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

HURRICANE NIGEL ADDS TO THE KILLER SEPTEMBER SWELLS. GEEZERS WHO STILL SURF. BMO and EMMA GET MARRIED. PATCH TURNS 13. AVERY TURNS 10.
AND THE PATRIOTS FINALLY WIN.



I shot this pic of Brian BMO Morse on this glassy gem late Friday September 22nd, 2023 as the peak of HURRICANE NIGEL Pulsed and flexed his muscles. A mere three hours prior to this photo being taken, it was once again looking like NIGEL (like LEE) was not gonna hit like they were saying. In fact, many of the locals thought it had missed us completely. Just like they thought LEE did. But like LEE they were all wrong about NIGEL. Though it was not nearly the size and the duration of LEE we all still got the best of NIGEL. Nobody I know is complaining. NIGEL was a lot of fun. I know this personally because I surfed it. Granted it wasn't during the peak of the swell, but I did get a taste of it.

Some of you might be aware of the post I did on Facebook this past week.

I called it a salute to the SENIOR SURFERS OF THE NH SURF SCENE.
The criteria had to be 65 plus. And I only had photos of a handful of us. But there are more for sure. Rick Evans, Mike Keefe, Stan Bocko, Bob McNeil, Steve Clark, Surfer Crow, Johnny Magro, and a bunch of others just to name a few. Tony Berardini is the oldest of the crew at 76 but recently had ankle surgery, If anyone has any photos of these guys surfing these past summer Hurricanes please send them off to me.

But in case you missed that post here it is.



Peter Stokes age 74 surfing HURRICANE LEE September 14th, 2023.



Mike Rosa age 72 surfing HURRICANE LEE September 14th, 2023.

Kenny Linseman age 65, surfing HURRICANE LEE September 16th, 2023.



Lenny Nichols age 67 surfing HURRICANE LEE September 16th, 2023.



Kevin Grondin age 67 surfing HURRICANE LEE September 16th, 2023.



Ralph Fatello age 72, surfing HURRICANE NIGEL September 21st, 2023.
Photo by Tony Berardini



Speaking of Tony, here he is surfing FRANKLIN before his Ankle surgery.
Photo by Shelly Berardini

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 September 24th, 2023



This pic reminds me of the pics I shot last week. Only Ed' is from September 11th, 2012. Not exactly a great day to remember. But we always do, and always will. Photo by Ed O'Connell
*Click the photo above to see a larger version of Ed's Pic.

COMING THIS FALL. The long awaited book that I have been writing the last 10 years or so. Yes, there will be a book signing. And I will let you all know in advance, where and when. Meanwhile Click on the image below to see a larger version. The book will be available in both hard cover and soft cover on AMAZON, BARNES & NOBLE, INGRAM, GOOGLE BOOKS, and KOBO PUBLISHING.

It's been a long time coming. I'm pretty stoked about this project.
72 years in the making. Stay tuned.



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 the fall of 2023. Just in time for the holidays.

MY DOG PATCH TURNED 10 ON THE AUTUMN EQUINOX.



He looks pretty damn good for 13. His uncanny posture and his immense drive and passion for being in the uplands has never waned over the years. I took him to one of his favorite coverts.
Just he and I. It was a nice cool walk in the woods on the first day of Fall. I so badly wanted him to get a good snout full of Woodcock scent on his birthday.

On the way back to the vehicle I heard his beeper going off. I hurried up the trail and this is what I saw.



There he was stopped on the side of the trail. He was pointing a Woodcock in the exact spot he pointed his first ever bird in 2011.
I mean, it was in the same spot. He held this point forever. I walked up to him and flushed the bird. He broke his point and went after the bird on the flush. And he couldn't be happier. I lost my last two short hairs Gunny and Scout at 13 each. I think Patch is going to live well into his 15th year. Happy Birthday Patchy. I LOVE you buddy.



We both look a little grizzled and worn, but there's no stopping us just yet. Our season starts on October 1st, 2023.

HERE'S A FEW MORE FROM HURRICANE NIGEL 9-21-23



Later the afternoon on Friday 9-22-23 the conditions glassed off as the wind died and the waves were these glassy 5-6' humps. So pretty and so much fun.



This is young Michael Lynch fresh back from the ESA EASTERNS. I remember when our son Max used to compete in the ESA. Those were some fond memories. We loved traveling up and down the East Coast competing with other surfers. It was both a learning and a humbling experience. I mean surfing against some of the ESA competitors who are now today's Pros. Surfers like Rob Kelly and Balaram Stack.

Max had to compete against those kids. And as a father I had to tell him not to sweat it, even though I could tell those kids could really surf. That's the advantage of living in a place that had heavy waves and consistent surf. Granted, we get surf up here, but our conditions our far more severe than those kids had down south. Our kids were always at a disadvantage. But they always had fun.

And speaking of kids. Our oldest granddaughter turned 10 this weekend.

Avery started surfing two years ago. Up until that point, she had just been Boogie boarding and having fun with her sisters. But this summer she turned a corner. I made a mental note of her progress and knew her 10th birthday was coming up. I talked with Dave Cropper at CINNAMON RAINBOWS and he set us up with a great wetsuit and this cool 7' Soft Top.



Avery was pretty damn stoked as these photos will testify.



Then she got pretty emotional and hugged me with tears in her eyes. She is such a sweet little girl. She is so smart and creative. She's really quite the artist. And I have been teaching her and her sisters how to draw. But whenever I saw her surfing this summer I knew she would be ready. So she now owns her first board and full wetsuit.

We will keep it here at Gramps and Mimi's house and we can't wait to try them both out. I told her the beauty of having a wetsuit is, she can go in the water in September and most of October. These modern day wetsuits will extend your surf season. She just shook her head and smiled.
She really loves the ocean. Just like her mother did.

“SURFING HEALS ALL WOUNDS.” 

PATRIOTS FINALLY WIN ONE



Thanks to our defense which forced a sack in the JETS end zone which resulted in a safety. They won 15-10. It was not very pretty, but like I wrote of Facebook, WINNING UGLY IS STILL WINNING.



Watching these two QB's was not like watching Brady and Manning. It was at times painful. But I am a true blue fan. I'll watch this team until my dying days. And I'll enjoy myself because that what true fans do. You cheer on your team and hope for the best.




THE DAY KSM HIT THE EJECT BUTTON
I wonder how many of you KSM fans were aware of the test piloting the Sheik did for the US Military while stationed (I'm sorry detained at GITMO)? You heard about the jet pilot who recently ejected from a F35 fighter jet and they lost the aircraft in North Carolina. Apparently, Khaliddy worked out some deals with the brass at GITMO, where if he would volunteer to test pilot the ejection seats, in the modern fighter jets, they would give him some extra free time where he could brush up on the Koran and other stuff. He did fine at first, until he lost a couple of Jets, and when he ejected, he landed in the everglades and was nearly eaten by alligators. Suffice it to say the Sheik wanted out of that program ASAP. No more test piloting for this bad boy. He's had it with those ejection seats.



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 air sickness bags at Home Depot this week.

CONGRATS TO BRIAN "BMO" MORSE AND EMMA On their Marriage on Friday September 22nd, 2023!
HEAL QUICKLY Tony Berardini from ankle surgery.
HAPPY 13th BIRTHDAY PATCH SEPTEMBER 23rd, 2023!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY AVERY WELCH SEPTEMBER 25th, 2023!
HAPPY BIRTHDAYJACKO KEEFE September 21st 2023!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY Victor Capozzi September 22nd, 2023!
KEEP FIGHTING Robert Gerard! You Got This Brother!
Please keep LOCAL LEGEND Surfer Norm Murphy in your thoughts and prayers.

Please keep Victor Capozzi in your prayers as he continues to recover from heart surgery he had on July 7th, 2023 at Beth Israel.

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. Surfing Is Supposed to be Fun.

Ralph

40 YEARS AGO. SEPTEMBER 1983. OLAS DE SEXO WAS RELEASED
We had a record release party at The PARADISE in Boston where we headlined the night with label mates RUBBER RODEO and THE TWEEDS. Don Rose was president of the label and he still is a very dear friend of mine. Our LP got some great reviews across the country and around the globe. We even got picked up by a record company in Holland. David Robinson of The CARS produced the album and he played on several tracks. I had most of my friends sing and play on this record. Rich Bartlett, Elliott Easton, both guest guitarists, back up singers Beth Harrington and Anne Marie Foley. And a number of others who played on the record. Still it was me and my brother Johnny on guitars and vocals along with Javier Pico on keyboards and Peter Goutzos on the drums. Photos and collage c/o 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- HURRICANE NIGEL Thursday September 21st, 2023.
Photos by RALPH



(Above) This guy had no wetsuit . I had to take his photo.
HURRICANE NIGEL. Thursday September 21st, 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 is Michael Rosa. I had surfed with Mike the day before.
He gave me some great Yoga tips that I think are going to help me.
HURRICANE NIGEL. Thursday September 21st, 2023.
Photo by RALPH *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) This is Sky Rosa meeting "Piper" . Mike Lynch was kind enough to bring her over for Sky to pet. Just another day at the beach for us locals.
HURRICANE NIGEL. Thursday September 21st, 2023.
Photo by RALPH *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery



(Above) Matt Colby wearing his new reversible hat as he flies through an inside section. HURRICANE NIGEL. Thursday September 21st, 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) This is Colby again only on a set wave.
HURRICANE NIGEL. Thursday September 21st, 2023.
Photo by RALPH *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery



(Above) Lars Hamilton wearing the same kind of hat that Colby is wearing.
HURRICANE NIGEL. Thursday September 21st, 2023.
Photo by RALPH *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

The NEW 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) This is Ryan Reed doing a little AIR flip while wearing a hat. I'm not sure what's going on with all these hats, but, the boys are wearing them.
HURRICANE NIGEL. Thursday September 21st, 2023.
Photo by RALPH *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) Michael Lynch Jr dressed like it's warm. That's because it was.
HURRICANE NIGEL. Thursday September 21st, 2023.
Photo by RALPH *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery



(Above) This is Michael Lynch again, taking a little slice off the top of this NIGEL wave. HURRICANE NIGEL. Thursday September 21st, 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) Local Legend Kevin "DOC" Grondin carving back into the juice.
HURRICANE NIGEL. Thursday September 21st, 2023.
Photo by RALPH *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) Father and son. Michael and Sky have such a close bond and a mutual love for the ocean and the surf. We should all have such a closeness with someone as they do about Mother Ocean. HURRICANE NIGEL.
Thursday September 21st, 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) Speaking of fathers and sons. Mike Lynch Sr takes a photo of Mike Lynch Jr. during HURRICANE NIGEL. Thursday September 21st, 2023.
Photo by RALPH *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) Brian BMO Morse on one of his last waves as a single surfer.
HURRICANE NIGEL. Thursday September 21st, 2023.
Photo by RALPH *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery




(Above) BMO carves his and Emma's initials into this wave face.
HURRICANE NIGEL. Thursday September 21st, 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) I'm embarrassed to say, that I forgot her name. But I will say that I was really impressed with her surfing. She was a powerful ripper out out there. What's her name please? HURRICANE NIGEL.
Thursday September 21st, 2023. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

Today- HURRICANE NIGEL Thursday September 21st, 2023.
Photos by Ed Moran



(Above) Colby throwing the big ass rooster tail. HURRICANE NIGEL. Thursday September 21st, 2023. Photo by Ed Moran
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) Another Colby shot. Ed was tight with his 600mm.
HURRICANE NIGEL. Thursday September 21st, 2023.
Photo by Ed Moran *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) Michael Lynch Jr throwing his board up into the snow bank. HURRICANE NIGEL. Thursday September 21st, 2023.
Photo by Ed Moran *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) Toby huffing and puffing his way through a series of cutbacks. HURRICANE NIGEL. Thursday September 21st, 2023.
Photo by Ed Moran *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) Kody Grondin carving his way in to Hurricane Number 3. HURRICANE NIGEL. Thursday September 21st, 2023.
Photo Ed Moran *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery



(Above) Ye Old Mutton Chops standing tall in the glassy waves of HURRICANE NIGEL. Thursday September 21st, 2023.
Photo Ed Moran *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) OK this looks hilarious. He's obviously looking at someone or something that should not be where it is. HURRICANE NIGEL.
Thursday September 21st, 2023. Photo by Ed Moran
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) Ryan Leibundgut backing into a NIGEL left.
Thursday September 21st, 2023. Photo by Ed Moran
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) The waves never got as big as LEE but they were plenty fun enough. HURRICANE NIGEL. Thursday September 21st, 2023. Photo by Ed Moran
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

Today- NIGEL IN DINALAND Thursday September 21st, 2023.
Photos by DINA CRAWFORD



(Above) The waves and skies always seem brighter down there.
NIGEL. Thursday September 21st, 2023. Photo by Dina Crawford
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) This looks like a fun little runner. HURRICANE NIGEL.
Thursday September 21st, 2023. 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) I do know that it was warm down there. Hurricane NIGEL.
Thursday September 21st, 2023. Photo by Dina Crawford
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery



(Above) I also know that in a few months we will all be in full rubber.
Hurricane NIGEL. Thursday September 21st, 2023.
Photo by Dina Crawford
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery




(Above) Hurricane NIGEL in DINALAND.
Thursday September 21st, 2023. Photo by Dina Crawford
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery




(Above) It never got big anywhere, but it did get glassy and it was fun So.
Thursday September 21st, 2023. Photo by Dina Crawford
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery




(Above) I like this guys funky hand jive thing he's got going on.
Hurricane NIGEL. Thursday September 21st, 2023.
Photo by Dina Crawford
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

Today- MORE PICS FROM HURRICANE LEE DAY III
Saturday September 16th, 2023. Photos by Bob Costanzo



(Above) Cool deep carving cutback.
HURRICANE LEE Saturday September 16th, 2023.
Photo by Bob Costanzo
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery




(Above) It was well overhead by late morning.
HURRICANE LEE Saturday September 16th, 2023.
Photo by Bob Costanzo
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery



(Above) This? Yeah this is not gonna end well.
HURRICANE LEE Saturday September 16th, 2023.
Photo by Bob Costanzo
*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) Tyler Moore driving south on a HURRICANE LEE Freight Train.
September 16th, 2023. Photo by Martha Lardent
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery



(Above) The warmer climes of the southern East Coast
during Hurricane Lee. Photo by MEZ
*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 # 742 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 some more fun waves on Thursday

I'm picking Friday September 29th, 2023 as the best of the week!

September 24th, 2023

"LOOK IS THAT TIMMY?"

(ABOVE) These two look like they know how to handle bigger waves.
People do die at the beaches Because people panic,. When people panic-it's not good. Photo RALPH



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