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

HURRICANE FRANKLIN!
AND THE 31st SURF FAMILY ROBINSON!

And just like that, there were two significant storms down south that were going to produce something to ride with potential size, and duration. ‘Tis the season for most East Coasters, as we all live for Tropical Storms and Hurricanes. Especially this summer. These two named storms FRANKLIN and IDALIA were a welcomed relief from the summer doldrums. And this summer has been more like a monsoon season. I mean seriously, I don’t ever recall a summer quite like this. It just rained and never seemed to stop. It did remind me of the monsoons in Nam where it rained one day and didn’t stop for months. But alas...FRANKLIN had potential but he dropped the ball on size and conditions. This pic above is from DAY 1. There was nothing to write home about.




This pic was from DAY I. This was the coveted BLUE MOON. The streets were literally lined with onlookers with cameras. It was insane. I stopped by Ole Bass Beach and shot some of the BLUE MOON rising with my cellphone. I paid dearly for this pic. The damn mosquitoes found out I was there and they attacked with overwhelming forces. They must have heard that I was there. And they had to have known, that I also hired DRAGON MOSQUITO control at the house. Because they sought revenge and extracted a serious toll on my poor legs and exposed arms.

This is from DAY II August 31st, 2023. And of the three days of FRANKLIN, this was the best day. That's Matt Colby ripping the lid off this inside right.



But then it dropped again, but apparently the crowds did not get that memo. This was the wall later that day. She was a tad congested.

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 3rd, 2023



This pic is from TS HANNA in 2008. That's Dan Leahy. This pic ended up on the back cover of one of my Surf Movies. I forget which one. Regardless, it's a great Ed shot and that's why it's here. 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, 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.





Thank you HAMPTON UNION for running this front page story on HIT THE BEACH on August 25th, 2023. That was one for the ages. The video of HIT THE BEACH 2023 is at the top of this page is and it's worth watching.

This past Saturday was the 31st ANNIVERSARY of SURF FAMILY ROBINSON. For those of you who are old enough to remember, I started this Labor Day Weekend event 31 years ago. I did it for 25 years and then my kids got too old. Enter one Duffy McCarthy to take the reins for the last 5 years. Now his kids have gotten too old and he's looking to step down. ENTER ONCE AGAIN Captain RALPH. Starting NEXT year I will once again run the day's events at our annual SURF FAMILY ROBINSON beach party. I have 4 grandchildren who are of the perfect age. And it would be fun to share the magic that I started 31 years ago.



These two kids are now in the their late 20's and one is married with a child. They are both wearing the shirts that I made up for the 10th Anniversary. Maybe I'll make shirts next year for the all the new kids.



Like anything else in life things only get done by a small group of volunteers. I'm hoping these guys show up next year when I come back.



The magic of SFR started back in 1992. .

These are my girls. There's three generations of SFR right here.



Every year we take a group photo. To think the first year there was only a dozen of us. I'm thinking I invite the SFR Alumni next year. That would be so cool to see all the old faces.



The Pirate who's name is PIRATE JONAS, will be back next year. ARRGH!

“SURF FAMILY ROBINSON HEALS ALL WOUNDS.” 

REST IN PEACE Jimmy Buffett. While I was not a true fan, I certainly did appreciate what he did do for his loyal fans, and I was genuinely surprised by how many people he touched with his music. I knew that he was a surfer (for real). I now know two friends who actually surfed with him. Jay Gould and Jimmy Dunn. I knew about Jay and Jimmy Buffett, but I did not know about Jimmy Dunn and Jimmy Buffett. Like I said, he was the REAL DEAL surfer.

Hell, Kelly Slater was good friends with him. And, I just read last night, that Paul McCartney thought the world of him and his songs. Those two ICONS alone have made me re-think his music. McCartney raved about the song "BUBBLES." I plan on giving some of his music a serious listen.

What I did know, and certainly know even more today, is Jimmy Buffett was loved by thousands, perhaps millions. I'm truly sorry to hear about his passing for all you fans.




"AIN'T TO PROUD TO BEG"
Is basically what these PROUD BOYS were singing last week when they were sentenced to prison. And boy did they beg. They're all singing a different tune today as a couple of them were handed down some stiff sentences. 18 years for one Proud Boy, and 17 years for another. But our boy Khaliddy has the LONGEST Sentence of them all. Life plus forever. So you guys are in good company. It's funny one of them Proud boys claimed they were not terrorists. Yeah, but you attacked the Capital, and people died. You all got what you deserved. Just like The Sheik. January 6th. Was one of the darkest days in America, much like September 11th. So I disagree. You are terrorists. Domestic terrorists. Ye Reap What Ye Sow. "AIN'T TO PROUD TO BEG..."




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 used TEMPTATIONS Records at Home Depot this week.

This Thursday September 7th, 2023 JOSH DAY at the WORD BARN at 66 Newfields Rd in Exeter, NH Doors open at 7PM show starts at 8:00PM. Click on the ad above to purchase tickets.


CONGRATS to James and Bella on the Birth of their daughter Carmen both on Jame's Birthday Thursday August 24th, 2023!
REST IN PEACE Michele Haber August 15th, 2023.
REST IN PEACE LENNY DUNN 66, on August 7th, 2023.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY Pete Rizzo August 21st, 2023!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY Molly Rowlee August 22nd, 2023!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY Veda Day Cropper August 23rd, 2023!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY Terence Kirby August 23rd, 2023!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY James Morse August 24th, 2023!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY Larry Giles August 24th, 2023!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY Hannah Vokey August 24th, 2023!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY Kainalu Nichols August 24th, 2023!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY Duke Kahanamoku August 24th, 2023!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY Johnny Fatello August 25th, 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 recovers 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

THE SECOND SURF FAMILY ROBINSON BEACH PARTY.
Labor Day Saturday 1993.
For those of you who remember. This was 30 years ago. The original families that started this are pictured here. That small boy that Cory is holding is the current Pirate Jonas. And looking at Gabby in front of me, she now has three kids of her own and they were all there this year. And Kim who's holding Leah who also has three kids of her own. Karen who is holding Meighan has a child of her own too. We truly have gone full circle.
Photo 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 FRANKLIN DAY I. August 30th, 2023.
Photos by RALPH



(Above) This was the best wave I saw on DAY I of HURRICANE FRANKLIN
Wednesday August 30th, 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) The waves came up late in the day, but never really got big. Unknown Goofy Foot on DAY I of HURRICANE FRANKLIN Wednesday August 30th, 2023. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) Richie was out riding Preston's Purple Evans.
DAY I HURRICANE FRANKLIN Wednesday August 30th, 2023.
Photo by RALPH *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) They started to show up, but the sun was going down.
DAY I HURRICANE FRANKLIN Wednesday August 30th, 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) I did manage to snap a pic of the BLUE MOON with my iPhone.
DAY I HURRICANE FRANKLIN Wednesday August 30th, 2023.
Photo by RALPH *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

Today- HURRICANE FRANKLIN DAY II. August 31st, 2023.
Photos by RALPH



(Above) The waves were slightly bigger and cleaner on Day II.
Hurricane FRANKLIN DAY II Thursday August 31st, 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.
READ the Great piece on local photographer Brian Nevins

DIPG THE CURE STARTS NOW
To learn more about Evan and his journey click here  https://thecurestartsnow.org/sup.../view-heroes/evan-austin/

(Above) Unknown regular foot gets a clean looking right.
Hurricane FRANKLIN DAY II Thursday August 31st, 2023.
Photo by RALPH *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) The sets were getting bigger with each passing hour. Unknown.
Hurricane FRANKLIN DAY II Thursday August 31st, 2023.
Photo by RALPH *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) Matt Colby at the Hill. Hurricane FRANKLIN DAY II
Thursday August 31st, 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) Matt Colby punting one over the crossbars at the Hill.
Hurricane FRANKLIN DAY II
Thursday August 31st, 2023. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) 13yr old Roger Fort told me this was his first day ever at the Hill.
And he gets on the BLOG? Talk about luck. Hurricane FRANKLIN DAY II
Thursday August 31st, 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) Carter Walsh on one of the better waves of the day.
Hurricane FRANKLIN DAY II Thursday August 31st, 2023.
Photo by RALPH *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) This might be Lars Hamilton. Whoever it is, that's a nice looking wave. Hurricane FRANKLIN DAY II Thursday August 31st, 2023.
Photo by RALPH *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery



(Above) This guy was catching everything in sight. Brian Avantes.
Hurricane FRANKLIN DAY II Thursday August 31st, 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) A nicely lined up peak during Hurricane FRANKLIN DAY II
Thursday August 31st, 2023. Photo by RALPH *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

Today- HURRICANE FRANKLIN DAY III. September 1st, 2023.
Photos by RALPH



(Above) A super low tide on Day III provided some fun sized waves for MVF.
Hurricane FRANKLIN DAY III Friday September 1st, 2023.
Photo by RALPH *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) Mackey V slamming on the brakes on Day III.
Hurricane FRANKLIN DAY III Friday September 1st, 2023.
Photo by RALPH *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) Kody Grondin fresh back from RI snaps a fresh cutback.
Hurricane FRANKLIN DAY III Friday September 1st, 2023.
Photo by RALPH *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) 12 yr old Ciro Donatelli slipping into a nicely tapered left.
Hurricane FRANKLIN DAY III Friday September 1st, 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) 74 yr old Peter Stokes cruising on a fun looking right. We never got the size that Jersey and RI got. But beggars can't be choosers. We will take whatever we get. Hurricane FRANKLIN DAY III Friday September 1st, 2023.
Photo by RALPH *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

Today- The Pre-Franklin Swell. Monday August 28th, 2023 Photos by RALPH



(Above) This was all about my nephew (Jesse) and I sharing a few waves.
Monday August 28th, 2023. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) Jesse was riding my new Harbour Rapier and I was riding my Mikel Evans Birthday Board. This is Jesse on a smooth left hander.
Monday August 28th, 2023. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) This would have been a decent photo if i didn't crop Jesse's head out of the frame. Monday August 28th, 2023. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) This is the very first photo of me riding my new board that I first rode on June 6th. Monday August 28th, 2023. Photo by Jesse
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

Today- More FRANKLIN DAY III. September 1st, 2023.
Photos by Tony Berardini



(Above) Matt Colby Hurricane Franklin Friday September 1st, 2023.
Photo by Tony Berardini
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) Unknown Goofy foot Hurricane Franklin
Friday September 1st, 2023. Photo by Tony Berardini
*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) Toby Parke still has that trademark cutback of his.
Hurricane Franklin Friday September 1st, 2023.
Photo by Tony Berardini
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery




(Above) Toby Parke Hurricane Franklin Friday September 1st, 2023.
Photo by Tony Berardini
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery



(Above) Kevin Grondin not acting his age.
Hurricane Franklin Friday September 1st, 2023.
Photo by Tony Berardini
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery



Today- The 31st, SURF FAMILY ROBINSON Beach Day Saturday September 2nd, 2023. Photos by RALPH



(Above) The Human Crab race. SFR Saturday September 2nd, 2023.
Photo by RALPH *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery




(Above) This day is for both the kids and the adult kids.
Jon Gozzo and Buck Rowlee. SFR Saturday September 2nd, 2023.
Photo by RALPH *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) And the NEW kids. The Nevins clan at the 31st SFR.
Saturday September 2nd, 2023. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) If you surf and you have kids you need to come to this party next year. Labor Day weekend. SFR Saturday September 2nd, 2023.
Photo by RALPH *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) The 31st SFR Saturday September 2nd, 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) He loves taking pics of these glorious sunrises.
Saturday August 26th, 2023. Photo by Stephen Avola
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery



(Above) Here's yours truly goofing around on Friday September 1st, 2023.
Photo Max Fatello
*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 # 739 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 fun waves on Tuesday and Wednesday

I'm picking Tuesday September 5th, 2023 as the best of the week!

September 3rd, 2023

I know I'm not alone when I say, we kind of got short changed on the waves from FRANKLIN. Franklin was like this guy. He bugged out of town before we could get anything worthwhile.

(ABOVE) We have all been here before. .
Photo RALPH



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