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

August 18th, 2024 The RUN is 39 out of 39 Weeks.
Waist high or better at least once a week.
There were waist to chest high waves on August 10th, 2024
and waist to chest high on August 17th, 2024 from ERNESTO

THE RECORD FOR THE MOST CONSECUTIVE WEEKS IN A ROW FOR WAIST HIGH OR BETTER. August 8th, 2021 was 53 WEEKS! TOPPING THE 43 CONSECUTIVE WEEKS SET IN 2009!

NEXT BLOG September 1st, 2024.
All future Blogs will be posted on the 1st and 3rd week of every month (give or take a day). *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.



THE 16th ANNUAL HIT THE BEACH!
THE 15th ANNUAL SURFING WITH SMILES!
THE 13th ANNUAL HBCF!
32nd ANNUAL SURF FAMILY ROBINSON.
WATER BROTHER Movie at The Music Hall in Portsmouth.
PLUS MIDNIGHT MADNESS AND HURRICANE ERNESTO!



If you saw the video at the top of this page you will have noticed that this was the 15th year for SURFING WITH SMILES. That's pretty dam significant. 15 years. You should watch the video. The soundtrack is by Jack Shea a super talented Surfer/musician. The video has it all; the two women Lindsey and Taylor who started this whole thing. Along with Dave Cropper and crew from Cinnamon Rainbows. And Kevin "DOC" Grondin who along with Tony Berardini have run the volunteers down to a science. The SWS events are always run very smoothly and it's because of the volunteers. This video also features some drone footage of the event by Martha Lardent. It was the icing on the cake as far as the whole video production. I think it came out good. But you be your own judge.

And speaking of annual events. This was the 13th Year of HBCF.



The HAMPTON BEACH COMEDY FESTIVAL at McGuirks on Hampton Beach was another successful week of laughs. From Tuesday to Sunday August 13th to August 18th, 2024. Jimmy Dunn and Dave Rattigan put together another great 6 days of laughs for the locals and the tourists.
I am proud to say that I have been to every one. I mean, I have been to one every year. This year I went on the Opening night. I'm not sure if I've ever done that before. I do know I've been every year. Why? Because Jimmy and Dave are hilarious. They make me laugh. It's that simple. And the comics they bring to these annual shows are all funny.

In other words we are all laughing at these shows.



This guy? Jimmy Dunn is the most successful comic/actor to ever come out of these Salty shores of Hampton Beach. He's a very funny man who's currently working with one of the biggest comedic actors on the planet. Kelsey Grammer. Jimmy is now into their second season on the NEW Frasier Series and he's living the dream (again). But the cool thing about Jimmy is, he never forgets his roots. He loves coming home and performing for his friends here on the Seacoast.

He's a local guy who just so happens to be one of the funniest people in the business. I swear, he's met and knows just about everybody in the comedy business, and I can only imagine who he knows out in Hollywood. But every single time I see him, it's like the old Jimmy. The surfer, kayaker, risk taker lunatic who has been out in some of the craziest surf the ocean can throw at us. I know this because I have witnessed it first hand. Jimmy is the real deal. Both in and out of the water.

He's one of us. A crazy but very funny surfer.



And his partner in these yearly Hampton Beach Comedy Festivals is this guy. Dave Rattigan. He's originally from my old hometown of Beverly MA who actually used to go and see my old band VINNY. I have to say, every time I see him he makes me laugh. At his own expense mind you. Dave is very comfortable on stage. As most good comics are. They hit that center stage mark and they get into a groove and just roll with it. I find it fascinating to watch these guys perform. And Dave is one of the best at his trade. Plus he's a really good guy.



As always there was no dead weight on the nightly rosters. And this guy was proof of that. Mike Donovan had a rapid fire routine that spit out of his mouth at such a quick pace that we were still laughing at one joke when the next one hit. You caused me some discomfort there Mike. My ribs were hurting. His bit about the woman on the sidelines at the NFL games was hilarious (and true).


Paul D'Angelo was last up for the night and he had a killer set. He reminded me of certain members of my family all rolled into one. Each comic was uniquely funny in their own way and they all showed a shared camaraderie with each other. So congrats boys on a successful 13 years. You know, I'll be back next year.


"SURFING AND SURF ART HEALS ALL WOUNDS"

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 August 18th, 2024



That's young Kainalu Nichols bottom turning on what appears to be a double overhead wave at that local point break. Of course today this waver would only be 2 to 3' overhead. The reason being is Kainalu has sprung up like Jack in the Beanstalk.

He's a full grown man surfing way bigger waves in Hawaii and Bali these days. This wave? He probably smiles at himself remembering his times here as a young grom surfing with his buddies and his sisters and dad. Thank you Ed for this memory from October 21st, 2008. Photo by Ed O'Connell
*Click the photo above to see a larger version of Ed's Pic.

GO SEE THIS AWESOME DOCUMENTARY ON A TRUE LEGEND OF NEW ENGLAND SURFING and SKATEBOARDING



The problems with having this Blog now be every other week. I'm late to the party of world events. And lets face it, the Olympics and Surfing at Chopes is clearly something I would have covered during that week. The waves at CHOPES were nothing short of Spectacular. I mean, they were surfing at Copes! Are you kidding me? Anyway, the women's Finals were pretty dam impressive. Caroline Marks from (of all places) Florida.

Gee have there ever been any other great surfers to emerge from the East Coast of Florida? Well there was that guy Kelly Slater. Oh right.



I snapped this pic with my cellphone right after Caroline won GOLD in the Women's Competition. She was fearless and quite frankly a really good surfer. I mean she was getting pitted at Chopes. She's the real deal. Kudos to all the competitors.
It was a great Olympics. Congrats to all the USA competitors!



This is this coming Friday. The good news is, the sun will be shining (it was a full on Nor'easter last year complete with rain and wind) the bad news is, the surf is not going to be very good.
I'd rather have surf and rain than sun and no surf. But that's just me. I just hope there's something to ride for them.
Lord please send us waves.

Also: The 16th Annual HIT THE BEACH is on August 23rd, 2024
Click on the image above right to see a larger version of the poster.
Volunteers need to email me directly ralph@adlantic.com or PM me on Facebook. All wounded vets from all the wars and conflicts as well as
vets injured anywhere in the world. You are all welcome.

PRAY FOR SURF AND SUN.

Just contact me via email if you are a wounded vet ralph@adlantic.com
This day is for everyone. And please BRING YOUR FAMILIES.

Rumor has it that CAPTAIN RALPH is coming back. Say what?
Yup. I ran it for 25 years and then Duffy took it over. I'm happy to say that with my 5 grandkids living nearby, the magic of Surf Family Robinson in our family has returned. The same madcap adventures await those with an active imagination. I think Albert Einstein said it best. "Imagination is more important than knowledge."



CLICK ON THE IMAGE ABOVE TO SEE A LARGER VERSION.

The book that I have been writing the last 100 years or so. The book will be out long after I hit my 20th Year Anniversary of this Blog. And that will be double the reason to celebrate. BOOK and BLOG. And YES, there will be a book signing. And I will let you all know in advance, where and when. The book will be available in both hard cover and soft cover on AMAZON, BARNES & NOBLE, INGRAM, GOOGLE BOOKS, and KOBO PUBLISHING.

Most of my close friends have heard some of these stories first hand. But trust me, with over 100 stories, there's a handful that none of you have ever heard. It's true. Be patient my friends. It's all coming in September/October of 2024.

“SURFING and COMEDY HEALS ALL WOUNDS.” 

I'm not sure how many of you are on social media. I am on it every single day. I use it to promote this Blog and I will use it to promote my book. So the story behind this week's KSM can be further explained if you click on the image of DJT putting the Medal Of Freedom around The Sheik's neck. It's a speech from the National Commander of the VFW. It's worth reading. Meanwhile lets all pretend that the Orange King is giving the same medal to our boy Khaliddy. I mean look at Sheiky's face, He knows he did not earn this award. But, this only reinforces my post even more. I'm not quite sure who has the biggest mouth. 45? Or the Sheik? Click on the photo to read what DJT said about the Congressional Medal Of Honor. Go on. Read it.

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 Medal Of Honor Recipients books at Home Depot this week.

PLEASE KEEP Karen Evans in your thoughts and prayers. Karen and her immediate family at the beach. Karen is currently battling FTD (Frontotemporal Dementia) a result of damage to neurons in the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain. She's doing remarkably well in dealing with this condition. The Evans have been local icons here for as long as I can remember. All the Surf Families are in full support of Rick, Karen, Matt, Megan and Nick and baby Luka, and of course Mikel. Sending your positive thoughts and prayers to Karen and the family are welcome.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY Veda Day Cropper August 23rd, 2024!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY Kainalu Nichols August 24th, 2024!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY Hannah Vokey August 24th, 2024!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY Duke Kahanamoku August 24-2024!
HAPPY 70th BIRTHDAY Johnny Fatello August 25th, 2024!
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

STOP ME IF YOU'VE SEEN THIS BEFORE. THIS IS MY ANNUAL AUGUST 15th, 1969 POST. AUGUST 15th, BEING DAY I of The THREE DAY MUSIC FESTIVAL KNOWN AS WOODSTOCK, THE SUMMER OF 1969. I HAD SEVERAL FRIENDS WHO WENT THERE WHILE I WENT TO PARRIS ISLAND AND THEN SOUTHEAST ASIA.
I don't remember my buddy taking this photo. I mean everything was so loud and hectic when this photo was taken. It wasn't until weeks later when Willacoochee (Roy Harper's nickname) gave me this photo. "Here you go Rayalph. I thought you might want this." He said as he tossed the photo down to me. It is to this day, the only photo of me firing my M-14 in Southeast Asia. Photo courtesy of Ralph
*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 and go through the 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 FIRST WARM WATER SWELL.
Sunday August 10th, 2024. Photos by RALPH



(Above) Brothers-in-law. Pete and Max with Malia at the beach. No doubt they were talking about the Patriots and Ernesto. Saturday August 10th, 2024.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.

(Above) Is it me or does that look damn near chest high?
Saturday August 10th, 2024. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) Relaxing by the pool. Saturday August 10th, 2024.
Photo by RALPH *Click on the photo above to see this 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) Just cruising along on a warm water summer day.
Saturday August 10th, 2024. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery



(Above) That's a fun looking summer wave on any beach.
Saturday August 10th, 2024. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

Best EAST COAST Coverage on the Internet.




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) I mean it wasn't big, but it sure was pretty.
Saturday August 10th, 2024. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery



(Above) This young lady is turning 18 this Friday.
Saturday August 10th, 2024. 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) Carter Walsh ducking into a warm summer tube.
Saturday August 10th, 2024. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) I guess those booties kept his feet warm in this frigid (NOT) little tube. Carter Walsh. Saturday August 10th, 2024. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) This guy was here with his family watching him surf these fun little waves. Saturday August 10th, 2024. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

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.

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

(Above) Carter again. Saturday August 10th, 2024. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) I saw Carter and Jon Kiskinis getting ready to paddle out so I hung around. I told them there were some neat little tubes out there. And damn if Carter didn't find a few holes to hide in.
Saturday August 10th, 2024. 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 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) There's the surfing dad again. Saturday August 10th, 2024. Photo by RALPH *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) I swear every time I looked up Carter was pulling into another clean tube. Saturday August 10th, 2024. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) And just as I was leaving Michael Lynch showed up with his finless magic board. So I hung around and shot a few of him.
Saturday August 10th, 2024. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

The art of Donna Baldassari

Hannah Vokey is one of my favorite surf artists.

Today- THE 15th ANNUAL SURFING WITH SMILES.
Tuesday August 6th, 2024. Photos by RALPH



(Above) Surfing With Smiles turned 15 this summer.
Tuesday August 6th, 2024. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery





(Above) Stevie O'Hara is one of the best human beings I know.
Surfing With Smiles Tuesday August 6th, 2024. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) So many of the kids like to pose with their team after their surf.
Surfing With Smiles Tuesday August 6th, 2024. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) Each child is unique and they love the ocean and the whole concept of surfing. Surfing With Smiles Tuesday August 6th, 2024.
Photo by RALPH *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) This is surfing. Surfing With Smiles Tuesday August 6th, 2024. Photo by RALPH *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) Nate is one of the most loyal volunteers I know.
Surfing With Smiles Tuesday August 6th, 2024. 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) I love this kid. This is what confidence looks like.
Surfing With Smiles Tuesday August 6th, 2024. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery



(Above) And I love these ladies and their husbands too.
Kim, Lilly, and Shelly Surfing With Smiles Tuesday August 6th, 2024. Photo by RALPH *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) It's not just surfing. It's the whole beach experience.
Surfing With Smiles Tuesday August 6th, 2024. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) And we all can't wait until next year. Winter well kids.
Surfing With Smiles Tuesday August 6th, 2024. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

Listen to QWILL on the video page.

(Above) Got boards? MIDNIGHT MADNESS at CINNAMON RAINBOWS
Saturday August 10th, 2024 Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) Everybody's busy at MIDNIGHT MADNESS at CINNAMON RAINBOWS Saturday August 10th, 2024 Photo by RALPH
*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.

Everybody has a story to tell

(Above) LOVE THESE THREE. Caroline, Phil, and Dave.
MIDNIGHT MADNESS at CINNAMON RAINBOWS
Saturday August 10th, 2024 Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

Today- THE 13th ANNUAL HAMPTON BEACH COMEDY FESTIVAL McGuirks Hampton Beach.
Tuesday August 13th, 2024. Photos by RALPH

(Above) The man, the myth, the beach legend himself. Mr. Jimmy Dunn.
Ain't nobody funnier from Hampton than this guy. Trust me, he's the man.
Tuesday August 13th, 2024. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) Dan Donahue was very funny this night. My first time seeing him and he had us all laughing. HAMPTON BEACH COMEDY FESTIVAL
Tuesday August 13th, 2024. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) Dave Rattigan has been one of my favorite comics for years. That's right Dave I'm talking about you. HAMPTON BEACH COMEDY FESTIVAL. Tuesday August 13th, 2024. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery





(Above) Mike Donovan was on fire this night. We were all talking about him as we left. HAMPTON BEACH COMEDY FESTIVAL. Tuesday August 13th, 2024.
Photo by RALPH *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) I swear I think I'm related to this guy. Paul D'Angelo reminds me of a long lost cousin who would crack us all up around the dinner table. Mr. Dan Donovan was very funny this night. HAMPTON BEACH COMEDY FESTIVAL Tuesday August 13th, 2024. 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) Caroline Marks won the GOLD MEDAL in the women's Division in the Paris Olympics. Summer 2024. Photo c/o the Olympics
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery



(Above) And the first pulses of Ernesto came from Jersey photog legend Bruce Chrisner. Photo by Bruce Chrisner
*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 # 779 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 early on this week

I'm picking Tuesday August 20th, 2024 as the best of the 2 weeks!

August 18th, 2024

"You've heard about Christmas in July. This guy was pushing the whole Santa theme when he walked by me. So I asked if I could take his photo. I yelled back to him..."I BELIEVE BROTHER!"

(ABOVE) I'm never gonna stop believing. Ever.
Saturday August 10th, 2024. Photo by RALPH



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