Send your SURF Pics to me directly. (See link below) Just make sure they're at least 800 pixels wide. Need photo before 12 noon on Saturdays.
SEND PICS by clicking here- Ralph's Pic Of The Week To check out Past ( RPOTW) Go to the Archives Page
July 21st, 2013 THE RUN IS 25 out of 27 Weeks
Waist high or better, at least once a week. There was No surf
that was waist high this week. We are in a FLAT Spell!
All materials contained in this blog are protected by copyright laws, and may not be reproduced, republished, distributed, transmitted, displayed, broadcast
or otherwise exploited in any manner without the express prior written permission of the owner, the author, authors or sources of said materials.
Heat Waves and Flat Spells...

My friends all said I was crazy for getting Central Air put in our home in 1990."It only gets hot about one or two days during the summer!"
I laughed and said, "Well, that's when I would want to have Central Air. On those two hot days." Turns out, I made the right move and investment. Besides, it's more than two days of heat each summer.

If this last week wasn't proof enough of that, nothing will ever be.



I guess it's safe to say, that was one hell of a heat wave. Man, it was painful to just step outside. And even more painful to drive around in my air conditioned vehicle, and see people out jogging in that heat.

You have go to be kidding me people. Really?

You need to jog that bad? I swear I thought I was about to witness some of them losing their lunch in their painful quest. It was just not healthy, or safe, to be out jogging in that heat. It was dangerous.

All in the name of shedding a few pounds? I don't think so.

How about dieting during a heat wave? Stay inside. Keep cool. And eat less. Bet that works just as good. Maybe better. But then again, what the hell do I know? All I know is, I'm staying cool during the heat waves. And with the lack of "REAL" waves, I'm not stepping out.

Besides, there's no surf period. It's been flat.



I saw that my son recently posted on Facebook "Could really use a knee high wave right about now." Knee high? Really? We are praying for knee high? That's a sure sign of a flat spell. Though, I seem to recall endless weeks of no surf in my 49 years of surfing.This has only been 3 weeks. Only?

I know that's harsh. And I also know, that some of you who read this weekly blog, do not surf. So it's hard for you to comprehend what we surfers are going through.

But here, let me paint a clear picture for you.

Say you are an avid golfer. You love golfing. You look forward to golfing every weekend, or during the week after work. You live for the little hard white ball. You are obsessed with it. Or, you are a tennis player. You love playing tennis. Can't get enough of hitting that fuzzy yellow ball around, day after day. It is your passion. Your reason for working hard all week.

Now imagine, if you woke up tomorrow, and your golf course was missing. Or your tennis court had disappeared. Try and wrap your head around that for a minute. You'd freak out. No golf course? No tennis court? What the...? Now you're getting it. This is what surfers have to deal with every summer.

Our golf course, our tennis courts, sometimes leave overnight, and they don't come back for weeks at a time. This is our reality.
And there's no end in sight. I know there are alternatives to surfing but none of them appeal to me. I don't like golf or tennis.

Maybe I could take up bowling. Nah...

Then there was this little controversy this week.

Perhaps you heard about it? Rolling Stone magazine went out and put little scrawny ass Terrorist Dzhokhar Tsarnaev on their cover this month. The problem that most people have with it, is they make him look like he is some kind of pop star rocker.

And he is anything but. He is, what he is, a COWARD.

And he has no business being on the cover of this magazine. Rock Stars and other like celebrities? Yes. Terrorists who kill innocent civilians and children? NO. Absolutely not.

This may end up hurting this magazine, and yet, somehow, I think they are OK with it. What's the old saying "As long as they are talking about you." I think it was bad judgment. They did not think this one through. This kid is a coward loser. If there was a magazine for cowards, he should be on that cover. Not Rolling Stone.



I could not help but turn my attention to this latest experiment.

Look, I have never been concerned with sharks in my life.
I mean that. I've been out in the water with some real man eaters too. But I never think about sharks. Ever. But seeing this peaked my curiosity. I wonder if this works? Not for me, but for those who surf in places where there are lots of shark attacks.

I guess the studies have proven that sharks will ignore the Black and white stripe suits, over the all black suit. Why? My guess is, the all black suit looks more like their favorite meals. Seals. The striped suit is a turn-off for Whitey. And the all blue and light "camo" suit? Well that suit apparently keeps you in some kind of "blending with the ocean" look. Hmmm. I wonder.

To find out more about these Anti Shark suits click on the image above and form your own opinion.





This has been another week for local heartbreak..

Virginia "Ginny" Paugh passed away on Tuesday July 16th.
Ginny was the mother of local seacoast residents Ron, Mike, and Teresa Paugh. Mike "Zappy" Paugh and his sister Teresa are two popular local surfers. And the whole Paugh family has suffered more than their share of losses the last 10 years or so. This loss however was a complete surprise.

Ginny was the matriarch of the Paugh family.

And I had just seen her a couple of weeks ago at her nephew's Memorial Paddle. I gave her a hug and asked how she was doing. She seemed healthy, but clearly sad over her most recent loss. Little did I know, that less than 3 weeks later she too would be gone.

I know there are no words of comfort that one can give at a time like this. We all just need to have some kind of faith to believe that we all go to a better place when we pass. You need to believe in something beyond this world.

My belief is that Ginny is at home with God and surrounded by all of her loved ones who have passed before her. So rest in peace Ginny. Rest in eternal peace.



Virginia "Ginny" Paugh.
Services Monday at Remicks in Hampton from 5-7PM

Now for Some Of My Weekly Global Observances:

OK, so now we all know the outcome of the Zimmerman trial. And like I predicted, it has driven a wedge between those who believe he was guilty, and those who did not. And it is also split along racial lines. Like I also predicted. The more things change, the more they stay the same. Personally I think the reaction of those who wanted Zimmerman to fry is embarrassing. We have a system. Like it or hate it. We have to abide by the outcome. Remember OJ. Remember the casey Anthony case. You can't change those outcomes.

You just have to deal with it and move on.

Speaking of embarrassment. Ole Khalid Sheik Mohummed down in Gitmo was outraged that The Boston Bomber got on the cover of Rolling Stone and he did not. KSM called his publicist and between the two of them, got this mock up of perhaps next month's cover. After all, KSM is by far a bigger Terrorist than this kid. It's only right that he get his mug on the cover of Rolling Stone too.



Besides he's going to get 5 copies for his mother. Now that he's on the cover of Rolling Stone. So take a minute and enjoy the weekly humiliation of the mastermind terrorist who killed 3,000 innocent civilians on September 11th, 2001.

*Note to self. Must pick up a case of used Dr Hook and the Medicine company LPs at Home Depot.



ANNOUNCEMENTS:
HAPPY BIRTHDAY Judith Rastl July 23rd, 2013!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY Tami Heide July 23rd, 2013!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY Lars Jacobsen July 24th, 2013!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY Mary Ellen Grasso July 24th, 2013!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY Judy Dombrowski July 25th, 2013!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY Vince Shazam July 26th, 2013!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY Nick Africano July 26th, 2013!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY Raven Lundy July 27th, 2013!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY Erik Cannon July 28th, 2013!
REST IN PEACE Ginny Paugh.
ESA-NNE CONTEST is on at Long Sands at York Beach, ME.






Please Support ALL The photographers who contribute to Ralph's Pic Of The Week every week for the last 9 years. **Think about BUYING a HIGH RES Photo from any of the weeks on RPOTW.

Keep in mind the photos you steal from this site are low RES. You can't blow them up. Order HIGH RES photos that are suitable for framing. It's a GREAT Gift Idea. A nice framed photo of your favorite Surfer or Surf Break!
Remember my friends... Surfing Heals All Wounds.
Pray for Surf. Pray for Peace. Surf For Fun.

Ralph

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.
Yesterday- Alex Deconstant at BIG BEAR 1979.
(Below) There are only a handful of us still around today who remember BIG BEAR.
It was the BEST skate park around at that time. This GIANT big black bowl carved
out of the side of a mountain, and it was for those of us who surfed, just like surfing. We had a blast up there. So much fun. For some reason, I have no photos of it. Thanks to Alex Deconstant for dropping these off the other day. Though the photo does not show how fast it was, or how steep, and perfect it was. Because it was all
of that and more. Big Bear we all miss you. Photo unknown.


Click on the photo above to see the larger version.


To contact the advertisers below, simply click on the Ad itself. Anyone wishing to find out info about advertising here can do so by emailing me directly by clicking here. Ralph's Email I'll send you a template and other info on how you can become a paid sponsor

We highly recommend the various businesses and artists listed below. Why? Well simply put, each and every one of them is a Surfer, who lives the Surfing Lifestyle, and their business is a reflection of that lifestyle that we all love.


All PHOTOS BELOW SHOT THIS WEEK *Unless otherwise noted.

Follow us on Facebook, YouTube, and Vimeo
Today- The Incredible Summer in Central America July 2013.
 Photos by Ryan Jackson



(Above) While we have all been suffering through this long Flat spell, local NH surfer and photographer Ryan Jackson was scoring insane waves somewhere deep in Central America. Summer 2013. Photo by Ryan Jackson
*Click on the photo above to see the Whole gallery.


(Above) I know, this is painful to see. Central America. Summer 2013.
Photo by Ryan Jackson *Click on the photo above to see the Whole gallery.


(Above) Ryan Jackson can surf. No question about that. Here he is boosting what
I'm sure was one of many airs during his stay in the tropics this summer.
Central America. Summer 2013. Photo courtesy of Ryan Jackson
*Click on the photo above to see the Whole gallery.

Today- The other source of waves last week. Somewhere
in California. July 2013. Photos by The PHANTOM



(Above) When one thinks of the Phantom and his surf adventures, we all tend to think of his "Boating In" exploits. But that's not the case. For there are times, when the mysterious man of surf adventure, actually gets behind the wheel of his manly vehicle, and drives on the same paved roads that we mere mortals drive on. The only difference is, the Phantom knows where to turn off that highway, and find those dusty trails that lead to places like this. July 13th, 2013. Photo by The Phantom
*Click on the photo above to see the Whole gallery.


(Above) Scoring is the only game he plays. July 13th, 2013. Photo by The Phantom
*Click on the photo above to see the Whole gallery.
Today- How Flat Was It This week? July 19, 2013.
Photos by RALPH



(Above) This is what I did. Worked in the garden in the steaming, almost tropical conditions. I'm wearing my late father's mosquito hat. Laugh, but it works.
July 19th, 2013. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the Whole gallery.
Yesterday- A Look Back at The Summer of 2009.
Photos by RALPH



(Above) Just another reminder of our potential for getting good surf in the summer months. Who could forget this swell? Hurricane BILL August 2009.
Photo by RALPH *Click on the photo above to see the Whole gallery.







(Above) Driving by Hurricane BILL August 2009.
Photo by RALPH *Click on the photo above to see the Whole gallery.




(Above) Kenny Linseman was out and getting his share of BILL. Hurricane BILL August 2009. Photo by RALPH *Click on the photo above to see the Whole gallery.
Yesterday- One Day In July. The Summer of 2009.
Photos by RALPH|



(Above) Kyle Howard was out visiting a few summers ago and lucked into a fun swell. July 24, 2009. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the Whole gallery.




(Above) I remember this cloud. I know there is a certain name for it, but I can't remember what it is. I do know that when I saw it, I knew it was special.
July 24, 2009. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the Whole gallery.

Yesterday- One Day of Empty Waves The Spring of 2009.
Photos by RALPH|


(Above) That's my favorite view (as if you didn't already know). May 8th, 2009.
 Photo by RALPH *Click on the photo above to see the Whole gallery.
Yesterday- More from the Summer of 2009
 Photos by Ed O'Connell



(Above) This was right before BILL hit. Kevin Grondin pulling G-turns.
 Photo by Ed O'Connell *Click on the photo above to see the Whole gallery.


(Above) The 15 minutes of fame for this unknown. Photo by Ed O'Connell
*Click on the photo above to see the Whole gallery.
Today- The Rainbow Swell of April 2009.
Photos by John Carden



(Above) I have personally yet to capture a perfect rainbow shot. A photo like this?
Suitable for framing. April 2009. Photo by John Carden
*Click on the photo above to see the Whole gallery.


(Above) I do remember this day and how beautiful it all was.
April 2009. Photo by John Carden
*Click on the photo above to see the Whole gallery.




Yesterday- A Gallery from Kevin Doherty during the
Summer of 2009 Photos courtesy of Kevin Doherty



(Above) Kevin Doherty out from behind the lens and out onto an open face.
July 2009. Photo courtesy of Kevin Doherty.
*Click on the photo above to see the Whole gallery.




(Above) From July of 2009. Kevin Doherty . Photo courtesy of Kevin Doherty
*Click on the photo above to see the Whole gallery.



AVAILABLE IN THE SHOPS and Online. Click on image
above to see how to order.
Today- This week's Photos from around the world. 2013.
Photos via the Internet



(Above ) This is actually an old photo of Herbie Fletcher at Maaleea from back in the day. My source who sends me the weekly WORLD pics found these out there and sent them along. I'm glad he did because I remember seeing this for the first time.
Photo via the Internet. *Click on the photo above to see the Whole gallery.



(Above) From the same session. This is Owl Chapman and he is drunk as a skunk on this wave. Look at his stance. The man is intoxicated. But then look at the wave. The wave itself is intoxicating.
 Photo by Via the Internet
*Click on the photo above to see the Whole gallery.


We welcome all Surf Related pics from our Readers. Just make sure they are at least 900 pixels wide. If you have any OLD photos of local New England surfers and or of local New England surfing, we would love to see them and share them with our readers.

We can scan them for you. And we get them back to you undamaged. Trust me. We can do this...people love the older stuff. So if you have any, please send 'em along. If you have prints/slides we can scan them for you.

And we don't care if you shoot pics with with your cellphones. I mean it. Most of the images you see on the news and on the Internet were shot with them Smart Ass Phones. Shoot and ask questions later.



(Above ) This is Kaj Avola from Beverly, MA. This is his first time appearing on the blog. It's funny because I was walking along the beach watching these groms this morning. I was surprised when his dad sent me this pic later in the day. Looks like they all had fun in the small wall waves. Photo courtesy of Avola.
 *Click on the photo above to see the Whole gallery.


(Above ) This is Baja last week. Another slap in our face. The West Coast and Centro America were firing while we were all dying in that heat wave and flat conditions. Photo courtesy of Phil Beauchesne.
*Click on the photo above to see the Whole gallery.


(Above) From the beautiful Islands off of Portland Maine. Last week.
Photo by Rastl *Click on the photo above to see the Whole gallery.



(Above) From this past week here at North Beach. July 20, 2013.
Photo Barbara Savastano Click on the photo above to see the Whole gallery.
boat


(Above) All Rise: 10th Street District Court of Surf Justice is now in session, the
Honorable Judge RALPH presiding. CASE 223 BLATANT DROP IN OF THE WEEK-
Click the photo to see the outcome of this Surf crime and the verdict.
Photo by Ryan Jackson

* Click on the photo above to see the OUTCOME.
Click banner below to follow the entire CATCH A WAVE FOR MOLLY Year Long Blog. From start to finish. In chronological order as it happened. And trust me, a lot happened. Some of it almost too hard
to believe. But it's all there. Every single day.


CLICK ON THE PLAY BUTTON on each clip to view videos


Easter Swell 4-4-12 from Ralph's Pic Of The Week on Vimeo.
This clip is of my son Max and his friend Jared Veltsos who is featured in this month's ESM magazine in the Who Da Guy section. Jared is a good surfer who has been surfing as long as my son and his buddies. Congrats Jared on the ink and coverage.




 

 This is a video clip of my favorite band (next to the Beatles and Hendrix) I love this band. KING'S X. This song is called GO TELL SOMEBODY. It was shot and edited by Chris Nesmith on their 2008 tour. If you have never heard of KING'S X, I highly recommend that you listen to their music and watch their videos. And if they come to your town get your
butt out and see them. They are worth every penny..
CLICK CRACKIE BELOW TO SEE CRACKIE VIDS

CLICK ON THE CRACKIE IMAGE TO SEE ALL THE CRACKIE VIDEOS. Crackie's still on an unpaid administrative leave. However if you need a Crackie Fix just click on his face and go to his YouTube page and watch all his absurd videos. And if you have a question for Crackie, no matter how stupid, or absurd, please send it here...crackie@adlantic.com

You can also check Crackie out on Facebook. You should Friend Him...though there are no guarantees that he'll be nice to you.
 


COMING NEXT WEEK. SURF ART BLOG!

Recorded in 1978. Click on VINNY CD art to see a larger
version and how to order this CD and others for sale at
GAF Music. www.gafmusic.com
A Division of Adlantic


COMING NEXT WEEKSURF ART BLOG

Recorded in 1983. Click on VINNY CD art to see a larger
version and how to order this CD and others for sale at
GAF Music. www.gafmusic.com
A Division of Adlantic
 


(Above) Put the cursor over the images above to see happens when you DROP in
on someone. You become Invisible. Simply put the mouse over the photo to see the
original photo and then marvel at the results of what happens when the criminal
becomes invisible.*Put the cursor over the photo to see the Real image.
Photo by Ryan Jackson
 
Today July 21, 2013 " What could be worse than that heat wave this past week?"



(Above) Well there's this...From the wacky Internet.


Click on Wave to return to top of page

 This site/blog designed and maintained
by Adlantic copyright 2013