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August 12th, 2018 The RUN is 7 out of 7 Weeks.
Waist high or better at least once a week.

There were a handful of waist high waves on 8-9-18
and again on 8-10-18

Send your SURF Pics to me directly to ralph@adlantic.com.
Need photos by 12 noon on Saturdays. 
Click on Archives link to see all the past Blogs and pics.
The Sun Shines on SURFING WITH SMILES.
Last week to get your Surf Art to me before the annual Surf Art Blog. Some guitar stuff. Space Force is one step closer
to becoming a reality. 3 NEW videos this week!
 



There looked like we might never get one SURFING WITH SMILES off this summer. The first two were canceled due to severe weather. And this last week was looking like more of the same. The two nights before the SWS date opened up with a fury of thunder and lightening. There was no way we could have run this event with that kind of weather. There were dark clouds on the horizon and you could actually see rain down the coast.

But alas my dear friends. The last SURFING WITH SMILES of the summer of 2018 would not be denied. The sun parted the clouds. The ocean burped with a perfect knee to thigh high swell with an occasional waist high set. The water was super warm. We had more than enough volunteers and...we had 115 surfers. That might be an actual record. I'm personally not surprised seeing how this last one would be the ONLY SWS event of the summer.

And THANK GOD we pulled it off.

I apologize for saying "we". I'm just there taking photos and video. I'm not actually participating in the water. I'm not diminishing my role, but I can't take any credit for this event each summer. However, these two (below) are the reason this happens.


(the two photos above were taken by Martha Lardent.)

Taylor and Lindsey are the brainchild's of this wonderful event. Taylor, Lindsey, and that surfboard they are holding. CINNAMON RAINBOWS (Dave Cropper) are the main sponsors of this annual summer event. What started out as an idea for a summer event for kids with Autism, has turned into something that neither one of these two women thought at all possible. But it has grown. Each year there are more and more participants who come with their parents and relatives. And each year those numbers are matched two fold with volunteers.

To witness one of these events is to truly witness the goodness that there still is in this world. People volunteering to help put a smile on some kid's face each summer is truly a warm hearted feeling that many people have lost in this world. It's so easy to get caught up in the politics and strife that is constant on the Internet and TV.

There's so much negative energy out there, that something as simple as SURFING WITH SMILES can virtually erase all of that. And make no mistake about it. It does. In fact, if you watch my latest video that I shot and edited of this SURFING WITH SMILES night, you will see for yourselves just what exactly is happening on these wonderful summer nights at North Beach in Hampton, NH.

Watch the video here. (You might want to keep a hanky nearby)

SURFING WITH SMILES August 9th, 2018 from Ralph's Pic Of The Week
on Vimeo.

I'm not gonna lie. I love making these videos. Because I know the joy it brings to all of the volunteers and the participants. It gives me great pleasure to know that I am putting a smile on their faces by my small contribution.



Suffice it to say, these clouds never did materialize and we escaped the
potential threat of thunder and lightening. heck, it never even sprinkled.

There are three galleries in this week's blog covering the SWS event.
So be sure to check them out.



I was having as much fun watching and filming as the kids were actually
riding the waves.



Cory got this pic of me shooting Skylar Rosa being pushed into a wave by his friends and sister. His mom is on the left capturing it all on her cellphone



And nothing warms my heart more than to see some of the women and girls from my movie The GRANITE GIRLS and The RIVER WOMEN out there helping out. There's a segment in my movie that shows a a few of the SURFING WITH SMILES events. It's sad to think we only got to do one of these this summer. But we all sure made the BEST of it, and it's pretty evident in the photos and the video. Can't wait until next year.

The making of a meme is pretty easy for me to do. And this subject matter of guitar players is equally as easy for me. I know the guitar quite well. And I have a pretty good take on the history of the guitar or more specifically, the Rock Guitar. I know that there are only a handful of "left handed guitarists out there, and an even smaller number of left handed guitar players who are inducted in the Rock and Roll Hall Of Fame. So having said all of that, I made this meme and I believe it to be 100% accurate.



I'm not saying that these three were or are the BEST left handed guitar players in the world, I'm simply saying they are the BEST Left handed guitar players in the RRHOF. And I challenge anyone out there to prove me wrong.

Speaking of great guitar players, last night Cory and I went to see this amazing guitarist. Johnny A. I can say without any hesitation, that JOHNNY A is one of the BEST in the world today. No question. One of the best. I'll be writing a review of the show and I will create a link to the review once it's done.



And how cool is it that we both wore black BEATLE tee shirts? Ha!
I've known Johnny since the 70's. We both played and hung around the same clubs back in the day. He was always one of the better guitar players. And like I said, I know the guitar and I know who the good to great players are.
This man is one of them. One of the BEST in the world. Johnny A.



CLICK ON THE GRAPHIC ABOVE to READ THE REVIEW.

" Surfing with Smiles, and Rock Guitarists Heals All Wounds."



 

 



This is a pic of me at the Wall from 2008. I may have recently run a pic that was from this same session. If I have, my apologies. Photo by Ed O'Connell
*Click the photo above to see a larger version of Ed's Pic.


Now for Some Local, National and International News



OK this is the LAST WEEK to send you surf art into me. Please don't wait until the last minute. It's hard enough sizing and formatting the files without stressing to meet a deadline. So get them done and email them over.



That's one small step for man, and one large leap for 45...

I was told last week by a dear old friend of mine that some of the 45 supporters are not pleased with my 45 humor. All I can say to that is...HA! Maybe if 45 didn't tweet so many dumb tweets and say so many stupid things, I'd have less to write about. But I already explained to you 45 supporters WHY I dislike him. But it's obvious some of you are not paying attention. It's what he said about McCain and what he says about Mueller. Both of them are VIETNAM VETS. 45 got 5 draft deferments to get out of going to Vietnam. FIVE! Here...read this TRUE story on Mueller.



And remember what 45 was doing when Mueller and McCain were fighting in Vietnam. READ THIS.



Space Force? Don't we already have a Space Force? They are called The AIR FORCE. And some of you wonder why I post the things I post. Any way, lets all enjoy this week's KSM photoshop. Brought to you by the absurd thinking of 45.

KSM Photoshop of the Week
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 Darth Vader costumes at Home Depot this week.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ALL AUGUST BABIES 2018!
GET WELL SOON Tony Berardini and Johnny Fatello!



WEDNESDAY AUGUST 22nd, 2018 at CINNAMON RAINBOWS

FYI Lenny Nichols is looking for someone or someones to take over the ESA-NNE District. Please contact Lenny Nichols by calling his cell (603) 944-2418




THE 11th ANNUAL HIT THE BEACH is set for the last Friday in August. So mark your calendars. Friday August 31st, 2018.



Please Support ALL The photographers who contribute to
Ralph's Pic Of The Week
every
week for the last 13 years.
** BUY
a HIGH RES Photo from any of the weeks on RPOTW.




THE DVD WILL BE OUT IN SHOPS AND ONLINE IN THE FALL!

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


Ralph


   
I kept a daily BLOG when I surfed everyday during my
CATCH A WAVE FOR MOLLY. (Click On the Banner below)
Started on July 26, 2010 ENDED July 26, 2011.
A Wave a day for 365 consecutive days.
Yesterday- Billy Ritchie Flying Down The Line. 1988
(Below) I remember this swell. It was one of the highlights from that fall. We all scored great waves and Iron Balls (Baytoff) was up from New Jersey shooting the action. I shot movies of this same swell. And I was stoked to get a few pics of myself from this same day. That Baytoff took. Billy Ritchie was and still is one of the major players at this particular break. I hope he gets to see this pic
as he's not a big fan of the Internet or social media. God Bless him .

Photo by Michael Baytoff



*Click on the photo above to see a larger version





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.


All PHOTOS BELOW SHOT THIS WEEK *Unless otherwise noted.  
Today- SURFING WITH SMILES Thursday August 9th, 2018. Photos by RALPH  



(Above) There was our Patch Of Blue! Things were going to be OK.
SURFING WITH SMILES Thursday August 9th, 2018.
Photo by RALPH

*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery





(Above) The boards are all lined up and ready for the teams and riders.
SURFING WITH SMILES Thursday August 9th, 2018.
Photo by RALPH

*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery






(Above) The smiles start before they enter the water. And end when they go home. SURFING WITH SMILES Thursday August 9th, 2018. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery




(Above)
I kept a close watch on the sky. I would have blown the whistle if I thought there was any chance of severe weather. SURFING WITH SMILES Thursday August 9th, 2018. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery


 





(Above) The man himself giving the briefing. Kevin "Doc: Grondin.
SURFING WITH SMILES Thursday August 9th, 2018.
Photo by RALPH

*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery







(Above) Tony couldn't keep himself away. Even though the doctors told him
not to. His heart belongs to Grace and the others. SURFING WITH SMILES Thursday August 9th, 2018.
Photo by RALPH

*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery





(Above) Check out the glassy swell. I'm telling you it was perfect.
SURFING WITH SMILES Thursday August 9th, 2018.
Photo by RALPH

*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery









   



(Above) There was Angela and her crew. SURFING WITH SMILES
Thursday August 9th, 2018.
Photo by RALPH

*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery






(Above) That's Dave "CROP" Cropper in the dark sunglasses. He always stays in the background. But let me tell you, NONE of this would happen without him. SURFING WITH SMILES Thursday August 9th, 2018.
Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery














(Above) No words need be spoken. SURFING WITH SMILES
Thursday August 9th, 2018.
Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery


Today- SURFING WITH SMILES Thursday August 9th, 2018. Photos by Cory Fatello



(Above) I made this my new profile photo on Facebook. I'm looking my age, and I am honestly OK with that. I'm a little older, a little wiser, and a lot happier. SURFING WITH SMILES Thursday August 9th, 2018. Photo by Cory Fatello
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery




(Above) I'll say it. Kevin Grondin has a heart of Gold. SURFING WITH SMILES Thursday August 9th, 2018. Photo by Cory Fatello
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery





(Above) And so does Ginger. SURFING WITH SMILES
Thursday August 9th, 2018.
Photo by Cory Fatello

*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery




(Above) SURFING WITH SMILES and Dave Cropper making it happen.
Thursday August 9th, 2018.
Photo by Cory Fatello

*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery












(Above) This is why it's called SURFING WITH SMILES. Sky and Rick.
Thursday August 9th, 2018.
Photo by Cory Fatello

*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery





(Above) All they want to do is have fun and surf. SURFING WITH SMILES
Thursday August 9th, 2018.
Photo by Cory Fatello

*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery







Victoria is featured in the new GRANITE GIRLS Movie






(Above) Julie is one of the GRANITE GIRLS. SURFING WITH SMILES
Thursday August 9th, 2018.
Photo by Cory Fatello

*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery











(Above) I typically just take photos and video, but if I can help someone on the beach, I'll gladly offer some sound advice. Here I am showing "Grace" how to "plant her feet like the roots of a tree." SURFING WITH SMILES
Thursday August 9th, 2018.
Photo by Cory Fatello

*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery














   



(Above) And my advice paying off as Grace gets to her feet.
SURFING WITH SMILES Thursday August 9th, 2018.
Photo by Cory Fatello

*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery




(Above) And just like that it was over. Until next year, winter well my friends. SURFING WITH SMILES Thursday August 9th, 2018. Photo by Cory Fatello
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery


Today- The Day At The Beach with the Grandkids.
Sunday August 5th, 2018.
Photos by RALPH




(Above) What child doesn't like the beach? I have yet to meet one.
Avery enjoying what we all enjoy. Sunday August 5th, 2018.

Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery





(Above) What adult doesn't like the beach? Sunday August 5th, 2018.
Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery





(Above) Mimi and Peanut at home. Sunday August 5th, 2018.
Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery








|

NOW OPEN! COME ON BY AND SAY HELLO.















(Above) Why I brought my water camera. Sunday August 5th, 2018.
Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery




   
   




(Above)
The water was so warm. That I had to take an underwater selfie. Sunday August 5th, 2018. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery



Today- The Day They Launched The Pua Lani
Friday August 10th, 2018.
Photos by RALPH



(Above) Johnny Sav and his watermen crew enjoying a beautiful summer night. Friday August 10th, 2018. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery





(Above) I saw several waist high waves. Friday August 10th, 2018.
Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery





(Above) I saw what would have to be called a "gaggle of kooks".
Friday August 10th, 2018.
Photo by RALPH

*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery



















(Above) While I have no artwork on my body, I was impressed with this
pair's ink. Friday August 10th, 2018.
Photo by RALPH

*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery









(Above) There...a waist high wave. Agree? Friday August 10th, 2018.
Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery






Today- The Night They Launched The Pua Lani
Friday August 10th, 2018.
Photos by Cory Fatello




(Above)
Before the Pua Lani reached 10th street, Cory captured this sequence.
Becca Speak and her friend "Sid" as she gets a nice glassy one on her second time ever on a surfboard. She looks pretty stoked to me.
Friday August 10th, 2018.
Photo by Cory Fatello

*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery




(Above) This is a cool shot. I shot and edited a video of this. It's down in the video section. Friday August 10th, 2018. Photo by Cory Fatello
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery







(Above) Oh Hell Yeah! This looks like fun. Friday August 10th, 2018.
Photo by Cory Fatello
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery








(Above) Looks like Johnny Sav has himself a good crew.
Friday August 10th, 2018.
Photo by Cory Fatello
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery






This is a book written by a friend of mine.
*That I just so happen to be in...just saying.








 
















(Above) watching this Lifeguard I could only wonder what he was thinking.
Friday August 10th, 2018.
Photo by Cory Fatello

*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery




(Above) Aloha Pua Lani. Friday August 10th, 2018. Photo by Cory Fatello
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery












(Above) This is Tyler McGill in a cool tweaked pic.
Photo by Eddie Devereaux *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery










Great New Marine Forecast












   


(Above) This. Kody, Bill, and Lenny providing the smiles. SWS 8-9-18
Photo by Martha Lardent *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery








(Above) Surfing With Smiles 8-9-18 Photo by Martha Lardent
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery



 

CLICK ON THE PLAY BUTTON on each clip to view videos

SURFING WITH SMILES August 9th, 2018 from Ralph's Pic Of The Week on Vimeo.

What's the old saying? "Third time's a charm!" After the first two SWS were canceled because of severe weather, we would not be denied a 3rd time. And as the skies stayed clear, and the water remained super warm, and there was an actual fun little swell for the kids. This event, is something beyond special. Because there was only one this summer, I made this video a little longer than I typically would for one of my web edits. But it goes by very quickly. It's really only 7 minutes long. I used two songs by the super talented Ty Tabor.

I know, that can be an eternity for some of you who can't break away from your phones or social media for more than 5 minutes. But trust me on this, I PROMISE that social media will still be there when you are done watching this for that long 7 minutes. And I also promise that you will still be able to check all of your text messages, Instagram posts, all of your tweets, and snap chats, will all be there when you get back. TRUST ME!

Big thanks to Surfing with Smiles (Lindsey) all the sponsors and volunteers. Cinnamon Rainbows and Dave Cropper much love and respect to you. Captain of Captains Kevin "Doc Grondin". Thank you Jude Logue for the generous donation. Thank you Sheila Nudd for the Snow Cones. Thanks to all the surfers and their parents. And honestly, a BIG HUG and thanks to all you volunteers. See you all Next Year! Peace and Love.

The Jude Logue ALL STATE Insurance Agency Donation to SURFING WITH SMILES August 9th 2018 from Ralph's Pic Of The Week on Vimeo.

Just a short edit with no music capturing the Jude Logue ALL STATE Insurance Agency Donation to SURFING WITH SMILES
on August 9th, 2018.

Pua Lani KIALOA 8-10-18 from Ralph's Pic Of The Week on Vimeo.

Johnny Sav and his crew out having fun on a beautiful summer evening at North Beach in Hampton, NH. The Pua Lani is a traditional Hawaiian Canoe, and by the looks of things, she sure looks like fun. 
Mahalo Johnny and your haole crew!


Chasing Down Hurricane Chris from Ralph's Pic Of The Week on Vimeo.

On July 11th, 2018 a handful of NH surfers went chasing down the south swell generated by Hurricane Chris. We found what we went looking for. Though it took us longer than expected. We didn't arrive at our destination until 6:30PM. The boys got out of the water at 8:30PM. We went out to dinner and didn't get served until 10:00PM. We all arrived back home at 1:00AM. So was it worth it? Of course, it's surfing, you do what you have to do to get to the surf. And that's what we did. Surfers include: Kevin and Kody Grondin, Max Fatello, Ana Barend, and a handful of others.

Music is by the super talented Johnny A in his killer version of Play With Fire.

See JOHNNY A LIVE at the Tupelo Hall in Derry NH on August 11th, 2018 
Contact the Tupelo Hall for more info.

Dave "CROP" Cropper at the Surf Ranch July 16th, 2018 from Ralph's Pic Of The Week on Vimeo.

Dave "CROP" Cropper of Cinnamon Rainbows Surf Co in Hampton, NH gets to hang out with the GOAT (Kelly Slater) and sample some of his homegrown perfection at his Surf Ranch. You've all heard about the Surf Ranch but CROP got to see it, hear it, and feel it! Check out the 4K footage!

 

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(Above)
ALL RISE: The 10th Street District Court Of Surf is Now in Session.

The Honorable Judge RALPH presiding. CASE #484
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 too could change. You never know. Look at what happened (again) last week.


Surf on Saturday Friday August 18th, 2018.
 
This is what happens when you get caught doing something stupid.
You end up here.
 
 

August 12th, 2018
"Oh you almost had it...(Not really)."



(Above) We all start out as kooks and we all end up as kooks. It's that middle part that we all strive for. Photo by RALPH


 




Click on wave to return to the top

 


 


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