February 2nd, 2025 The RUN is 2 out of 2 Weeks.
CRITERIA: Waist high or better at least once a week.
There were chest to head high waves on 2-1-25 and
waist high
on 2-2-25
THE RECORD FOR THE MOST CONSECUTIVE WEEKS IN A ROW FOR WAIST HIGH OR BETTER. January 13th, 2025 was 59 WEEKS! |
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 1300 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. |
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NEXT BLOG February 16th, 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.

EARTHQUAKE HITS NEW ENGLAND. PATCH
COMES HOME.
SUPER BOWL
59 THIS COMING SUNDAY. CHIEFS vs EAGLES
LOCAL MARINE CORPS VET SURFER PASSES AWAY.

I was frantically working on the Blog last Tuesday January 28th, 2025, and I say frantically, because I was already two days late and I was still in shock over losing Patch, when suddenly, the whole house shook with a loud roar. What the hell was that? By now you all know about the quake that hit New England. But honestly? That earthquake? My first thought was, it was the daily Amazon delivery for my wife. (Seems like she gets a package a day). I thought the driver crashed his truck into the garage door. I was so pissed. I couldn't believe it. Of course, it was the Earthquake.
Now earthquakes may be common in California and other parts of the world, but here in New England? Oh hell no. But once I posted it on Facebook, I soon learned where and when it happened. Shit, that thing is right off the coast in Southern Maine. And then I thought. Earthquake out to sea? Tsunami! So I did what any surf photographer/journalist would do. I grabbed my camera gear and raced down to the ocean. I had both my still camera and my video camera. I pulled up at North Hampton beach and waited. And waited. And waited...but alas my dear friends it was not to be. The original reports of it being a 4.1 quake quickly subsided down to 3.9 and then to 3.8. Hopeful as I was for a first ever tsunami, it was never going to happen. My visions of my friends surfing a tsunami was just a pipe dream. Hell, there wasn't even a single ripple. Dammit. Oh well.
The only damage we suffered was one of our photos fell off the wall.
Oh well. Maybe next time. And there will be a next time. Fingers crossed.
LATER THAT DAY, PATCH CAME HOME FOR GOOD.

I got the call from the Hampton Vet Hospital that Patchy's ashes were ready for pick up. The urn that held the remains of our beloved Patch came home the same day we had the earthquake. I honestly thought I was past the crying stage. I was wrong. Boy was I wrong.
As I was leaving the vet I stepped outside and there was local surfer Shayne Forsley taking his new puppy “Lucy” into the vet.
It was like a scene out of a movie. There I am carrying the remains of Patch, and there’s Shayne carrying his new puppy.
The beginning and the end crossing paths.
I didn’t cry then. I cried when I put Patch in the front seat. My plan was always to let him ride in the front seat at the end of his life. But I never got that chance because of the Stroke.
And I got more choked up when I stopped by our old home at 3 Marston Way to give Pete and Noelle some ice melt. I wanted Patch to be in his first home one last time. I carried him over the threshold. Malia was so sweet wanting to hold the blue bag where his urn was. I hugged them and drove home.
Suffice it to say, I completely lost it when I carried him into Nersesian Way. Without warning the grief hit me again. The urn itself is beautiful. And the card from the vet where everyone wrote something meaningful, was so incredibly nice and thoughtful.
The whole staff at Hampton Veterinary Hospital are wonderful. They are such a caring and loving group of professionals.
The finality of it all, really hit home. And for the umpteenth time since he passed, the grief washed over me and I completely broke down. So much for me being this big tough Marine veteran. When it comes to our pets I am an old softee. With emphasis on the "old."
Truth is, Patch was special. I’m not ever going to say that our other dogs and cats were not special, they all were. Each and every one of them.
But Patch to me, was truly special. He saved me from the deep depths of depression when Scout died (Scout was Gunny's son). I was lost when Scout died. But Patch became the all around best hunter of the bunch. He could hold a point forever. There was no other dog like him. And I will truly miss him to my dying breath.
But now, all my focus will be on Zorro. He’s my new “Scout” and I already know what he’s like in the woods, and at home. He loves to be petted. He loves to be close to us. He’s a good boy. And he will get better both at home and in the woods.
But most of all? Well, he’s Patchy’s son.
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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 February 2nd, 2025

This is Tim O'Shea. I used to see Tim a whole lot more than I see him now-a-days. I think he may have changed jobs. He used to work the night shift and was able to surf all day. He was always around during my "Catch a Wave for Molly" days.
And
I was so stoked to find this pic of him. That's a decent size wave he's on here. I hope he and his family are doing well. I miss seeing you around Tim.
Photo by Ed O'Connell
*Click the photo above to see a larger version of Ed's Pic.
VALENTINES DAY COMEDY SHOW
From the hardest working comic I know...

This sounds like fun. I mean it's Valentines Day. And not for nothing, but those of you who know me well will remember that I have always said. The KEY to a long lasting relationship is to simply keep your better half laughing. It's true. Keep each other laughing. Because when the laughing stops (and I hope it never does for any of you) well, it's not good. So what better way to keep that bond between you and your loved one going strong? Laughter baby. Keep her/him laughing.
Trust me. Make em laugh.
COMING SOME TIME IN Late WINTER/SPRING OF 2025

This is beginning to sound like a broken record but...we recently had two serious setbacks. We had another bout with the dreaded COVID in the house, and then our dog Patch of 15 years passed away. So while I apologize (again) for this taking so damn long, but the above aforementioned events were unforeseen and needed to be dealt with.
The truth is, I've had so many crazy stories in my life that I needed to include them all. Though the shorter printed version will only have the best of the best. (It's basically my memoir.) The last 73 plus years of my life all condensed into two formats. The shorter printed version and the longer Online version.
The problem is I need to cut down the 1000 page Online version down to 350-450 to fit in the printed version. And to be completely honest with you, I am having a hard time deciding what stays and what goes. I have been literally spinning my wheels and it has been beyond frustrating. At times I feel like a complete failure. It has been beyond stressful. And I have jokingly said that this book will be the death of me yet.
I'm joking (sort of). All kidding aside, it has been stressful.
UPDATE: I did hire a professional editor to cut through my story and take out the fat and leave the prime beef. Having my life stories ending up on the cutting room floor has been difficult at best. So I bit the bullet and hired a team of BEST SELLER editors. I hope this will expedite the process. Fingers crossed.
I strongly believe that it will be done before Spring.
And this book will be available in both hard cover and soft cover on AMAZON, BARNES & NOBLE, INGRAM, GOOGLE BOOKS, and KOBO PUBLISHING.
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LOCAL MARINE CORPS VETERAN/SURFER PASSES AWAY.
ANDREW MATTISON RAUCCI
December 8th, 1981- January 29th, 2025
Married to Kate, and they have three beautiful young children.
CLICK ON THE IMAGE ABOVE TO SEE HIS FULL OBITUARY
Although I never met or knew Andrew, I do know friends who were close to him and his family. But more importantly, he was part of a brotherhood that is close and dear to my heart. He was a Marine. And he was a surfer. The rare surfer/Marine connection is strong
in my heart. And I will help the family and friends of Andrew to put together a SURFER'S PADDLE for Andrew once the weather breaks and is favorable for all who would like to attend. From what I now know of him, he was one hell of an individual.

Andrew (above left) was a Marine Corps officer who served in the GWOT (Global War On Terrorism) as a Captain. He served as a Tank Platoon Commander in IRAQ during Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Andrew was one of the last Marine Corps Tank Commanders to serve in TANKS. The Marine Corps no longer has tanks.

As some of you already know, The Marine Corps is a brotherhood that to be part of you have to earn it. The hard way. Andrew did exactly that. And he was most proud of the fact that none of his Marines were killed in action in IRAQ. They all made it back. No doubt due to the leadership that Captain Raucci conducted. Well done sir.
And he was one of us. A surfer. And you surfers know what that bond is like. I heard that his favorite spot here in NH was The ROCKS. And that is where we will have his paddle. Here's a photo of Andrew surfing.

CLICK ON THE IMAGE ABOVE TO SEE HIS FULL OBITUARY
Clearly he was the real deal. That's a wave of significance. I only hope that I may have taken a few photos of him. Maybe some of you who know him can answer that.
As I have already mentioned, we will have a SURFERS PADDLE in the near future and it will be posted here on the Blog as well as on Social Media. Meanwhile the full Obituary from REMICK'S FUNERAL Home can be seen by clicking on the family photo at the top of this section.
On behalf of all the surfers in New Hampshire and all of New England, we offer our most sincere condolences to his wife Kate and their children.
"And when he gets to heaven to Saint Pater he will tell. One more Marine reporting for duty sir, I've served my time in hell."
Semper Fidelis
brother.
“SURFING AND SERVING HEALS ALL WOUNDS.”
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THE LIX (59) SUPER BOWL IS NEXT SUNDAY.
THE KANSAS CITY CHIEFS vs THE PHILADELPHIA EAGLES. (AGAIN).

This Superbowl is about as exciting as their last one.
In other words, not very. Like a lot of you out there, I did not want to see Kermit (Patrick Mahomes) and Kelce back in the big game. I'm sick of seeing the Chiefs in the Super Bowl. And yes I am jealous. And I am also aware of why we (The New England Patriots fans) were so looked upon with complete and utter disdain. in fact, I used to love it when other teams and fans used to hate on us. Now I know what it really feels like. I have become one of them. And I'm not happy about it. I wanted to see the BILLS and The LIONS. But they both lost in the AFC Championship and the Divisional NFC round.
So while we won't see the two teams who really deserved to be in the big game, we will be seeing the two teams who earned being there. I am praying beyond hope that The Eagles
FINALLY beat the Chiefs. Please EAGLES Beat The Chiefs.

And once again, I have NO idea who this guy is. I swear I feel like such an old fool when it comes to knowing the Hip Hop artists of today. Bring back U2 or Paul McCartney (please).

Somehow the Sheik found his way into the RFK grilling sessions last week in Washington DC. I swear the paper he works for (the GITMO Gazette) is going to get him hurt one of these days. They must know something that we don't know. All the yelling and screaming at RFK Jr must be newsworthy in GITMO. Though I would think that real story down there would be all the illegals being shipped there by 47. But then again, what the hell do I know? I'm just the guy who makes these wacky memes every week. I wonder where we can sign up to get the Gitmo Gazette? Anyone know?

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 Baby Chickens and Mice at Home Depot this week.
REST IN PEACE PATCH 2010-2025
REST IN PEACE Andrew Raucci SEMPER FI.
REST PEACE the people who perished on the American Airlines and the US ARMY Blackhawk helicopter.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY Shelly Berardini January 29th, 2025!
HAPPY VALENTINES DAY February 14th, 2025 Baby!
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
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Everybody loves seeing the old pics of surfing. Especially here in Northern New England. If you have any old pics please send them off to me via email or social media. My email is ralph@adlantic.com
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 Ralph, Donna, and Johnny 1954 WEB.jpg)
Gus Fatello at The Beach in 1953. Ralph, Donna, and Johnny.
My late father along with my brother Johnny and sister Donna at the beach. My mother used to dress us up to protect us from the sun back in the day. I'm sure we still got burned, but not as bad as we would have if we were dressed differently. My dad suffered a fatal Stroke on February 5th in 2000. He passed away on February 7th, 2000. I can't believe he's been gone for 25 years. Photo by Eva Fatello
*Click on the photo above to see a larger image
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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.

Click on the ad above to see a larger version
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All photos taken this week unless otherwise noted.
Today- SNOWY SATURDAY February 1st, 2025.
Photos by RALPH

(Above) The perfect empty wave. Saturday February 1st, 2025.
Photo by RALPH *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
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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.
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(Above) Looking for that Patch Of Blue. Saturday February 1st, 2025.
Photo by RALPH *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) The surf was pretty fun looking. Saturday February 1st, 2025.
Photo by RALPH *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
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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.
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(Above) I love this kind of snow that clings to every branch and twig.
Saturday February 1st, 2025. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) The perfect set up. Can you imagine living here.
Saturday February 1st, 2025. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
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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.
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(Above) The ducks exiting the frozen marsh.
Saturday February 1st, 2025. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) Did he make it?
Saturday February 1st, 2025. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
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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/
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(Above) This is our backyard.
Saturday February 1st, 2025.
Photo by RALPH *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
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Click on the ad above to find out more about owner
and creator Ryan Jackson and
NH2o's cool selection
of surf related products. |

(Above) There was hollowness for those who seek it.
Saturday February 1st, 2025. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) No two snowflakes are alike. Funny, they look alike here.
Saturday February 1st, 2025. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
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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
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Peter Stokes is one of the BEST guitar techs in
all of North America. He's the BEST guitar tech
in New England.

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

(Above) The flag was flipping in the wind.
Saturday February 1st, 2025.
Photo by RALPH *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) The entire landscape was coated in white.
Saturday February 1st, 2025. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
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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
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(Above) The waves were not big but they were perfectly formed.
Saturday February 1st, 2025. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) Snow and clouds in perfect harmony.
Saturday February 1st, 2025. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) The WALL
Saturday February 1st, 2025. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
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Joe Carter, Brian Nevins, and Nick Lavecchia

Click on the ad above to visit their website

The art of Donna Baldassari
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(Above) Snowy Saturday February 1st, 2025. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) There's something about the snow on the wall when there's surf.
Saturday February 1st, 2025. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) There's a wave I wouldn't mind picking off.
Saturday February 1st, 2025. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
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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
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(Above) Yes please. May I have another.
Saturday February 1st, 2025. Photo by RALPH *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) This flag needs to be retired next June 14th. Put it in the container in front of the American Legion in Hampton.
Saturday February 1st, 2025. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) There was not a soul around. Just me and my camera.
Saturday February 1st, 2025. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) They kept coming for no one. Saturday February 1st, 2025. Photo by RALPH *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) This was the last photo I took at the ocean yesterday.
Saturday February 1st, 2025. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
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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.


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(Above) This is in front of our home. So pretty.
Saturday February 1st, 2025. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) There's no denying it. I miss him so much. Oh Patchy...
Saturday February 1st, 2025. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
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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.
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Today- The "ICEMEN COMETH."
February 1st, 2025. Photos by RALPH

(Above) This guy has been a godsend for me. Zorro at the ICE FISHING Expedition.
Saturday February 1st, 2025. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
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(Above) These hearty men standing in frigid conditions fishing for the elusive bass. The ICE FISHING Expedition.
Saturday February 1st, 2025. Photo by RALPH *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
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Listen to QWILL on the video page.
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(Above) Me and the brothers Jowett. Andy and Marky J. The ICE FISHING Expedition.
Saturday February 1st, 2025. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) Them fish don't stand a chance with this crew. The ICE FISHING Expedition.
Saturday February 1st, 2025.
Photo by RALPH *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) The scenery on the frozen tundra was breathtaking.
Saturday February 1st, 2025. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
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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.
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(Above) They check the lines while trying to stay warm and frosty.
The ICE FISHING Expedition.
Saturday February 1st, 2025.
Photo by RALPH *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) The skies started to open up.
Saturday February 1st, 2025. Photo by RALPH *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) Gramps and the grandkids. The ICE FISHING Expedition.
Saturday February 1st, 2025. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) Gramps, the grandchildren, and Charlie. The ICE FISHING Expedition.
Saturday February 1st, 2025. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) This is my late father's lawn mower. He made me cut the lawn with this beast. I bitched and complained, but I'd give anything to go back just one more day and cut the lawn with this again.
Saturday February 1st, 2025. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
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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
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(Above) Andrew Raucci surfing in NH. Look for the Memorial SURFERS PADDLE for Andrew in the upcoming months. Photo c/o Kate Raucci
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) Andrew Raucci cutting back in NH. Look for the Memorial SURFERS PADDLE for Andrew in the upcoming months.
Photo c/o Kate Raucci
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
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He's more than just a good photographer
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(Above) All Rise: The 10th Street District Court Of Surf is Now in Session. The Honorable Judge RALPH presiding. Case # 787 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.
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Click on this image above to buy this book
and more cool KING'S X merchandise and music

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I only see waves today and next week

I'm picking 2-12-25 as the best of the two weeks
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February 2nd, 2025
He kept saying to me "I brought the wrong board." I looked down at his feet and said "Actually you brought the wrong shoes."

(ABOVE) I see things out there and I have to document them. Otherwise nobody would believe me. 2-1-25. Photo by RALPH
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Click here to read Shaun Tomson's first book.
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