For those of you who missed the premiere showing of GRANITE GIRLS and The RIVER WOMEN, there's this. Thursday August 2nd, 2018 at Cinnamon Rainbows at 8:30PM outside the shop, we will be showing the movie. This of course is all weather permitting. Not sure how many of you remember but I was the first one to ever show a movie outside on the actual beach.

18 years ago I showed THE WALL at 10th Street. Actually went in there and did a full on covert operation. Set up a large movie screen in the sand. And ran extension cords across Ocean Blvd. It was classic. Everyone sat on the large boulders and sand and some sat up on top of the wall itself. never been done before that night. I did two others where we projected the movie on the side of the old ESA-NNE truck. That time we ran generators.

You had to have been there. It was a special time in the SURF FREE OR DIE
movie history. Any way, let's hope that the weather is good for the ROXY showing. I know a bunch of you want to see it again.

So how about this four day swell we just had? (5 if you count today).



It's rare to get waves in July let alone a long running swell the likes of which we all just experienced. Waist to chest high. Warm water. Glassy conditions. Though there was a bit of fog to deal with, but who cares? There was surf. And fun surf at that. That's Casey Lockwood (above) on Thursday July 26th. It seems like everyone got out at some point during the four days.



On Wednesday July 25th, 2018 we went and saw Hawaii's own Jake Shimabukuro at the TUPELO hall in Derry, NH. This kid is insane on the Ukulele. I mean he RIPS!!! He played 3 Beatle songs and a Hendrix song.
I know that sounds improbable, but trust me. This kid was amazing.



And so was his band. It was just the three of them. They have a new record coming out called "The GREATEST DAY". I could hear and see surf footage with his songs. Very cool. Google some of his live videos. It will be worth the 5 minutes out of your day. And I promise, Social Media will still be there when you get back.

And speaking of Social Media. Facebook has a section called "About" where you list all of your personal status. I leave most of it blank. Or I doctor it up with foolishness. I do claim to be married to Cory Fatello but everything else is for the most part silly. I do however do NOT list my birthday. Why? Well I have 2,230 friends. I probably know less than half of them.

The rest are just fans of the Blog. If I were to list my birthday, I'd have over two thousand birthday wishes. And while that's not so much a bad thing, it is however taking up a lot of time and space. In other words, I'd have to be courteous and "like" each birthday wish. As it is, I had to acknowledge a few hundred of people that I actually know. It's funny, because I'm a Leo and most Leos are egomaniacs.



This is a selfie that I took on my birthday with my friend "Leo The King".
I've had this art since 1971. It has been with me ever since. Funny, I'm looking more and more like the old fella each year. But I'm fine with getting old.



Speaking of old. My little pup "Patch" is gonna be 8 in September. That's 56 years in dog years. Seems like yesterday that he was just a pup. We are growing old together. He's so thoughtful, he always gets me a card. Ha ha.



I did manage to paddle out and get my Birthday wave. And my lovely wife was there to capture the blessed moment on camera. Don't ask me how, but I managed to catch the first wave I paddled for. I guess it's true, about riding a bike. I rarely get to surf much these days. With my health issues and all. But I will always slip out on the birthday to get my birthday wave. No matter what.

So the first ESA-NNE surf contest was held on Saturday July 28th, 2018.
Longtime ESA NNE director Lenny Nichols pulled off the day with an excellent showing of both competitors and waves. It's always a crap shoot trying to make the call to have the contest or not. This was the right call at the right time. And Lenny and his volunteers did an outstanding job.



Not sure how long he will be at the helm of the district, but I do know that there will be some tough shoes to fill to whoever the next crew is that takes over. The GOOD News is Lenny will help lend a hand to whoever steps into that role. And I will also help out by doing what I can to help make the transition a smooth one.



The organization is run by volunteers. People want to help the young surfers. Don't forget, Kelly Slater got his start in the ESA. And he turned out OK.



OK this is the result of me finding a wild blueberry patch in the woods. Not kidding. Cory made an amazing Blueberry pie for my birthday too.



And yes, that's corn from my garden as well. Suffice it to say, we eat healthy at the compound. I'm a farmer!

" Surfing, Blueberries, and Corn Heals All Wounds."

This is a 10yr old photo of me that Ed shot one afternoon in the summer of 2008. I was out riding my new board. I still have the board, but not the skill to ride it like this. Thanks for this pic Ed. Photo by Ed O'Connell
*Click the photo above to see a larger version of Ed's Pic.


Now for Some Local, National and International News



I am sure that many of you have surf art lying around the house. And look, by surf art I mean anything from a full on painting to a napkin scribble. If it's surf art related, I want to see it. Just take a digital photo and email it to me. Just make sure you give me the info that I'm asking for in the graphic above.

Anybody order these "Bacon Donuts!?!" Only Jimmy...



He’s the funniest person I know. Jimmy Dunn. Local surfer/comedian/TV star/and all around good guy. Is in the Last night (TONIGHT JULY 29th, 2018 at the ASHWORTH on Hampton Beach) of his 8th Annual HAMPTON BEACH Comedy festival. We went last night and laughed our asses off. Seriously, if you have NOT seen Jimmy perform, get your butt down to the Ashworth and check him out!

Last night was so much fun. There is NO DEAD weight in his line-up. Trust me, he's got a line-up that's sure to bring a smile to your face. Jimmy has been around the best of the best. And they all love him. And each summer they all come to Hampton Beach and put on a great show! Be sure to check out my gallery from last night. Go and check out the funniest show you will see all year!

It's a never ending show. Each day brings something new to the table. I'm guessing that Cohen won't be invited to anymore 45 events. Birthdays, anniversaries, etc etc.

KSM Photoshop of the Week
And so my friends, perhaps Putin has something on 45 and the Russian prostitutes. Wait, is that who I think it is? Freaking KSM hanging with 45 and the Russian prostitutes? OK this is getting serious now. This is not funny. Damn you KSM!



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 condoms at Home Depot this week.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ALL AUGUST BABIES 2018!

FYI Lenny Nichols is looking for someone or someones to take over the ESA-NNE District. Please contact Lenny Nichols by calling his cell (603) 944-2418



THE 11th ANNUAL HIT THE BEACH is set for the last Friday in August. So mark your calendars. Friday August 31st, 2018.



Please Support ALL The photographers who contribute to
Ralph's Pic Of The Week every week for the last 13 years.
** BUY a HIGH RES Photo from any of the weeks on RPOTW.

Johnny A is old friend of mine. He's also one of the most talented and innovative guitarists on the planet. I can't tell you all enough just how good he is. But those of you who know me know that I don't say things like this about anyone unless it's true. Trust me. JOHNNY A is great!

CLICK ON THE IMAGE to BUY Tix. I'll be there.



Remember my friends... Surfing Heals All Wounds.
Pray for Surf. Pray for Peace. Surf For Fun.

Ralph

*Click on the photo above to see a larger version

(Above) Casey Lockwood streaking through green and white.
Saturday July 28th, 2018. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery




(Above) Matt Colby hitting the coping of a warm wall wave.
Saturday July 28th, 2018. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery



(Above) Max Fatello sliding into First base Saturday July 28th, 2018.
Photo by RALPH *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery




(Above) Yeah, it was oily glass out there. For those of you who like glassy conditions. Saturday July 28th, 2018. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) Max was practicing his NAVY signal signs. I think this one means "Clear for cutbacks!" Saturday July 28th, 2018. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) One of my fave pics from this session. Friday July 27th, 2018.
Photo by RALPH *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

Today- DAY TWO of the "Four Day Swell."
Thursday July 26th, 2018. Photos by RALPH



(Above) The day ended with this stunning cloud and sky display.
Thursday July 26th, 2018. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery




(Above) It's not always about the actual surfing and waves.
Thursday July 26th, 2018. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery




(Above) It was a nice way to end my birthday. Thursday July 26th, 2018.
Photo by RALPH *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery



(Above) The Fog rolled in and created this cool looking scene.
Thursday July 26th, 2018. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery




(Above) My beautiful wife and my TRUE Granite Girl.
Thursday July 26th, 2018. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) A rainbow on my birthday. How sweet and thoughtful of you.
Thursday July 26th, 2018. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) Erica Nardone taking advantage of Day II.
Thursday July 26th, 2018. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) I'm sure Jack was happy with his first ever Atlantic Ocean surf sesh.
Thursday July 26th, 2018. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery