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

MASSIVE MAY DAY SWELL.
BRUINS LOSE IN GAME 7
CELTICS TIE 76'rs 2-2
GOD SAVE THE KING



MAY DAY Swell May 1st, 2023

So, this thing really started to wind up on Sunday April 30th, 2023. Two big low pressure systems working as a team, got the wheels in motion. The big low to our immediate west was spinning it’s wheels, while the secondary low off the coast, started it’s slow grind north. The rain hit hard and didn’t stop until early Monday morning. I guess we were experiencing some sort of a drought, so it was a much needed rain. And man did we get some rain. Downpours and deluge worth.

We got a good soaking, and the wind? Oh she howled all night.

By daybreak, it was pretty much over, except for the wind. Hard out of the south, with a hint of southwest in it, and it was wailing. These are not our most favorable winds up here. But that never stopped any of us from venturing out when there’s real surf. I will say this. In all the years I’ve been living here, I don’t believe I’ve heard the ocean this loud.

Granted I’m only a ¼ mile from the coast, but when I stepped out to let my older dog Patch out to do his deal, I was shocked at the roaring sound coming across the marsh. So much so, that I called my wife Cory to step out on the front steps to hear it for herself. She was shocked. It was loud. Damn.

I grabbed my bag of cameras and drove down the street to see for myself. The second I hit Ocean Blvd and headed north, I caught a glimpse of the source of the noise. Shit. It’s pretty decent size. It was walls of white water, being buffeted by that relentless wind. But I could see that the waves on the outside sandbars were good size. How big? Double overhead? Hard to tell with no bodies out there. I pulled in at the top of the hill where I could see in both directions.
Oh yeah, it was happening. But where? I hit the group text to wake the boys up. “IT’S GOING OFF. WAKE THE F**K UP!”

I gave them the proper coordinates, and then headed north.

As I drove around the bend, I could see that there were a handful of, maybe 3-4 people out at our premier left hander. A huge set rolled in from 5-0’s, and I saw Lars Hamilton take –off on a monster, and get swallowed up. Oh hell yeah. I was giddy. This is going to be a day. 

I shot a few from Ed’s Corner (the late Ed O’Connell, a great photographer we lost in 2014). Then I drove down to park in my usual spot, and find a position where I could shoot both stills and video, as well as be protected by the wind. Yeah, that wind? It was relentless. I have a couple of sniper’s nests in the rocks, where I can crawl into a crevice, and shoot. I like this one angle even though I am shooting into the sun. But hey, those back lit shots are always kind of dreamy looking if you time it right. 



That's Pev on a beefy burger.

*Check out the video above to see Pev take off on some bombs and then get totally worked. We were all freaking out because he was sending it on those set waves. And that board he was riding is at least 7' long. Seriously watch the video above. It is cringe-worthy. But Pev earned the respect from a handful of local chargers.

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 APRIL 9th, 2023




This pic was shot on May 20th, 2013. The surfer is Tim O'Shea. I used to see Tim all the time. But the last few years he and I have been missing each other. He used to work the night shift and had most days off. I'm assuming he is now back working days thus the reason we have not seen much of each other. I hope he's doing OK. If you see him tell him I said hello. Photo by Ed O'Connell
*Click the photo above to see a larger version of Ed's Pic.

ON SECOND THOUGHT.
I'm rethinking my final take on the Bruins loss to the Panthers in Round 1. People have been saying, that their record breaking year means nothing without the Cup. I disagree. And to my defense, I was always on the side, that their record breaking regular season, did mean something. (Just ask my brother Johnny, we argued over it.) And so did Pastrnak's record. How's that?

The Boston Bruins have won six Stanley Cups. Six. Just like the Patriots, they own six titles. That's something to be proud of.

However, no NHL team has ever done what they did this year. They made history. The most wins in a regular season, in the entire history of the game. That is nothing to hang your heads about. Of course we were upset that they lost in the first series. But it does not diminish what they accomplished all year long. How could it? They made NHL history.



They were 59 seconds away from advancing to Round two.

And I am convinced, that had they won that last game? They would have regrouped, shaken that shit off their shoulders, and got back into playing Bruins Hockey. And who knows where they would have gone? Nobody knows. What I do know is, I am not gonna hate on them, or make any more disparaging remarks about them. I can see clearly now. They have earned our respect and compassion.

Because NO team in the NHL, has ever accomplished what they did this year. Only the Boston Bruins hold that title. 65 wins. We own it.

So, we can add that title, to the 6 Stanley Cups they already earned.
The BOSTON BRUINS ROCKED this year! Don't forget It.

The boys were starting to show up and mill around their vehicles. The core guys were suiting up as fast as they could, while others were dragging their feet. Making excuses of why they didn’t want to surf. I guess it didn’t help that I was trying to get them out there in my not so subtle ways. “GET THE F**K OUT THERE! WHAT ARE F***ING WAITING FOR?”

What’s the old saying? Once a Marine- Always a Marine. I have no filters.

They grumbled as they got into their suits and headed out into the arena. I admit, it was not the best of conditions. The wind was non stop and like I said, South winds are not our best winds. The waves were kind of all over the place, but, if you timed it right, and worked at it, you could put yourself in the right spot, and when that one wave, that had a decent shoulder popped up in front of you, you could launch yourself into a halfway decent wave.

And that started to happen. Lars Hamilton, Brian Avante, and Joel Feid were doing just that.

Yeah they took a few on the head and everybody got caught inside more times than not. But hey, this is surfing. You take your lumps with your gold, and it all evens out in the end. At one point, 18yr old Jack Madden ate it pretty bad on a set wave, and hit the reef pretty hard. Landed right on his hip bone. It shook him up and he headed for the beach. I stood there for a while talking with him, when we saw a sick looking left grind across the reef. “I’m back out there.” He said as he ran down the beach. “That’s the spirit Jack!” I yelled as I watched him hobble back out into the water. I’ve known him since he was 10, when he first moved here. He is clearly getting to be one of the top Goofyfoot’s in the entire Northeast. Jack Madden can surf.

Jack was out there with his buddy Anson Rodgers, who is another hard charger. Anson got some beauties and a few beauties got Anson. He does charge to the point where I often wonder what he was thinking about when he pulls into a giant gaping close out. Ahh to be young again.

And speaking of young. 13yr old Michael Lynch charged out into the big surf like he was heading out on a glassy 3’ summer day at the wall. Sans hood, I stood and watched with his mother Noreen, as he went straight out into the line-up with the crew. She was concerned. Hey she’s a mother, all moms (and dads) get concerned when their kids venture out into big powerful surf. That’s what being surf parent is all about. Michael’s parents Noreen and Mike senior surf. So they know. Michael did fine. He caught a few waves and I’m sure he felt like Kelly Slater at Pipe when he finally came in.

I was there from 7AM to 4PM . And I was shooting non stop. I went from my sniper’s nest to my favorite spot to shoot. Standing out at the end of the rocky reef in my winter Muck boots. I sometimes bring my 12’ step ladder and set it up at the end of the reef to get elevated to get above the walls of whitewater. Though, I suppose that’s what drones are for.



This is Teddy Evans. he was getting some bombs out there.

So all in all throughout the day, they came and went. Johnny JIM Meehan, Crowley Gentile, Ted Evans, Mike Stanek, Alex Orestis, Beckly Sterns, and Ian Dreher. Later, the after work crew showed up including: Matt Colby, Kody Grondin, Cam MacLeod, and the old dog himself, Kevin “DOC” Grondin. The winds never let up, and it never switched to the West/Northwest. So while there were some moments of clarity and clean faces, it was mostly a sideshore wind that none of us like. But hey, we’re Northern New England Surfers and we take whatever we can get.

The MAY DAY Swell was a fun swell. I’d give it a solid B+.

*Meanwhile check out the MASSIVE gallery of pics from the MAY DAY SWELL down in the photo section. And check out the MAY DAY video at the top of this page.

There were waves all week long. I mean this thing just hung around forever.

Last Friday, May 5th Cinco De Mayo day I found myself standing out at the end of the rocks at that infamous left point. I was just about to leave, when I heard two familiar voices paddling out. I turned and looked saw who was paddling out. Dave and Veda Cropper. Father and daughter.

Once I saw them, I was 100% committed to capturing this session.

It was the very first time I ever shot Veda at this sacred spot. And obviously, the first time I shot them both here. This place has a special place in our hearts. I’m stoked beyond stoked, that it all came together. It's moments like this that I am so grateful that I am here to capture and document our lives.

The Father and Daughter Session.



They stopped paddling long enough for me to take a quick pic.



The very first pic I ever shot of Veda at this special place.



Veda's daddy Dave, who I have shot here since the 80's.



This was a challenging wave and drop for Veda. She was charging out there.



Dave carving back in the waning sun. It was pretty damn cool that I just so happened to be there for this oh so special surf session.



What a great night for them. Veda and Dave Cropper.

The "GIRLS ON CURLS" Derryfield Surf Project/Documentary Update.
We had our second session on Saturday May 6th, 2023. And like the one last week, the surf was pounding. I mean it was relentless. All you real surfers know how difficult it is to learn how to surf when there's actual surf. I greeted them all with "I've got good news and bad news. The good news is There's surf. The bad news is There's surf!" It's been frustrating for the girls, but they have not been close to giving up.

They are all athletes so they know what it takes to get better at something.

You have to earn it. Practice and practice. I've been giving them all short cut tips on how to stand on the board. Doing push ups at home and practice popping to your feet. And if the surf would just lighten up a little we could get so much more done.

This week should be a lot easier for them. Surfline has it being small all week.

I had Kevin "Doc" Grondin helping me out this week. Erica Nardone was on call with her daughter Sofia who had her appendix taken out last week. Ironically, Erica is scheduled to have her appendix out too. That's a first. Mother and daughter appendix removals. Sofia actually blamed Erica. Ha ha.
We wish them both a speedy recovery.

Erica did stop by to snap a few pics of the girls. Like this group pic.

Be sure to check out the gallery that I shot out in the water with them.

Photo by Erica Nardone

“SURFING HEALS ALL WOUNDS.” 

GOD SAVE THE KING! The Coronation of King Charles III



King Charles looked good in Purple. But not as good as Prince.



No not that Prince (above)...this PRINCE (below)!



God I miss PRINCE...he was so incredibly talented.



ALL HAIL THE KING and his wife Camilla. (How may of you wish Diana was still around?) And not for nothing, there should be some encouraging inspiration for being that side project girlfriend. Camilla was Chucky's lover for a few years there. And Charles what the hell is the matter with you? You cheated on Princess Di with Camilla the Gorilla? Come on man. You dumb ass. Though...



Harry and the Horse trainer. I'm not detective. But this?
CASE CLOSED. No wonder there's trouble in the castle.

The NEW HAMPSHIRE SURF DOCUMENTARY.
A documentary that has been 59 years in the making. Hear from Local Legends Surfers from all over New England talk about New Hampshire. Coming the Summer of 2023

“SURFING HEALS ALL WOUNDS.” 

Now how in the name of Royal Highnesses did this happen? How did The Sheik end up getting crowned during the Coronation? Am I the only one who missed this? Leave it to Khaliddy to find his way past all that tight security and put himself in the seat to receive the crown! There are times when I feel that the KSM is brilliant, then there are times when I feel he's a total loser. This is one of those times. Ole Khaliddy never ceases to amaze us week after week.



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 ROYAL CROWN at Home Depot this week.

GET WELL SOON Bruce Aquizap US NAVY Vietnam Vet.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY Jay Gould May 7th, 2023!
HAPPY 75th BIRTHDAY Stan Bocko May 8th, 2023!
HAPPY 33rd BIRTHDAY Leah Piersiack May 8th, 2023!
HAPPY 33rd BIRTHDAY Gabby LaBreck May 9th, 2023!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY Tony Szabo May 9th, 2023!
HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY SUNDAY MAY 14th, 2023!
TO ALL THE MOMS OUT THERE!
KEEP FIGHTING Robert Gerard! You Got This Brother!
Please keep LOCAL LEGEND Surfer Norm Murphy in your thoughts and prayers.
GET WELL SOON Sofia Nardone!

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. Surf For Fun.

Ralph

33 YEARS AGO THESE TWO SURFING MOTHER'S OF THREE WERE BORN. May 8th, 1990 for Leah and May 9th, 1990 for Gabby.
Less than 23 hours apart.
That's blowing our minds in both the Grondin household and the Fatello house. Seems like yesterday when we brought Gabby home, and I'm sure
the same is true for the Grondins. Happy Birthday Leah and Gabby!Photo Photos courtesy of the Fatellos and the Grondins
*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- MAY DAY MAY DAY SWELL May 1st, 2023.
Photos by RALPH



(Above) The waves were firing on all cylinders. Check that double barrel.
Monday May 1st, 2023. 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) This guy was driving hard across the reef and he made it.
Monday May 1st, 2023. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) This is Teddy Evans hoping like hell that he's got enough speed to make that section. Monday May 1st, 2023. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) That's Anson Rodgers picking off the first of a four wave set.
Monday May 1st, 2023. 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.

(Above) Brian Avante is always on it when there's size.
Monday May 1st, 2023. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery



(Above) The grass is always greener on the other side of the bay.
Monday May 1st, 2023. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

The SURFER'S JOURNAL is in a league all of their own.

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 a proper bottom turn by Jack Madden.
Monday May 1st, 2023. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) That's a hollow empty barrel. Monday May 1st, 2023.
Photo by RALPH *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) The other day someone asked me what "Top To Bottom" meant. This is what I was referring too. Monday May 1st, 2023. 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

(Above) This is Jesse Gould lip locked on a May Day left.
Monday May 1st, 2023. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery



(Above) That's Joel Feid laying it out on the rail during the MAY DAY Swell.
Monday May 1st, 2023. 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) This is Lars Hamilton. I saw Lars take off on a bomb earkier that morning. I so badly wish I got it on film. Monday May 1st, 2023.
Photo by RALPH *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) This is Pev and that is a big ass grown up wave.
Monday May 1st, 2023. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery



(Above) This is Ted Evans again. Monday May 1st, 2023.
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.

(Above) This is what happens on May Day Monday
May 1st, 2023. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

Today- The CUTBACK CITY Session.
Thursday May 4th, 2023. Photos by RALPH



(Above)There were so many cutback this night I wrote a song about it.
Jesse Gould. master of the cutback. Thursday May 4th, 2023.
Photo by RALPH *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery




(Above) This guy knew how to do a proper cutback..
Thursday May 4th, 2023. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) There are certain boards that work better than others when the waves are like this. Max Fatello. Thursday May 4th, 2023.
Photo by RALPH *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) Brian BMO Morse playing the cutback game.
Thursday May 4th, 2023. 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.

(Above) "We're going back to CUTBACK City. Where the waves
are perfect and the girls are pretty." Thursday May 4th, 2023.
Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

Today- The CUTBACK CITY Session Part II.
Friday May 5th, 2023. Photos by RALPH

(Above) Matt Colby was on fire all week long.
Friday May 5th, 2023. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) More cutbacks. Friday May 5th, 2023. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) Brian BMO Morse doing the hood-less cutty.
Friday May 5th, 2023. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) No session would be complete without a double bird by Tyler Moore.
Friday May 5th, 2023. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

Today- The SUNNY SATURDAY
Saturday May 6th, 2023. Photos by RALPH

(Above) Colby booting one through the uprights.
Saturday May 6th, 2023. Photo by RALPH
*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) Brendan Prindivale's jamming carve.
Saturday May 6th, 2023. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) The man himself, Kevin "Doc" Grondin getting one of the best
waves of the session. Saturday May 6th, 2023. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) Colby picked off this little inside runner that actually opened up for him. Saturday May 6th, 2023. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) This is the wave behind Colby's and Lars Hamilton got a nice
little tube out of it. Saturday May 6th, 2023. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

Today- The GIRLS ON CURLS Derryfield HS Surf Project
DAY II Saturday, May 6th, 2023. Photos by RALPH



(Above) Christine working on the basic fundamentals of riding a wave. Saturday May 6th, 2023. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) Ava grabbing a rail. Saturday May 6th, 2023. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) Alyssa getting one more wave before the tide got too high.
Saturday May 6th, 2023. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery



(Above) Elena on DAY II . Saturday May 6th, 2023. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) Day II is now in the books. Kevin and Elena leaving the beach until this coming week. Saturday May 6th, 2023. Photo by RALPH
*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) That looks like Ian Dreher inside a nice barrel.
MAY DAY May 1st, 2023. Photo by Nick Rochon
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery



(Above) This looks like Matt Colby Photo @mtnbrookemedia
*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 # 722 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 nothing on the horizon

I picked Sunday as the best of the week 5-7-23

May 7th, 2023

"Photoshopped or real?"

(ABOVE) I saw this on social media and had to share it with you guys. is it real or photoshopped? I think it's fake. It was fun trying to figure it out.
Photo courtesy of Uncle Google



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