BN
Actually I like that shot...not sure who pulled the trigger but I liked it.
June 4, 2010
Great story. Had me riveted and just another example of your writing prowess. You have clearly lived it on both sides- of the gun and the board.
Here is the Iwo survivor I told you about. I dont know his name but imagine that this man helped the flag you saw at the museum get risen.
Johnny
All the WWII guys were heroes. Glad you liked my Memorial day story.
June 3, 2010
Ralph,
Glad you are thinking of coming, down bring your gang!
Yes, I'm the chief cook and bottle washer.
This is the 12th (kind of annual.)
Always said it is just a cheap imitation of the Old Timers Contest on Cape Cod.
The first was at the Wall Aug 23rd 1992! Score sheets were on cardboard because the contest gear never made it up
from RI. Party was at the Hang Five. Cinn. Rainbows, The Board Shop, Zap and SST all supported it. Waves were about 6".
Winners were: Under 21 - Mike Stanek
21-29 - Mike Paugh
30-39 - Jack O'Keefe
40 + - Bill Bolander
Women - Linda Novak
The Gerry Stahley Award (a really nice guy, who had passed away earlier that year) went to Brad Henderson for his Stoke.
The 1993 one was at Nantaskett and Greg Noll did the shirts and autographed all the trophies.
Then we took a few yrs off and started again in 2002.
It's grown a bit, the max is 180 due to party limitations.
All the kids 12 and under get on stage for a trophy (1st,2nd,3rd or 4th.)
John Severson has sent out art work for the last 8 yrs. Glen Martin, Henry Ford, Herbie Fletcher, the Greek and David Nuuhiwa have all sent out great stuff.
There has always been one rule - If you try to win, you lose.
Best,
Chick (Mass)
PS: If you want to bring that guitar, maybe we could get you to show this crowd how it's done!
Sounds like a fun time.
June 2, 2010
Hey Ralph-
Definitely liked your Memorial Day posting for the week. Definitely took
me for a bit of a ride- first I thought you were imposing
yourself/extrapolating on a story from someone who had a friend serving,
then as it progressed I thought maybe you were recounting parts of a story
from a veteran, then BAM, you closed down that theory. Good work-
definitely a situation that could very well have existed, and if not
exactly the same, pretty damn close I'm sure.
And I'm no longer local on the east coast, but I totally am on board with
your take on the sales guy/commercial. Sadly it's just commercialism in
America...every holiday, ever day of remembrance, doesn't matter, it
becomes all about the all mighty dollar and the ridiculous ways people try
to get their product or company to forcefully remain in your head.
Hope you had a good memorial weekend!
Ben California
Thanks Ben...just trying to create that scenario so the surfers that never really think much about what Memorial Day is all about, might better relate to it by that story.
June 2, 2010
Ralph -
Thanks for the press! Garrett and I were pumped to see our pics on your website. We have surfed the wall for years and have never made your page until now. It was great to finally meet you as well. As i mentioned, I have been a follower of your page for years and really appreciate your work. Keep it up. Not only are the pics awesome, your global outlook is very refreshing. I hope to run into you again in the near future this summer. Thanks again.
Gil (Gilly) Massachusetts
Glad you and your brother were happy to see yourselves on the blog.
June 1, 2010
Hey Ralph
I’ve been back a week, I did not take one pic nor did I buy any from the limp dick photog
on the island. OZ was great, warm water with consistent 3’ to 6’ waves at the Alley, a sand point between Burleigh and Kirra.
Namotu was fund, two days of 8’ to 10’ clean fun surf then 3’ to 6’, once I get a cd copy
from the “boys” I’ll send you the gems.
Good on MVF, good luck Thursday.
Did you watch the final four games? I missed the finals but those semis were a treat to watch. I’m not a ND fan but that goalie is 100% stud, too bad he let a long stick get the
best of him.
Good health to you and the family.
Doug (California)
Can't wait to see the pics...MVF made it to the FINAL FOUR.
June 1, 2010
Hello Ralph,
Thx for calling out the local bikini ass - I've had an urge to heave a grenade at my television for years because of that soulless creep.
Bob
Thanks Bob that guy has given me the creeps for years.
June 1, 2010
Hey brotha,
Its hard to believe that yet another year has passed for this note of thanks (Memorial Day) to you. Once again thanks to you and so many others for your sacrifice and your service so that so many of us can enjoy our daily freedoms……all the best my friend……Vini
Thanks Vini...
June 1, 2010
Hi Ralph,
I just heard that you read my father’s piece from the Hampton Union @ the Memorial Day celebration, and I just wanted to tell you how profoundly honored that makes me feel. He wrote dozens of pieces about is war experiences, but that was a new one that I just recently stumbled upon in a book that was written about Dad’s Infantry/Company. It is now one of my favorites.
I was in front of the 401 Restaurant to watch the parade & then I walked around to Post 35 to watch you lay the wreath. I was expecting the remarks to be done @ the same time, so when you continued the march to the cemetery I thought I had missed it. I left…..so I missed the moment. I can’t tell you how mad I was at myself. BTW; I would have broken down in a sobbing mess had I been there.
On another note, I turn 50 this month & I am celebrating the milestone by taking a trip to Normandy for the D-Day anniversary celebration. I leave tomorrow & I have a cottage rented right on Juno Beach for 4 days. I’ll visit every museum and beach, then wind up that portion of the trip by attending the celebration at the US cemetery. It is one for the “bucket list”.
Thank you for your service & for all that you do for the town.
Regards,
Brooks
Brooks your father was a bona fide WWII War Hero. Be sure and take lots of photos when you get to Normandy.
