Send your SURF Pics to me directly. Need photos by 12 noon on Saturdays.
SEND PICS by clicking here- Ralph's Pic Of The Week To check out Past ( RPOTW) Go to the Archives Page

August 30th, 2015 The RUN is 16 out of 16 Weeks
Waist high or better, at least once a week. There
were waist high plus waves all week.
All materials contained in this blog are protected by copyright laws, and may not be reproduced, republished, distributed, transmitted, displayed, broadcast or otherwise exploited in any manner without the express prior written permission of the owner, the author, authors or sources of said materials.





The 8th Annual WOUNDED WARRIORS PROJECT
HIT THE BEACH August 28th, 2015.

The surf on Friday morning was a big concern for those of us who tend to stress every year when we have the HIT THE BEACH event. Why were we concerned? Gee I don't know, maybe because the surf and tide were not in our favor. Here, take a look at this.



I'm not sure who that is walking down into the water. But I do know what that wave is. It's a head high close-out. Not exactly what we want for the Wounded Warriors. We are dealing with a group of veterans who have been wounded in the wars from Vietnam to the current Global War on Terrorism. Some of them have SCI (spinal cord injury) some have TBI (traumatic brain injury) and some have PTS (post traumatic stress). Then of course there's the amputees.

So stressing about the pounding shorebreak is warranted.

One of the vets heard some of the volunteers talking about the conditions. He walked over and said "Is there anything out there that is going to blow up under my feet?" We all just looked at him and shook our heads "No". To which he immediately replied, "Good-then we're good to go." We all looked at each other and said Yep. We're good to go.

I have to keep reminding the volunteers, that these guys have seen and experienced more than some big shorebreak. And it's true. Having said that, none of them backed down from going out and getting basically hammered by the shorebreak. But they all came up smiling. Which caused us all to smile.



This is Brent. He's paralyzed from the waist down. He was beyond stoked. so were the crew that helped him. We had about 45 veterans show up. Some of them brought family members. And we treated them to the surf as well. This day is one of those days, where even the most jaded, and miserable surfers, on the planet, can see the simple pleasures of being on the beach and surfing.

Once we hit the surf it was non stop action.



This is Greg. He's dealing with a TBI. He's confined to a wheelchair 24-7, but here he's free as a bird. And as you can plainly see, he's pretty freaking stoked. And so were we.



This vet has a pretty good stance. I mean for never having surfed in his life? I hate to say it (no I don't), he has a better stance then some of the surfers I know. I know, why do I have to be so hurtful? I'm not. I'm just pointing out some of the positive things that happened on Friday. This is one of them.



This is Michael's 3rd year coming to our beach. He is an IRAQ war veteran. And he had to deal with some serious medical issues. But one thing is for sure. His wounds are forgotten about when he's out there surfing. I look forward to seeing him and his wife every year.



Like I said in the past, I don't know who gets more out of this, the veterans or the volunteers. I'd say it's about even. I don't know a single volunteer who after spending a day with these veterans, leaves without a a heart full of love and joy. The volunteers are without a doubt some of the finest people I have had the pleasure of knowing in my life. This day, could not happen without them. I love you guys.

The generous sponsors, the American Legion Post 35, the four surf shops, Cinnamon Rainbows, Pioneers, Zapstix, and Summer Sessions. The Flatbread Company, Fresh Valley Foods, Tony Berardini, the HPD and HFD. Everyone and anyone who came
down to help. You guys ROCK!



The best day of the year? Some think so.



If I had to guess? I think next year will be as big if not bigger than this year. Once some of these first time Wounded Warriors go back home and stalk this up. It can only go up from here. And I say, the more, the merrier. Because I know, you volunteers will be there, as you are for every single one of these.

The mantra below that I came up with in 2009 is never more meaningful than it was on this day.


"SURFING HEALS ALL WOUNDS"


 






"Ed's Corner" pic this week is a shot from the 2013 Wounded Warriors HIT THE BEACH. August 30, 2013.
The surfer is a wounded war veteran catching a wave for the first time in his life. I'm so stoked that Ed was there for many of the HIT THE BEACH days. I thought about him on Friday. I miss seeing him standing in the shorebreak taking photos. Click on the photo to see a bigger image. To see more of Ed's pics just hit the archives tab and scroll through the years and see some Ed's work. Be sure to pick up the new SFOD movie The COLD COAST and check out the extra feature of Ed O'Connell's 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.

Now for Some Of My Weekly Global Observances
The big story of the week continues to be Ole Donnie Trump.
Now Donnie seems to have no filters. He he just say what he please (Come Together Right now...over me). Seriously? This man is a loose cannon with no way of stopping himself say the most absurd things. Day after day. Yet, the simpletons who like him think he's the man. My God people. DO YOU REALLY want this man in the White House?


And before any of you say "there's no way he could get in") I have good friends who I know with their fingers on the hot political buttons tell me..."There is NO WAY Obama will be president!"

Really? No way Obama will be president. This is what I mean.

This guy could very well end up in the big house. Because there are a shitload of people who think he is the answer. My friends, he is not the answer to anything except a few insane sound bytes.
Lord help us all.



The world leaders will be shaking their collective heads if he does. Be frightened children. Be very frightened. The GOP candidates should jump all over him and his unfounded absurd remarks. Get serious with him. Make him show us how he is going to "Make America Great Again" *which by the way, has to be the dumbest campaign slogan I have ever heard.



So once again, not wanting to be left out of the political arena. KSM has vowed to support the man with the flying fox on his head. Our favorite Terrorist Khaliddy "Sheik Yer Booty" Mohummed is all over the DONALD.
Please my friends, enjoy the weekly humiliation of the master mind behind the September 11th 2001 attacks. The man who designed the killing of 3,000 innocent civilians. The number two big dog of AlQeada. Khalid Sheik Mohammed.


* Note to self, must pick up a case of Red Trucker hats at
Home Depot.

Happy Birthday Veda Cropper August 23, 2015
Happy Birthday John Fatello August 25th, 2015!
*Facebook no longer gives me the weekly birthday
updates. They only send me daily ones. Sorry.

Please keep my sister Evamarie in your thoughts and prayers
and continue to send positive thoughts to our dear friend Meghan Evans and family, same with surf photographer Andrew Rebeiro and my dear friend Greg Brooks. Also say a prayer for my good friend Robert Gerard. And please continue to pray for local Hampton surfers Terry Morrison and Rick Fiorentini and their families. And lastly, please pray for Dave O'Connor. A good man, a great mentor to so many kids, and a wonderful school principal. Please pray for the family and friends of John Sexton.
*Please pray for the family of Skip Brunette as they mourn the sudden passing of 19 yr old nephew TYLER HORNECK.
Tyler is the son of Skip's sister. Hit by a car while walking
across the road. Thank you.

Please add them all to your prayer list. Thank you.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY VEDA DAY CROPPER! August 23, 2015

Please Support ALL The photographers who contribute to Ralph's Pic Of The Week every week for the last 9 years. **Think about BUYING 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

Like us on Facebook



CLICK ON THE GRAPHIC ABOVE TO SEE EVERY
SINGLE WEEK FROM THE LAST 11 YEARS!

Don't forget to go back and read the whole DAILY BLOG on
My CATCH A WAVE FOR MOLLY. (Click On the Banner below
on this page.) Started on July 26, 2010 ENDED July 26, 2011.
A Wave a day for 365 consecutive days.
Yesterday- Dick Lovell streaking on a fresh faced NE wave
some time in the late 70's or early 80's. .

 (Below) I am really not the person who should say anything about Dick. Only because I do not know him as well as some of the other older surfers. Ron Freeman, Stan Bocko, Crow, Allen Bigbee and a handful of others. However,
I can certainly comment on his style. As you can all plainly see, Dick knows how to surf. He was for the most part a northern boy. In other words, slightly north of where I am sitting right now.

It's truly funny how the northern state differs from this state. I could never figure it out. I suppose this is true all over the globe. We want to protect our own.
And them northern boys are no different then anyone else.
Photo courtesy of Ron Freeman.


Click on the photo above to see the 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.

Like us on Facebook, YouTube, and Vimeo

Today- Saturday August 29,2015
Photos by RALPH


(Above) The last day of a solid week of waves. Did you get any?
Michael Taylor did. Saturday August 29th, 2015 Photo by RALPH
 *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery









(Above) How warm and glassy was it? I don't know, ask Crowley.
Saturday August 29th, 2015 Photo by RALPH
 *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above)*For the record, we have bought all of our JEEPS from Lansdale JEEP the last 23 years, and have not had a single regret. They are the BEST!!
*Click on the Ad above to see more!



(Above) The Wall is so perfect for checking the action or just getting
warm in the morning sun. Sam Vokey watching the sets.
Saturday August 29th, 2015 Photo by RALPH
 *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery






(Above) Unknown cranking off the bottom of a Ranch like right.
Saturday August 29th, 2015 Photo by RALPH
 *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery


Today- ESA-NNE contest at the Wall
Saturday August 29th, 2015
Photos by RALPH



(Above) Everyone wants there to be waves on the day of a contest.
So when you get waves and the water is warm. That's a score.
Saturday August 29th, 2015 Photo by RALPH
 *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery




(Above) Racking up points on a pig dog left.
Saturday August 29th, 2015 Photo by RALPH
 *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery











If you know a surfer who may be struggling with any kind of substance abuse. Click here. They can help.
*Click above to save a surfer from substance abuse.




(Above) Wieland Anderson squaring off with a head high right.
Saturday August 29th, 2015 Photo by RALPH
 *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery



(Above) I love seeing the young "Gromettes" at these contests.
Saturday August 29th, 2015 Photo by RALPH
 *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

Today- Wounded Warriors HIT THE BEACH
Friday August 28, 2015 Photos by Cory Fatello



(Above) This year was probably our best year. With 45 participants and a hundred volunteers. HIT THE BEACH was a huge success.
Friday August 28th, 2015 Photo by Cory Fatello
 *Click on the photo above to see the whole sequence gallery



(Above) This is Brent's 4th year. He loves the sensation of riding a wave.
HIT THE BEACH Friday August 28th, 2015 Photo by Cory Fatello
 *Click on the photo above to see the whole sequence gallery








 



(Above) Iraqi War veteran Michael Chapsko LOVES this event.
HIT THE BEACH Friday August 28th, 2015 Photo by Cory Fatello
 *Click on the photo above to see the whole sequence gallery



(Above) Crop pushed Butch into the wave of his life. *See the whole sequence.
HIT THE BEACH Friday August 28th, 2015 Photo by Cory Fatello
 *Click on the photo above to see the whole sequence gallery








Today- Wounded Warriors VIII HIT THE BEACH
Friday August 28, 2015 Photos by Brian Nevins



(Above) Brian has been coming to these events for years. His photos really capture the vibe of the day. Greg a TBI veteran going again.
Friday August 28th, 2015 Photo by Brian Nevins
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery





(Above) They're all laughing about something. Truth be told, they were
laughing all day. Friday August 28th, 2015
Photo by Brian Nevins *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery






The COLD COAST is available at CINNAMON RAINBOWS, PIONEERS BOARD SHOP, ZAPSTIX, and SUMMER SESSIONS. You can also buy one from SURF FREE OR DIE by sending a check or money order for $20. Go to surffreeordie.com for ordering details.
Portions of the eventual DVD proceeds will go to the
WOUNDED WARRIORS PROJECT.





(Above) Everyone loves Jerry. He's usually the first one out. And the last one out. Friday August 28th, 2015 Photo by Brian Nevins
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery




Today- The 8th Annual Wounded Warriors HIT THE BEACH
Friday August 28, 2015 Photos by Martha Lardent

(Above) It was Greg being Greg. Check out the double victory/peace signs.
Friday August 28th, 2015 Photo by Martha Lardent
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery


(Above) Jerry is determined each year to stand up. And each year he does
just that. Friday August 28th, 2015 Photo by Martha Lardent
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery


(Above) It's hard to tell from this pic, but Butch and Crop were going pretty damn fast on this wave. Friday August 28th, 2015
Photo by Martha Lardent
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

Today- Saturday August 29th, 2015
Photos by Jerry Fitzgerald



(Above) Maddie Ryan Saturday, August 29th, 2015
Photo by Jerry Fitzgerald
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery









(Above) This kid is going to want a copy of this pic.
Saturday, August 29th, 2015 Photo by Jerry Fitzgerald
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery


Today- Thursday August 27,2015
Photos by RALPH


(Above) Ryan Jackson riding on the roof.
August 27th, 2015 Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery


(Above) If style could be coached, we'd all want that coach. But we all know, that you either have it, or you don't. Mikey Evans proof of style.
August 27th, 2015 Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery





(Above) Lars Hamilton taking advantage of the August warm water temps.
August 27th, 2015 Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery





Today- Wednesday August 26,2015
Photos by RALPH



(Above) Mike Stanek poking holes in the sky.
August 26th, 2015 Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery




(Above) Mikey Evans impressing the ladies.
August 26th, 2015 Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery



(Above) MVF in a filtered pic. August 26th, 2015 Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery










(Above) James Morse in a lightening fast slap.
August 26th, 2015 Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

Today- Monday August 24,2015
Photos by RALPH




(Above) Matt Colby. Think he made this? Click it and find out.
August 26th, 2015 Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery










Great NEW MARINE FORECAST Website




(Above) Kai Nichols is not about to sit around while everyone else is popping airs. August 26th, 2015 Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery



(Above) Mackey V. August 26th, 2015 Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

Today- EMPTY WAVES August 27-29,2015
Photos by RALPH




(Above) Saturday morning. August 29th, 2015 Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery











(Above) Thursday morning. August 27th, 2015 Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery






We welcome all Surf Related pics from our Readers. Just make sure they are at least 900 pixels wide. If you have any OLD photos of local New England surfers and or of local New England surfing, we would love to see them and share them with our readers.

We can scan them for you. And we get them back to you undamaged. Trust me. We can do this...people love the older stuff. So if you have any, please send 'em along. If you have prints/slides we can scan them for you.

And we don't care if you shoot pics with with your cellphones. I mean it. Most of the images you see on the news and on the Internet were shot with them Smart Ass Phones. So shoot and ask questions later.










(Above). Not sure who this is, but I know who shot it. 8-27-15
Photo by David Schultz
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

Click above to purchase on Amazon




(Above). The wall this past week. 8-27-15
Photo by David Schultz



(Above). York River. August 27, 2015
Photo courtesy of Mitch Reppucci
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
 


(Above) ALL RISE: The 10th Street District Court Of Surf is Now in Session.
The Honorable Judge RALPH presiding.
CASE #333 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.
Click banner below to read the entire CATCH A WAVE FOR MOLLY Year Long Blog. From start to finish. In chronological order as it happened. And trust me, a lot happened. Some of it almost too hard to believe. But it's all there. Every single day.


CLICK ON THE PLAY BUTTON on each clip to view videos








Uploaded on Apr 7, 2008

The life and times of Mark Occhilupo. This program is more a celebration of a great surfer's life. Following Mark from Cronulla grommet, to his amazing comeback, this is the "Surfer Magazine Video of the Year" award winner. Soundtrack featuring Foo Fighters, Michael Brook, Ed Kuepper, Powderfinger, OSM, and Yothu Yindi. Early footage as a kid, he amazing competitive efforts, his Pipe win at 15, thru to his first professional win on his comeback at Bells Beach.

"... another one of those McCoy classics, entertaining enough to watch 10, 20 or 100 times. The bottom line: this video should be sitting alone, on a shelf, next to burning candles and your favourite photos of Occy ..." Surfer Mag

Music:

Submarine - "Occy Theme"
Foo Fighters - "Everlong" & "Hero"
OSM - "Right On"
Manbreak - "Ready Or Not"
Ed Kuepper - "Rachel Owns The Creek" & "Pleading Ignorance"
Storytime - "Sun Song"
Michael Brook - "Urbana" & "Hawaii"
Twilight - "Occy's Comeback"
Violeteen - "Any Day"
Powderfinger - "Turtle Head"
Yothu Yindi - "Gapu"

 

 



You want MORE insane CHOPES Wipeouts? Here they are.
Hold your breath and enjoy your selves.

 

 

 












 

 

 
CLICK CRACKIE BELOW TO SEE All the CRACKIE VIDS!

CLICK ON THE CRACKIE IMAGE TO SEE ALL THE CRACKIE VIDEOS. Crackie's COMING BACK IN HD! Meanwhile just click on his face and go to his YouTube page and watch all his absurd videos. And if you have a question for Crackie, no matter how stupid, or absurd, please send it here...crackie@adlantic.com

You can also check Crackie out on Facebook. You should Friend Him...though there are no guarantees that he'll be nice to you.



COMING NEXT WEEK Dream points and Islands

Recorded in 1978. Click on VINNY CD art to see a larger
version and how to order this CD and others for sale at
GAF Music. www.gafmusic.com
A Division of Adlantic






COMING NEXT WEEK How would you like to spend a few days here?

Recorded in 1983. Click on VINNY CD art to see a larger
version and how to order this CD and others for sale at
GAF Music. www.gafmusic.com
A Division of Adlantic
 


(Above) Put the cursor over the images above to see what happens when you DROP in
on someone. You become Invisible. Simply put the mouse over the photo to see the
original photo and then marvel at the results of what happens when the criminal
becomes invisible.*Put the cursor over the photo to see the Real image.
Photo by RALPH

Like us on Facebook, YouTube, and Vimeo
Today August 30th, 2015
"Happy Birthday Kai...,mind if we join you on your very first wave of the day, on your birthday?"



(Above) I saw this and thought. Perfect. My parting shot for the week. Photo by RALPH


Click on Wave to return to top of page

 This site/blog designed and maintained
by Adlantic copyright 2014