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Contact ralph@adlantic.com
Filmed here in New Hampshire during Hurricane Ernesto and the back to back Nor'easters.
Music is by KING'S X go to their website to buy their incredible vault of music and other cool merchandise.
kingsxrocks.com
WATCH in 1080
Karen Evans was a local icon. Wife of local legend Rick Evans and mother to Megan, Mat, and Mikel.
And grandmother to her two grandsons. Karen true Surf mom who was loved and respected by all who knew her.
This is a series of photos that were taken over the years.
WATCH in 1080
Hurricane Kirk was the first legit Hurricane to hit New England. We got 4 solid days of surf. With October 8th, 2024,
being the best of the four. NOAA had predicted an active hurricane season for the entire East Coast, but it has
been anything but. Still, the Gulf has seen its share of death and destruction. And while no surfer that I know, wants
to see that happen, we do want these massive storms to simply go out to sea and produce good waves for all of us.
The hurricane season ends in November, so we still have time. A few more like KIRK would be a nice way to end the season.
Just don't kill anyone or destroy their homes and businesses.
WATCH in 1080
The 16th annual HIT THE BEACH August 23rd, 2024. With the Wounded Warrior Project, Manchester VA,
New England Disabled Spots, 110 Fitness, and sponsored by The American Legion Post 35,
Cinnamon Rainbows with Dave Cropper, Summer Sessions with Ryan and Tyler McGill, Zapstix with
Mike "Zappy" Paugh, Sheila & Bobby Nudd, Tony and Shelly Beraradini, Fresh Valley Foods with Joe Gangi,
NH Parks & Recreation, Hampton Beach Lifeguards, Hampton Fire Department with the large Garrison flag,
Hampton Police Department, Hampton Police Association, American Flatbread, Back To Health, and
our Beach Captains Lenny Nichols, Kevin Grondin, and Tony Berardini.
And the BIGGEST Thanks to the Volunteers.
Thanks to all the photographers and videographers too.
Music is by SEMPER FI
Watch in 1080.
15 YEARS SURFING WITH SMILES August 6th, 2024
from SURF FREE OR DIE on Vimeo.
Music is by Jack Shea.
WATCH in 1080
WATER BROTHER is a feature documentary following East Coast legend Sid Abbruzzi
as he faces the imminent closure of his iconic surf and skate shop in Newport, Rhode Island.
Reflecting on his lifetime dedicated to core culture, the film captures Sid's passion and commitment to
preserving the history. Featuring archival footage, elegant cinematography and personal interviews with
culture giants like Tony Hawk, Shepard Fairey, Selema Masekela and more, this film takes viewers
on a journey through the evolution of surfing and skating.
As Sid approaches 73, WATER BROTHER highlights the impact of the shop's demolition
on the community and serves as a heartfelt tribute to the enduring spirit of surf culture.
SEE THE FULL FEATURE on September 6th, 2024
at The Music Hall in Portsmouth, NH
Sid himself will be there
SURFING WITH SMILES 6-20-24 from SURF FREE OR DIE on Vimeo.
The first SWS of the summer of 2024. And it was a memorable one. We had to deal with the firstever threat of thunder and lightning. But thanks to the Hampton Lifeguards and the volunteers, the
first sign of thunder and lightning we had the beach cleared in record time.
In fact, we never even got a single drop of rain. But we will always err on the side of caution.
Always. Our main priority is the safety of the kids, volunteers, and family members.
Hey we got almost an hour's worth of fun before we pulled the plug.
Besides, we have two scheduled. One in July and one in August.
See you all in July!
WATCH in 1080
SALSTURDAY from SURF FREE OR DIE on Vimeo.
April 13th, 2024. The back to back NOR'EASTERS gave us another great day of waves.This was shot at the beach breaks. I used my man Jimi for the soundtrack.
WATCH IN 1080.
THE ECLIPSE SWELL 4-8-24 from SURF FREE OR DIE on Vimeo.
April 8th, 2024. The Total Eclipse Day. I shot two of my longtime friends, Johnny JIM Meehanor as I have called him the last three years, Johnny Chisel. I love shooting Johnny. But on this
day he was surfing with his longtime friend Peter Stokes. Johnny is 64 and Peter is 74. I did sort
of a running dialogue on the two of them. It was all in good fun. Be sure to watch after the credits.
WATCH IN 1080.
SPRINGEASTER from SURF FREE OR DIE on Vimeo.
Another ass kicking Nor'easter that hit Northern New England on April 4th & 5th, 2024.This Spring is more like a winter than our actual winter. The surfers are the usual suspects.
The music is by The NOR'EASTERS. And the song is called INTENSIFY
10MARCH24 from SURF FREE OR DIE on Vimeo.
This is from last Sunday March 10th, 2024. Another big storm. Another high tide. Another flood.Music is by my old band VINNY and Jesse Joseph @ Qwill Music. And some Native American Drum Beats.
WATCH IN 1080.
The JANUARY SWELLS of 2024 from SURF FREE OR DIE on Vimeo.
This video has four distinct swells beginning with January 8th, 2024. That was the day after the snow storm.Then we had those massive Sou'easters. The first one hit on January 10th, 2024. That one gave us two days of waves.
January 10th & 11th, 2024. Although there were ridable waves on January 14th ( the day after the second Sou'easter)
I did not shoot that day. It just didn't clean up enough for me to warrant shooting. But these three days
had some really fun surf. Then at the end of the month we got another really good swell on January 29th
and there were good waves on the 31st. And the local boys made the best of it. MVF got in his last surf
before his ACL surgery on February 1st, 2024. GODSPEED Mackey. You'll be back before you know it.
The music is by JMH, SRV, and RT.
BACK TO BACK from SURF FREE OR DIE on Vimeo.
On January 10th & 13th, 2024 we got hit with two back to back SOU'EASTERS. Suffice it to say there
was significant damage to the NH Seacoast. I'm currently working on the actual surf video. Meanwhile,
enjoy this rare storm surf video. WATCH IN 1080.
THE CHRISTMAS MIRACLE SWELL December 19th & 20th, 2023
from SURF FREE OR DIE on Vimeo.
Seriously? I did not see this coming, or rather, I did not see it the way others like SURFLINE saw it.
I mean the day before December 18th, 2023 in New Jersey was the BIGGEST surf ever recorded in Jersey.
Hell even Florida had some big surf. I mean it was going off down south. but even with that, I was not expecting the size we got.
That was a complete surprise. There's a few waves in this edit that might rival the biggest surf I've ever documented up here in NH.
There's one wave that Lars Hamilton gets that will rival any other wave ever shot up here.
But I'm not going to be the judge of that. You can form your own opinions. But the naked eye does not lie.
There's no Photoshop or AI bullshit in this edit. It's all real. Put it this way, it's as big as the Hurricane LEE footage
I shot in September, and it might be a little bigger. But again you tell me. This edit is dedicated to the TRUE Christmas Miracle of 2023.
Abby Jowett came home for Christmas. And that my friends is the best news of all. HAPPY HOLIDAYS!
Music is by myself, Barrence Whitfield, Gary Hoey, and Mike Zito.
A DECEMBER SUNSET 12-11-23 from SURF FREE OR DIE on Vimeo.
The Another one session edit. I shot this on the afternoon of December 11th, 2023. I shot stills earlier in the day,but it was overcast and the winds were howling pretty hard offshore, so I passed on shooting video.
But later in the day the sun popped out, and although the swell dropped, I had recently purchased a new video camera,
and was waiting for the right time, a decent swell, and the perfect light to shoot. Well, that all came together
on Monday afternoon, December 11th, 2023. Crowley, Ian, and Beckley were out, so I figured what the hell,
I may as well get some practice with the new camera. I mean I had the talent, the swell, and the lighting.
Anyway, it's short, only 6 minutes long. I think you can handle it. Oh yeah, watch in 1080. Hope you all have a
nice Holiday season. Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Happy Kwanza, and Happy New Year.
But the one greeting the whole world needs today is this: PEACE ON EARTH.
Please, let there be Peace On Earth.
WATCH IN 1080
NOVEMBER 27th TWENTY TWENTY THREE from
SURF FREE OR DIE on Vimeo.
The sandbars were compacted and in the right places. The tides were perfect and the winds
were favorable. And most importantly? The crew was amped. Music is by Mourning Widows.
WATCH IN 1080
THANKSGIVING 2023 from SURF FREE OR DIE on Vimeo.
The week of Thanksgiving was one for the ages. Sunday November 19th, 2023 was one of the best days of the year.
All the points were firing as were the beach breaks. And then on Thanksgiving morning, the day broke with a fresh
new swell. While it was nowhere as good as the 19th, it was certainly nothing to sneeze at. Again, all the points
and all the beaches were working. Like I said it was a Great week.
The music is by my nephew Jesse Joseph (qwillmusic.com) and as always it fits perfectly.
And once again this video features all local surfers surfing local waves.
I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving. I know that I am personally thankful for EVERYTHING.
I mean it. I am thankful for everyone in my life. From my family to my friends. From the ocean
to the woods. I love and I am so grateful and thankful to have them all in my life.
This movie is only 13 minutes long. I hope you enjoy it.
HAPPY THANKSGIVING and HAPPY HOLIDAYS!
Watch in 1080
THE SUMMERCANES OF 2023 FULL MOVIE from
SURF FREE OR DIE on Vimeo.
Featuring swells from: Franklin, Idalia, Lee, Nigel and Philippe. All local surfers surfing local waves.
Music is by The NOR'EASTERS. I dedicated this movie to the late LENNY DUNN.
LONG LIVE LENNY!
WATCH IN 1080
AVA IDALIA from SURF FREE OR DIE on Vimeo.
About this particular video. I shot this footage at sunrise yesterday morning (September 5th, 2023). It was breathtakingly beautiful out there.
I had to leave early to attend a funeral for some dear friends of ours. At the funeral service, I heard this incredible tenor (Brian Landry)
sing this song "AVA MARIA," and thought, this would make a good soundtrack to this footage. I spoke with him after the funeral
and he told me he just recorded this song last week. And then he told me his dad was a Marine in Vietnam. Whoa. It was like it was meant to be.
The waves were from Hurricane Idalia and this song just seemed to fit. Maybe I'm wrong, but it just seemed to fit the mood of the day.
So I dedicate this video to Tom Grondin. Rest In Peace Tom. And say hello to Frank from all of us.
SURFING WITH SMILES 6-20-23 from SURF FREE OR DIE on Vimeo.
The First SWS of the 2023 Summer!TUESDAY JUNE 20th, 2023
12th St NORTH BEACH
The first SURFING WITH SMILES of the summer of 2023. It was a great turnout.
Thank you to all the volunteers and all the many participants/surfers.
Judging by all the smiles and laughter, I'd say everyone had fun.
See you all in July 2023!
SURFING HEALS ALL WOUNDS
GIRLS ON CURLS from SURF FREE OR DIE on Vimeo.
Four High School students from Derryfield HS in Manchester, NH chose surfing as their senior project. They asked me to be their mentor,
and I accepted that challenge. The girls are Alyssa Shula, Elena Moore, Christine Nadeau, and Ava Young. In just 7 short one hour sessions
in cold New England waters, I along with the help of Erica Nardone, Kevin Grondin, and with the huge support from Dave Cropper and
Cinnamon Rainbows we turned these four inlanders into surfers. By the time we were done with them, they could all paddle out, sit on their boards,
spin around and catch the "right" wave and angle and parallel along the the face of the waves.
And the most important thing? They all had fun. And it seems like they all want to continue to surf going forward.
Just please don't drop in on me if I'm out surfing.
I want to thank CINNAMON RAINBOWS and Kevin Grondin and Erica Nardone for their help.
The music in this video is by Jesse Joseph and you can hear and purchase his music on his website
qwillmusic.com
SURFING HEALS ALL WOUNDS
Ode to Joe
Joe Somogyi was a local Hampton Surfer who died from exposure to Agent Orange in 1978 while serving
in Vietnam from 1969 to 1970. I wrote this song about him and put some of the old super 8mm footage
that I shot of him back in the early to late 70's. The music is performed by The NOR'EASTERS.
Remember the Fallen this Memorial Day.
JT 1979-1989 RE-EDIT from SURF FREE OR DIE on Vimeo.
This was first posted 9 years ago when JT passed away on July 6th, 2014.
The footage Kind of grainy and out of focus, but you can clearly see how good
of a surfer JT was. Powerful and stylish. We all miss you brother. I hope you're surfing
and sailing in some heaven like perfection. You were a good man and friend.
MAY DAY 5-1-23 from SURF FREE OR DIE on Vimeo.
MAY DAY MAY DAY. Monday May 1st, 2023 Well we got hit with a double barrel low that produced enough rain tomake it an official "April Showers Bring May Flowers" criteria. I don't even know what that means. I do know that the
last day of April was a bona fide soaker. And May 1st broke with some of the loudest waves I've ever
heard in the 60 years I've been surfing. I mean it was roaring loud. Maybe because of the South Winds? I'm not sure.
I just know that it was loud and it was big. And those who had no work or school were on hand to sample
this Spring Sou'easter. Music is by the Adobe library. I took all the stills too.
Check it out. It's only 7 minutes long. Watch in 1080
EL MUCHO MARCHO from SURF FREE OR DIE on Vimeo.
The entire month of March here in Northern New England.
Many surfers, many songs. It's long, 45 minutes.
But worth every second. Just hit play.
BEST OF WINTER 2022-2023.mp4 from SURF FREE OR DIE on Vimeo.
From December 21st, 2022 to March 20th, 2023 all the swells that mattered.Filmed here in Northern New England. Starring the usual suspects and a few others.
The music is by Jesse Joseph and you can find his songs and records here qwillmusic.com
MUCHO MARCHO Trailer.mp4 from SURF FREE OR DIE on Vimeo.
This is the trailer for the MUCHO MARCHO edit. March 1st, 5th, 10th, 14th, and 15th, 2023.Filmed right here in sunny NNE (Northern New England) the full edit will be done next week .
NH CHRONICLE WMUR Channel 9 March 6th, 2023
from SURF FREE OR DIE on Vimeo.
came to Hampton, NH to tape a segment on me and my Blog and believe it
or not there was actual surf. Max Fatello and Kody Grondin provided
the live real time surfing. Next year my Blog will be 20 years old, I plan on
doing one of three things. 1. Keep going every week (highly unlikely).
2. Go monthly (most likely) . 3. Quit and walk away from it all. (possible).
This is a fun short 7 minute clip that the Chronicle boys did.
Thank you!
VALENTINES DAY CHRONICLE 2-14-23.mp4
from SURF FREE OR DIE on Vimeo.
On Valentines Day February 14th, 2023 Sean Mcdonald and Paul Falco from WMUR Channel 9 NH Chronicle
came to Hampton, NH to tape a segment on me and my Blog. Luckily, there was surf, and a couple of locals
who happened to show up at the Wall to provide some local color, as well as scoring a few waves.
The segment is going to run on Monday, March 6th, 2023 at 7:00PM on Channel 9.
This is just what I shot that day. I believe Paul was shooting me, as I shot the boys out in the water.
Thank you Sean and Paul, and thank you Kody and Mackey. That was fun.
Music is by Ralph Fatello with Johnny Fatello playing lead guitar the title: A MAN IN LOVE.
Yes it’s about Cory. Come on, it was Valentines Day.
David Robinson produced this song and played the Linn Drum on the track.
ONE DAY IN FEBRUARY.mp4 from SURF FREE OR DIE on Vimeo.
The One day swell from last week. February 8th, 2023. I shot at three different breaks.Music is by Jesse Joseph. Visit his website and buy his music at qwillmusic.com
-8 BELOW from SURF FREE OR DIE on Vimeo.
I shot this all on my iPhone on Saturday morning February 4th, 2023.
If you like sea smoke and Mini Frozen waves watch it. It's only 5 minutes long.
Thank you Brian Nevins for the "Hot Tips"
OLAS DE ROCA SALSA.mp4 from SURF FREE OR DIE on Vimeo.
The two day swell from last week. January 26th & 27th, 2023. Music is by Jesse Joseph
Buy his music at qwillmusic.com
THREE DAYS IN JANUARY 2023.mp4
from SURF FREE OR DIE on Vimeo.
I shot this in the exact sequence as it happened. January 15th, 16th, and 17th, 2023.
And the surfers are the usual suspects.
Kody Grondin, Matt Colby, Jesse Gould, Max Fatello,
Mike Stanek, Lars Hamilton, Brian Avantes, Kevin Grondin, Dave Cropper, Crowley Gentile,
Cam MacLeod, and a few others that I could not ID.
Music is by Jeff Beck and David Crosby.
REST IN PEACE Jeff Beck and David Crosby.
Happy Birthday Kim Grondin and Kody Grondin.
And welcome back to the line-up Dave "CROP" Cropper.
THERE MUST BE SOME KIND OF WAY OUT OF HERE.mp4
from SURF FREE OR DIE on Vimeo.
Max Fatello, Brian Johnson, Johnny Reynolds, Eric Palmer, and Kevin Grondin are the surfers.
The music is me doodling on my Stratocaster and singing ALL ALONG THE WATCHTOWER.
My good friend Tony Berardini always liked this version. Honestly? The recording is pretty low budge sounding,
and it's as raw as it gets. But, it's real, and it's all me. THERE MUST BE SOME KIND OF WAY OUTTA HERE.
A NEW BORN SWELL TO SEA from SURF FREE OR DIE on Vimeo.
If you have a few minutes to spare (actually 7 minutes exactly) I shot this on Friday December 23rd
and Saturday December 24th, 2022. It was breathtakingly beautiful. The music is me playing guitar and singing
The LITTLE DRUMMER BOY ala Jimi Hendrix. I met my future wife Cory at the show where I first played this song.
December 23rd, 1983 at a club called SPIT on Lansdowne St in Boston, MA.
MOLLY Ralph Interview from SURF FREE OR DIE on Vimeo.
The MOLLY interview with Ryan Scura and Dylan Ladds. Hard to believe this was 12 years ago.The "PHOTO story is featured here. If you don't know what the "Photo" story is all about,
this 6 minute video is worth watching for that alone. LONG LIVE MOLLY ROWLEE!
CLICK ON THE GRAPHIC BELOW TO SEE ALL OF MY VIDEOS ON VIMEO
Contact ralph@adlantic.com