Miracles. Do you believe in miracles? Do you believe in the power of prayer?
If you don't, you really should. Because both of these things are real. Here let me explain. You know that this past Friday was the 11th Annual HIT THE BEACH event benefiting the WOUNDED WARRIORS. You regular readers are all tuned into that. Well, there are things that I can control. I can organize the volunteers. I can get the sponsors to help out. I can get the participants to sign up and show up. But there's one thing I have no control over. The surf.

The surf reports were bleak at best all week long. It was depressing.

Especially in light of the fact that the buzz was out on the number of participants and volunteers showing up. This was looking to be our biggest event to date. And the surf was no where to be found in all the surf reports.
In fact they had it at 0-1' with clouds all day. I'm not gonna lie. I was borderline panic. The day before (Thursday August 30th, 2018) there were NO waves.
It was completely flat. maybe 3 inches at best. And it was a stifling humid heat that hung over us like a wet blanket.

I was texting my close friends and talking to my wife about it all week long. Especially the day before. When I text-ed my longest living friend Kevin and Tony and asked them what we could do to pull this off. Kevin's simple answer was "That's what prayers are for." I am not a church going Christian the way I was in the past. in fact, I rarely go to church these days. I do however read a page from the Bible every day. There are passages in the good book that help me get through my day. So it's not like I don't have a relationship with Jesus or God. I do, on my own terms. Not some rigid church schedule.

So I took Kevin's advice and put it to good use. I prayed my ass off.

Though I admit it was borderline hopeless. But I prayed. And prayed. And I believe I fell asleep praying. I woke up way too early the next morning and continued to pray. I purposely didn't look at the wave cams. I didn't want to bum myself out more than I already was. And believe me, I was bumming.
I went through my morning routine. Coffee and breakfast. Grabbed my cameras and clipboard, kissed my wife goodbye and headed down to see what would be waiting for us all.



When I pulled up to the Wall at 18th Street. I walked up to the cement wall and looked out to see...WAVES! There were waves! Not big waves mind you, but there were plenty enough to run this event. I thanked God in front of everyone and my whole mood changed. Long story short. There were waves all day. And...there was sun all day! Not a single cloud in the sky. And wait now it gets better. The water was super super warm! The warmest it's ever been.

So was this a miracle? Yes on a small scale, absolutely it was. And did the power of prayer work? Yes. Yes it did. I am witness to it all. Once again, the goodness of the day provided us all with surf and sun. And more importantly, smiles for everyone.



I mention the volunteers because they are truly the backbone of this event. I can't say enough good things about them. Put it this way, this day would NEVER happen without them. From American Legion Post 35 in Hampton to the four surf shops who offer us boards and wetsuits. To the generous donations by a select few who do not wish to be named. But they know how important their contribution is to this day.

There are a few individuals I need to name whether they like it or not. Dave Cropper from Cinnamon Rainbows is there every year. Tony Berardini is a huge help. My right hand man Kevin Grondin is manning the beach like a frantic football coach. Lenny Nichols and the ESA. The many photographers. The Legionnaires handing out hot dogs and hamburgers to the vets and their families. Joe Gangi's Fruit Cups, the Shave Ice from Sheila Nudd. And the Hampton Fire Department who hang the large Garrison flag over the wall. This year they had it at half staff in honor of John McCain. The man himself Michael Taylor who was the man who planted the seed on this day. *Although he was not here this year, his presence will always be felt on this special day.

And of course the warriors themselves. Like Ryan here who comes back every year since his first. He knows that Surfing has helped him get through the lasting affects of war. They all realize that after that first wave.



From Vietnam to the current Global War on Terrorism the vets show up and hit the water to feel the power of the ocean and feel the cleansing process take place. Oh it's real my friends. it's so very real.

My motto of "SURFING HEALS ALL WOUNDS" is truth be told.



This year we had vets from the wounded Warrior Project as well as the Manchester VA. And the New England Disabled Sports crew were there as they always are. We have opened up the day to not only the vets and their families, but to those young warriors who have suffered disabilities and are into these adaptive sports events. We welcome them all.

To see these volunteers help these wounded vets out there in the water is truly a blessing to witness. We are all blessed by the goodness that this day provides. From the warmth of the water and surf, to the true heartfelt warmth of the volunteers. We are all blessed.



There were some tender moments to be witnessed throughout the day.
I am so proud of everyone who participates in this wonderful program.



They are a proud group of veterans who come to our beach every year.

This Marine Corps vet is a Gunny in the Marines. His son Sal was a little bit apprehensive about the surf and the potential of sharks. I talked to him and pretty much assured him he would be fine. Here's a photo of me walking with his dad and extending my hand to help calm him down.



Did my calming voice work? I don't know, you tell me.



Look at that smile! Little Sal was having the time of his life. And his dad was all choked up watching this all happen. Like I said, it's a day for the ages.



And speaking of smiles and surfing. The 27th Annual SURF FAMILY ROBINSON went off on Saturday September 1st. I ran this event for 25 years
as Captain Ralph battling the Pirates. I've passed the baton to Captain Duffy.
He's doing a great job, and the magic of Surf family Robinson lives on in the hearts and minds of the local seacoast surf families.

" Surfing Heals All Wounds."

This week's ED's Corner is of Tony Berardini from the winter of 2009. I remember this day. It was just Tony and I out there sharing waves. Tony recently had hip surgery and is expected to be back in the water in a few weeks. Here's to Tony catching many more waves in the near future! 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
This Saturday I watched the Funeral of John McCain. It was an emotional and uplifting special service. This is the way I watched it. On my large screen TV. All by myself.



The pomp and circumstance was well represented from the moment the six military members carried the casket that held a true American War Hero. It was amazing to watch past presidents Barack Obama and George W. Bush along with their wives Michelle and Laura standing together in the pews.



The speakers all spoke so eloquently and praised Senator McCain for the true patriots and statesmen that he was. From his daughter Meghan to Joe Lieberman, to Henry Kissinger. But when Obama and Bush spoke it was the truest showing of respect to a man who came so close to being president. The fact that McCain asked these two men to speak at his funeral speaks volumes of the man that John McCain was.

They all spoke highly of a man who reached across the aisles to try and get things done.



When the song "Danny Boy" was sung John's widow leaned on her son's shoulder for some support. Both of McCain's sons are in the military. Jack is in the NAVY and Jimmy is in the ARMY. I met Jimmy at Pease Airport when he first came back from Iraq. he was a Marine GRUNT on the front lines while his father was the GOP nominee for president of the United States.

I remember saying to Jimmy "Your dad could end up being the president. What the hell are you doing being a Marine Grunt in IRAQ?" He just laughed. I just shook my head.



Watching a military funeral is something to see. Lord knows I've seen my share. It never ceases to amaze me witnessing the perfection and respect of the 5 branches as they go through their intense drills.

I can't help myself here. So I apologize to the few 45 supporters who read this Blog. But you have to admit, snubbing the man who said those terrible things about McCain was a good last shot at the man who will never see and receive the respect that McCain got at this beautiful service.



This made me laugh. And it should bring a smile to your face. They both hated each other, but suffice it to say, McCain got the last jab in.

Rest In Peace sir, you've served our country well.

*Click on the photo above to see a larger version

(Above) There was Ryan standing in his familiar stance. August 31st, 2018.
Photo by Martha Lardent *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery



(Above) Kody Grondin providing a stable ride for one of the young kids.
Friday August 31st, 2018. Photo by Martha Lardent
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery



(Above) That smile was very popular between the vets and the families.
Friday August 31st, 2018. Photo by Martha Lardent
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery




(Above) Gunny Rick was taking some serious chances with his dismounts.
Friday August 31st, 2018. Photo by Martha Lardent
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) The women vets were as aggressive as their male comrades.
Friday August 31st, 2018. Photo by Martha Lardent
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) My man Jerry. Still has the look of a young Army Grunt.
Friday August 31st, 2018. Photo by Brian Nevins
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery


Today- HIT THE BEACH XI August 31st, 2018.
Photos by John Adams



(Above) This is me giving my "Shark speech." Friday August 31st, 2018.
Photo by John Adams *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery




(Above) The fact that the HFD comes down every year to hang this massive flag over the wall speaks volumes of this community. Nobody asked them to do it, they just showed up one year and have come back every year since.
Friday August 31st, 2018. Photo by John Adams
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery





(Above) Another stoked veteran. Friday August 31st, 2018.
Photo by John Adams *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery




(Above) This wounded warrior woman was a nurse in Vietnam.
Friday August 31st, 2018. Photo by John Adams
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) The pictures all tell a story within a story. Friday August 31st, 2018. Photo by John Adams *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

Today- HIT THE BEACH XI August 31st, 2018.
Photos by RALPH



(Above) The two banners. Friday August 31st, 2018.
Photo by RALPH *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery