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

NEW RPOTW CALENDARS SPANNING
20 YEARS 2004-2024. REMEMBERING
12-8-1980. PATRIOTS BEAT THE STEELERS.
ARMY NAVY GAME in FOXBORO.


Click on the image above to see the larger version.

This calendar might become a collectors item. Twenty years of Ralph's Pic from 2004 to 2024. It was cool going through the years and picking out pics from the last 20 years. Not only will there be pics of mine but also from some of the other photographers who have submitted pics to this weekly Blog. The late Ed O'Connell, Brian Nevins, Martha Lardent, Dina Crawford, Erica Nardone and many more. It's been a wild ride getting here. Come April 15th, 2024 the BLOG will no longer be a weekly feature. Change is coming folks.

One of several options will occur:

1. CONTINUE TO POST EVERY WEEK (Highly unlikely).
2. GO BI WEEKLY and Post on the second Tuesday of the weeks.
3. GO MONTHLY and post at the end of each month (like SURFER Mag).
4. QUIT and just Walk away from it all.

I've got plenty of time to think about what I want to do. So you'll just have to wait until April to see what I'll end up doing. I mean, it's not like I'm a young man anymore, hell, I could meet an untimely ending. And that will be that.
But honestly? One of these four options will happen in April of 2024.

Regardless of which one I pick, it's been one hell of a run.

DECEMBER 8th, 1980
(The following is just one of the 100 short stories that will be in my book I wrote this in 2020 on the 40th anniversary of this tragic day.)



I am old enough to remember a lot of historical moments that shaped the world we live in.

I remember like it was yesterday, the day JFK was killed. November 22nd, 1963. I was in 6th grade on that cold November afternoon. I remember walking home from school, and my friend Eddie Healy kept saying it was the Russians. It wasn’t. It was a lone sniper who learned how to shoot in the Marines. The same Marines that Eddie and I would join 5 years later in the “buddy system” and eventually go off to fight in Vietnam.

I remember seeing the Beatles on the Ed Sullivan show on February 9th 1964. We were all huddled together in our small family den. Watching on a small black and white TV. My father kept adjusting the antennas to get a clearer picture. I remember later that night telling my brother Johnny, “This is what we are going to do someday.” I remember Bobby Kennedy being assassinated. I remember Martin Luther King being assassinated.

I remember the Chicago riots during the Democratic convention. I remember the TET Offensive in 1968. I remember the landing on the Moon on July 20th, 1969. I remember the Manson killings in August of 69. I remember the Beatles breaking up in 1969. I remember the Fall of Saigon in 1975. I remember it all.

But none of those events hit me as hard as Monday December 8th, 1980.

I was living in an apartment building in Beverly, MA. My roommate Steve Cataldo of the NERVOUS EATERS was playing at a fashion show in Boston. I was going to go, but changed my mind at the last minute (arguing with my then girlfriend, and being tired from the weekend from playing out with my band VINNY). Instead, I stayed home and called an old friend of mine, Larry Smith (who lived down the street from me) to see if he wanted to shoot some pool, and watch the game.

Monday Night Football. The Patriots were playing the Dolphins.

Larry was a childhood friend who grew up in the same neighborhood. Larry was also my roommate when I had my monkey “JoJo.” He witnessed firsthand many of the Monkey capers that have now become bigger than life. Myself, Larry, and the monkey lived together from January 1971 to the summer of 1971. The Monkey got us both tossed out of our apartment and beyond. But that’s a whole other story.

This night was all about two old friends sharing a few beers, and playing pool while watching the Patriots play the Dolphins. We were kind of halfway paying attention to the game. Both of us had a few beers and were just having fun playing pool. The Patriots had the ball and John Smith was getting ready to kick a field goal when Frank Gifford spoke to Howard Cosell, "Howard, you have got to say what we know in the booth..."

"Yes, we have to say it," Cosell replies. "An unspeakable tragedy confirmed to us by ABC News in New York City: John Lennon, outside of his apartment building on the west side of New York City — the most famous, perhaps, of all the Beatles — shot twice in the back. Rushed to Roosevelt Hospital, dead on arrival. Hard to go back to the game after that newsflash..."

Larry and I stopped playing pool and just stood there in complete shock. “What did he just say?”

I was so stunned that I looked at Larry and said “I have to leave.” The rest of that game and that night was a complete blur to me. No other world news had hit me as hard as this. John Lennon of the BEATLES was dead? Why? Who would kill him? I’m not sure what I did for the rest of the night.

I know I was up all night pacing. Watching the news. Playing my Beatles records. And when Steve finally came home from his gig, I walked up to him and just burst into tears. We hugged each other for a long time. John Lennon was dead. The BEATLES would never get together again. There would be no reunion. No reconciled meeting of the four of them. No future records. No future live shows. Any and all chances of that ever happening, was gone forever that night. It was over. The dream was really over.

I remember that days that followed. The Yoko Ono inspired “Moment of Silence for John” that the whole world seemed to do a few days later. But it was that numbness. That raw utter disbelief. That incredible sense of loss, that seemed to hang in the air for days, weeks, and months. And here we are 40 years later. And that pain is still there. Just like it was yesterday.

I called my friend Larry just now. We talked about that night and other times. But he kept saying to me. “You just stopped and said I have to leave.” I think he was worried about me. Truth be told, I was worried about all of us. If they could kill John Lennon, who else would be senselessly killed? I can only imagine what the other three surviving Beatles were thinking. It was all so incredibly sad.

I'm sad today thinking about that night, and the days that followed.
“And so my friends, you’ll just have to carry on. The dream is over.”
John Lennon.

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 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 December 10th, 2023



This pic was shot by Ed on November 29th, 2012. I love the perspective of this pic. The two riders and the empty right. Three clear focal points of this photo. That empty right is what my eye keeps going to. I mean look at that wave. Photo by Ed O'Connell
*Click the photo above to see a larger version of Ed's Pic.

COMING THIS WINTER of 2024 (January-February). My book that I have been writing the last 10 years or so. 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.

I'm pretty stoked about this project. 72 years in the making. So please be patient with me and stay tuned. The book is coming. It's just taking longer than I had originally anticipated. But it's coming.



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 the winter of 2024.



STEP DOWN YOU STUPID JEW HATING BITCHES!
Claudine Gay of HARVARD, Liz Magill of the University of Pennsylvania , and Sally Kornbluth of MIT. STEP DOWN.

PLEASE HELP HAMPTON'S SECRET SPOT REBUILD FOR THE SUMMER OF 2024!




CLICK ON THE GRAPHIC ABOVE TO HELP SECRET SPOT.

HELP HAMPTON'/S POPULAR SECRET SPOT
REBUILD FOR THE SUMMER OF 2024!

Below is a letter from Sarah and Jon Gozzo.

THE PASSING OF DENNY LAINE



And just last week DENNY LAINE of WINGS (Moody Blues) passed away. I shot this Super 8mm movie of Paul McCartney and WINGS on May 22nd, 1976 at the Boston Garden. It was McCartney's first time back in Boston since The Beatles played Suffolk Downs in 1966. In this image is Paul and three of his late band mates. From left to right: Denny Laine, Lind McCartney, and slightly out of frame Jimmy McCulloch. All three of them are now gone from this earth.

I recently saw Denny Laine last year when he was touring with Todd Rundgren, Christopher Cross, Jason Scheff (Chicago), and Joey Molland (Badfinger). They did songs from REVOLVER and RUBBER SOUL. It was a great show and they all sounded great. Especially Christopher Cross. I was so glad that we went and saw that show. Another Rock and Roll legend has left this earth. I wonder how Paul McCartney is taking it. And, I also wonder if Paul would want to get a copy of my movie? I have him singing "I'VE JUST SEEN A FACE and YESTERDAY." And his late wife Linda is sitting next ti him. I believe that I have the ONLY super 8mm movie footage from that show in Boston in may of 1976.

All I would want in return is to get an autograph 8 x 10 of Paul and I would send him a copy of the movie.



Bailey Zappe threw 3 TD passes in the first half to beat the Pittsburgh Steelers last Thursday night. No QB from new England has ever done that since Tom Brady. I know we are still a terrible team with a terrible record. But come on people. THREE TD'S IN THE FIRST HALF? They were winning 21-3 at the half. That was crazy. But, it was entertaining. The final score was 21-18. The Steelers almost made a comeback and the patriots almost blew it, but alas my friends, the night belonged to Zappe and the Patriots. And you know what? It felt good to win.



On Saturday GILLETTE Stadium hosted the annual ARMY NAVY Game. And because the Marine Corps is a department of the NAVY, I was rooting for NAVY. And you know what? They almost pulled it off. I admit, I'm not a big college football fan. But this was a great game. ARMY NAVY. In fact, I plan on watching every year going forward.



Both teams represent something bigger than the game and typical hoopla that goes with these kinds of games. Huge respect to both teams, the players, coaches, fans, families, and the mutual camaraderie and respect that they had for each other. It was impressive.



Congrats to ARMY and their Legion of fans. Well played ARMY.

Another reminder to help out SECRET SPOT. No donation is too small.
Click on the image below to make a donation. Thank you Merry Christmas and a very Happy Holiday seasons!

CLICK ON THE GRAPHIC ABOVE TO HELP SECRET SPOT.

“HELPING FRIENDS IN NEED HEALS ALL WOUNDS.” 

Dear Ralph and loving Seacoast community,

You’ve been asking and we’ve been waiting and now it’s finally time to rebuild the Secret Spot! It’s difficult for us to ask but we need your help! 

On August 19, 2022 a fire infiltrated our restaurant through the ceiling rafters and completely consumed our Secret Spot, obliterating everything inside. In a matter of hours, everything we had worked for, built from the ground up, our family business of 15 years was a total loss. Fortunately no one was hurt but our family was grief stricken and our community was devastated. At that time we did not start a GoFundMe because we wanted to focus efforts on helping our friends at Cinnamon Rainbows get into a clean space asap. We are so happy they were able to find a perfect temporary home! 

Finally, we are happy to announce that we’ve found a new spot but it needs a ton of work! The small building at 560 High Street, to the west of where Secret Spot once was, will be our new home for a few years:) We (Jon and Sarah) plan to do much of the work along with friends, family and community members. Of course our 10yr twins Maeve and Lyona will help too! 

The physical labor poses a real issue with Jon’s declining health. Jon’s health issues have been kept private but if you’ve known The Gozzo’s for a while, you know we live cautiously. Jon was diagnosed with SLL, CVID and GLILD many years ago which is how he came to be the first to bring Acaí to New England, for its health benefits. In order for Jon to live, he must do weekly plasma infusions, take daily antibiotics and antivirals and avoid germs in general as the common cold could cause hospitalization. The Gozzo family does our best to normalize this for our children but it’s been exceedingly stressful and difficult after the loss of our family business. If you see the twins, they are always happy to get extra hugs:) 

Looking forward! The Gozzo family feels a new sense of hope for the future! Finding the space so close to the old space, near Hampton’s iconic corner, in the same beach community that we love so dearly, is our dream realized. Even though we have high hopes for a rebuild in the original space, the plan is to be OPEN Spring 2024 at 560 High Street, in Hampton, NH and we can all finally get acaí to the face! 

We need to raise $35,000 to go directly toward the build-out and necessary equipment. All help is welcome! Thank you so much for your continued support. It means the world to our family and our beach community! 



Click on the pic above to help SECRET SPOT.

With Love, 
Sarah Gozzo (Jon, Lyona and Maeve)

These three women presidents of three of the most prestigious colleges in America, should STEP DOWN immediately from their positions. Claudine Gay of HARVARD, Liz Magill of the University of Pennsylvania , and Sally Kornbluth of MIT. What the hell were they thinking? So apparently, GITMO let the Sheik out for this hearing as he was once again working the story for the GITMO GAZZETTE ( I wonder if we can get a subscription to that paper?) I'd love to see what other kinds of stories they cover. One things is for sure, Khaliddy hates the Jews. So one would have to think that he was supportive of these three bitches. Be curious to see what the Sheik had to say.



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 Matzoh ball soup and a bag of brisket at Home Depot this week.

LOCAL SURFER/COMIC/ACTOR LANDS NEW ROLE ON THE BRAND NEW FRASIER SITCOM. CONGRATS JIMMY!Jimmy Dunn as Moose - Stand-up comedian and actor Jimmy Dunn plays firefighter Moose, a colleague of Freddy who appears to be slow-witted. Dunn is best known for playing Sean McCarthy on the CBS sitcom, The McCarthys.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS EVERYONE 2023!
KEEP FIGHTING Robert Gerard! You Got This Brother!
Please keep LOCAL LEGEND Surfer Norm Murphy in your thoughts and prayers.

Finally, I'm calling this a special request.
LOCAL SURFER/MUSICIAN PETE KOWALSKI NEEDS A KIDNEY. A TYPE A KIDNEY. PLEASE if you know anyone with a Type A Kidney please contact me at ralph@adlantic.com

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

THE VERY FIRST BLOG. APRIL 15th, 2004.
It's always been a labor of love for me. Every single week for 20 years. I loved writing, I loved taking photos and video. And I loved being involved with the seacoast community every step of the way. It's all been so very special to me. I'm looking forward to see what the future may bring to me, and this longest running Surf Blog in all of North America. Photo c/o 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 VIDEO FRAME GRABS (VFG) FROM MONDAY NOVEMBER 27th, 2023 Video Frame Grabs by RALPH



(Above) I was so stoked to capture Brian BMO Morse in this super clean tube. You really should watch the video that's embedded at the top of this page. Monday November 27th, 2023. VFG 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) This is a follow up to the VFG above. Brian "BMO" Morse
Monday November 27th, 2023. VFG by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) This is what I would call a legit WAVE FIELD.
Monday November 27th, 2023. VFG by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery



(Above) This is either Carter Walsh or Jon Kiskinis. I'll wait for one of them
to correctly ID this pic. Monday November 27th, 2023. VFG by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

Best EAST COAST Coverage on the Internet.

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

Clark Little's new book
Click on the ad for more info.

(Above) This is Matt Colby prior to the devastating loss he suffered out there.
Monday November 27th, 2023. VFG by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery



(Above) This is Jon Kiskinis. I love what he did when he exited this barrel. Watch the video at the top of the page to see. Monday November 27th, 2023. VFG 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) This is Kody Grondin in a behind the scenes look at a backdoor barrel. Monday November 27th, 2023. VFG by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) Think he made this turn? Watch the video at the top of the page to find out. Monday November 27th, 2023. VFG by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) This is Michael Kirby entering a super clean barrel.
Monday November 27th, 2023. VFG 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) This is James Morse under the fold on Monday
November 27th, 2023. VFG by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

Today- THE FIRST DECEMBER PICS. December 4th, 2023. Photos by RALPH



(Above) I'm pretty sure Michael Kirby is going to be stoked to see this pic. Monday December 4th, 2023. 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) Riding the coping. Monday December 4th, 2023.
Photo by RALPH *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) I'm always stoked to shoot Mikey Evans. The man is so smooth. December 4th, 2023. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery



(Above) Michael Kirby getting out of his wetsuit while firmly holding onto his wax. Monday December 4th, 2023. 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.

(Above) I've known Mikel Evans since he was an infant. Truth. Monday December 4th, 2023. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

Today- THE FIRST WESTY GALLERY December 5th, 2023. Photos by Tony Berardini



(Above) It's clear to me that boys out west had some significant surf last week. December 5th, 2023. Photo by Tony Berardini
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) Hollowness was the order of the day. December 5th, 2023.
Photo by Tony Berardini
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) SWEETNESS. December 5th, 2023. Photo by Tony Berardini
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery



(Above) This one was too heavy for everyone in the lineup.
December 5th, 2023. Photo by Tony Berardini
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

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

ONLY THE DURHAM STORE IS OPEN.
Due to the massive fire back in August the
Hampton store is closed. We will let you all
know when SECRET SPOT is back in
operation on the seacoast.
Thank you.
Jon Gozzo and family.

(Above) Step on the gas Jack it's clear to me that you need acceleration. December 5th, 2023. Photo by Tony Berardini
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery



(Above) This is a nice follow up to the pic above. December 5th, 2023. Photo by Tony Berardini
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) I like this approach. Grabbing the rail and carefully gliding
into the pocket. December 5th, 2023. Photo by Tony Berardini
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) Man check this out. How perfect is this wave? December 5th, 2023. Photo by Tony Berardini
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

Listen to QWILL on the new video at the top of this page.

(Above) Where we should all be. Out west.
December 5th, 2023. Photo by Tony Berardini
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

Today- HAVE BOAT WILL TRAVEL. THE SECOND WESTY GALLERY December 6th, 2023. Photos by Cap'n Chambo



(Above) Destination? Unknown. But Ole Cap'n Chambo can smell out a swell as good as anyone. You just buckle up kids and keep yer traps shut. This shit's about to go down. Wednesday December 6th, 2023.
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.

Everybody has a story to tell

(Above) Here? Or should they check around the next sandbar? Wednesday December 6th, 2023. Photo by Cap'n Chambo
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery



(Above) How about this sandbar Cap'n? Wednesday December 6th, 2023.
Photo by Cap'n Chambo
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) This might be more like it. Though it's been known to be a little shark heavy. Wednesday December 6th, 2023.
Photo by Cap'n Chambo
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) "Cap'n is that a shark or some kelp?" Wednesday December 6th, 2023.
Photo by Cap'n Chambo
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) Might as well give 'er a shot. Wednesday December 6th, 2023.
Photo by Cap'n Chambo
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) I have been to the promised land with Cap'n Chambo. I have tasted the fruits of the garden of sandbars. I know of these pristine shark filled gems. Is it worth it? You tell me. Wednesday December 6th, 2023.
Photo by Cap'n Chambo
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery.

(Above) Damn the sharks and the jellyfish. To hell with the Mexican Cartels. We want some of this. Wednesday December 6th, 2023.
Photo by Cap'n Chambo
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery




(Above) A wave to die for? Yes. And many have after tasting the forbidden fruit. Wednesday December 6th, 2023. Photo by Cap'n Chambo
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) Shortly after this photo was taken, a shark took a piece of his craft. Best to leave while they still had all of their digits. But they will return. Always.
Wednesday December 6th, 2023. 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 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.

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

(Above) There are some great waves down there over the Bridge.
October 28th, 2023. Photo by Eddie Devereaux
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery



(Above) This is Kai Potter proving my point. October 28th, 2023.
Photo by Eddie Devereaux
*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 # 751 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 Benjamin Ginsberg
*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 on Monday and Tuesday.

I'm picking Monday December 11th, 2023 as the best of the week!

December 10th, 2023

Matt: "It could be worse. You could have missed the barrel shot."
Natty: "I did miss it."

(ABOVE) I hope they both have a sense of humor. Photo by RALPH



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