I don't remember exactly how it all came about. I mean, it wasn't like I woke up one day and said, "Today's the day I start Ralph's Pic Of The Week." It was more of a gradual undertaking. I had been doing the Pic of the week on Cinnamon Rainbow's site for a few years, and even had a section called the Newsletter. But it was just that. One photo and my newsletter, which consisted of a paragraph or two. But there was this bubbling undercurrent of information that I had deep inside of me and was dying to get out. I wanted to be able to tell the whole local Surf story. Past, present, and future.

And more importantly, I wanted to do it in my style. In other words, without any filters.

After talking with CR owner Dave "Crop" Cropper we decided that we would remain internet partners, but that this NEW "Ralph's Pic" would now be out and on it's own. You know, sort of a Sink or swim kind of a deal. My concept was simple. I wanted to have all the local photographers contribute to this weekly column and feature local surfers from every region.

And by local. I mean just that. Everyone. Not just the hot surfers. I want to shoot everyone. Longboarders, shortboarders, SUPS, men, women, groms, old dudes, anyone and everyone. I wanted to give the "Unknown" their 15 minutes of fame. I wanted to shoot them all. Seemed simple enough on paper.

But honestly? I had no idea, that some 8 years later, it would be where it is today.

And where it is as of today, Sunday April 17, 2011 is here. We have 20,900 absolute unique visitors from 83 different countries around the globe. And that's according to Google Analytics. And I only started using Google Analytics exactly one year ago. I can't imagine where it would of been if I started 8 years ago. It is both mind boggling and a very humbling experience for me. But I did not do this alone. Like I said, I wanted to pull in all the talent from all over and have them contribute. And I would be sadly remised if I didn't give the proper shout outs to those who helped make RPOTW what it is today.

Ed O'Connell is my right hand man. He's been shooting as long as I have. Since the 60's when this thing called Surfing hit the East Coast. He says that I've been surfing slightly longer than he has. By one year. But he's out there with me. Week after week. Braving the elements and getting the shots. And judging by the amount of feedback and the amount of photos he's sold you guys feel the same. Ed is the UNKNOWN's Best friend.

Brian Nevins has been the most successful Photographer to come out of our neck of the woods. With cover shots on every major surf publication and countless of features in all the surf media it is safe to say that Brian is one of the Real Pros in the Surf Photography industry. He's as good as anyone out there. That's on an international basis. Nevin's photos speak for themselves. He is a true artist and visionary. I am honored to have his work featured here from time to time. His partners at Get In The Van are pretty freaking talented as well. Nick LaVecchia and Joe Carter have also had their work featured here. Joe's video on "Catch a Wave For Molly" is still posted on my daily blog.

That's a trio of talent that is unsurpassed on the East Coast.

John Carden is now a local Sports Photographer, who shoots the local Seacoast Sports, and the National sports as well. He's as comfortable at shooting the local WARRIOR Football team as he is the Red Sox and Celtics. And it all started here on this weekly blog. He stills shoots surfing and the ocean because, that's where his true love is. And we are lucky to have him documenting our local kids lives in local sports, and out in the water.

Michael Sander is a super talented videographer and he comes from the same school of thought as Joe Carter. I could learn a thing or two from Sander. He has the contemporary feel and eye for the insane HD videos he produces. The local surfers he shoots are lucky to have him. Stanek, Toby, Schnell and all the others. You guys better be buying him breakfast, lunch, and dinner after every swell. I love getting his clips.
Always so clean and crisp.

There are other local Photogs who send me a bone every now and then as well. Lenny Nichols and his trippy nature beach scenes. Kevin Doherty when he's not surfing his brains out also sends in pics of his crew. Ginger Kellar has from time to time sent in some gems. There's a vast pool of local talent that is deep and creative here in New England, and it would fill this column to name them all.

Out of the New England box is my bevy of talented photogs.

From the wacky boat antics of the Phantom which feature nautical strikes into places that are off limits to most surfers, the Phantom and his crew strike deep into enemy territory to bring the goods to you readers. Ben Ginsberg's insane contest and free surf sessions with some of California's hottest surfers are always a treat to get. Then there's my old friend Steve Dillon who moved out to the West coast many years ago. His photos are so emotionally charged. He is connected to a higher power for sure. And his California sunsets are true classics.

Every now and then I get a mind boggling gem from Dale Kobetich. His stuff is wild to say the least. His obsession with the wedge is fun to watch. His ultra slo-mo HD video of that hollow death wave is mesmerizing to watch. His use of color in his stills is both vibrant and electric.

And finally, there's the legend himself. Bernie Baker. Bernie's Hawaiian pics are the best of the best. Getting photos of the top surfers in the world surfing some of the best waves in the world is beyond being stoked for us back here in New England. Bernie has a finger on the pulse of Hawaii and the people and culture that thrive there. He's been there through it all from the 60's to today. Bernie is Hawaii. And he is one of the most respected and admired surf photographers on the planet and we are so damn lucky and fortunate to get his creations. Aloha and Mahalo Bernie.

The RPOTW weekly blog also has another annual feature that is unique. And that is Surf Artists. Again, giving a platform to show off some of the truly talented surf artists's work such as Hannah Vokey and Stan Chew and a handful of others. Surf Art is something every Surfer should have next to their framed RPOTW photo.

I need to send a shout out and a HUGE thank you to the Sponsors in the right hand column. For if there were no sponsors there would be NO Ralph's Pic. All the sponsors in the right hand column are Surfers. So thank you Cinnamon Rainbows, Flatbread, Lansdale Jeep, Back To Health Chiropractic, Trafidlo Law, Secret Spot, The Surfers Journal, Eastern Surf Magazine, all the musicians, photographers, and artists. And all the other non profit organizations who make up this community and weekly blog. Thank you all.

And last, but not least. I need to thank you. The reader. The surfer or the non surfer. The beginner, or the seasoned traveler who has surfed around the world. It's always really been about you. To be able to reach out to you. To make you smile and admire our waves. To fire up the stoke that lives inside your soul. And yes, to even piss a few of you off. I can't help it. I've always said what was on my mind. For good or bad. I can't help myself.

My aim has always been to evoke an emotion in each and every one of you. I don't claim to be some holier than thou, know it all about this lifestyle. I am just a surfer like you. I love surfing. I love the art of surfing. I love seeing good surf photos. I love reading good surf articles. I love seeing good surf videos. I love seeing new breaks and new faces surfing these breaks.

I love everything there is about surfing. But mostly, I love the good it brings to my soul.

And my mission to bring you this weekly column or blog (when did it become a blog anyway?) has not gotten old with me. If anything, it inspires me to do more. There's so much more I want to do with this weekly, and with the good lord willing, I will be here week after week, shooting, editing, writing captions, and endless babble about surfing and beyond. I love the fact that some of you find it amusing and love it for what it is. And I respect the occasional negative comment as well. I may not agree with you, but I admire your conviction to take a stand.

And finally I need to thank my wife and kids for putting up with this passion. The amount of time and work that goes into this weekly column would blow you away. My wife has been there for me every week. She's my biggest supporter and my biggest critic. And one of these days baby I promise, I will learn how to use those damn commas correctly. My family and friends are the best. I love you all for your never ending support and love.

Now if you'll excuse me, there's a huge swell running I need to go and catch my wave and shoot some pics for next week's column. Thank you for the last 8 years.
"Surfing Heals All Wounds."

Now for some of my Weekly Global Observances:
You know, with all the Crack Cocaine there is in this world, you would think that some of those Air Traffic Controllers would be using some to STAY THE F- - K AWAKE! Are you freaking kidding me? You guys CAN'T BE FALLING ASLEEP when people are trying to land those big airplanes. You simply cannot do this. Give them some high test coffee. There should be a case of Red Bull in the fridge in those towers. And someone please tell me why have these guys not been fired? You mean to say that you fall asleep on the job of that magnitude, and you don't get fired? Huh?

But this sleeping on the job stuff? Hell even Joe Biden fell asleep last week during Obama's speech. But falling asleep listening to a politician, and falling asleep while landing airplanes are two different animals. Come on people. WAKE UP!

Speaking of getting fired...have you heard the latest from The DONALD? His commenting on "the Blacks"? Oh my God, this buffoon is becoming a bigger cartoon character then ever. And look, before you say there's no way he could run for president, think again. Think about who California had for Governor for 8 years. Oh yea. Trump is a chump. But until someone says something to The Donald, he'll be sticking his foot in his mouth at every corner. And believe it or not, gaining support from the lunatic fringe out there. It's true. People like him.

I'm no Obama fan. But he must be tickled pink to think that Trump would run against him. OB would be a shoe in for 4 more years if TRUMP THE CHUMP runs against him. I'd love to see an honest presidential campaign race for once in my lifetime. We won't get one from either party this next time around. It's just not how it's done. It's all smoke and mirrors. But I do know this, someone needs to walk up to that ridiculous flipping hair piece and say ...

"Hey Donald-YOU'RE FIRED! Go home and comb that muskrat on the top of your head!"

ANNOUNCEMENTS: THE RUN REDUX IS OUT! Pick one up in the shops or email
me and order one directly or go to www.surffreeordie.com

HAPPY BIRTHDAY to Tom Hay turning 20 on April 23rd!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY Brian Brunault Saturday April 23rd!
Rest in Peace Peg Daly...mother of Moira Daly (pictured in yesterday's pic).
Come on Sox. Come on Bruins...come on!

Don't forget to Check the DAILY BLOG on My CATCH A WAVE FOR MOLLY. (Click
On the Banner on this page.) Started on July 26, 2010 ENDS July 26, 2011. A Wave
a day for 365 consecutive days. Just click on the banner ads on this page.

CHECK OUT THE NEW/Old YESTERDAY PAGE! ALL OLD New England and
beyond Surf Pics! *NEW PICS added each week!

*Check out the NEW updated DROPPING IN ON RALPH blog Section.
ALL of December, January, and February will be up soon . The DROPPING IN ON
RALPH section will be up to DATE as soon as I can find the time to do it. There's just so much a man can do in a single day. But I do want to update that page, as it is entertaining to say the least. Because there's some great letters from you guys from all over the world. (And a few hurtful ones too). But check it out.

*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.

Please Support ALL The photographers who contribute to Ralph's Pic Of The Week
every week for the last 8 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

(Above) Erica Nardone paddled out and took her share of rights and lefts.
Late Thursday afternoon April 14, 2011. Photo By Ed O'Connell
* Click on the photo above to see the Whole Gallery.

Today- Week Of MOLLY's Waves Apr 10-17th, 2011
Photos By Ed O'Connell and RALPH

(Above) Paying to Surf for Molly? I guess so... Photo By Ed O'Connell
* Click on the photo above to see the Molly Week Gallery

Click above graphic for Daily BLOG or to DONATE to the Fundraiser.

(Above) Tyler Moore on TOP OF THE WORLD (Mt Washington).
Photo courtesy of Tyler Moore *Click on the photo above to see the Readers Gallery