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SEND PICS by clicking here- Ralph's Pic Of The Week To check out Past ( RPOTW) Go to the Archives Page |
August 4th, 2013 THE RUN IS 2 out of 2 Weeks Waist high or better, at least once a week. There was Surf that was waist high this week on Monday and Friday! |
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Locals and Non Locals... I can't remember the exact date, but it was about 5 or 6 years ago. I was out surfing somewhere between 18th street and 14th Street at Hampton's North Beach. More commonly known as the Wall. It was a typical summer morning, and the surf was running about waist to chest high. I was surfing this one peak by myself. And I was thoroughly enjoying the day with the hot sun on my face. I had just ridden a wave, and went quite a long distance. From jetty to jetty. I started to paddle back out, when I noticed this surfer paddle towards me. I did not recognize him. But these days that is more common than not. There are just so many more people out in the water these days, than ever before. I sat up on my board, and looked back out towards the horizon to wait for the next set. I nodded to the guy, and he sort of nodded back. I smiled and paddled further out, and away to give him room. A set came, and he went for the first wave, and I went for the second wave. Apparently he missed the first wave, and rather than wait for the third wave, he tried to catch the wave that I was paddling for. I saw what was happening, and gave a slight whistle to let him know that I was indeed, about to catch this wave. He looked dismayed that I went on that particular wave. I rode it a short distance and then kicked out. Paddling back out I thanked him for not going. That's when he asked me. "Are you a local?" I looked at him and said "Do you mean am I an Algonquin Native American? Because they are the only TRUE locals."  He looked completely confused. He furrowed his eyebrows, and cocked his head with a perplexed look. "If you're asking me if I live here, the answer is yes." "I thought so." he answered. "Why is that?" I asked. "Oh just the way you went for that wave, I could tell you were a local." Now not for nothing, but my actions that morning in no way demonstrated where I live, or where I surf. My actions are based on the unwritten code of honor that most avid surfers understand. Most. Not all but most. This guy just assumed I was a local because I went for that wave and apparently displayed some local knowledge, or local angst. But that should have nothing to do with who catches what wave, on any given day. We all live by the same rules and laws of surfing. And it is widespread. Around the entire Globe. Surfers are like the Algonquin tribe. Because we are in a sense a tribe of our own. And all tribes have rules and regulations.  Surfing has rules and laws. Click on image above to see a few. As far as the common courtesy of waiting your turn for a wave? Well it should be acknowledged. That if you paddle for a wave, and miss it, you need to get back at the end of the line. You are not automatically allowed the next wave because you missed the one you were paddling for. Paddle harder next time. Or try working out in your spare time. Because we "locals and non locals" are not there to watch you surf. We all want to surf. If you paddle for a wave, and miss it, suck it up, and get back in line. And try harder the next time you're in the batter's box. It's only fair. That's life kids. Live and learn. Speaking of tribes, there's a few events coming up that are worth mentioning. Back when the Algonquin's were still roaming the woods and waterways on our New England Seacoast, this sleepy little town of Hampton, NH was established and founded in 1638. This summer Hampton is celebrating 375 years! Whoa.  There are all kinds of events marking this 375th anniversary. Including some LIVE music. Yes, that's me and this is our first show. I'm looking forward to playing at this outdoor show. It should be fun. I'm playing with my old drummer, Lenny Dunn from the Nor'easters. My all time favorite band I ever played with. (Yes my fave even over the VINNY Band). Loved playing with The Nor'easters. Funny, all I can think about is how many empty waves poured into our beaches back in 1638, with no surfers there to see them, or ride them. Unless of course, the Native American Algonquins were riding waves with their canoes. No wonder they got upset when the settlers came. We not only took their land and ocean, we ruined the surf for them as well. All kidding aside, this next week is going to be fun here in Hampton. So get ready for this next weekend as Hampton, NH turns 375!! SURF FREE OR DIE! |
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Don't forget to go back and read the whole DAILY BLOG on My CATCH A WAVE FOR MOLLY. (Click On the Banner below on this page.) Started on July 26, 2010 ENDED July 26, 2011. A Wave a day for 365 consecutive days. Just click on the banner ads on this page. |
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Yesterday- The DUMBEST Photo Ever taken of Me 1982. (Below) This was the year that I'd just as soon forget. 1982 was just awful. I was going through a major transition in my life. I was doing things that I never should of done, and as a result, I took chances that make me cringe today. This was one of those times. I went looking for my buddy who I served in Vietnam with. I found him deep in the south. He was as messed up as I was. We had a few drinks and went out looking for adventure. We spotted this large Alligator in shallow water, and I thought I would get into a staring contest with this beast. My buddy was freaking out. But I kept saying "I have this. He's under my spell!" What a moron I was. That Alligator was 12' long, and had a super wide girth. This animal could of easily grabbed me, and pulled me out into deeper water, where it would of twisted and turned me until I drowned. And then it would of eaten me up. So why did I do this? Why do surfers do half the stuff we do? I don't know. I'm just glad I'm here today (and sober) to share this absurd story with you. Photo courtesy of RALPH. |
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 All PHOTOS BELOW SHOT THIS WEEK *Unless otherwise noted. |
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Today- The First Waves of August 2013. Photos by RALPH  (Above) The second day of August produced a quick 2 hour window of waves that caught most people asleep at the wheel. Not the case with Richard Donahue. Friday August 2nd, 2013. Photo by RALPH *Click on the photo above to see the Whole gallery. |
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 (Above) HAPPY BELATED 50th Birthday to Geoff Haenn. *For the record, we have bought all of our vehicles from Geoff at Lansdale JEEP the last 23 years, and have not had a single regret. He's the BEST!! *Click on the Ad above to see more! |
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 (Above) Bill Stecchi on a shoulder high wave on the second day of August. Friday August 2nd, 2013. Photo by RALPH *Click on the photo above to see the Whole gallery. |
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Today- The Last Waves of July 2013. Photos by RALPH  (Above) The last day of waves in July was a Foggy Sloppy mess. But the boys were out and they were busting fins loose for the entire hour I was there. So it was worth it. Mackey V July 29th, 2013. Photo by RALPH *Click on the photo above to see the Whole gallery. |
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 (Above) Thom "Stink Boot" Hay was putting the stank on the gray gutless surf. July 29th, 2013. Photo by RALPH *Click on the photo above to see the Whole gallery.  (Above) Kyle Riffe managed to find the ONLY semi hollow wave of the day. July 29th, 2013. Photo by RALPH *Click on the photo above to see the Whole gallery. |
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Today- Like I have said many times before. It's not always about surfing. Ed takes us on a photo journey from Portsmouth to Boston and back. August 2nd, 2013. Photos by Ed O'Connell  (Above) The Eagle has landed. Wait, wrong ship. USCG EAGLE August 2, 2013. Photo by Ed O'Connell *Click on the photo above to see the Whole gallery. |
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 (Above) The Boston skyline at night. August 2nd, 2013. Photo by Ed O'Connell *Click on the photo above to see the Whole gallery. |
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Today- Oh the FUNKY SEQUENCES Friday Aug 2nd, 2013. Photos by RALPH  (Above) Pev working on a new move. Actually, we have ALL been here before. The only difference is I happened to be here with my camera. I must say, Pev handled this with grace and humor. August 2nd, 2013. Photo by RALPH *Click on the photo above to see the Whole gallery. |
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 (Above) What's wrong with this picture? Joe Gangi dealing with the creature known as the Kook. August 2nd, 2013. Photo by RALPH *Click on the photo above to see the Whole gallery. |
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Today- The first Empty Waves of August 2nd, 2013 Photos by RALPH  (Above) It was waist high and better for only two hours. August 2nd, 2013. Photo by RALPH *Click on the photo above to see the Whole gallery. |
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 (Above) An empty wave in a sea of madness. August 2nd, 2013. Photo by RALPH *Click on the photo above to see the Whole gallery. |
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Today- The "SHREDCATION" Costa Rica Trip Summer-2013. Photos courtesy of Jon Kiskinis  (Above) I have to admit that is one nice looking wave. Especially if you remember that this photo was taken during our long flat spell. Jon Kiskinis scoring in CR. July 2013. Photo courtesy of Jon Kiskinis *Click on the photo above to see the Whole gallery. |
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 (Above) This wave reminds me of the wave that is at the top of this page on the right hand column. Look at them both and see for yourself. In any case, this is one slabby looking ledge. And I know some of you are licking your chops wanting a piece of this. Summer 2013 in Costa Rica. Photo courtesy of Jon Kiskinis *Click on the photo above to see the Whole gallery. |
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Today- The "Phantom's Last Days Of July" Summer-2013. Photos by The Phantom  (Above) As always my friends, you need not know where, because that is not important. And the fact that unless you have a boat and the knowledge of these hidden secret reef passes it's just not worth you getting this information. Instead, sit back in your cubicle and look at the places that the Phantom and his crew have allowed to share with you. Let's call it "Fantasy Surfing". Photo by The Phantom. *Click on the photo above to see the Whole gallery. |
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 (Above) And yes even the Phantom has a soft side. Look at how damn cute this little guy is. We're lucky being surfers. We get to see things that most people will never see in their entire lifetime. July -2013 . Photo by The Phantom *Click on the photo above to see the Whole gallery. |
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Today- The Pics From Around The World. August 4th, 2013. Photos via The Internet  (Above) This is a very cool angle. Not to mention dangerous. You gotta hang in there to get a shot like this. And then you are going to get worked. But it's worth it. Photo via the Internet *Click on the photo above to see the Whole gallery. |
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 (Above) Ireland. 10 years ago nobody knew that waves like this were unloading in Ireland. I mean Good Lord look at this beast! Photo by Via the Internet *Click on the photo above to see the Whole gallery. |
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