The TEMPORARY Home of Cinnamon Rainbows is at 62 Lafayette Rd in North Hampton, NH Tel. (603) 929-7467

May 11th, 2025 The RUN is 15 out of 15 Weeks.
CRITERIA: Waist high or better at least once a week.
There were waist high waves on 5-8-7-25 and chest high on 5-10-25


THE RECORD FOR THE MOST CONSECUTIVE WEEKS IN A ROW FOR WAIST HIGH OR BETTER. January 13th, 2025 was 59 WEEKS!

NEXT BLOG May 25th, 2025.
All future Blogs will be posted on the 1st and 3rd week of every month (give or take a day or two). *Also in the event of any significant swell I will post the week of that swell. Although the blog is now bi-weekly, I'm certainly not gonna pass up a decent swell. So while it's basically going to be every other week, I left it open for some wiggle room.



HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY. WELCOME POPE LEO NOT POPE DON.
REST IN PEACE CLYDE AIKAU! THE RAINS HAVE STOPPED!



This local Mom gets the unofficial "Mother Of The Year Award" from me. Kim Grondin has been through so much this past year that it's hard to keep up with her many hospital stays. Suffice it to say she's missed most of the major holidays. So it's only fitting that she was home for Mother's Day. And her favorite holiday "April Fools Day." All kidding aside, if you know this woman say hello and wish her a Happy Mother's Day. She's earned it and then some. We love you Kim.

The other Mother I want to recognize is Karen Evans. Below is a photo of Karen and Kim during one of the NYE parties that we all attended for many years. Those were the days.



I can only mention her in the past tense though. Unfortunately she passed away last October. Karen was a beloved member of our surf community. And it's still hard to believe she's gone. The thing about losing a loved one whether it's family or just a close friend, is you have to go through that first year of firsts. First birthday. First Thanksgiving. First Christmas and in Karen's case, the first Mother's day.

I was fortunate enough to shoot the surf on Saturday early evening. It was a full moon and the swell that was filling in would last until Sunday. So I called it the MOTHER'S DAY MOON SWELL. And ironically, Karen's son Mikey just so happened to be out in the water. So I stayed and focused on getting some decent shots of him. My nephew Jesse's band WOOD and BONE provided the soundtrack. The video is posted right at the top of this page. And I dedicated the edit in Memory Of Karen



The Evans Family in happier times. At The Wall. Hampton, NH.
Happy Mother's Day Karen and Meghan.



And my own family of Mothers. Happy Mother's Day Cory, Gabby, and Noelle. And of course my mother-in-law Judith. I love them all. I hope all the moms out there were recognized.
The past, present, and future moms of the world.
HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!

Ed O'Connell was one of the most loved surf photographers in New England. A US ARMY Vietnam Veteran who saved the lives of so many ARMY Grunts in Nam in 68-69 as a Medic on board those Dust Off Hueys. He was a close and dear friend of mine.

When he passed on July 1st, 2014 I swore I'd keep his memory and legacy alive by giving him this weekly corner. He loved surfing and he loved taking photos of all the surfers.

Not just those who could really stand out. He shot every one. As long as I shall live and breathe the salt air, there will be a corner dedicated to Ed.

ED'S CORNER May 11th, 2025



This is a photo of me. It was taken on May 7th, 2013 at one of the local breaks. It must have been pretty warm out there, seeing how I'm not wearing a hood. The other noticeable factor is, I am actually looking like I know what I'm doing. Just 12 short years ago and so much has changed for me personally. I can still paddle and catch waves no problem today. It's just after I catch the waves, I struggle getting to my feet. It is the one thing that gets every single surfer. It's true.

I still workout every single week. I don't use weights, I just walk and do push ups. I do between 900 and 1,500 push ups per week. Like I said, I can catch waves no problem. It's what comes after that's bumming me out. But then again, I'm not complaining-I'm simply explaining.

Photo by Ed O'Connell

*Click the photo above to see a larger version of Ed's Pic.

COMING SOME TIME IN Late SPRING OF 2025



UPDATE: Fingers crossed. The book will be done by Spring.
Which means a late Spring release. May/June of 2025.
And this book will be available in both hard cover and soft cover on AMAZON, BARNES & NOBLE, INGRAM, GOOGLE BOOKS, and KOBO PUBLISHING.


SPEAKING OF BOOKS. SAM GEORGE HAS A NEW BOOK COMING OUT NEXT MONTH.

Most of you reading this Blog already know who Sam George is. But for those of you who do not. Sam is an Emmy Award-winning documentary filmmaker and former editor of SURFER Magazine and SURFING Magazine.

He's also a dear friend that I have known since 1979. He along with Jeff Chamberlain are two of the most prolific writers of our Surfing lifestyle. I plan on buying a copy as soon as it is out.

So check back here for any updates.

I MOVED 5 YARDS OF MULCH IN THE DRIVING RAIN.



It was part of my Mother's Day gift for my wife. Five yards of mulch is one thing, five yards of wet mulch is something else. It took me a while to get it all distributed. It's all spread out now. And a special thank you to my neighbor Doug for letting me borrow his pump. The wheel on my wheelbarrow was flat. So you can imagine wet mulch with a flat tire on the wheelbarrow? Ugh. I lost count how many trips it took. Thank God for Doug letting me borrow his air pump.

PATRIOTS LONG SNAPPER JOE CARDONA IS NOW A DOLPHIN.



I had the chance to hang out with Joe when the Patriots honored 50 Vietnam Vets at Gillette Stadium in 2018. Joe is not only the last member of the Super Bowl team he's also a Navy Veteran. I was sad to hear they let him go. Thank you for your service Joe, and thank you for being part of the Greatest Team in NFL history. Godspeed Joe. Godspeed

WELCOME POPE LEO



This was classic, listening to Pope Leo's brother Louis talking about his brother. Can you imagine having one of your siblings ending up being the Pope? Well, most of us would never have had that situation come true.
And thank God for that. I'm not sure I could handle having a sibling be the Pope. I mean that 's nothing to joke about.



Speaking of jokes. I'm sure you've all seen the meme that the President of the United States posted on his Truth Social Page. Yes he claims it was a joke. But honestly? As a Catholic I was offended by that meme. And I'm a "Cafeteria Catholic" and I was offended. By "Cafeteria Catholic" I mean that when I go down the line of the Catholic Cafeteria, I don't pick everything that they are selling. In other words, "Ill have one of those, and one of these, but I don't want that or that right there." Use your imagination.

But back to Trump posting that meme (see the next page if you missed it). I get that he said it was a joke. But for you Trump supporters I want you to try and imagine if Obama did that. Or Biden did that? Hell, imagine if Ronald Reagan did that? I would be just as pissed.

Look you're the president of the United States. Try acting like one.


REST IN PEACE CLYDE AIKAU


Legendary Big Wave Surfer Clyde Aikau passed away last week. Clyde is the brother of Eddie Aikau. Most of you surfers know who Eddie Aikau is. But if you don't, I suggest you Google the Aikau name and read up on this Hawaiian legend.

The surfers and the locals on Oahu are feeling this loss. I would imagine there is going to be a paddle for Clyde. And I would imagine that it's going to be pretty significant. Keep paddling Clyde. Keep paddling just like your brother Eddie. And man I can only imagine the reunion you and Eddie must be having. Aloha Clyde and Eddie and A Hui Hou.

"SURFING AND POPING HEALS ALL WOUNDS.” 

JIMMY DUNN HEADLINING THE CASINO! LET'S GO!

THIS IS BIG NEWS FOR OUR LOCAL COMIC/ACTOR.
Jimmy Dunn has earned his way to headlining status at the Casino his whole comic life. It would be great if we could fill the room for Jimmy. Let's get the word out and help promote this show. AUGUST 1st, 2025! Click on the ad above to buy tickets.




So when Khaliddy saw that meme of Trump dressed like the Pope he had to somehow get access to the Oval Office to interview the Orange one for a front page story in the GITMO Gazette. According to the editor of the GITMO GAZZETTE, The Sheik came out of that interview with more questions than answers. In fact, the Sheik was actually seen shaking his head at the end of his interview.

When the editor asked Khaliddy what he thought Trump was thinking posting something like that, the Sheik said and I quote. "I don't think he thought that one through. I honestly don't think he's that smart." Well, there you have it folks. KSM does not think 45-47 is that smart.

Hello? Isn't that what most of us have already known?
For a sitting US president to post themselves as the Pope? Yeah, that's some stupid shit right there. You Dumb ass.

And so my friends, please take advantage of this weekly photo shop of the mastermind who planned 9-11 and resulted in the deaths of 3,000 innocent civilians by KSM (Khalid Sheik Mohammed). *Note to self -must pick up a case of used Pope Suits at Home Depot this week.

GO CELTICS! BEAT THE KNICKS!

REST IN PEACE Pope Francis 88yrs old.
REST IN PEACE Roy Thomas Baker 78yrs old
HAPPY BIRTHDAY 35th Leah Piersiak May 8th, 2025!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY 35th Gabby LaBreck May 9th, 2025!
KEEP FIGHTING Robert Gerard! You Got This Brother!
Please keep LOCAL SURF LEGEND Norm Murphy in your thoughts and prayers.

"SURFING HEALS ALL WOUNDS."
Please Support ALL The photographers who contribute to
Ralph's Pic Of The Week every week for the last 19 years.
** BUY a HIGH RES Photo from any of the weeks on RPOTW.
Remember my friends... Surfing Heals All Wounds.
Pray for Surf. Pray for Peace. Surfing Is Supposed to be Fun.

Ralph

OUR OLDEST GABBY TURNS 35. WHOA THAT WENT BY QUICK.
I am having a hard time believing that Gabby is 35 years old. Damn now I really feel old. It seems like yesterday when these photos above were taken. Now she's married with three kids of her own. She's a great mom to those kids too. We all celebrated at our home for both Mother's Day and her Birthday. Gabrielle Marina is 35 years old! Happy Birthday Gabbo! We all love you. Photos c/o Ralph/Cory
*Click on the photo above to see a larger image

I kept a daily Blog on my CATCH A WAVE FOR MOLLY surf campaign, when I surfed every single day for 365 consecutive days. Click on the Banner above to read entries of my daily journey. There's some really interesting and true experiences
that happened during that year. Some of which are to this day, unexplainable. Some are just mind blowing. But all true.

I started on July 26th, 2010 and ended on July 26th, 2011.

Some rainy Sunday, pour yourself a cup or two and go through this year long journal. Pay close attention to the month of May in 2011. Read that month and let me know what you think of that.

Be forewarned, it will change you forever.

All photos taken this week unless otherwise noted.

Today- THE MOTHER'S DAY MOON SWELL. May 10th, 2025.
Photos by RALPH




(Above) I missed the boys earlier in the day. But slipped out for the last hour of light. Saturday May 10th, 2025. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

Click on the ad above to see the Menu and other
important info on their Somerville restaurant and all the
other AMERICAN FLATBREAD locations.

Best EAST COAST Coverage on the Internet.

(Above) I might have mistimed this pic. I should have waited another second or two. Saturday May 10th, 2025. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) Then I spotted Mikel Evans. Saturday May 10th, 2025.
Photo by RALPH *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

The Haffenreffer family have been helping seacoast families
with their holistic health and optimal wellness for decades.

Welcome Solsticenh.com Melinda is a local NH surfer.
Click on the ad above to visit her site.

(Above) Mikey taking a slice on the inside. Saturday May 10th, 2025.
Photo by RALPH *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery





(Above) Straight back from CR, Richie was back in the rubber suit and feeling like he's accepted the fact that he's home again. Saturday May 10th, 2025. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

NEW Client to the BLOG WELCOME 935 OCEAN
Click on the ad to find out where to stay the next time
you're in town.

(Above) Richie Sambataro carving local waters again.
Saturday May 10th, 2025. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery





(Above) Purple skies for all the moms. Saturday May 10th, 2025.
Photo by RALPH *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

Click on the ad above to see the NEW SURFER'S JOURNAL

DIPG THE CURE STARTS NOW
To learn more about Evan and his journey click here  https://thecurestartsnow.org/sup.../view-heroes/evan-austin/

(Above) Mikel Evans zipping along familiar territory. Saturday May 10th, 2025.
Photo by RALPH *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) It's all about speed. Only speed can put you where you need
to be. Mikel Evans. Saturday May 10th, 2025. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) A series of carves and turns. Mikel Evans.
Saturday May 10th, 2025. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

SALTY PAWS DAYCARE NOW OPEN
Click on the Ad above for more info

(Above) Both Mikey and Julie said my timing was perfect. I guess it got better when I showed up. Saturday May 10th, 2025. Photo by RALPH *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) The Mother's Day Moon Swell. Saturday May 10th, 2025.
Photo by RALPH *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) Happy Mother's Day. Saturday May 10th, 2025.
Photo by RALPH *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

Produced by David Robinson of the CARS.
Visit our Facebook page

Produced by David Robinson of the CARS.
Visit our Facebook page

Produced by Steve Sadler.
Visit our Facebook page

The VINNY Band was around from 1976 to 1984




July 30th, 1979 headlining the Paradise Club
In Boston, MA

(Above) Clean lines and purple skies. Oh and that full moon.
Saturday May 10th, 2025. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) Surfing under the moonlight. Saturday May 10th, 2025.
Photo by RALPH *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

Today- THE POPE SWELL THURSDAY MAY 8th, 2025.
Photos by RALPH

(Above) The very first photo I took this day. Cory's Tulips. See the bunny?
Thursday May 8th, 2025. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

Joe Carter, Brian Nevins, and Nick Lavecchia

Click on the ad above to visit their website



The art of Donna Baldassari

If you love the Beatles and you love the guitar
click on this ad above for an amazing instrumental
band playing all of your favorite Beatles songs with
the coolest arrangements. Johnny A is one of the
best guitar players on the planet.

Peter Stokes is one of the BEST guitar techs in
all of North America. He's the BEST guitar tech
in New England.

(Above) These guys are better known for their city hangouts.
But these two seemed pretty natural in the wet sand.
Thursday May 8th, 2025. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) The second he took off I recognized the stance and style. Jimbo.
Thursday May 8th, 2025. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

Hannah Vokey is one of my favorite surf artists.

Click on the ad above to find out more about
more about local surf artist Stan Chew's art

(Above) I've always been a sucker for the empty wave.
Thursday May 8th, 2025. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) Golden lefts and rights. Thursday May 8th, 2025.
Photo by RALPH *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) Jimbo styling during the Pope Swell.
Thursday May 8th, 2025. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) Mini golden floater. The Waxman Jimbo.
Thursday May 8th, 2025. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) He was switching foot so much I forgot if he was a regular foot or a goofyfoot. Thursday May 8th, 2025. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

Visit Jimmy Dunn's website to find out where
else he will be performing. Watch Jimmy on the
new FRASIER Click on Jimmy to find out more.
ALL EPISODES OF SEASON 2 of FRASIER ARE NOW STREAMING ON PARAMOUNT+

Jimmy Dunn and Kelsey Grammer
Click the image above or below to see more.





Click on the ad above to visit her Facebook page.

(Above) She will be stoked seeing these pics. @kgigandet.
Thursday May 8th, 2025. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) @kgigandet stepping on the gas to make that section.
Thursday May 8th, 2025. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

I love Erica's whimsical Gull art. So cool and unique.

SECRET SPOT IS NOW OPEN IN HAMPTON.
SECRET SPOT is back in operation on the seacoast.
Thank you.
Jon Gozzo and family.

(Above) The sky that morning was beautiful. Thursday May 8th, 2025. Photo by RALPH *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) The FREE million dollar view. Thursday May 8th, 2025.
Photo by RALPH *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

Listen to QWILL on the video page.

(Above) The sky that afternoon was equally as beautiful.
Thursday May 8th, 2025. Photo by RALPH *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

Today- CENTRAL CALIFORNIA April 28th, 2025.
Photos by Cap'n Chambo



(Above) Does this not look absolutely beautiful? What a way to start the day. Monday April 28th, 2025. Photo by Cap'n Chambo
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) Having been out there a few times I can tell you first hand it is breathtaking. Monday April 28th, 2025. Photo by Cap'n Chambo
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

Click on this image to visit Driftwood Photography

"GIVE YOUR BUSINESS A KICK IN THE ADS"
Since 1985.

Click on the image above to see the cool ocean art
from Alex Walsh.

(Above) Yup. Looks like fun to me. Monday April 28th, 2025.
Photo by Cap'n Chambo
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) Clean, green, and pristine visuals. Monday April 28th, 2025.
Photo by Cap'n Chambo
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) So many nooks and crannies. Monday April 28th, 2025.
Photo by Cap'n Chambo
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) I can't wait to go back. Monday April 28th, 2025.
Photo by Cap'n Chambo
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery




(Above) Central California glass. Monday April 28th, 2025.
Photo by Cap'n Chambo
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

Send your SURF Pics to me directly to: ralph@adlantic.com.
Need photos by 10 AM on Saturdays. Seriously. By 10AM. 
Make sure they are 1500 to 1555 pixels wide.
If you have more than 10 pics please use wetransfer.com it's free up to 2 gig. Please DO NOT send me over 10 pics without first contacting and communicating with me. Thank you.

Click on Archives link to see all the past Blogs and pics.

My friend Rick McAvoy from Maine is the creator
behind this unique Surf Company

(Above) This is Preston Reusch somewhere in Costa Rica.
Spring, 2025. Photo c/o Preston Reusch
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery



(Above) This is that old surf photographer who's very opinionated.
The Wall Thursday May 8th, 2025. Photo by JIMBO
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

He's more than just a good photographer

(Above) All Rise: The 10th Street District Court Of Surf is Now in Session. The Honorable Judge RALPH presiding. Case # 794 BLATANT DROP IN OF THE WEEK. Click the image above to see the outcome of this Surf Crime and the verdict that was rendered.
Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the outcome

This is what happens if you are found GUILTY. You become invisible.

Click on this image above to buy this book
and more cool KING'S X merchandise and music

I see little waves next week.

I'm picking Friday (late) May 23rd, 2025.

May 11th, 2025

On May 6th, 2011 I kicked out at the Wall and my board got caught in a gust of wind and came back and hit me just above my eye. If it had been slightly lower I would have suffered a serious injury. Instead, I got another hairball surf story.

(ABOVE) This was during my CATCH A WAVE FOR MOLLY campaign. This could have been way worse. I only got a black eye and a big gash. But more importantly, I finished my mission.
Photo by RALPH



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