Spring Equinox. The first day of Spring, March 20th, 2022.
Followed by another Spring swell on March 26th, 2022
and then the big swell. April 8th, 2022. The day my 4th grandchild was born. Her name is "Malia" and it means
"Of The Sea." The music is by my two bands The VINNY Band and The NOR'EASTERS.
The first song is called The WHIFF and the last song is called UPSIDE DOWN.
Both songs were produced by The CARS Drummer David Robinson.
The whole video is under 10 minutes. I know that seems like an eternity to some of you younger folks.
But I don't care. I have said this before, and I'll say it again. I make surf movies, not Tik Tok clips.
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April 17th, 2022 The RUN is 35 out of 35 Weeks.
Waist high or better at least once a week.
There were shoulder to head high waves on April 15th, 2022.
THE RECORD FOR THE MOST CONSECUTIVE WEEKS IN A ROW FOR WAIST HIGH OR BETTER. August 8th, 2021 was 53 WEEKS! TOPPING THE 43 CONSECUTIVE WEEKS SET IN 2009!
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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. |
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THE 18th RPOTW ANNIVERSARY!
GOOD FRIDAY SWELL! THE BLACK VINNY! HAPPY EASTER! HAPPY HOLY WEEK!
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Boy that went by fast. I swear the years are just flying by. It's true what they say about getting older. Time seems to accelerate the older you get. 18 years of Blogging and shooting photos and video every single week. I've not missed a single week in 18 years. My goal is to make it to 20 years, and then decide what to do. There are three options that I'm looking at:
1. Keep doing what I'm doing. In other words, the weekly Blog.
2. Go monthly. The beginning of each month. (But that would mean all the pics would be from the prior month.) But that's how the old mags did it.
3. Stop and just walk away from it all. Twenty years. 2004-2024. The End.
Honestly? I'm thinking more along the lines of going monthly.
Kind of like what the old magazines like SURFER and SURFING did. By going monthly, I won't have to stress about getting the Blog done each week, and that sounds good to me. But then again, that's two years from now. A whole bunch of stuff could happen. Some good, some not so good. We all wish we had a crystal ball. So, I'm not gonna count my chickens until they are hatched and peeping.
So GOOD FRIDAY saw some fun waves up here in NH.
I ended up shooting the local crew in the morning and then got to paddle out and catch a few myself at midday. I was shooting Max and Colby the two roommates at 10th Street. Max was already out when I got there and I spotted him on a couple of waves. I couldn't tell what board he was riding until Colby came across the street and said "Mackey's on the Black Vinny." I smiled and said "No kidding huh?". The Black Vinny was my board back in 1980. I had it specially made for me. It's a twin fin/fish that's 6'2" in length and at least 20" wide. It was a really fun board for me back then. I rode that board here in NH, down in MA, and up in Nova Scotia. There's footage of me riding that board in NS and one of these days I'll post that old film.
The Vinny logo was from my band
VINNY that I had from 1976 to 1984.
At some point early on Max wanted to try that old Black Vinny board. Seeing how I had not ridden that board in years, and Max's middle name is Vincent, I thought why the hell not? Be fun to watch him ride that board. Well long story short, he rode it better than I ever did that's for sure. Though there's no surprise there. He's a way better shortboarder than I ever was. About 5-7 years ago, Max and I had Karen Evans take a photo of us at North Beach. I saw this opportunity to utilize my photoshop skills and well...BAM!
The magic of photoshop. Something about this image that makes me smile.
The photos below are from Max riding the board on Good Friday
4-15-22 and me riding the board up north in NS and NH in 1980. That's 42 years apart.
The board is still as solid as it was when I rode it. Max on GOOD FRIDAY.
That's kind of a soul arch I'm doing there. 42 years ago. This wave had never been surfed before. We were the first to surf it. We named it Lawrence Town Lefts."
I know I know, it was not very creative.
Max again riding the Black Vinny on GOOD FRIDAY April 15th, 2022
This is me on the same board 42 years earlier. Not exactly deep in the tube, but pretty close. I did get a few barrels from this same movie.
And Max on the same board only deeper than I am above. GOOD FRIDAY.
Me on the Black Vinny. Back when surf trunks were short and tight. This was taken at the Wall on a very warm summer day in 1980.
Max on the Black Vinny July 2010. When trunks were big and baggy.
This pic was shot at the same place the one of me was taken. The Wall.
The photo of me (above) and the photo below of Max are pretty close as to what this board was capable of doing back then and today.
The Black Vinny lives on at North Beach and The Wall and beyond.
This is why I keep all of my special magic boards.
1980, the year we literally chased a hurricane from New England to NS.
"18 YEARS OF RPOTW, AND SURFING THE BLACK VINNY HEALS
ALL WOUNDS."
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This pic from 2008 was always a mystery to me. I didn't know him that well back in 2008. I do today. And if he's reading the Blog this week, he will recognize himself here.
Photo by Ed O'Connell
*Click the photo above to see a larger version of Ed's Pic.
NOW FOR SOME LOCAL AND NATIONAL NEWS
The news from Ukraine is getting worse by the hour. President Zelenskyy is PLEADING WITH THE WORLD for help. He NEEDS immediate assistance in both humanitarian aid and Military aid. He is beyond frustrated (as he should be). My question is? How much longer can the Free world stomach watching the daily carnage on TV? How much more?
The horrific war crimes in Ukraine are sickening. It must stop. Putin is a maniacal butcher committing genocide in 2022. How much more can we sit back and watch and not do something?
Meanwhile Ukraine has been inflicting some serious damage against the invaders
including sinking one of Russia's top missile cruisers the MOSKVA in the Black Sea. Russia of course denies that Ukraine sunk her instead saying there was a fire on board the MOSKVA. Yeah there was a fire on board caused by one of Ukraine's Neptune missiles. BAM!
Putin must be beside himself. This is not how he had anticipated the war would go. Sorry Vladdy, but the people of Ukraine are going to kill more of your Russian sons. So you better have something soothing to tell the mothers of those dead Russian soldiers. Because they are not going to be happy.
Meanwhile over in North Korea this lunatic is taking advantage
of the distraction in Ukraine and successfully launched it's largest intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM). The Hwasong-17 was first unveiled in 2020 at a parade where its colossal size surprised even seasoned analysts. Thursday's launch marked the first time the country tested a ICBM since 2017.
It's safe to say that the world has not been this unstable since WWII. The proverbial "shit may hit the fan" at any time now. I just hope that my prediction that I made in 2001 does not come true.
I truly hope and pray that it does not.
COMIC GILBERT GOTTFRIED PASSES AWAY AT 67
He was a very funny and unique comic. LOL for Gilbert!
Dan Lanio Memorial Scholarship Fund
CLICK ON THE IMAGE FOR MORE INFO
Please Donate to this Timmy Sheridan GO FUND ME page.
THE GO FUND ME PAGE in Memory Of TIM SHERIDAN
*Please click on the image above to read more and to make a donation to this GoFund Me page in memory of Timmy Sheridan.
KSM Photoshop of the Week
Wait what? Khaliddy and his "Crazy Easter Bunny Bitches?"
Oh no he didn't? How did he get away with this shit at GITMO?
Where's the security at? Oh right, I did this. Whew! That was scary there for a minute. Another weekly photoshop of our
favorite loser terrorist down in GITMO.
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 Chocolate Easter Bunnies
at
Home Depot this week.
WELCOME TO THE SEACOAST COMMUNITY MALIA J RIZZO.
"Malia" (Of The Sea) was born at the peak of the swell on Friday April 8th, 2022 at exactly 10AM. Both mom (Noelle) and baby are doing fine and this is Noelle and Pete's first child. This is our 4th grandchild. We got to meet her last Sunday.
Little Surfer Girl "MJ" stopped at the Wall before heading home. Cory and I have held our share of babies. Too many to count.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY Duffy McCarthy April 9th, 2022!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY Karen Evans April 8th, 2022!
HAPPY EASTER "He Has Risen!" April 17th, 2022!
HAPPY PASSOVER April 15th, 2022!
PLEASE KEEP Mr. Ritchie (father of Gary and Billy) in your thoughts and prayers.
GET WELL SOON to local surfer Mike Keefe! You'll be back in the water before you know it Mike. Just rest up and get stronger brother. We Love you!
PLEASE Keep local Surfer/Musician Pete Kowalski in your thoughts and prayers throughout the year.
Please
Support ALL The photographers who contribute to
Ralph's Pic Of The Week every week for the last 18 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. Surf For Fun.
Ralph
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Yesterday- THE BLACK VINNY BOARD NS 1980.
Damn that was a fun wave. What you're looking at here is the very first image of this wave ever being ridden by a human surfer. And lucky me, that's me riding this perfect point break for the very first time. It was my first time surfing this wave, and it was the wave's first time being surfed. Suffice it to say,
it was LOVE AT FIRST SIGHT.
Photo by Bruz Bowden
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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.
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*Click on the photo above to see the large version of this pic.
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To
contact the advertisers below, simply click on the Ad itself. Anyone
wishing to find out info about advertising here can do so by emailing
me directly by clicking here. Ralph's
Email I'll send you a template and other info on how you can become a paid sponsor
We highly recommend the various businesses and artists listed below.
Why? Well simply put, each and every one of them is a Surfer, who
lives the Surfing Lifestyle, and their business is a reflection of that lifestyle that we all love.
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| All PHOTOS BELOW SHOT THIS WEEK *Unless otherwise noted. |
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Today- GOOD FRIDAY April 15th, 2022. Photos by RALPH |
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(Above) This was a common sight this morning. Very common.
GOOD FRIDAY April 15th, 2022. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
(Above) This guy was the only person I saw on that stretch of the beach.
GOOD FRIDAY April 15th, 2022. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
(Above) There were so many empty waves that morning.
GOOD FRIDAY April 15th, 2022. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
(Above) Shoulder to head high and empty. GOOD FRIDAY
April 15th, 2022. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
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Click on the ad above to see the Menu and other
important info on their Somerville restaurant
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(Above) Mackey V on the Black Vinny jamming a 42 yr old cutback.
GOOD FRIDAY April 15th, 2022. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
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(Above) Mackey setting up to float the Black Vinny.
GOOD FRIDAY April 15th, 2022. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
(Above) It warmed my heart to see this board being surfed again.
GOOD FRIDAY April 15th, 2022. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
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"BEST EAST COAST SURF COVERAGE"
Clark Little's new book
Click on the ad for more info.
Click on the ad above to find out more about
more about Stan Chew's art
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(Above) This was one of the few moves that I was capable of back then.
GOOD FRIDAY April 15th, 2022. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
(Above) It was a GOOD FRIDAY April 15th, 2022. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
(Above) This is the clear definition of a late takeoff. MVF.
GOOD FRIDAY April 15th, 2022. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
(Above) The Black Vinny could turn on a dime with the right driver.
GOOD FRIDAY April 15th, 2022. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
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Click on the ad above to find out more about
NH2o's cool selection of product
If you love the Beatles and you love the guitar
click on this ad above for a great band.
The BEST guitar tech on the planet.
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(Above) Dogs on the wall.
GOOD FRIDAY April 15th, 2022.
Photo by RALPH *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
(Above) MVF Black Vinny top turn.
GOOD FRIDAY April 15th, 2022.
Photo by RALPH *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
(Above) The tube sequence. MVF on the Black Vinny I.
GOOD FRIDAY April 15th, 2022. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
(Above) The tube sequence. MVF on the Black Vinny II.
GOOD FRIDAY April 15th, 2022. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
(Above) The tube sequence. MVF on the Black Vinny III.
GOOD FRIDAY April 15th, 2022. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
(Above) This shot you can see where the board was almost too big for Max.
GOOD FRIDAY April 15th, 2022. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
(Above) I know he probably won't like this pic, but I do. Matt Colby
GOOD FRIDAY April 15th, 2022. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
(Above) Matt Colby
GOOD FRIDAY April 15th, 2022. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
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