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THE BLOG WILL BE POSTED ON THE
1st and 3rd WEEK OF EVERY MONTH.



THANKING SGT. ANDY JOWETT FOR 35 YEARS OF SERVICE.
THE PREMIERE OF BECCA SPEAK'S "BEYOND NORMAL"
DOCUMENTARY OF HER DEALING WITH TBI

THE BROTHERS JOWETT. Left to right: Markey, Andy, and Bobby.

Friday June 7th, 2024 the family of the HPD (Hampton Police Department) came together with other members of the Seacoast Law enforcement and members of the Hampton community to honor one of their own. SGT Andrew "Andy" Jowett who retired from the HPD after 35 years. Yes you read that right. 35 years Andy served with distinction on the Hampton Police Department. Brother Bobby spoke first and he touched upon the many families that Andy has made part of his life. His own family of course, the HPD family, the fishing family, and the hunting family.



Andy's pride and joy. His children Abbey and Connor and his wife Wendy.
There's no greater love than the love a father and husband has for his family. All you mothers and fathers out there know what I'm talking about.
I have known his brother Marky for a long time. Well over 30 plus years. We go back a long way. And the one thing I know about those Jowett boys is, if you are a friend with any of them, you have a friend for life. I only know Markey and Andy, but I know in an instant, if I ever needed help in any way shape or form, I know I can count of them both. I spoke with brother Bobby after he spoke and told him how impressed I was with his speech. "You touching upon the many families that Andy is a part of, really hit home with me. I could really relate to what you said. Thank you for those uplifting and encouraging words."

Another thing I know about all the Jowett brothers is, they all get their character, honor, and respect from the one person who was not there. Arthur "Art" Jowett. Their father, a US ARMY combat veteran who slugged it out with the North Koreans and Chinese in those bitter cold winters and blistering hot summers in Korea. I've known my share of Korean War vets in my life. My late uncle Angelo fought in Korea, my dear late Marine buddy George Masten fought in Korea. Most Korean War vets had a certain edge to them. The Korean war happened just 5 years after WWII. It was almost an after thought to the general public. But it was as tough and brutal as anything the men who fought in WWII had to endure. They called it the "Forgotten War." But for anybody who fought there, it was anything but "forgetful". They would never forget what they went through. Ever.

When Arthur came home from Korea, he became a Mass State Trooper.



Oh boy, those Jowett boys were not only raised by a tough as nails Korean War veteran, but they were having to toe the line with their State Trooper father. Damn. No wonder they all ended up with a heavy dose of discipline and respect. They no doubt loved and honored their parents because of the inner fear and the huge respect instilled in them from their father. The WWII and Korean War vets were the last of the old school breed.

When they lost their brother Michael, the Jowett boys became closer.

A death in the family like that could have varying degrees of how a family continues on. The Jowetts chose to tighten the perimeter around their family, and to love one another unconditionally. And as a result, they all became closer. And you could see that clearly this night.



It was also obvious that the Seacoast Law Enforcement community all loved and respected Andy. Everything that was said from Mike Maloney and Josh McCain (SERT), to Chris "CV" Vetter, to Barry Newcomb, to Chief Alex Reno (above) had nothing but high praise (along with a few jabs) for Andy. The Law Enforcement camaraderie is solid. They remind me of our Marine Corps gatherings every year. We all joke around and give each other a hard time, but we would all (to a man) lay our lives down to save one another. That's what's so equally special when this elite group of men and women get together. They are a true brother hood.

On Friday they all spoke with an obvious mutual love and respect for Andy. I mean think about the amount of time Andy served. 35 years. That's a long time. I remember when Andy got promoted to Sgt and I saw him for the first time with his new stripes. He looked great and he was beaming with pride. Though he would be the last person to stand up and talk about himself, you could see that this humbled man appreciated the accolades that were bestowed upon him. Andy is the best.



The whole Jowett family went through hell last holiday season.

A nightmare that no family should have to go through. There were lots of prayers and people doing things behind the scenes that eventually ended up as the Christmas Miracle. Today, the family is healthy and well and the recent memories of that time will soon be a distant past. And this night of celebrating Andy was the perfect ending to a long and honored career.

So thank you Sgt. Andy Jowett for a job well done. You've earned every accolade, every compliment, every tip of the hat, every salute, and every hug. This town and indeed, the entire seacoast, is a better place for having you being here.

Thank you for your service brother.

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 June 9th, 2024



One of my all time favorite pics of Ed's. This is Markey Jowett on an absolute perfect wave. I mean look at that wave. How perfect is this? I will never forget the day Ed sent this to me. I couldn't believe it. This should be hanging on a wall in Markey J's place. I mean most surfers would die to have a photo like this. Am I right people? Damn straight I am.
 Photo by Ed O'Connell
*Click the photo above to see a larger version of Ed's Pic.

BEYOND NORMAL The Becca Speak Documentary
Friday June 7th, 2014 at CINNAMON RAINBOWS



STORYLINE Source IMDB

"In the world of professional surfing, Becca Speak is known for her relentless pursuit of waves in the far corners of the globe. To her, the sport is both the source of her greatest joy and the catalyst for her most profound struggles. Throughout her life and career, Becca has suffered multiple traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), including a recent one that left her temporarily speechless. TBIs are complex and difficult to recover from.

They require their victims to stop doing the things they love, leading to feelings of isolation and other mental health issues. Yet, Becca refuses to surrender her livelihood to the unforgiving sea. She embarks on an arduous recovery journey, determined to unlock what she calls her "Beyond Normal," an elusive state that represents a pinnacle of mental and physical well-being she has yet to attain. Becca's rehabilitation path is marked by setbacks and frustration, but her unwavering resolve drives her to reclaim her identity and her mind, no matter how treacherous the tides may be."

My review:

I have known Becca since she was 16 years old.

She was one of the main surfers in my movie GRANITE GIRLS. (See poster below). She was one of the highlights in my film. Shortly after the release of the movie she was seriously injured. She hit her head pretty hard while surfing. And not soon after her head injury and her short recovery she did it again. All the local surfers were horrified when she had those back to back injuries. And whenever it affected her speech? There was an immediate cause for concern. But after watching this new documentary, we all learned that those two injuries were just the icing on the cake. She had in fact, suffered a series of injuries along the way.

None of this should be surprising to anyone who knows her. She is after all an athlete. She does it all. Surfing, snowboarding, skateboarding, and you name it. She's the real deal athlete.



The premiere showing of GRANITE GIRLS at the Ashworth was one of the best nights of that summer. In fact, it was one of the best nights for me and my SURF FREE OR DIE surf movies. There was a huge supportive crowd. And all the girls had a wonderful night. They were all Rock Stars that night and I was so stoked to be able to showcase their talents.

Becca and I at the Premiere of BEYOND NORMAL the other night at CINNAMON RAINBOWS.

The movie was really well done, And they did a great job on focusing on her battle with a serious TBI while also showcasing her surfing. As a surf photographer/filmmaker I was impressed with the photography. They employed all the must needed angles. Land, water, and the drone shots. The pacing and editing of the film was very good. At no point did I think the film bogged down and get stale. The storyline is compelling enough, and because we all know Becca, it was hard not to get emotional while watching her go through these painful stages of dealing with a Traumatic Brain Injury.

But through it all, Becca who has been blessed with a beautiful smile and laugh, kept that desire to surf again at the forefront of her mission, and her never ending hope to finally beat this thing within reach. I tried to view the film as an outsider. So I stepped out of the familiar box of knowing Becca and her surfing and tried to view it as someone who knows very little about her and her TBI.

I thought the filmmakers did a good job of showing the frustrating and agitating process that she has gone through, while still showing her old personality and her beaming heart to be just behind the next wave that is ultimately coming. Those of you who know me and My blog and my movies know that I have a Mantra that I live by. You all know of my work with Wounded Veterans who have suffered serious TBI. My annual HIT THE BEACH event at the wall each year is something we all look forward to. And that mantra is never more appropriate than that special day. My mantra? SURFING HEALS ALL WOUNDS.

And after watching BEYOND NORMAL I walked up to Becca and said those word to her. Her eyes lit up and she smiled. She remembered and it all hit home. I highly recommend BEYOND NORMAL. It's more than just another surf movie. It's way deeper than that. I'm proud of Becca and all that she has accomplished and I'm really impressed with her fighting spirit.



NEVER EVER GIVE UP.

COMING THIS SUMMER of 2024 (July-August).
My 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.
It's all coming in July of 2024.

CLICK ON THE IMAGE ABOVE TO SEE A LARGER
Version of both the front and back cover.

NEW SECRET SPOT UPDATE ON THEIR GO FUND ME PAGE FOR THEIR REBUILD FOR THE SUMMER OF 2024!



CLICK ON THE GRAPHIC ABOVE TO HELP SECRET SPOT.
I know it's hard to donate to so many of these GO FUND ME pages, but if you have ever eaten at SECRET SPOT especially after surfing? You know how much we need to have it back again. This is a surf owned operation. Surfers need surf food.
Every donation helps. No matter how bog or how small.




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


“SURFING HEALS ALL WOUNDS.” 

What's really funny is DJT is claiming he never said those words. EXCUSE ME? There's only hours upon hours of footage from 2016 where he said that. And he's said it recently about the Bidens. This is from a man who has been convicted of 34 counts. I'm not sure if you heard this or not but, Donald Trump is a convicted felon. Did you hear that? It's true GOOGLE IT.

If I were to name the top five POS in this country, this POS would easily make the TOP FIVE. Alex Jones is the lowest of lows. In fact, he's so low he should be banned from this country. Send him north to the North Pole. Where there are only icebergs, and penguins. Or, send him south to the South Pole. Conspiracy theorist Alex Jones has agreed to sell his assets to help pay the massive debt he owes to families of the Sandy Hook shooting victims, whom he has spent years spreading lies about and defaming.

Jones’ decision to liquidate his assets this week ends his pursuit of Chapter 11 bankruptcy as part of an effort to avoid paying the $1.5 billion he owes the families after they successfully sued him for defamation in Texas and Connecticut. The move also could see him lose ownership of INFOWARS, the far-right platform from which he’s peddled lies that the deadly SANDY HOOK Elementary School shooting was a "hoax" perpetrated to strip Americans of their Second Amendment rights. Proceeds from the sale of his assets would go to his creditors and the families. KSM was there to watch his meltdown and get the latest scoop for his Column Khaliddy's Korner.

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 CRY BABY DOLLS at Home Depot this week.

PLEASE KEEP Karen Evans in your thoughts and prayers. 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.

GET WELL SOON Martha Lardent!
GO CELTICS! BEAT THE MAVS!



The 16th Annual HIT THE BEACH is on August 23rd, 2024
KEEP FIGHTING Robert Gerard! You Got This Brother!

Please keep LOCAL SURF LEGEND Norm Murphy in your thoughts and prayers.

REMEMBERING OUR DEAR Michael Colby Gone 10 Years.

"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

CALEY THE SURFING SETTER. THE SUMMER OF 1974.
I love this photo. This was one of those days that you dream about. Perfect little summer waves with nobody out. My dog Caley was out there with me like she always was. I'm not sure who's boat that is. Could belong to a number of people though. Todd Ross, Steve Clark, Jay Gould, or some other non-surfer. But this day? It was so much fun.
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- WEDNESDAY MAY 29th, 2024 Photos by RALPH



(Above) Another beautiful morning with hardly anyone out.
Wednesday May 29th, 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) Colby punting one on the inside. Wednesday May 29th, 2024. Photo by RALPH *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) Another empty set with no takers.
Wednesday May 29th, 2024. 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) Thank you Bryan Johnson for remembering what day this was.
Wednesday May 29th, 2024. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) Another Colby AIR. Wednesday May 29th, 2024.
Photo by RALPH *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) Jon Kiskinis. Funny thing, I did not know this was Jon until the other day when I went through the folder in the card.
Wednesday May 29th, 2024. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery



(Above) Another nice wave with Jon Kiskinis
Wednesday May 29th, 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) Of waves and lobsters. And whatever else is out there.
Wednesday May 29th, 2024. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) The DONNA JEAN checking her traps.
Wednesday May 29th, 2024. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) That's a nice wave for this Goofyfoot. I hope he sees this pic.
Wednesday May 29th, 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- 35 YEARS OF SERVICE SGT. ANDY JOWETT
JUNE 7th, 2024 Photos by RALPH



(Above) The man himself Andy Jowett with Retired Chief Jaime Sullivan 35 years of service. Friday June 7th, 2024. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) Markey J, Lenny Nichols, Harry Manzi, Retired Police Chief Richie Sawyer, and Dave Cropper. Friday June 7th, 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) The current Police Chief Alex Reno shaking hands with the man of the hour, retiring Sgt. Andy Jowett HPD. Friday June 7th, 2024.
Photo by RALPH *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

Today- THE PREMIERE OF BECCA SPEAK'S
"BEYOND NORMAL" JUNE 7th, 2024
Photos by RALPH



(Above) Becca Speak and Dave Cropper along with filmmaker Anna Burns CINNAMON RAINBOWS Friday June 7th, 2024.
Photo by RALPH *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) It was an overflowing crowd of surfers and it was STANDIING ROOM ONLY. What a great turnout for Becca Speak.
CINNAMON RAINBOWS Friday June 7th, 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 DINALAND GALLERY MAY 29th, 2024
Photos by Dina Crawford

(Above) There was a nice start to the day. Wednesday May 29th, 2024.
Photo by Dina Crawford
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) Let the pumping and hopping commence.
Wednesday May 29th, 2024. Photo by Dina Crawford
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) That wave is head high I bet. Wednesday May 29th, 2024.
Photo by Dina Crawford
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) Then Perry Reynolds was out. Wednesday May 29th, 2024.
Photo by Dina Crawford
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) This? This is style. Wednesday May 29th, 2024.
Photo by Dina Crawford
*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) Little top turn here with a face spray thrown in. Perry Reynolds. Wednesday May 29th, 2024. Photo by Dina Crawford
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery



(Above) The waves look pretty. Wednesday May 29th, 2024.
Photo by Dina Crawford
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) This is James Morse. Wednesday May 29th, 2024.
Photo by Dina Crawford
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) This too shall be James Morse. Wednesday May 29th, 2024.
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.

Today- THE DAY BEFORE MAY 28th, 2024
Photos by Dina Crawford

(Above) Anson Rodgers pump it up. Tuesday May 28th, 2024.
Photo by Dina Crawford
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery



(Above) Backing it up in DINALAND. Tuesday May 28th, 2024.
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) Anson Rodgers in a cool carving cutback.
Tuesday May 28th, 2024. Photo by Dina Crawford
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) Anson Rodgers riding the roof. Tuesday May 28th, 2024.
Photo by Dina Crawford
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) Fins out on chop hopping mini air. Anson Rodgers.
Tuesday May 28th, 2024. Photo by Dina Crawford
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) Another fun looking right hander. Tuesday May 28th, 2024.
Photo by Dina Crawford
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) The water is getting warmer. Soon the booties will be off.
Tuesday May 28th, 2024. Photo by Dina Crawford
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) We've had a pretty good Spring considering.
Tuesday May 28th, 2024. Photo by Dina Crawford
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) Anson Rodgers made the most out of these waves.
Tuesday May 28th, 2024. Photo by Dina Crawford
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) Anson Rodgers Tuesday May 28th, 2024.
Photo by Dina Crawford
*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) Our 6 yr old Granddaughter Reighlynn riding her horse all by her self at yesterday's horse show. June 8th, 2024.
Photo by Gabby LaBreck
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery



(Above) New Hampshire. June 8th, 2024.
Photo by Lenny Nichols
*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 # 771 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 Ryan Schnell
*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 small waves next Monday

I'm picking Monday June 17th, 2024 as the best of the 2 weeks!

June 9th, 2024

There's nothing really funny about this. It's just sad that some people will follow anyone off the edge of a cliff. Open your eyes and ears and listen and see what's coming out of his mouth.

(ABOVE) I'm glad someone made this meme up. People forget.
Photo by The GOOGLE Machine



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