The TEMPORARY Home at 62 Lafayette Rd in North Hampton, NH Tel. (603) 929-7467

 
 

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Contact Ralph@adlantic.com

15 YEARS HIT THE BEACH 8-25-23 from SURF FREE OR DIE on Vimeo.

In 15 years we've never had rain on the HTB day, and then the summer of 2023 rolled into town as the one of the wettest summers ever.
And it wasn't just rain. It was wind, and cold, and there was actually surf. I was on the fence as to whether or not I should have it or not.
But Lenny and Kevin seemed to think that it wasn't even an issue. So, we ran it, and it ended up being one of the best ever. It was seriously insane.
Nobody stayed dry. We all got wet. In and out of the water. I said: "If one veteran shows up, we are taking them surfing."
Well, it was way more than one. I lost count after 30 something. We had an absolute memorable day at the beach
that none of us will ever forget. Once again, I can't thank the volunteers enough for doing this.
You guys come year after year, and you all made a difference again in these veterans lives. So thank you.

A BIG Thank you to AMERICAN LEGION POST 35, CINNAMON RAINBOWS, SUMMER SESSIONS,
Brian Nevins, David Manzi, Stevie O'Hara, Sheila Nudd, and Tony Berardini.
Music is by my band SEMPER FI


August 27th, 2023 The RUN is 10 out of 10 Weeks.
Waist high or better at least once a week.
There were waist high plus waves on August 25-26th, 2023.

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!		 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.



THE 15th ANNUAL HIT THE BEACH!

This was the last UPDATE I had for the 15th Annual HIT THE BEACH. As long as it didn't thunder or lightening we were all in. It did not thunder. There was no lightening. But Good Lord was there rain. It rained and rained so hard that nobody and I mean nobody was dry. This was not an easy decision. I was stressing all week about the weather. Then I remembered a story.

When I was 15 years old, my friends came to my house to take me surfing. It was pouring rain out. My mother looked at me and said.
"Where the hell do you think your going?"
Me: "I'm going Surfing!”
My mother: "In the pouring rain?"
Me: "What? Are you concerned I might get wet? "
Some of these Wounded Warriors are Vietnam Vets where it rained one day, and didn't stop for months. Literally. It's true.
If they showed up? We're taking them surfing.
Every single surfer I know, has surfed in the rain. Most of them have surfed in the snow. This is our 15th year. It's never rained on the HIT THE BEACH DAY. But if it was ever gonna happen, this would be the summer for it.
How many rain days have we had this summer so far? I've lost count. And look, I'm not a risk taker. Showers we can handle. But if there's a serious threat of thunder and lightening? I'd pull the plug. The thunder and lightening held off, but the rains came like gangbusters. Boy did it ever.



Two of my oldest and dearest friends. Jeff Crawford and Lenny Nichols. Lenny has been to every single HIT THE BEACH. As have Kevin Grondin, Tony Berardini, and Brian Nevins. And so has my son Max. Dave Cropper missed his first one this year, but he had a legit reason. He had to take his daughter Veda to school. And the guy in the pic above in the blue rain suit? He was the 16yr old driver in my story who came to take me surfing in the rain when I was just 15yrs old. Jeff Crawford and I go way back.

This is the new WOUNDED WARRIOR Representative for New England. Christian Lanman is a great guy who got 40-45 veterans to sign up for the HIT THE BEACH. Surprisingly, over 30 vets showed up in that driving rain and wind. They truly were Warriors.



Ed O'Connell was one of the most loved surf photographers in New England. A US ARMY Vietnam Veteran who saved the lives of so many ARMY Grunts in Nam in 68-69 as a Medic on board those Dust Off Hueys. He was a dear friend of mine.

When he passed on July 1st, 2014 I swore I'd keep his memory and legacy alive by giving him this weekly corner. He loved surfing and he loved taking photos of all the surfers. Not just those who could really stand out. He shot every one. As long as I shall live and breathe the salt air, there will be a corner dedicated to Ed.

ED'S CORNER August 27th, 2023



This pic of the VERY FIRST HIT THE BEACH was taken by Ed on August 22nd, 2008. That's Brian Nevins taking a water shot of Sgt Thomas, and that's Tony Berardini out the back. The very first HIT THE BEACH. Photo by Ed O'Connell
*Click the photo above to see a larger version of Ed's Pic.



Another Ed pic from the very first HIT THE BEACH. 8-22-08. This is Nicolette with me and Lenny Nichols. She was seriously wounded in IRAQ. She was a dog handler and her dog was killed in the IED blast. She kept a photo of her dog by her bed as she was recuperating at Walter Reed. Her husband was an ARMY Ranger who also served in IRAQ.

COMING THIS FALL. The long awaited book that I have been writing the last 10 years or so. Yes, there will be a book signing. And I will let you all know in advance, where and when. Meanwhile Click on the image below to see a larger version. The book will be available in both hard cover and soft cover on AMAZON, BARNES & NOBLE, INGRAM, and KOBO PUBLISHING. It's been a long time coming. I'm pretty stoked about this project. 72 years in the making. Stay tuned.



Most of my close friends have heard some of these stories first hand. But trust me, with over 100 stories, there's a handful that none of you have ever heard. It's true. Be patient my friends. It's all coming in the fall of 2023. Just in time for the holidays.







These two individuals are HUGE supporters of the HIT THE BEACH Program. They have donated so much to this program over the years that we finally recognized them both with a nice plaque. I love them both. Tony Berardini and Sheila Nudd. This program would not be where it is today without them.



Three Wounded Veterans at the Rain Soaked HIT THE BEACH 2023.



Look who showed up in the driving rain to support these wounded veterans. Meighan and Buck Rowlee. I love these two. They have both been through hell and back and still maintain a positive attitude in life.



And these two brothers show up every single year as well. Sgt Andy Jowett HPD and his brother Markey J. Both of them are excellent fishermen and you won't find a more loyal friend than these two.



And this year had some of the local leaders of a few generations. My son Mackey V, Doctor D, and Stevie O. I'm laughing at this pic because at this very moment I was taking this photo the rain was whipping into their faces.



My loyal volunteers. Every year they come. No matter what. Kyle, Wes, Jenny, and Erica. The woman in the red suit is a wounded veteran. And that's Will Tony Berardini's Godson. He was a big help this year.

This is my dear friend Jerry. He lost both hands when an enemy mine blew up in his face in Vietnam in 1967. Jerry is going to be 80 next year. I love that man. And the man who is anchoring down the big SUP is Brendan Prindiville.
He was a huge help this year. Brendan is also a great surfer.



“SURFING HEALS ALL WOUNDS.” 

 



CLICK ON THE IMAGE ABOVE TO SEE THE LARGER SIZE






So everybody is talking about The "MUG SHOT". Personally I think it's atypical 45 move. You know damn well he practiced that face for hours prior to them taking the photo. And of all the defendants and their MUG SHOTS? I'm sorry, but I think our boy Khaliddy has the best MUG SHOT of them all. And only my Close Friends know why. I mean come on, look at the Sheik in this line-up. Oh and if 45 is really only 215lbs? Then our boy KSM is only 135lbs. These Mug Shots got nothing on the Sheik.




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 used coffee Mugs at Home Depot this week.




COME ON DOWN! Looks like Bob Barker won't be getting laid anytime too soon. The sly dog of the PRICE IS RIGHT checked out this week. Here is with his ex-models Dian, Holly, and Janice. Bob and Dian had an alleged affair that went viral about 20 years ago. I admit, I would only watch the show back then to see if Bob and Dian were making goo goo eyes at each other. Plus these girls looked pretty damn good in front of those autos, boats, and refrigerators. Rest In Peace Bob.

CONGRATS to James and Bella on the Birth of their daughter Carmen both on Jame's Birthday Thursday August 24th, 2023!
REST IN PEACE Michele Haber August 15th, 2023.
REST IN PEACE LENNY DUNN 66, on August 7th, 2023.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY Pete Rizzo August 21st, 2023!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY Molly Rowlee August 22nd, 2023!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY Veda Day Cropper August 23rd, 2023!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY Terence Kirby August 23rd, 2023!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY James Morse August 24th, 2023!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY Larry Giles August 24th, 2023!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY Hannah Vokey August 24th, 2023!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY Kainalu Nichols August 24th, 2023!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY Duke Kahanamoku August 24th, 2023!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY Johnny Fatello August 25th, 2023!
KEEP FIGHTING Robert Gerard! You Got This Brother!
Please keep LOCAL LEGEND Surfer Norm Murphy in your thoughts and prayers.
Please keep Victor Capozzi in your prayers as he recovers from heart surgery he had on July 7th, 2023 at Beth Israel.

Finally, I'm calling this a special request.
LOCAL SURFER/MUSICIAN PETE KOWALSKI NEEDS A KIDNEY. A TYPE A KIDNEY. PLEASE if you know anyone with a Type A Kidney please contact me at ralph@adlantic.com

SURFING HEALS ALL WOUNDS!
Please Support ALL The photographers who contribute to
Ralph's Pic Of The Week every week for the last 19 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. Surfing Is Supposed to be Fun.

Ralph

 


Everybody loves seeing the old pics of surfing. Especially here in Northern New England. If you have any old pics please send them off to me via email or social media. My email is ralph@adlantic.com



"THE VERY FIRST HIT THE BEACH. " August 22nd, 2008.
NORTH BEACH, HAMPTON, NEW HAMPSHIRE".
For those of us who were there 15 years ago. That's me, Kevin Grondin,
and Lenny Nichols helping NAVY CB Mark Mix out into the line-up.
Photo Brian Nevins
*Click on the photo above to see a larger image

 

 

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.

 


All photos taken this week unless otherwise noted.

Today- THE 15th ANNUAL HIT THE BEACH
AUGUST 25th, 2023 Photos by RALPH



(Above) This was truly a day for the ages. HIT THE BEACH!
Friday August 25th, 2023. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

Click on the ad above to see the Menu and other
important info on their Somerville restaurant and all the
other AMERICAN FLATBREAD locations.

 



(Above) The rains came and never stopped until long after we were gone. HIT THE BEACH! Friday August 25th, 2023. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

The Haffenreffer family have been helping seacoast families
with their holistic health and optimal wellness for decades.

 

(Above) A very wet selfie by Ralphie. HIT THE BEACH!
Friday August 25th, 2023. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery



(Above) This is a Beach Wheelchair. They worked out great.
HIT THE BEACH! Friday August 25th, 2023. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

Best EAST COAST Coverage on the Internet.


Click on the ad above to find out more about
more about local surf artist Stan Chew's art



Clark Little's new book
Click on the ad for more info.



(Above) This was a cool service dog. I forget her name but she was pretty cool and loyal to her veteran owner. HIT THE BEACH!
Friday August 25th, 2023. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

Today- THE 15th ANNUAL HIT THE BEACH
AUGUST 25th, 2023 SWELL VFG (Video Frame Grabs) by RALPH



(Above) This was a touching scene. Nevins and Jerry hugging it out.
HIT THE BEACH! Friday August 25th, 2023. VFG by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

 

The SURFER'S JOURNAL is in a league all of their own.
READ the Great piece on local photographer Brian Nevins

DIPG THE CURE STARTS NOW
To learn more about Evan and his journey click here  https://thecurestartsnow.org/sup.../view-heroes/evan-austin/

(Above) Jerry Miserandino coming in hot. HIT THE BEACH!
Friday August 25th, 2023. VFG by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

Click on the ad above to find out more about owner
and creator Ryan Jackson and NH2o's cool selection
of surf related products.



(Above) TEAM Jerry Miserandino. HIT THE BEACH!
Friday August 25th, 2023. VFG by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery



(Above) Laura Gifford flying at HIT THE BEACH!
Friday August 25th, 2023. VFG by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery



If you love the Beatles and you love the guitar
click on this ad above for an amazing instrumental
band playing all of your favorite Beatles songs with
the coolest arrangements. Johnny A is one of the
best guitar players on the planet.

Peter Stokes is one of the BEST guitar techs in
all of North America. He's the BEST guitar tech
in New England.


Produced by David Robinson of the CARS.
Visit our Facebook page



(Above) Me and Max. HIT THE BEACH!
Friday August 25th, 2023. VFG by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

Today- THE 15th ANNUAL HIT THE BEACH
AUGUST 25th, 2023 Photos by Brian Nevins



(Above) There's no other photographer like Nevins .
We're truly lucky to have him be with us. HIT THE BEACH!
Friday August 25th, 2023. Photo by Brian Nevins
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery



Produced by David Robinson of the CARS.
Visit our Facebook page



Produced by Steve Sadler.
Visit our Facebook page



The VINNY Band was around from 1976 to 1984




July 30th, 1979 headlining the Paradise Club
In Boston, MA






(Above) Brian takes the most dramatic shots. HIT THE BEACH!
Friday August 25th, 2023. Photo by Brian Nevins
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
Joe Carter, Brian Nevins, and Nick Lavecchia
   



(Above) This guy is one of the most stoked veterans who comes to the HTB every year. Friday August 25th, 2023. Photo by Brian Nevins
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery



(Above) Jerry and Brian have become good friends over the years.
HIT THE BEACH! Friday August 25th, 2023. Photo by Brian Nevins
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery



The art of Donna Baldassari




Hannah Vokey is one of my favorite surf artists.



(Above) This pic of Jerry says it all. HIT THE BEACH!
Friday August 25th, 2023. Photo by Brian Nevins
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

Today- THE HIT THE BEACH GALLERY
Friday August 25th, 2023. Photos by David Manzi



(Above) Jeff Crawford, Max Fatello, and Kevin Grondin. HIT THE BEACH! Friday August 25th, 2023. Photo by David Manzi
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery



(Above) Ray Gilmore re conning the situation at HIT THE BEACH!
Friday August 25th, 2023. Photo by David Manzi
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery




Visit Jimmy Dunn's website to find out where and
when he will be performing.



(Above) Ray Gilmore HITTING THE BEACH! Friday August 25th, 2023.
Photo by David Manzi
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery




(Above) Absorbing the full impact. HIT THE BEACH!
Friday August 25th, 2023. Photo by David Manzi
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery



I love Erica's whimsical Gull art. So cool and unique.



ONLY THE DURHAM STORE IS OPEN.
Due to the massive fire back in August the
Hampton store is closed. We will let you all
know when SECRET SPOT is back in
operation on the seacoast.
Thank you.
Jon Gozzo and family.






(Above) All smiles for Laura and Erica.
Friday August 25th, 2023. Photo by David Manzi
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery


Today- SATURDAY AUGUST 26th, 2023 Photos by RALPH



(Above) This was yet another sweet Saturday swell.
Saturday August 26th, 2023. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

 








(Above) Mackey V cutting back on Saturday August 26th, 2023.
Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery




(Above) Mackey V shaking the hand of new daddy James Morse.
Saturday August 26th, 2023. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery







(Above) James Morse riding Kevin Grondin's board.
Saturday August 26th, 2023. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

THE 2023 RPOTW CALENDARS ARE STILL AVAILABLE!Featuring pics from every month from last year's Blog.
Email me directly at ralph@adlantic.com or pick one up
at CINNAMON RAINBOWS in North Hampton, NH

 









(Above) The return of Mike Stanek.
Saturday August 26th, 2023. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery



(Above) Eric on a nicely lined up right.
Saturday August 26th, 2023. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery



(Above) Sweet Saturday August 26th, 2023. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

Click on this image to visit Driftwood Photography

"GIVE YOUR BUSINESS A KICK IN THE ADS"
Since 1985.


Everybody has a story to tell



(Above) Some lucky Goofy Foot on Sweet Saturday August 26th, 2023. Photo by RALPH *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery





(Above) Sugar Sweet Saturday August 26th, 2023. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery


(Above) "Can you describe the man who dropped in on you sir?"
Saturday August 26th, 2023. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery





(Above) Sweet Saturday Sandpiper action August 26th, 2023.
Photo by RALPH *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery




(Above) Peter Rizzo on a sweet looking left. Saturday August 26th, 2023. Photo by RALPH *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery



(Above) Sweet Saturday August 26th, 2023. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery




(Above) Sweet Stevie O'Hara's Sweet cutback on
Saturday August 26th, 2023. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery



(Above) Johnny Sav is giving Kevin the kind of look that I typically give him. Sweet Saturday August 26th, 2023. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery




















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.

My friend Rick McAvoy from Maine is the creator
behind this unique Surf Company

 





(Above) Father and daughter surf lesson at 10th Street.
August 26th, 2023. Photo by Noelle Rizzo
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery



(Above) Here's a beautiful family photo. James, Bella, and baby Carmen. Born on daddy's birthday August 24th, 2023. Congrats you guys!
Photo c/o James Morse
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

He's more than just a good photographer

 



(Above) All Rise: The 10th Street District Court Of Surf is Now in Session. The Honorable Judge RALPH presiding. Case # 738 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 is what happens if you are found GUILTY. You become invisible.


Click on this image above to buy this book
and more cool KING'S X merchandise and music
 



I see some fun waves on Friday and Saturday



I'm picking Friday September 1st, 2023 as the best of the week!

 

August 27th, 2023

I have to admit, this made me smile. Leave it to James to send me this pic. His little infant daughter Carmen flipping her first bird. You are too funny my friend.



(ABOVE) Just think of how many birds this sweet little child will be flipping in her life. Ad to think, it all started here.
Photo c/o James Morse



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