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

July 7th, 2024 The RUN is 34 out of 34 Weeks.
Waist high or better at least once a week.
There were waist to chest high waves on June 25th, 2024And waist high on July 5th, 2024

THE RECORD FOR THE MOST CONSECUTIVE WEEKS IN A ROW FOR WAIST HIGH OR BETTER. August 8th, 2021 was 53 WEEKS! TOPPING THE 43 CONSECUTIVE WEEKS SET IN 2009!

NEXT BLOG JULY 21st, 2024.
All future Blogs will be posted on the 1st and 3rd week of every month (give or take a day). *Also in the event of any significant swell I will post the week of that swell. Although the blog is now bi-weekly, I'm certainly not gonna pass up a decent swell. So while it's basically going to be every other week, I left it open for some wiggle room.




THE 10 YEAR ANNIVERSARIES OF ED O'CONNEL'S PASSING AND JOHN"JT" TAYLOR'S PASSING. BIDEN TRUMP DEBATE. WELCOME SOFIA MARIRE RIZZO. FINALLY THE SURFER'S MEMORIAL PADDLE FOR TAMAYO PERRY.



I am having a hard time believing that local legend Surf photographer Ed O'Connell has been gone for 10 years. It's still hard to say that Ed O'Connell is gone from this earth forever.

And even writing these words today still seem surreal to me. I wanted to design a tee shirt the shows Ed taking photos and have it simply say. "ED'S SHOOTING".I thought that would be cool. And it still would be.

As most of you already know, I created a section on this blog I called ED'S CORNER. In that section there is a photo from the thousands of photos I have from Ed featured each week. And after 10 years he will continue to remain a part of this blog, and he will until I am no longer doing this. That's my promise to all of you who loved Ed and his work.



There were so many days that Ed would be on the beach shooting. Like this day. I had no idea he was on the beach. This was one of the first days of riding my new board in 2008. Ed just so happened to be down at 12th street and I was surfing 10th street. He had his Big Lens and unbeknown to me he was shooting straight into 10th street.

To this day, it's one of my favorite photos of me surfing. It wasn't until later in the day when he sent me some pics for the Blog. Damn if I wasn't blown away by this photo. Below is the follow up shot.

This day was so much fun that became even more special when Ed sent these pics to me. I have often said: "There's not a single surfer on the entire planet who does not want to see a photo of themselves riding a wave." Count me as one of them. Thank You Ed.

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 close and 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 July 7th, 2024



That's a young up and coming Kainalu Nichols cranking off a bottom turn on October 21st, 2008. Ed loved shooting all the young Groms. He could see the forest through the trees. And he was always shooting our sons and daughters along with the moms and the pops. Ed would shoot everyone.  
Photo by Ed O'Connell
*Click the photo above to see a larger version of Ed's Pic.

ON THE ANNIVERSARY OF HER GRAMMY'S PASSING, NOELLE RIZZO GAVE BIRTH TO OUR 5th GRANCHILD. WELCOME SOFIA MARIE RIZZO.



Noelle and Pete are doing great and they are beyond thrilled to bring home Malia's little sister.



The thought that Sofie was born on the day that JoEllen passed away (three years ago) is pretty significant. I mean Noelle's due date was July 8th. So I suppose it wasn't that big of a coincidence. But I'm taking it as a sign.

And it was equally as hard to believe that JT passed away 5 days after Ed. That summer would turn out to be the saddest summer. We lost so many surfers Ed, JT, Rick Sav, Alan MacGregor, and my nephew Michael Colby Jr. JT's passing left so many of us reeling. Especially in light of the fact that he passed so close to Ed's passing. It was shocking to so many of us. I reposted the video I edited of JT's passing at the top of the page. Go check it out. It's only 8 minutes long.



I shot this of JT on our magical trip to Tortola in 1979. We scored insane waves and met two surfers from California that are still good friends today. Jeff Chamberlain and Sam George. That trip was one for the ages.



This is JT dropping in on another beautiful wave at Little Apple Bay. Jeff Chamberlain took this photo. This photo became a beautiful water color painting that was on the Memorial Program for JT's service.


This video frame grab from 1980 features three of the local surf crew at 10th Street who have passed away in the last 10 years. Greg Smith, John Gooch, and John JT Taylor. That's Norm Murphy standing next to me in the blue trunks. Please keep Norm in your thoughts and prayers. And PLEASE Watch the video at the top of the page. It's classic JT.


The book that I have been writing the last 100 years or so. It's looking more and more like the book will be out long after I hit my 20th Year Anniversary of this Blog. And that will be double the reason to celebrate. BOOK and BLOG.

And 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.

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. The story of the skateboard is in my book. It's all coming in August/September of 2024.


SECRET SPOT IS OPEN FOR THE SUMMER OF 2024!


THE DOORS HAVE OPENED FOR SECRET SPOT TWO YEARS AFTER THE DEVASTATING FIRE. SECRET SPOT IS OPEN BABY!
Thank you to all who donated to the GO FUND ME page, and to all who volunteered to help out while the shop was down and owner Jon Gozzo was dealing with his health issues. STOP by and see everyone at 560 High Street in Hampton. Just a few buildings up the road from the old location. Jon and the girls are truly humbled by your love and support.



And by the way, Jon is a very good surfer, Here's a photo of Jon taken by Ed O'Connell in 2008.



One of my favorite times of the year is the HBCF. Look for a future LOCAL LEGENDS Story on Jimmy in the near future. He's currently in LA working on the 2nd season of FRASIER with Kelsey Grammer. I suggest you get your tickets early for the HBCF because they sell out pretty quickly. *Click on the graphic above to get the details and tickets

Also: The 16th Annual HIT THE BEACH is on August 23rd, 2024
Click on the image above right to see a larger version of the posters.
Volunteers can email me directly ralph@adlantic.com

“SURFING HEALS ALL WOUNDS.” 

My take on the debate is pretty cut and dry. BIDEN Came across as an elderly old man with a hoarse voice, who at times stumbled and stuttered. But, he told the *truth. Trump came across as an elderly old man who could speak loud and clear, but he lied throughout the entire debate. If you don't believe me, feel free to FACT CHECK everything that was said that night. One old man told 90% of the truth and one old man lied 90% of the time. Oh and one of those old men is a convicted felon. So who do you want to be our next president? And old honest man? Or an old conman who is a convicted felon, who is also facing even more damaging charges? Because those are our two options. Pretty sad huh?

Regardless of how this all plays out in November, I am going to ultimately blame both political parties. They are to blame. These are our two best choices? This is why I am an INDEPENDENT. Both parties are full of lying hypocrites. *Biden did lie about no Americans were killed on his watch. There were the 13 killed on his diastrous withdrawal from Afhganistan and the 3 killed in Jordan. So, that was a lie. But only one lie compared to the multiple lies that Trump said.

Raise your hand if you were as astonished as I was during the debate, when those two old men were arguing about golf. Golf? Here we are on the cusp of one of the biggest elections in the history of our country, and those two old men are yelling at each other about Golf? Khaliddy himself couldn't believe what he was hearing. So of course he ventured out onto the MARALAGO Golf course to get a one on one interview with one of these golfers. (Turns out only Trump golfs). And The Sheik was not impressed with the Orange man's swing. Or the way he carries himself on the course. According to Khaliddy, The Orange-man is a little hefty around the mid section. I see what you mean my main Sheiky.

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 Three Stooges Golf Highlights VHS tapes at Home Depot this week.

PLEASE KEEP Karen Evans in your thoughts and prayers. Seen here with Cory and Kim at the beach. Karen is currently battling FTD (Frontotemporal Dementia) a result of damage to neurons in the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain. She's doing remarkably well in dealing with this condition. The Evans have been local icons here for as long as I can remember. All the Surf Families are in full support of Rick, Karen, Matt, Megan and Nick and baby Luka, and of course Mikel. Sending your positive thoughts and prayers to Karen and the family are welcome.

TAMAYO PERRY SURFER'S MEMORIAL PADDLE
PIPELINE on Oahu, HI. SUNDAY JULY 14th, 2014.
We all want to be the hero of our own story, one of the redeeming characteristics of humanity is our desire to follow our convictions always and without fear. Few of us are able to truly be that hero, Tamayo Perry was is and will be forever. He was everyone’s big brother, stern and uncompromising with an infectious and kolohe smile. He was your rescuer in time of need, your safety when all things fell apart. He was a knight forged in the fires of the North Shore in the 90’s, his faith in Christ the rock upon which he stood. Few are those who truly follow in the footsteps of Jesus, Tamayo never took his eyes off the path. Tragic though his passing may be, he left this world doing what he loved where he loved to do it. We find strength in knowing he is in heaven with our Lord Jesus Christ, trading barrels at Pipeline with his friends that have gone before him.

Tamayo’s Celebration of Life will take place at Ehukai Beach Park on Sunday, July 14th at 3pm.

Thank you for everyone’s outpouring of love and support.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY John "Grandpa" Rastl July 12th, 2024!
REST IN PEACE Tamayo Perry 1975-2024
REST IN PEACE MARTIN MULL
REST IN PEACE DONALD SUTHERLAND.
REST IN PEACE ROSALIE THERESE BOCKO CAMPBELL 66yrs old.

Sister of local surf legend Stan Bocko who fondly remembers just how much joy and delight she brought into his life during his youthful years. She was with her twin sister Marcie when she passed on 7-6-24. Rest In Peace Rosalie.

KEEP FIGHTING Robert Gerard! You Got This Brother!
Please keep LOCAL SURF LEGEND Norm Murphy in your thoughts and prayers.

"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 BEST BOOK I OWN ON SURFING. 1967.
I just checked and these books are going for close to $4,000. Damn. My book is not for sale but it's interesting to know that it is a sought after surf item. I chose this image because my two good friends out west actually spent time with Phil Edwards last week. He's well into his 80's but is still sharp as a tack. When I name my favorite all time surfers, Phil Edwards is number one on my list. Photo by 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- REMEMBERING John "JT" Taylor on the 10th Anniversary of his passing. JULY 6th, 2024
Photos by various Photographers



(Above) Another shot of the classic JT drop at Little Apple Bay in Tortola. January 21st, 1979. Photo by Jeff Chamberlain
*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) Another great shot JT taken in the water at Little Apple Bay in Tortola. January 21st, 1979. Photo by Jeff Chamberlain
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) A classic VFG of JT before he paddled out into some serious surf at the Rocks. New Hampshire circa 1980's. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

The Haffenreffer family have been helping seacoast families
with their holistic health and optimal wellness for decades.

Welcome Solsticenh.com Melinda is a local NH surfer.
Click on the ad above to visit her site.

(Above) One of my favorite photos of JT and I. Little Apple Bay in Tortola. January 21st, 1979. Photo by Jeff Chamberlain
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) Here we are posing like a couple of tourists.
Tortola. January 21st, 1979. Photo by Jeff Chamberlain
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

Best EAST COAST Coverage on the Internet.




NEW Client to the BLOG WELCOME 935 OCEAN
Click on the ad to find out where to stay the next time
you're in town.

(Above) Here's JT foraging for food in the jungle. I'm not kidding.
This was before we found Jeff and Sam. Tortola. January 1979.
Photo by Jeff Chamberlain
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery



(Above) JT was well read. Here's proof of that. Tortola. January 1979.
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) Here's JT dropping in on a beauty of a wave.
Note: Jeff Chamberlain taking water shots. Tortola. January 1979.
Photo by RALPH *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) Here's JT and the skate crew. Summer 1975.
Photo c/o of Jay Hammer
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) Here's me on the biggest wave I have ever been photographed on. And JT was the one who took this movie clip. I must have thanked him a million times. Well, I'm thanking him again. Tortola. January 1979.
Photo by John JT Taylor
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

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the coolest arrangements. Johnny A is one of the
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Peter Stokes is one of the BEST guitar techs in
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Produced by David Robinson of the CARS.
Visit our Facebook page

Today- REMEMBERING Ed O'Connell on the 10th Anniversary of his passing. JULY 1st, 2024 Photos by various Photographers



(Above) Another beautiful empty wave. This is one of my all time favorite empty wave photos. Photo by Ed O'Connell
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) The ROCKS from Ed's corner. Photo by Ed O'Connell
*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) I mean come on. New Hampshire in all of it's glory.
photo. Photo by Ed O'Connell
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) The man himself shooting me. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) This is me on me on my new board at The Wall.
Photo by Ed O'Connell
*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) This is Johnny "JIM" Meehan. Ed has gotten some great photos of Johnny over the years. This is one of them. Photo by Ed O'Connell
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) Kyle Linseman driving home September 23, 2012.
Photo by Ed O'Connell
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) The moment I saw this photo I knew it was an instant classic. Markey J Jowett on September 23, 2012.
Photo by Ed O'Connell
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) Johnny JIM Meehan September 23, 2012.
Photo by Ed O'Connell
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) Max Fatello was the only one out during Winter Storm NEMO. They closed the roads from Hampton north. I called Ed and let him know that Max was paddling out. Ed drove down there and got the only shots of that session. February 7th, 2013. Photo by Ed O'Connell
*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) Lenny Nichols November 5th, 2010.
Photo by Ed O'Connell
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery



(Above) Kody Grondin Fall/winter, 2008.
Photo by Ed O'Connell
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) Kevin "Doc" Grondin Fall/winter, 2008.
Photo by Ed O'Connell
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) This? This is me on May 7th, 2013.
Photo by Ed O'Connell
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

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

Today- MEETING A TRUE SURF LEGEND
JUNE 2024 Photos by El Chambo



(Above) Jeff Chamberlain and THE Phil Edwards June 28th, 2024.
Photo by Doug Hendry
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) Phil Edwards chatting with Doug Hendry June 28th, 2024.
Photo by El Chambo
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery



(Above) Oh to be a fly on the wall. Phil Edwards talking shop with Doug Hendry June 28th, 2024. Photo by El 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) Dougie can't believe it. Neither can we Douglas.
June 28th, 2024. Photo by El Chambo
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) One of the nicest and most respected men in the world of surfing. Robert Gerard. I love Robert and wish him the best. Not only for him, but his family. Especially his "not so little" Warrior son Noah. June 28th, 2024.
Photo by El Chambo
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) The latest Phil Edwards craft. "NEATO" June 28th, 2024.
Photo by El Chambo
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) It's a Beautiful Day. Doug Hendry's ride. June 28th, 2024.
Photo by El Chambo
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) I love this photo of Morro Rock. June 28th, 2024.
Photo by El Chambo
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) My Westies love all kinds of boats. June 28th, 2024.
Photo by El Chambo
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) Alien craft? Nah they live and breathe within launching distance of a few Air Force bases. Nothing to see here. Just move along.
June 28th, 2024. Photo by El 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 1500 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) Erin Martin on June 25th, 2024. Photo by @albertzulps
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery



(Above) Proof of waist high July 5th, 2024.
Photo c/o Cinnamon Rainbows wave cam
*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 # 773 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 tiny waves all week long

I'm picking Saturday July 13th, 2024 as the best of the 2 weeks!

July 7th, 2024

This is NOT funny. I mean...man this could not have ended well.

(ABOVE) Unknown about to get sucked back over. Take a deep breath.
Photo c/o GOOGLE



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