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

BACK TO BACK SOU'EASTERS.
SAYING GOODBYE TO THE GOAT COACH.

FIRST SOU'EASTER JANUARY 10th, 2024.



Lots of people were getting upset over all the publicity that these Sou'easters were getting. They claimed that there were bigger and worse storms in the past. I agree with them on that fact alone. But what made this storm so different was the simple fact, that they came within two days of each other. One hit on the 10th of January, and the other hit on the 13th. I don't recall getting slammed that close to each storm. Hence me calling the latest video BACK TO BACK. Because it was literally that. BACK TO BACK.



So, it was pretty intense on both days.

I wrote this on Facebook: "The sounds of these waves impacting on the shore this morning, reminded me of INCOMING mortar and rocket rounds from Vietnam. They had that distinctive WHUMP sound. It was pretty damn impressive. I would ask that you watch the video at the top of this page to see what I'm talking about.



And just 2 days later on January 13th, 2024. We got hit again. .

I'm not gonna lie here. Some of the locals were calling it the worse ever. The highest of high tides hit our coastline the likes of which have never been seen before. Peter Tilton who runs the DEFIANT LOBSTER in Hampton said the tides were "The highest ever seen in our yard and the Boat Yard on Saturday January 13th, 2024. That's noteworthy.



This was Ocean Blvd on RTE 1A in North Hampton, Rye, NH.

Those are HUGE rocks and boulders piled up in the roadway. Tony Berardini lost all water to his home when the main water line broke. (Watch the video).




The surf did clean up on all of the storm days as they are wont to do.

Matt Colby called this session a "hurricane in January." It was pretty nice.
The water was a murky brown, but the pulse from this swell was pretty dam consistent. I'm currently editing the video from the good surf days. It will be up by the next Blog.

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 January 14th, 2024



This pic was shot by Ed on January 9th 2009. It was during the Inaugural address of President Obama. I pray that the next inauguration won't be for Donald Trump. Poor Ed would be spinning in his grave. He despised Trump, as do I. Please God don't let that lying, sack of shit become our 47th president. God please don't let that happen. Photo by Ed O'Connell
*Click the photo above to see a larger version of Ed's Pic.

COMING THIS WINTER of 2024 (February-March). 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. 73 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.

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!

THE GOAT IS GONE.



9 trips to the SUPER BOWL and they brought home 6 trophies.



Never before and never again. BRADY & BELICHICK.




For those of us who lived through the dark days to get to the Glory days we will NEVER FORGET what Bill Belichick did for NEW ENGLAND.



Jerod Mayo is the NEW Head Coach for the Patriots. If he's one quarter as good as Belichick I'll be happy. I might have to wait another lifetime to see another ring come to New England. Honestly? I hope that Belichick wins another one. So he and Brady can ride off into the sunset knowing that what they did together, and on their own, were the best that ever played and coached the game.


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. They should be in the shops in the next week or two. *Send me an email or a Private Message to reserve a copy of this 20 year Calendar.

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.” 

This will end up being one of my biggest regrets. I was still feeling the lingering after affects of COVID last weekend and passed on going to this show. I am still kicking myself. All my fellow musician friends were there. And I stayed home in bed watching The DOLPHINS get smoked by the CHIEFS. I'm pretty bummed.



TRUMP has won the IOWA Caucus by a wide margin. Look, I am not gonna pull any punches here. I think this man is a criminal. He has 91 FELONY Charges brought up against him in 4 criminal cases. He's a rapist, a liar, a wife cheating delusional scoundrel, who ordered the attacks on the Nation's Capitol by claiming the election was stolen from him. Even though there is absolutely NO proof of that ever happening. He is a rich spoiled brat, who only cares about one person. Himself. I would go so far as to call him the ANTI CHRIST. Which begs the question: How could any REAL Christian follow him? Only the hypocrite Christians think he's OK.

If you are REALLY a Christian? Look at yourself in the mirror, and ask God that question. "Lord, is Donald Trump our Saviour?" I think you already know the answer. (Just duck when the mirror explodes). I'm voting for NIKKI HALEY. She's our only Hope. Biden is too old. Trump is too corrupt. We NEED someone new and fresh. NIKKI is this country's only hope.




Khaliddy was there in IOWA when 45 won on Monday. But unlike most 45 supporters KSM is hip to this evil SOB. After all The Sheik is a criminal who thinks and acts like a criminal. And you can't pull the wool over a criminal's eyes when he drinks from the same fountain. No sir, Old Khaliddy is hip to this guy. And you should be too. Don't let the Orange headed menace fool you. He does NOT care about you, just like the Sheik does not care about you.



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 MEIN KAMPF (MY STRUGGLE) DJT's Memoir at Home Depot this week.


HAVE A HAPPY AND HEALTHY NEW YEAR!
REST IN PEACE Ronnie Paugh!
WELCOME HOME ABBEY JOWETT.
A TRUE CHRISTMAS MIRACLE!
HAPPY 32nd BIRTHDAY Kody Grondin January 25th, 2024.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY Kim Grondin January 13th, 2024!
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

STEVE "NEDDIE" NELSON Styling at the Wall in 1975.
I admit I always liked Neddie, even though he was not the ideal poster boy of NH surfing. He was a true character with a unique and original style. He will be one of the surfers I do a piece on in my Memorial Section next Summer. Photo by Jay Hammer
*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 SNOW SWELL January 8th, 2024.
Photos by RALPH



(Above) The first snow was beautiful and so were the waves.
Monday January 8th, 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) That's Matt Colby taking advantage of the clean surf the day after.
Monday January 8th, 2024. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) This is Kody Grondin who hit the lip a half dozen times on this wave. Monday January 8th, 2024. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) This is Brian BMO Morse from a long sequence at the Wall.
Monday January 8th, 2024. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery



(Above) The END of the day. Monday January 8th, 2024.
Photo 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.

Today- THE FIRST SOU'EASTER January 10th, 2024.
Photos by RALPH



(Above) The sounds of those waves reminded me of the war.
Wednesday January 10th, 2024. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery



(Above) I loved the look of this weather vane juxtaposed against the ocean.
Wednesday January 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) That's Kyle Linseman driving his Bronco through the minefield.
Wednesday January 10th, 2024. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) The waves were relentless and so incredibly powerful.
Wednesday January 10th, 2024. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) This one got me good. Soaked to the bone.
Wednesday January 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

Today- THE FIRST SOU'EASTER LATER IN THE DAY
January 10th, 2024. Photos by RALPH



(Above) The surf cleaned up and also cleaned up a few caught inside.
Wednesday January 10th, 2024. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery



(Above) This view has always been special to me.
Wednesday January 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) Kody Grondin on the right board and the right wave.
Wednesday January 10th, 2024. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) These cool looking clouds pushed through in the afternoon.
Wednesday January 10th, 2024. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery



(Above) The highest point on that beautiful stretch of asphalt.
Wednesday January 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 DAY AFTER THE 1st SOU'EASTER
January 11th, 2024. Photos by RALPH

(Above) Matt Colby Thursday January 11th, 2024.
Photo by RALPH *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery



(Above) Matt Colby again. Different wave and different move.
Thursday January 11th, 2024. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) Brain Avantes Thursday January 11th, 2024.
Photo by RALPH *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) Jesse Gould perfectly slotted. Thursday January 11th, 2024.
Photo by RALPH *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery



(Above) Another pretty end of the day photo.
Thursday January 11th, 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.

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.

Today- THE 2nd SOU'EASTER January 13th, 2024.
Photos by RALPH



(Above) This is Ocean Blvd on Rte 1A. Saturday January 13th, 2024.
Photo by RALPH *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery



(Above) This is The END...(watch the video). Saturday January 13th, 2024.
Photo by RALPH *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) This is the NEW Ocean Blvd Water Falls.
Saturday January 13th, 2024. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

Today- THE DINALAND Pics from Thursday
January 11th, 2024. Photos by RALPH



(Above) Jack Madden found some beautiful barrels. .
Thursday January 11th, 2014. Photo by Dina Crawford
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

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

(Above) Jon Kiskinis driving north on Thursday January 11th, 2024.
Photo by Dina Crawford
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery



(Above) Once again, Jack Madden in a beautiful barrel.
Thursday January 11th, 2014. Photo by Dina Crawford
*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) This looks like Ryan McGill. Anybody?
Thursday January 11th, 2014. Photo by Dina Crawford
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery



(Above) Regular foot on a smooth top turn.
Thursday January 11th, 2024. Photo by Dina Crawford
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

Today- THE FIRST SOU'EASTER
January 10th, 2024. Photos by Bob Costanzo



(Above) The surf cleaned up and the lineups quickly filled up.
Wednesday January 10th, 2024. Photo by Bob Costanzo
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) The window was short with the dropping sun. But Bob got a few good ones before the sun set. . Wednesday January 10th, 2024.
Photo by Bob Costanzo
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

Today- THE LATE DAY Pics from Thursday
January 11th, 2024. Photos by Chris Carragher



(Above) That's me shooting from the point.
Thursday January 11th, 2024. Photo by Chris Carragher
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) That's a beefy looking wave. Thursday January 11th, 2024.
Photo by Chris Carragher
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

Today- THE WEST COAST Gallery
January 10th, 2024. Photos by Tony Berardini




(Above) Cool image from Tony. January 10th, 2024.
Photo by Tony Berardini
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) Tony and Shelly's grandson Ben working out the kinks.
January 10th, 2024. Photo by Tony Berardini
*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) This is what was happening down south.
January 10th, 2024. Photo by Jeff Crawford
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery



(Above) There once was a time when I would surf here with Jeff.
January 10th, 2024. Photo by Jeff Crawford
*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 # 755 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 at the end of this week.

I'm picking Saturday January 20th, 2024 as the best of the week!

January 14th, 2024

How long can you hold your breath?

(ABOVE) Yes he went over the falls and got worked. It's not always sunshine and clean tubes. Sometimes there's a fee to pay. Photo by RALPH



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