I know that I have in the past, mentioned the two events that happen each year on the seacoast, that I feel warrant some attention. SURFING WITH SMILES and HIT THE BEACH. Both have merit beyond mere words.

And if you have not experienced either one, you have missed out on some of our community's best events. Hands down, there is nothing quite like Surfing With Smiles and the Wounded Warrior's Hit The Beach events. Nothing comes remotely close.



Teaching surfing to youngsters with autism has been a huge success here in Hampton. From the volunteers, to the sponsors, to the participants and their families. It's been well received by all. In large part, due to this individual.

Dave Cropper from Cinnamon Rainbows. A humble man, who gives back more to this community and never asks for any kind of recognition. Sorry CROP, but I know good when I see it, and you know me, I'm not one for holding back on my feelings. You my friend, are one of the best.



And so too are the volunteers. They get no money, no gift certificates, but what they do get is something that money can't buy. A sense of being part of something so good when one steps up to help another human being. Putting smiles on the faces of these kids is priceless.



All you surfers can remember what it was like the first time you tried surfing. These kids will always remember that moment in their lives. It is one of the best feelings in the world. And just because you have a disability is not seen by this crew to be any kind of a hindrance.



No matter how severe your disability may be. There is nothing stopping you from getting out there with these volunteers who are dedicated to putting a smile on your faces.



*All Surfing With Smiles photos by Max Fatello

And the same is true for the HIT THE BEACH event benefiting the Wounded Warrior Project. This is our 9th year in hosting this wonderful day.



I know what surfing did for me when I came home from the war.
I can honestly say that "Surfing Saved My Life."

Whenever Michael Taylor contacted me some 9 years ago and ran this idea by me I was ALL IN from the moment I heard these words. Taking wounded veterans surfing. I came up with the HIT THE BEACH slogan, and the rest, as they are fond of saying, "is history!"



War can do terrible things to a person. From physical wounds visible to the eye to the unseen wounds hidden for all to see. These heroes have suffered greatly for our country. As well as their families. So to give something back to them for that one day of the year is special.

This year we are anticipating some 60 plus participants. The wounded warriors and their family members will hit the beach this coming Friday at 9:00AM at 18th Street on North Beach. We encourage the public to come down and cheer on these brave individuals as they feel the sensation of riding a wave.

And that special feeling that only a surfer knows.



Speaking of special surfing feelings. This guy above Mark Richards will be at Flatbread in Hampton tonight at 7:00PM along with Quiksilver founder Bob McKnight . See the poster to the right for info.



MR was known as "the Wounded Gull" because of his unique style. He helped pioneer the comeback of the Twin Fin. If you are anywhere near Hampton tonight, get your wounded ass down to Flatbread at 7PM.

"Surfing With Smiles and Wounded Warriors Heals All Wounds"

This is Jared Veltsos in the summer of 2013. He just spent the better part of the year recuperating from a serious leg injury. But I'm happy to say he's back. Click on this image to see a larger version. Welcome back Jared.

To see more of Ed's pics just scroll through the archives. He has shot so many pics for the blog. Be sure and pick up a copy of the COLD COAST and check out Ed's own gallery.
Each week I will feature one of Ed's great pics from this blog. Photo by Ed O'Connell
*Click the photo above to see a larger version of Ed's Pic.




The 9th annual HIT THE BEACH has a firm date. August 28th, 2016 at 18th Street in Hampton. As of today, we do NOT need any more volunteers. We have a big roster of volunteers from the last 9 years. If we need more, I will let you know. Thanks.



I have not not seen or heard of a paid purse for a surfing contest in these waters for as long as I can remember. But Sid and the crew at Water Brothers are doing just that.
See above and get that $100 entry fee in.

Now for Some More Of My Weekly Global Observances
The 2016 Olympics in RIO are just about done. And it would of been nice if we had gotten out of Dodge without any incidents. But alas my friends, that was not to be. Three of the US Swimmers claimed they were robbed at gunpoint. Turns out they were being detained by police (with guns) because of some of their after hour shenanigans. This guy may have lost upwards of 8-10 million in sponsorships due to his false report. Ryan Lochte is bumming about that, no doubt..



Can you imagine seeing this if you were an American athlete in Rio? Damn, that is embarrassing. But this isn't.



Yea we kicked ass. And nothing those boneheads did will take away the accomplishments of the US athletes who competed. Go Team USA!

KSM Photoshop of the Week
Lochte is now saying that KSM is to blame for his actions.
If he was there, I'd believe it. But...



As always... 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 Green Hair dye at
Home Depot this week.



HAPPY BIRTHDAY Veda Day Cropper August 23-2016
HAPPY BIRTHDAY Kai Nichols August 24-2016
HAPPY BIRTHDAY Johnny Fatello August 25-2016

Please Pray for local Hampton surfer Terry Morrison and his family. Also please pray for Marine SSGT George Masten.
A combat Marine who served in Korea and Vietnam. He was awarded the purple heart for wounds received in Vietnam in 1967. George is battling cancer.
PLEASE say a prayer for him.

Please Support ALL The photographers who contribute to
Ralph's Pic Of The Week every week for the last 11 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

*Click on the photo above to see a larger version

(Above) These two bodyboarders were letting the best waves get by them.
August 17th, 2016 Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery



(Above) Another empty set with the same two girls.
August 17th, 2016 Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery



(Above) It was pretty comical out there. August 17th, 2016 Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery



(Above) There were moments that reminded me of surfing.
August 17th, 2016 Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) Harrison did his best to make it work out there.
August 17th, 2016 Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery



(Above) But these two were not impressed with the waves this day. As we were all standing around here, watching thigh-waist surf, my son Max and his posse were scoring chest high in RI. August 17th, 2016 Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) Kevin Grondin on the mic addressing the crowd.
August 18th, 2016 Photo by Max Fatello
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery




(Above) A view from down under. Last minute instructions to volunteers.
August 18th, 2016 Photo by Max Fatello
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) Surfing is supposed to be fun. Clearly she gets it. August 18th, 2016 Photo by Max Fatello
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery




(Above) Another successful launch by Dave "Crop" Cropper.
August 18th, 2016 Photo by Max Fatello
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

Today- The Fatello Brothers Play Flatbread.
August 18, 2016. Photos by Fatello




(Above) We first started to play with each other in 1971. We covered a lot of miles and a lot of gigs. August 18th, 2016 Photo by Fatello
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) Power to the people. Actually, Johnny was mocking Mackey and his friends for calling out "Freebird" August 18th, 2016 Photo by Fatello
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) Did we have fun? Gee I don't know. August 18th, 2016
Photo by Fatello *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery




(Above) The end of the night, Johnny sang a song and I danced
with my little "Sweet Pea" Heal well brother, we will play again.
August 18th, 2016 Photo by Fatello
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery