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

April 27th, 2025 The RUN is 14 out of 14 Weeks.
CRITERIA: Waist high or better at least once a week.
There were head high waves on 4-13-7-25 and chest high on 4-14-25
And waist high on 4-26-25.


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

NEXT BLOG May 11th, 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.



SAYING GOODBYE TO FRIENDS AND OTHER NOTABLE FIGURES.
50th ANNIVERSARY OF THE FALL OF SAIGON. POSTING AN OLD SURF MOVIE FROM 1982. MORE LOCAL SWELLS.


Marines Warren White WWII, Donnie Walker Korean War, George Masten Korea/Vietnam, Ralph Fatello Vietnam, and Paul Lessard Korea/Vietnam. Donnie Walker passed away this past week. He was 96 yrs old. After Warren, George, and Paul passed away, I showed Donnie this photo. He looked up at me and said: "Geez, it won't be long before I'm the only one left in this photo." I burst out laughing. "What are you talking about Donnie. I'm 20 years younger than you." "Well, I'm just saying." He laughed and gave me a little punch in my arm. Donnie was always the kidder when we were together. He lived a good long life. Semper Fi Donnie.

Still, it's hard to believe they are all gone now. I'm really the only one left in this photo. I knew it was only a matter of time before that came true. I miss them all. They were all great friends of mine.



Hampton's American Legion POST 35 KOREAN WAR VETS
Jimmy Djerf, John Emery, and Donnie Walker.

Last month we lost Jimmy Djerf. And we lost John Emery a few years ago.
And of course the aforementioned Donnie Walker this week. I know that none of us are getting out of here alive. It just seems like they are going faster than ever. We don't have many WWII vets anymore. And the Korean War vets are are fast becoming a thing of the past. And (gulp) the Vietnam Vets are starting to disappear too. Damn. How'd that happen?

ONE OF THE MOST DISGRACEFUL MOMENTS IN US HISTORY



Fifty years ago this week. The shameful end of the Vietnam War. I remember it all like it was yesterday. My then best friend Joe Somogyi and I watched in horror as the North Vietnamese drove their tanks into the capitol of South Vietnam as the south surrendered to the north. 10 years and 58,220 American lives later. The longest war (up until recently) had ended. The NIGHTMARE Of VIETNAM was over.



The Americans evacuating from the US embassy was heartbreaking to watch. The millions of boat people who fled the country, and the hundreds of thousands of South Vietnamese who were forced into RE-EDUCATION CAMPS where they were tortured and abused. And our government turned a blind eye to this madness and let it all go down. Unbelievable.



Marines on board the ship that I was on in 1970. The USS OKINAWA helped in the evacuation. OPERATION FREQUENT WIND April 1975.
Whenever I saw the USS OKINAWA pushing helicopters off the deck and into the South China Sea to make room for more panicked civilians, I was sick to my stomach. I couldn't believe what I was watching. What a waste.
A complete and total waste.

50 years ago. April 30-1975-April 30-2025.

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 April 27th, 2025



This is a photo of Jon Gozzo at the Wall on April 9th, 2009. This was all before Jon got sick and had to deal with more than his fair share of setbacks. There once was a time when Jon was one of the best surfers out in the water. And he was a frequent target of Ed's lens.

In fact, I even made up a name for one of Jon's moves in the water. I called it the GOZZO GOUGE.

Though this particular photo is more of a barrel/tube ride than a gouging turn. Though if you were to Google GOZZO GOUGE on Ralphspic.com I'm sure you'd find one of his gouging carves pics both locally and down in Costa Rica where he was a constant fixture. This of course was all before Sarah and the twin girls and his multiple restaurants came into his life.

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.

BILL MORRISEY'S YOGA IN ACTION.



I got an email from Bill a few of weeks ago about a non-profit organization called Yoga in Action. While I have never personally got into YOGA, I do know many who have and swear by it. So this was a no brainer.

I told Bill I'd be happy to share this story with my readers.

Click on the image above or the link below to learn more about
YOGA IN ACTION.

WELCOME BACK SALTY PAWS.


Salty Paws are a local Dog Daycare business run by locals who live on the seacoast. I love their name and their logo. And they are really a great bunch of individuals who love dogs. And as a dog lover myself, I highly recommend you consider calling them. Check out their cool website.
Click on the ad below to visit their website and see what they offer.



Check out their cool website.
Click on the ad above to visit their website.


Dogs and beaches. The perfect match.

REST IN PEACE ROY THOMAS BAKER Age 78



Once again another legendary Rock legend has passed away.

Pictured above the late Ric Ocasek of the CARS and Roy Thomas Baker. This one hit kind of close to home for us CARS fans as RTB was the producer of three of their LP's including their groundbreaking self titled first album. THE CARS. I remember hearing that LP for the first time and being completely blown away by it. I knew it would be great because of what Roy Thomas Baker did with QUEEN.

And I personally benefited from Roy Thomas Baker's production because of his background "Gang Vocals." That's what Roy called his multi tracking of the background vocals on not only the CARS records, but also QUEEN'S records.



I can remember the late Thom Moore who worked with the CARS and also engineered my band VINNY's first album with David Robinson producing bringing up Roy's "GANG VOCALS" technique. And we had similar backing vocals on our album because of what David and Thom learned first hand with Roy Thomas Baker. If you are not familiar with any of the CARS first 4 albums you must surely remember QUEEN'S Bohemian Rhapsody. That was all Roy's doing. I suppose it's another sign of the times.

REST IN PEACE ROY. Say hello to Ric and Ben for me. And say a special hello to my dear friend Thom. Thank you for everything.

REST IN PEACE POPE FRANCIS



Beautiful words from an amazing human being.

President of Ukraine dressed in traditional black. And the President of the United States of America dressed in an nontraditional blue. Plus he fell asleep (twice) during the funeral, and he and Melania were the ONLY two who stepped on the rug under the casket holding the Pope. When they were told NOT to step on the rug. In other words, typical 47 buffoonery.

Oh and this just in...

7 1/2 years in prison. The real question is will 47 pardon him?

THIS LATEST POLL FROM FOX NEWS HAS 47 TWISTING IN THE WIND. 47's lowest approval rating in recent history beat out the last lowest approval rating in the first 100 days. Who did 47 beat? Why he beat himself 45. That's right. Up until this latest approval rating came out, 45 had the lowest in the first 100 days. Hey at least he's consistent.

Click on the image above to read his absurd EASTER message.

“SURFING AND HONORING THOSE WHO PASSED FROM THIS
EARTH HEALS ALL WOUNDS.” 

SATURDAY May 10th, 2025
The Dance Hall in Kittery, ME

THIS JUST IN!



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 Ole Khaliddy somehow found his way on board THE BLUE ORIGIN ALL FEMALE Spaceflight. All the celebrities including Katy Perry were packed into the giant Penis spaceship and hurled into space for 10 minutes and 21 seconds as the world all held their collective breath and said: "Who gives a crap about this?" Well apparently the GITMO GAZZETTE does because KSM got a front row seat.

The Sheik was also heard shrieking in terror like the girls when the Giant Dildoship came flying back to earth at a high rate of speed. *If you haven't heard the actual recording of the girls screaming on the accelerated reentry you really should Google it. It's worth it. Trust me, it's worth it.

So are they really astronauts? Eh. I don't think so. But then again, what the hell do I know? Not much. I just know a gimmick when I see one. And I also know a good KSM weekly Meme when I see one too. So...BAM!

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 Blue Yoga Space Suits at Home Depot this week.

REST IN PEACE Pope Francis 88yrs old.
REST IN PEACE Roy Thomas Baker 78yrs old
REST IN PEACE PATCH 2010-2025
REST IN PEACE Mrs Irene Magliano 95 yrs old.
REST IN PEACE Donnie Walker 96 yrs old USMC Korean War Veteran.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY Leah Piersiak May 8th, 2025!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY 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

JEFF CRAWFORD TUBED IN NOVA SCOTIA 1973
I remember like it was yesterday. The first time Jeff showed me this photo. We were together the first two Novi trips in 71 and 72. This trip Jeff went up with one of his girlfriends at the time. I was blown away by this photo. And I'm not gonna lie. I was totally and completely jealous. Why? Well, none of us ever had a photo of ourselves getting a clean barrel like this. I mean look at this pic. Click on it to see the larger version. Jeff got a cool as shit photo of him barreled in Nova Scotia. To this day, I feel that slight twinge of jealousy. But if I'm to be truthful, l also feel great that he has this memory and photo to go with it. So good on you Jeffy. You scored.
Photo c/o Jeff Crawford
*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- MORE APRIL SWELLS April 14th, 2025.
Photos by RALPH




(Above) The first photo I shot this morning. Monday April 14th, 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) The 2nd photo I shot that morning. This guy had this sandbar to himself. Monday April 14th, 2025. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) A closer look at the waves. Monday April 14th, 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) The sun in your face as you enter the water. That's Spring surfing. Monday April 14th, 2025. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery



(Above) Lars Hamilton taking flight. Monday April 14th, 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) Erik Cannon was out getting a few of those right handers.
Monday April 14th, 2025. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery



(Above) Preston decided he needed one more session before he and Richie headed down to CR for some much needed tropical surf.
Monday April 14th, 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) Lars Hamilton hopping around the inside sections.
Monday April 14th, 2025. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) Richie Sambataro Monday April 14th, 2025. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) Preston's smooth carve on Monday April 14th, 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) Crowley Gentile's wave of the day. Monday April 14th, 2025. Photo by RALPH *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) It was waves like this that made me paddle out after I was done shooting. Monday April 14th, 2025. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) One of the better waves that I saw this morning.
Richie Sambataro Monday April 14th, 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) Ryan Reed paddled out and caught one of those long lefts.
Monday April 14th, 2025. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) And in typical Ryan Reed fashion he lit one up on the inside.
Monday April 14th, 2025. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

Today- THE DAY BEFORE April 11th, 2025.
Photos by RALPH

(Above) Kody Grondin fighting through the rain, wind, and a strong rip.
Sunday April 13th, 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) Matt Colby spraying some kelp chunks for his peeps.
Sunday April 13th, 2025. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) OK I'm not trying to make these kinds of photos my new signature look. But...I couldn't pass up another Bubble Self Portrait. BAM!
Sunday April 13th, 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

Today- REST IN PEACE Donnie Walker USMC April 24, 2025.
Photos by RALPH



(Above) Donnie Walker was a good friend of mine. He was a BAR man in the Korean War. He was in the thick of it. Surrounded by North Koreans, he and his brave Marines fought their way out of that mess.
Thursday April 24th, 2025. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) American Legion POST 35 firing a volley at Donnie's funeral.
Thursday April 24, 2025. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) The Marine Corps funeral detail folding the flag for Donnie. This is always a somber but very impressive honor for the deceased veteran.
Thursday April 24th, 2025. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) Presenting the flag to Donnie's widow. The Marine Corps
SSGT gently and carefully hands the flag to Mrs Walker.
Thursday April 24th, 2025. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) Donnie in Korea 1951 on top of the bulldozer smiling at the camera. Thursday April 24th, 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.

Today- CENTRAL CAL April 16th, 2025.
Photos by Cap'n Chambo

(Above) This is the ONLY way to travel out west. April 16th, 2025.
Photo by Cap'n Chambo
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) They always score. Like this. This looks fun. April 16th, 2025.
Photo by Cap'n Chambo
*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) That's some serious kelp. But who cares? April 16th, 2025.
Photo by Cap'n Chambo
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) The ride out and back is always filled with good natured banter. But seriously check out the kelp beds. You really need a good kelp cutter to fly through this stuff. April 16th, 2025.
Photo by Cap'n Chambo
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

Listen to QWILL on the video page.

(Above) The latest in a series of Greenough crafts designed to get you in and out of the hard to get to places in Central California. The clean lines of the Odyssey. April 16th, 2025.
Photo by Cap'n Chambo
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

Today- A little further North. April 25th, 2025.
Photos by Tony Berardini



(Above) Looks remote enough. And I'm guessing a little sharky.
Friday April 25th, 2025. Photo by Tony Berardini
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) That's some serious driftwood. Friday April 25th, 2025.
Photo by Tony Berardini
*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) Tony's grandson Ben grabbing a rail with a cool backdrop.
Friday April 25th, 2025. Photo by Tony Berardini
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) I'd be curious to see what it looks like on a good day. Ben dealing with
the onshore slop. Friday April 25th, 2025. Photo by Tony Berardini
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) That's a cool looking starfish. Friday April 25th, 2025.
Photo by Tony Berardini
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

Today- A FAMILY EASTER GALLERY
April 20th, 2025. Photos by RALPH



(Above) The house was more than alive with family, flowers, and chocolate. Easter Sunday April 20th, 2025. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery




(Above) I am truly blessed to have what I have in my life. Starting with my beautiful wife who is the main force behind all of our holiday gatherings. Easter Sunday April 20th, 2025. Photo by RALPH
*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 yours truly heading out for a quick surf session. We live 400 yards from the ocean. So it's easier to get dressed at home.
Monday April 14th, 2025. Photo Cory Fatello
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery



(Above) This is an unknown surfer during the full Beaver Moon swell on November 15th, 2024. If anyone recognizes who this surfer might be, please contact me. The photographer Jill Hart wants to get this pic to this person. Photo by Jill Hart
*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 # 793 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 waves next week.

I'm picking Thursday (late) May 8th, 2025.

April 27th, 2025

"At what point do you ditch your board if you're this guy?" I mean he's clearly about to be sucked over the falls. And unless there's someone at the base of the wave? You need to get that thing away from you. Or only more bad shit is gonna happen. Just saying.

(ABOVE) Going through the last couple of winters I found this pic. My first thought was how perfect the empty barrel looks. But my second thought was clearly the poor sap who is clinging to his board as he gets sucked over the falls. This did not end well.
Photo by RALPH



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