April 11th, 2010
The Surf Count of Waist High or Better is 57 out of 60 weeks, or 7 for 8... *See
Waist High Or Below for controversial Photo...because if you agree with this photo proof...then we must change it to 58 out of 60 or 8 for 8...

* This is the ONLY photo I shot on Friday (4/9/10). It was pouring rain. I stood at 8th street and took one shot. I waited for the best looking wave and pulled the trigger. As you can see, it was kind of a cluster cluck out there. At the time, I thought the surf was under waist high. But when I got back to my studio and looked at the pics...I was surprised.

And you can see it to. All you have to do is look at both photos and you will see what I mean. What I did was, I took the guy who's standing straight up and cut and pasted him at the bottom
of the wave. I added some wave color to make it look real. But I did NOT change the wave size or the size of the surfer. If you don't think this is waist high...well the count stands as is...but if you think that "HELL Yea it's at LEAST waist high!" then we must move forward with the new count. Please weigh in my friends.

Because if in fact, you all think this is NOT waist high...the RUN is truly over.
But if you think it is Waist High, well...the dam RUN continues. YOU MAKE THE CALL.

Photo 1. This is the original shot. (Above) YOU MAKE THE CALL. Waist high or not?

Photo 2. This is the Photoshopped version. (Above) Same guy. Same exact size just at the
bottom of the wave. MAKE THE CALL. Waist high or not?


April 11th, 2010
I am going to go out on a limb here my friends. And, it's not the first time that's for sure. But I was thinking about this last winter, and kept forgetting about it. I'm always thinking of things to write about as I'm driving my car, or just going about my daily rituals. Last winter, while I was driving by a local Golf course, I noticed a bunch of Golfers out on the course playing golf. It was not that unusual except, there was snow everywhere. That's when it hit me. What's that you ask? Well, I think that New Englander Surfers have more in common with New Englander Golfers than any other sport.

Now I'm fully aware that snowboarding and skateboarding, are similar in the actual actions and mechanics of each sport. It's pretty damn obvious. Or at least it should be.

Surfing, skateboarding, and snowboarding are all cut from the same cloth.

But as far as main stream sports on the regional level? It's Golf. Or more importantly, the hardcore New England Golfer. Why is that? Simple. Those guys are are hardcore like us. Think about it. They look for any excuse to get out there and play a few rounds. Even with snow on the ground. Rain, sleet, snow and ice. I've seen guys out there. They lie and skirt responsibilities, just like surfers. And I say this, knowing damn well that most of you know that I am not a Golfer. And until recently, I have never even considered playing golf.

I did have a change of heart when my late father-in-law's clubs ended up with me. I may try it this summer, just to see if there's anything fun in it for me. I don't think I'll get into it. But, I'll give it a shot. Or is it a "putt?" And please guys, don't invite me to play a few holes with you just yet. I'm not ready for that scene. I'd have to buy some offensive gaudy"Golf" clothing...and...But listen, I'm getting off track here (again). I want to get back to the parallels of NE Surfers and NE Golfers. Both are fanatics. Both are dedicated. Both are hardcore. Both can be jerks.

And I believe we have much in common.

I am not saying the Golfing is as hard as surfing. Hardly. I'm just saying that the Golfers who live around here, are pretty damn core about their lifestyle. In other words, they are as addicted to Golf as we are to Surfing. And speaking of which. There's an article in the New SURFER, that refers to Surfing being addiction. For those of you, who actually retain some of what I write, in my weekly ramblings, you will remember, that about a month ago, I made the comment that "I was a surf addict." In fact, I had someone (Greg) from Florida use the 12 step line that I used in one of my columns..."My name is Ralph and I'm a surf addict."

My point is...NE Golfers are addicts too.

They are as core as we are (sort of). I see 'em out there. In patches of brown grass, hitting the white ball around, with snow banks on either side of them. I've even heard, that they use orange balls to not lose them in the snow. That's core. It's silly...but there can be no denying that, it is core. Hard core. I smiled as I drove by them. I mean, can you imagine only being able to surf, when it's sunny and warm? Good Lord, we'd hardly ever surf. The local golfers have given their sport some legs, by getting out there in the colder months. I think it's cool

If you think about it, that's what we did.

Surfing is not that old, where we can't recall that there was a time, when we only surfed in the warmer weather and water temps. There were no winter suits until the 60's-70's. We had winter suits designed for us. And we made our way, into the frigid cold waters of the North Atlantic. We did it for two reasons. The surf was bigger and better, and the crowds were less. The local Golfers do the same thing. Except, they do it for the latter of the two reasons. And maybe they like the challenge of Winter Golfing. I mean why wouldn't they? You have to admit, Winter Surfing is far more of a challenge than any other time of the year. But Golfing in the winter? That's cool and...

...It is less crowded.

I feel like I should warn them though. You know, once the general Golf community catches wind of their new found, off season fun, it will undoubtedly (like winter surfing), get crowded. They will have to deal with winter Golfing crowds, like we do in the water. And like us, they will bitch and moan about the fact, that winter Golfing used to be special. Now everyone is doing it. Like I said, Winter Surfing and Winter Golfing, we are like two peas in a pod. Two miserable peas in a pod.

And speaking of miserable. Last week's BDI caused mostly amusing comments, but one guy who claims to be a "Local" Yakker/Surfer (he must be an Algonquin Native American) got all wigged out at my obvious tongue and cheek Blatant Drop In Of The Week. Check it out in the Dropping In On Ralph section. Apparently, this guy must think I'm actually a Judge, who wears a black robe and can actually sentence people who commit these weekly BDI's, to some kind of punishment.

Is there anyone else out there, who does not know that I am NOT a judge? Or that the weekly BDI is entertainment? I mean hello? My own son Max was a BDI one week. I nailed him good. No one is immune to this. Not even me. I've had several close friends, be both the Plaintiff, and the Defendant.

It's a freaking joke. It's supposed to be funny (and informative) and maybe a tad mean spirited.

However, I must point out...that the YAKKER from last week's BDI, was actually wearing EARPHONES while he was out YAKKING in those crowded conditions. That is dangerous. He had earphones blasting Kenny G into his head, and had a hood on over his earphones. That's not only dangerous...it's stupid. Plus, he ran two people over that I witnessed first hand. But this "Local" Yakker (who I've never met) is trying to claim, that I hate all YAKKERS and I am trying to start some kind of Water Craft War...that is not the case. In fact, it's ridiculous. I don't hate Kayakkers.
I hate Terrorists. But not Yakkers. *This guy called me a terrorist...can you imagine? That hurt. ( *Scroll down on the DROPPING IN ON RALPH Page and read it for yourselves. Be sure and read my reply.)
I have friends who are "Real" Yakkers, who understand the concept of surf Yakking.

Case in point. Jimmy Dunn. He get's it. His brother Brock is another. He get's it.

Mostly due in part, because they Yak where there are NO Surfers, and No other Yakkers, or SUPS, or anyone else for that matter. Why? Because they are out in the middle of ocean, surfing giant surf by themselves. And honestly? They've been doing it a long time. Next time the surf is big, look out about a half mile or so, and you might see them bobbing in and out of those big open ocean swells. But then again, you might not. They don't want to be seen.

Real Yakkers don't wear earphones. And they DON'T drop in on people, or run them over. Case closed.

Now for some of my weekly Global observances:
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family and friends of the 29 miners who died in last week's mine explosion. Like a lot of you, I never really paid much attention to mining disasters when I was younger. I mean I acknowledge it, and feel bad, but I have no real connection to the mining community. But within the last 10 years or so, my wife has informed me that her great great grandfather Strum was a miner and died in a mining accident in Ilinois. I mean, it does not take a math wizard to figure out, that if he had died in that mining disaster before he had kids, my wife would not be here. And if she was not here, I might not be here doing this column each week. I know the Yakkers who hate me might be cursing that "If only...". But you guys get the point.

In any case, please say a prayer for those families.

The plane crash yesterday in Russia wiped out a large portion of Poland's leaders both political and Military. Talk about nightmares. The President Lech Kaczynksi and his wife Maria along with 95 others perished in a horrible plane crash as they were attempting to land at the site of where the Russians had executed 20,000 Polish Officers in WWII. They were commemorating the WWII war crime. This may put a strain on Russian and Poland ties as they were just coming to grips over this WWII crime that happened over 70 years ago. Rest in Peace to the 97 souls.

We lost another ICON this week. Meinhardt Raabe passed away at the age of 94. Meinhardt was famous for uttering this famous line..."As coroner I must aver, I thoroughly examined her, and she's not only merely dead, she's really most sincerely dead!" That's right, Meinhardt was a Munchkin in the Wizard of OZ. He played the part of the Coroner, and officially declared the Wicked Witch of The East dead. RIP Meinhardt...say hi to Dorothy and Toto for me.

This just in...the Celebrity world has run amuck in decadence this past year. The latest is Bruce Springsteen and his affair with housewife Ann Kelly. The Boss hit her up at a local Gym. This married housewife with 2 kids, and a sick husband, fell under Bruce's spell. And the killer? She looks like Bruce's current wife Patti Scalfi. So let me get this straight. The Boss is gonna cheat on his wife, but he's gonna do it, with someone who looks like his current wife? Huh? Whatever...

In other Celebloser news...Sandra Bullock says she is in fear of her estranged "Got my back" beau Jesse James. Let me ask this. Why is Jesse James even a celebrity? I mean, what does he do? He makes Motorcycles? OK so why is he a celebrity? Is he related to the REAL Jesse James? The outlaw from the late 1800's? Or is he really some guy who tinkers around in a garage? Sandra you can do better than that...

Speaking of not so shocking Celeb news...Jim Carrey has left his girlfriend Jenny McCarthy (that year went by quickly) and has been twittering his support for Tiger Woods. And Tiger by the way is back playing golf and looking pretty good. Albeit, he has 92 bodyguards surrounding him. 92? Does the president have that many?

I tell ya kids...it's a crazy world out there.

Now for some NON-Celebrity entertainment news.

Don't forget The Nor'easters will be performing at the Winnacunnet High School Auditorium on Saturday May 29th, 2010 for a fundraiser concert to raise money for the Hampton American Legion's GWOT Memorial Monument .(*See flyer in this week's column.) I know there are a lot of old "Easter's" fans out there. And let me say...the band has not missed a beat. We are looking forward to playing in front of our old and new fans in May. Look who's blowing into town...The Nor'easters!

Check out the NEW SURFER with local International Photo King Mr Brian Nevins has an amazing spread of JAPAN surf and snow. Brian is back in Nicaragua shooting more beautiful depressing Dump Scenes. Check it here...GITV.
Happy Birthday Mike Keefe April 9th, 2010.
GOOD LUCK to The Boston Bruins in the PLAY-OFFS.
The SOX won their season home opener against the evil empire..but lost the following two games. It's along season Baseball. There's plenty more ups and downs.
KEEP Getting Stronger Kim Grondin! We ALL Love you!
A Quick RECOVERY to local Big Man Ripper Eric Palmer...see you in the Summer brother Semper Fi.

Here are all the awesome JAMIE WADE pictures for you to check out from Molly's event: http://jamiewade.zenfolio.com/

Please give to the RED CROSS or some other trusted organization to help the people in Haiti and Chile. Like the RED CROSS. www.redcross.org Help these people. Please.

*Check out the NEW updated DROPPING IN ON RALPH blog Section. ALL Of MARCH 2010 is up and everything from April. Including a nasty exchange between me and a local Kayakker. *This is the blog section of this website where you can write in and comment. The only downside of this blog is, you actually have to use your REAL Name. No hiding behind some fake handle and name. If you want to comment, you have to man up, and be yourself. I will post all comments, both good and bad. You just have to be yourself.

*Molly Paddle Video by Joe Carter has been moved to the Community Page.

Please Support ALL The photographers who contribute to Ralph's Pic Of The Week
every week for the last 6 years. **Think about BUYING a Photo from any of the weeks
on RPOTW as a GREAT Gift Idea. A nice framed photo of your favorite Surfer!

Remember my friends...Surfing Heals All Wounds....
Pray for Surf. Pray for Peace. Surf For Fun.

Ralph

*Still a GREAT GIFT IDEA!
Think about BUYING a Photo from any of these Great Local Photographers from past weeks on RPOTW. It's a GREAT Gift Idea for any time of the year. Just think, a nice framed photo of your favorite Surfer! Just contact me and I'll contact the right
photographer and put you in touch with him.