August 2nd, 2009 24 Weeks Of Surf (Sort of)

And so my friends, another SURF ART column has come and gone. And like all of those before it, there was no shortage of talent. This year's submissions were really cool. I just so happen to love surf art, in every way shape and form. There are so many different mediums, and so many talented artists, it's just so refreshing to think, there are this many surf artists, who truly love creating surf art. Painting, woodcutting, cartoons, carvings, sculptures, sketches, airbrush, digital, pencil, crayon, and even finger-painting. There were so many wonderful pieces of art, that I thought, I should consider having two SURF ART Columns each year, instead of one. Maybe one in the Winter, and one in the Summer. What do you guys think? I was talking with my wife last night about having an Art Gallery showing of both Surf Art and Surf Photography. Wouldn't that be something? If anyone knows of any good Art Galleries, who would be receptive to such a thing, please let me know. Surf Photos and Surf Art.

We could have a bona fide Ralph's Pic Of The Week Gallery Showing.

All the artists who submitted their work for your viewing pleasure, are more than capable of producing custom art for anyone out there, who wants to commission them, for your own personal custom piece of art. As a proud owner of some personal commissioned surf art, I can tell you first hand, that having an original work of surf art in your home, is a true treasure. And I'm sure, they would be willing to sell some of their existing work as well. So if you see something you like, or, if you like a particular style, just contact me via email, and I'll forward their info on to you. I'm sure they'd appreciate hearing from you directly.

So thank you again Artists for all the great works of art. And Thank you all, who emailed me about some of the art pieces, and the discussions we had over the phone and in person.

This was a funny week for visiting Surf celebs...or I guess for lack of a better term, Surf Stars. On Tuesday July 28, 2009 Kassia Meador came into town with ROXY honcho Cedar Carter to promote the new film Dear and Yonder. Kassi is to me, (and really, what the hell do I know? I've only been doing this since 1964) The BEST female longboarder on the Planet. She surfs with style, grace, and beauty, that is coupled with a true sense of longboarding. And that requires (yes I said requires), cross stepping to the nose and back. And when you visit the nose on a Longboard, you better be spending some, serious 'toes over' time. 5 or 10 take your pick, but you better get 'em over. Kassi was doing just that, on a knee high day at the Wall, with a gaggle of kooks, beginners, and everything else in between.

It was a pleasure to watch her surf our gutless waves. I couldn't help but chuckle at the unknowing kooks, who were bumbling and thrashing around her, having no clue as to who was in their midst. Some would blink and gaze up at her, as she cruised past them. But for the most part, she was to them, just a girl who knew how to surf. But for those of us who knew. Man, she could surf. And one could only imagine, what she would of done, had we had an actual swell. Imagine Kassia on a head high or better day, at one of the many pointbreaks in New England? I tried telling her, that she needed to come back in the Fall, when things really start cooking. Talking with Brian Nevins last night who has known Kassi for years, said he's going to try and get her back in the prime season.

And it was an honor on my part to get to shoot her. Both video and stills. And I have to say her ROXY event manager Cedar could surf as well. She was not on the same level on a Longboard as Kassi, but she could surf. Local girl Jill Caisey just so happened to be out with Kassi and the two of them hit it off. It must of been so cool for Jill to be able to share the lineup with someone of Kassi's fame and talent.

Later that night, the Premiere showing of Dear &Yonder was shown at the Ashworth By The Sea on the Main Beach in Hampton. It was by and large a wonderful film featuring some of the world's BEST women surfers. Kassi was there signing autographs. The Local Surfrider Foundation was on hand as well.*The NH Surfriderfoundation has been doing an amazing job with the many local Beach Clean ups this summer. Whatever you can afford to give to this non-profit organization would be greatly appreciated by all of us. This ocean belongs to us all. And if we don't help and protect it all will be lost.

The Ashworth was SOLD OUT. Yes you heard correctly. The First ever Surf Movie at the Ashworth was a HUGE success. And this was a surf movie featuring women only. As far as I was concerned, it was a major coup. Seriously, talking with Skip Brunette (who's band Todo Bien opened the night and did a great job) the next day, we were concerned over what might be, and what might not be, as far as attendance. Well, they were turning people away at 8:00PM. It was great. The movie Dear and Yonder had some really neat stories about certain women surfer pioneers, who really helped perpetuate the existence of women surfing today. The film also highlighted a few amazing women, who are still taking great strides, as far as awareness to our planet, ocean and lifestyle. I gave the movie 4 out of 5 stars. I liked it. A lot.

This was the ONLY New England showing.

The next day they were off to Brooklyn. Yes Brooklyn. But honestly, there's a whole bunch of surfers living in the city, and who surf everywhere from Rock-a-way beach to Montauk on Long Island. New York and New England have much in common. As far as surf.

The second Surf Celeb to drop by the seacoast this week was BILLABONG'S Dave "Rasta" Rastovich. Saturday August 1st, Dave Rastovich was out body surfing the thigh high crumbling surf. Speaking with Rasta I was impressed with his keen ocean awareness and his fight to save the Whales and Dolphins around the world. Here's a TRUE GREEN surfer who does not adhere to the typical Surf Pro attitude and outlook on life. He walks to the beat of a different drummer. And he was surprisingly tall. Most good surfers I know, are usually on the short side. Not Rasta. He was tall as in 6'1" or 6' 2". Yes he's a hippie of sorts. But his heart and soul are tuned into the planet, and keeping things green. I just wish there was enough of a bump in the swell to get him to paddle out and surf.

Speaking of surf. Was there a waist high swell this week? Was this week 24 of consecutive surf? Did my own rules and guidelines criteria, of having a Swell be at least Waist High, to be considered a swell, hold any water (pun intended)? Depending on who you spoke with, it did. There were several surfers, who I know and respect in the water, tell me "yes it was at least waist high" on the incoming tide yesterday afternoon. So who am I to say NO? Lenny Nichols, Bill Stecchi, Bob McNeil, Rick Evans and Mark Angelillo all claim, that not only was it waist high on the sets...but a few were (dare I say?) chest high. I did not see it personally. So I can't say for sure. But, just because I didn't see it, doesn't mean it didn't happen. And if I did see it, I would of shot it. So, if anyone has photographic proof of surf from Saturday afternoon on the incoming tide, PLEASE send me a pic. I want to keep this thing going. This amazing run. 24 weeks. Come on people. Send me the proof. Let's document this thing.

I did shoot the girls surfing on Tuesday, and there was a wave or two, that could pass for waist high. It's all in the Galleries. You make the call.

Now for some of my weekly Global observances:

So all is good again in the World of Would Be Racists. The Cop, the Harvard Professor, and The President of the United States, settled their differences over a cold beer at the White House on Thursday. Professor Gates, Sgt Crowley kissed and made up while sucking down a few beers with the CIF (Commander In Chief). Personally, I think the whole thing is absurd. I think both the Professor and the President behaved badly and we shouldn't forget it. The cop, and the woman who called the cops did the right thing. The drinking beers in the White House? Who cares? Like I said last week Baracky. Stop spending all of our money. Lower our taxes. Fix the Economy. Protect us from Terrorists. RE: Win the Global War on Terrorism. And please...Think before you speak.

Has the "Outing" of Big Papi and Manny testing positive for performance enhancers hurt the RED SOX? Hell yes it did. I mean think about it. What if this happened to the Yankees? Would we be complaining saying that they should have an asterisk next to their title(s)? Hell yes we would of. Face it. The curse continues. Even though there were more than likely many other teams who used the same drugs during those years. I've jokingly said this in the past, but we might want to consider making ALL athletes take Performance Enhancing Drugs. Why the hell not? Think about all the "Roided Up" freaks hitting balls out of the parks all over the country. Now that's entertainment.

Or, they should have a separate ROID LEAGUE in all Major Sports. That way we (the fans who spend all of our money, on these overpaid crybabies) can pick and decide which sport we want to watch. The Roid League or the Straight League? Be like a throw back to the days of the Roman Empire at the Coliseum Let's go watch some Roided Up Freaks kill each other. And when I say all sports, I mean all sports. Can you imagine what that would be like?

Think about Golfers on Roids. Or Bowlers on Roids. It'd be great. At the very least, it would be entertaining. And really, that's all any of us want to be when watching professional sports. We ALL want to be Entertained. I say introduce the Professional Juice League. And yes that means Surfers too. Think about Juiced Up Surfers, hitting uncharted slabs all over the World. Towing into death defying, dry reef slabs, all jacked up on Roids. Wow...did I just jokingly describe the future? Lord I hope not. But I wouldn't be surprised.

The WOUNDED WARRIORS are coming back to Hampton Friday August 28th, 2009 at North Beach for the 2nd Annual HIT THE BEACH! Surf event. Stay tuned.

Happy Birthday Bill Stecchi August 1st!
Happy 80th Birthday Gert Keefe August 5th!
Happy Birthday Kenny Linseman August 7th!

The NH Chapter of the Surfrider Foundation had the largest volunteer beach cleanup crew with approximately 40 beach cleaners who picked up 215 pounds of trash on Saturday, 08/01/2009..

We thank the follwing businesses for their generous donations:

Cinnamon Rainbows - Surfboard

Ocean Minded - Flip Flops and Shirts

Surfrider - T-Shirts, leash and other goodies

Flatbreads- 4 Free Pizzas to 2 winners

More to come on the winner of the surfboard and the beach cleanup....

***Please see attached images of the largest beach cleanup to date!***

http://picasaweb.google.com/nhsurfrider/BeachCleanup?feat=email#

Surfrider New Hampshire Chapter

A Celebration of Molly Rowlee's Life will take place on August 22nd at 8th Street
at The Wall at North Beach, Hampton, NH. at 8:00AM for a Surf Paddle. Followed by KB's Bagels and ending with a Block party in Hampton *Details to follow in the weeks ahead. The World is invited.

Please Support ALL The photographers who contribute to Ralph's Pic Of The Week every week for the last 6 years.

Remember my friends...Surfing heals all wounds....
Pray for Surf. Pray for Peace. Surf For Fun.

Ralph

Yesterday- Tom Wood's Apocalypse Now Scene 1968! (Below) This is a photo that local Hampton Surfer Tom Woods took in Vietnam in 1968 of his buddy Steve water skiing down near Saigon. In 1968, the war was at it's peak, but these surfers found a way to have some fun in the water while the war raged on around them. Photo By Tom Woods

Today 2009- Dave "Rasta" Rastovich August 1st, 2009

(Above) Rasta Crew at the Wall. *Check the NEW Ralph's Pic Of The Week B-card Steve is holding. Is it me or does Rasta look like Mike Zappy Paugh? To see more of Rasta click on photo. August 1st, 2009 Photo By RALPH Click on the image above to see more.   Today 2009- Kassia "Kassi" Meador July 28th, 2009 (Above) Kassia Meador the star of the New movie DEAR & YONDER at the Wall on Tuesday July 28th, 2009. Kassi was riding on a borrowed Donald Takayama board from Cinnamon Rainbows. To see more of Kassi click on photo. Photo by RALPH Click on the image above to see more. (Above) Kassia Meador at the Wall on Tuesday July 28th, 2009. That's five over. To see more of Kassi click on photo. Photo by RALPH Click on the image above to see more. (Above) Cedar Carter-ROXY at the Wall on Tuesday July 28th, 2009. To see more of Cedar and Kassi click on photo. Photo by RALPH Click on the image above to see more. (Above) Kassia & Cedar at the Wall on Tuesday July 28th, 2009. To see more of Kassi & Cedar click on photo. Photo by RALPH Click on the image above to see more. (Above) Jill Caisey and Kassia Meador at the Wall on Tuesday July 28th, 2009. To see more of Jill and Kassi click on photo. Photo by RALPH Click on the image above to see more. (Above) Todo Bien at the Ashworth by the Sea on Hampton Beach on Tuesday July 28th, 2009. The band played before the Premiere of Dear and Yonder. To see more of Todo Bien and others click on photo. Photo by RALPH Click on the image above to see more. (Above) The Premiere of Dear and Yonder at Ashworth by the Sea on Hampton Beach on Tuesday July 28th, 2009. To see more click on photo. Photo by RALPH Click on the image above to see more. (Above) Kassi and fans Noelle and Gabby at The Premiere of Dear and Yonder at Ashworth by the Sea on Hampton Beach on Tuesday July 28th, 2009. To see more click on photo. Photo by RALPH Click on the image above to see more. (Above) Kassi and fan Hoku at The Premiere of Dear and Yonder at Ashworth by the Sea on Hampton Beach on Tuesday July 28th, 2009. Photo by Julia Nichols Today 2009- Local Action July 24th, 2009 (Above) If this looks familiar, you are not alone. Brian Nevins took a shot very similar to this last winter . Same angle, same overcast conditions. But way different air temp and water temp. This was shot on Friday July 24th. Brian still suffering from a Root Canal procedure, was able to climb out of bed and snap this shot. Photo by Brian Nevins Click on the image above to see more. (Above) This is Sam, Brian's girlfriend. This I believe was her first ever jump. This has to be a rush. Otherwise, why would anyone want to jump out of a freaking airplane? Brian had his brother Chris and friend Jay also leave their common sense behind, as they also jumped for the first time this week. July 29th. Photo by Brian Nevins Click on the image above to see more. (Above) Kevin Doherty sent some Local images from-July-24-2009 Photo by Keith Pauletti Click on the image above to see more (Above) Kevin Doherty images from-July-24-2009 Photo by Keith Pauletti Click on the image above to see more (Above) July 24th in Maine that's William Grisanzi. Photo courtesy of Grisanzi Put mouse on the image to see other pic. (Above) Johnny Carden at the Wall. Photo by Lenny Nichols Click on the image above to see more. (Above) Ricky and Julia out Suppin. July 2009 Photo courtesy of Julia Nichols Click on the image above to see more. RALPH'S VIDEO CLIP OF THE WEEK BELOW. RALPH'S VIDEO CLIP OF THE WEEK *Kassia Meador at The Wall CLICK ON THE PHOTO IMAGE BELOW FOR a YOUTUBE or SHORT WINDOWS MEDIA FILE VIDEO CLIP. (Above) Click on this image For the YouTube Video I shot of Kassia Meador on Tuesday July 28, 2009 at the WALL in Hampton, NH. Video By RALPH SFOD. Music By QWILL. (Above) Click on this image For a Windows Media Video of Kassia Meador. Tuesday July 28, 2009 at the WALL in Hampton, NH. Video By RALPH SFOD. Music By QWILL. Today 2009- The BLATANT DROP IN of The Week. July 28-2009 Captured at CEMENTLAND, NH (Above) This is Kassia Meador and Kassi is about to deal with the weekly DROP-IN. To see more of this potential embarrassing crime, click on photo above. Tuesday July 28, 2009. To see the whole sequence, click on Photo. Photo by RALPH Click on the image above to see more.   (Above) Hannah Vokey's Sunrise At The Wall. To see more of Hannah's paintings click on the sun. Click on the painting above to see more. Today 2009- The Local Tropical Connection. July 2009 (Above) Nick Fisichelli at Hermosa in Costa Rica. Photo courtesy of Nick Fisichelli Click on the image above to see more. (Above) Hawaii Secret Spot score with local Kevin Doherty. Sorry we are not saying which Island. Ha! Adam Gustafasen scores while KD pulls the trigger. Check it out! Photos by Kevin Doherty Click on the image above to see more. (Above) Tavarua Dream Trip! Peter Stokes travels to Fiji and scores Big Cloudbreak, sharing these pristine barrels with Shane Dorian and others! Check it out! Photos by Peter Stokes Click on the image above to see more. (Above) RIP Julia Nichol's Longboard. Killed in action at RockPiles on the North Shore of Oahu in what was reported to be 4-5" Hawaiian. To the rest of the world that's 8-10' Photo by Julia Nichols

Today 2009 PARTING SHOT- Andrew Dice Clay at The Wall?
Tuesday July 28th, 2009

(Above) OK...I don't know what this guy was thinking, but you gotta figure he was thinking about this pose and how it was looking to the rest of us. I say Thank you sir whoever you are. This shit is priceless. Tuesday, July 28th, 2009. Photo by RALPH
Click on the photo above to see more.