Send your SURF Pics to me directly. (See link below) Just make sure they're 800 pixels wide. PLEASE NO smaller. Need photos by each Saturday at 12 noon if possible . In fact if you have any questions about the size, email me first and I'll write back. Start shooting my brothers and sisters!
SEND PICS by clicking here- Ralph's Pic Of The Week To check out Past ( RPOTW) Go to the Archives Page
December 12th 2010...
The NEW Run- 6 out of 7 weeks (Waist high or better)

"So what's with all the surf stuff? Do you surf?" The Cable guy from Comcast asked me. He's been here for an hour setting up our cable. Our home, like most surfer's homes, has quite a bit of surf art and surf photos adorning the walls in each room. "Yes. I'm a surfer." He looks at me funny. "But you don't surf around here." 'Here we go', I'm thinking to myself. Another sheltered individual who has somehow not heard that there's surf and more importantly, that there's Surfers here in New Hampshire.

"Yes around here. In fact, there's good surf right down the street. " I tell him. "Really?" he asks as if I'm pulling his leg. "Yes man. There's surf here in Hampton." I reply. "Well that's one thing I'll never try." He states. In hindsight, I should of let the topic drop and gotten back to the issue at hand. My cable. But I couldn't. So I bit on the statement. "And why is that?" I ask him.

"Sharks. I'm petrified of Sharks." He says with a serious look of concern on his face.

"Sharks? You got to be kidding me. You don't mean sharks around here do you?" I ask. He nods his head 'yes.' "Dude...you can't be serious. Sharks? " He's obviously embarrassed by his own silly admission. "I won't go near the water. Ever since I was a kid. I'm afraid of sharks." I look into his eyes to see if he's busting my balls. He's not. He's dead serious. "Where do you live again?" I ask. "Dover." I look around to make sure no one else is home, because I didn't want to embarrass this guy in front of my wife or kids.

"What's your name again?" I ask. "Chris." he says. "Look Chris, have you ever heard of anyone being attacked by a shark in Hampton? I mean ever?" He looks at me and says "They saw sharks last summer. It was on the news. " All of a sudden I'm into this crazy topic of discussion. "Look there are sharks out there. That ocean is full of them. It's their home. But dude, you can't be serious about this? I mean, I've been surfing around here for a very long time, and I have NEVER, EVER heard of anyone getting bit, bumped, or killed by a shark. Ever."

"I don't know, I'm just scared of them." He says.

"Do you know of anyone who's ever been killed in a car wreck? " I ask knowing the answer. "Yes." I look at him in the eye and say.."Well shouldn't you be more afraid to drive your car? People are getting killed out there everyday on the highways. Isn't it more dangerous to drive a motor vehicle than it is to go in the water at Hampton Beach- New Freaking Hampshire!? Chris?" He laughs nervously and says "You're right. Ralph, I must be crazy to think that. I don't know what's wrong with me."

Now I didn't want him to feel bad. Especially seeing how he was not done with the work he came to do. "Of course if you lived in California or Florida, your chances of getting killed by a shark might go up a little." He looked up at me. "But Chris, you are safe around here. Trust me on this. You are safe on these beaches in New Hampshire." I smiled at him and nodded my head in a reassuring manner.

"You know, maybe I will try surfing this summer!" He says. I almost spit my coffee out.

'Uh oh,' I think to myself. Did I just add another beginner into the Summer Crowds mix? "You should." I say. "You should. Why the hell not?" I shook his hand as I showed him to the door. He slowed down as he walked past all of our surfboards in the garage. His eyes lit up. He touched a few of the longboards in the rack. " I guess I'll be seeing you at the beach this summer." He said with a big smile on his face.

"Yea I guess you will, unless there's a shark sighting." We both laugh as he drove off.

I just mentioned accidents in my conversation with the cable guy. Little did I know that after writing that line that it would come to the forefront of this column. It is with a heavy heart, that I inform you that one of New Hampshire's oldest surfers lost their son in a motor vehicle accident last week. Chris Parks the son of Carol Grady and step son to John Grady, lost his life on December 3rd. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Grady family and to all who knew Chris. There are no words we can say that will bring back Chris, but our love and support will help the Gradys in their grief and sorrow. May God watch over them all.

And I have yet another Surfer Family loss. Mrs Dillon the mother of Steve Dillon lost her life to an extended illness last night. One of the original Surf Moms, Mrs Dillon was always hauling her three sons to the beach and videotaping her kids surfing. She was special. I just recently spoke with her over the phone and saw her briefly when Steve was home and she was checking the surf with him. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Dillon family and their friends. Love and support is needed again my friends.

The Holidays can be most wonderful time of the year for most of us. And it can also be depressing time for some. If you know of someone who is feeling down or depressed, reach out to them. Lead them away from the darkness. Help them. Don't second guess yourself. Reach out and lend a soothing voice, or a warm hug.

This Holiday season is about Love and giving. And there can be no greater gift, than the gift of love and friendship. That's what family and friends do. And if you know a surfer who is suffering...well, take them surfing. Because it's true. "Surfing Heals All Wounds" Rest in Peace Chris and Mrs Dillon. Rest in Eternal Peace.

Now for some of my Weekly Global Observances:

The sad news on the Global front is the passing of Elizabeth Edwards. Again cancer has claimed another life. I know it's the Holiday Season but I really really hate cancer. I hate you cancer. I hate what you do to families. One of these days cancer...one of these days, someone somewhere, is going to figure out how to kill you. And we will kill you every time you raise your ugly head. Rest In Peace Mrs Edwards.

The long enduring trial for Elizabeth Smart ended this week when that lunatic loser who kidnapped Smart when she was 14 years old was found guilty on all counts. He should spend the rest of his life in prison, where he should be subjected to the horrors of prison life, and may he suffer the same fate he put the poor young girl through. That is poetic justice. And then when he dies he will face the wrath of hell. Later loser.

Those of us who grew up with the Beatles had to relive the horror of 30 years ago when John Lennon was assassinated by that loony bird in New York. 30 years ago. The most senseless killing in the history of Rock and Roll. I still get mad thinking about it. Denying all of the world the beautiful music that John Lennon would of composed had he lived. Instead, it was the end of the greatest musical group in the history of modern day music. The Beatles. All you older music fans know what I'm talking about.

The Patriots kicked some serious ass on Monday night last week! Oh my God! 45 to 3??? The JETS got spanked and throttled. They were embarrassed on National TV as our New England Patriots looked like the team that we all want them to be. Is this too early to start making predictions? Oh hell yes it is. We need to get past the BEARS
first! That game is today in Chicago. And it's going to be in cold, windy, conditions. Come on Brady and Company...this is starting to get exciting!

Let's do this! BEAT THE BEARS!

Hey speaking of sports in New England. The SOX made some serious acquisitions this week. Gonzales and Crawford. That's some serious Yankee like money being spent round these parts. But I guess that's what you gotta do. Spend a little cash. The BRUINS are also on a WINNING Streak as are The Celtics. Times are good here in New England as far as sports go. That's GREAT NEWS for ALL New England Sports fans.

ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Due to the SWELL on DECEMBER 2nd and this Thanksgiving Holiday the NEW SURF FREE OR DIE MOVIE The RUN Redux will now be released on or about DECEMBER 15th, 2010. SORRY for the delay...but it will be worth the wait. Trust me. It will.


ANNOUNCEMENTS:

HAPPY BIRTHDAY Jeff Smith and Karin Backstrom December 13th!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY to my sister Donna December 13th!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY Matt Pruett December 17th!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY Elliott Easton December 18th!
Don't forget to Check the DAILY BLOG on My CATCH A WAVE FOR MOLLY. (Click
On the Banner on this page.) Started on July 26, 2010 ENDS July 26, 2011. A Wave
a day for 365 consecutive days. Just click on the banner ads on this page.

CHECK OUT THE NEW/Old YESTERDAY PAGE! ALL OLD New England and
beyond Surf Pics!
*NEW PICS added each week!

*Check out the NEW updated DROPPING IN ON
RALPH blog Section.
ALL of September, October, and November is NOW UP. CHECK IT OUT. REPEAT The DROPPING IN ON RALPH section is UP to DATE! And there's some great letters from you guys from all over the world. (And a few hurtful ones too). But check it out.
*This is the blog section of
this website where you can write in and comment. The
only downside of this blog
is, you actually have to use your REAL Name. No hiding behind some fake handle and name. If you want to comment, you have to man up,
and be yourself. I will post all comments, both good and bad.
You just have to be yourself.


Please Support ALL The photographers who contribute to Ralph's Pic Of The Week
every week for the last
7 years. **Think about BUYING a Photo from any of the weeks
on RPOTW as a GREAT Gift Idea. A nice framed photo of your favorite Surfer!

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


Ralph


CLICK ABOVE for DAILY "Catch A Wave For Molly" BLOG
 
Click YESTERDAY Banner Below to see new Old Surf Pic Page

Yesterday March 1977 The Cold Drop On The North Shore
(of Massachusetts)

(Below) This spot is not one of my favorite places to surf. It is a crazy spot that breaks right on the rocks, with little or no room for error. Not my idea of a fun wave to surf. The guys that live there though love this spot. Photo by Jeff Crawford.



Click on the photo above to see the larger version.



Today-Sea Smoke Session- December 10th, 2010
by Ralph



(Above) This morning was so cold I still feel numb. With sea smoke everywhere and cold Northwest winds, it was almost January and February feeling. Still there was something pretty about it. Go figure. Friday December 10th, 2010. Photo By RALPH
* Click on the photo above to see the Whole Gallery.


(Above) This is sea smoke. It is cold. Friday December 10th, 2010. Photo By RALPH
* Click on the photo above to see the Whole Gallery.


(Above) Does this look cold? I guess not. But trust me. It was.
Friday December 10th, 2010. Photo By RALPH

* Click on the photo above to see the Whole Gallery.

Today-SURF- Waist High and Better Dec.6-7th, 2010 by Ralph


(Above) Ryan Jackson off the top at Coyote Hill. Monday December 6, 2010.
Photo By RALPH
* Click on the photo above to see the Whole Gallery.


(Above) Mike Rosa wheeling back to re-power up. Coyote Hill.
Monday December 6, 2010.
Photo By RALPH

* Click on the photo above to see the Whole Gallery.


(Above) Surfrider Flowmaster Dale Pariseau. Monday December 6, 2010.
Photo By RALPH
* Click on the photo above to see the Whole Gallery.





(Above) Tim O'Shea clearly on a waist high or better wave.
Coyote Hill
. Monday December 6, 2010.
Photo By RALPH
* Click on the photo above to see the Whole Gallery.




(Above) Sean O'Connor looking for that sweet spot and knowing that I'm standing
right there with my NIKON D-90. Coyote Hill
. Monday December 6, 2010.
Photo By RALPH
* Click on the photo above to see the Whole Gallery.


(Above) Empty waist high plus waves at the WALL on Tuesday December 7, 2010.
Photo By RALPH
* Click on the photo above to see the Whole Gallery.



(Above) DJ out of school and into a fun looking left on Tuesday December 7, 2010.
Photo By RALPH
* Click on the photo above to see the Whole Gallery.


Today-SUNRISES and SUNSETS- December, 2010 by Ralph




(
Above) Look at those amazing sunrise colors. This is all natural. December 1, 2010.
Photo By RALPH
* Click on the photo above to see the Whole Gallery.

(Above) The all natural Sunrise. December 1, 2010.
Photo By RALPH
* Click on the photo above to see the Whole Gallery.


(Above) The Purple skies at the WALL December 7, 2010.
Photo By RALPH
* Click on the photo above to see the Whole Gallery
 

(
Above) The equally amazing sunset colors. This is all natural. December 7th, 2010.
Photo By RALPH
* Click on the photo above to see the Whole Gallery.


(
Above) Breathtaking sunset colors. This is all natural. NO Photoshop.
December 7th, 2010. Photo By RALPH


*
Click on the photo above to see the Whole Gallery.

Today-The PHANTOM Pics w/ special guest Sam George December- 2010



(Above) OK let's be real here. NO ONE and I mean NO ONE pulls off better stealth like amphibious strikes than the damn PHANTOM . And to prove this point. The Phantom delivers yet another photo essay of his crack crew and their small water crafts as they once again enter the Forbidden zone. This time they've got an old friend onboard, Mr Sam George. Check out the ultimate score with The Phantom and crew. December-2010. Photos By The PHANTOM*
Click on the photo above to see the Whole Gallery.

(Above) Sam George is a surfer. He's always been in my opinion, one of the better underrated surfers on the planet. He can ride anything. And he looks good doing it. Check out more of Sam and company as he joins the Phantom on a
TOP SECRET Foray into the Isle of Right Points and Barrels.
December-2010. Photos By The PHANTOM
*
Click on the photo above to see the Whole Gallery.


Today-Water Housing Fun with Ben Ginsberg
California December- 2010
|


(Above) Breaking through barriers. December 2010. Photo By Ben Ginsberg
*
Click on the photo above to see the Whole Gallery.



(Above) Nice shot Ben! Really cool texture in this wave face and lip.
December 2010. Photo By Ben Ginsberg

*
Click on the photo above to see the Whole Gallery.


(Above) Nothing like getting that inside the barrel shot. December 2010.
Photo By Ben Ginsberg

*
Click on the photo above to see the Whole Gallery.

 


Click above graphic for Daily BLOG or to DONATE to the Fundraiser.


CLICK ON THE PLAY BUTTON
BELOW

THE NEW RUN REDUX Trailer . December 2009 to December 2010

The RUN Redux Trailer December 2009-December 2010 from Ralph's Pic Of The Week on Vimeo.

OK kids you asked for it and here it is. The RUN Redux. All NEW footage from December 2009 to December 2010. The RUN Redux is more of the insane swells we've had in the past year here in Northern New England.

Featuring ALL local music by Local New England Bands. Photos from local photographers and ALL local Northern New England surf spots.

Can you stand it? Oh hell yes you can! The RUN Redux in the Shops soon. Very soon...now dig this trailer, most of it was shot on Thursday December 2nd, 2010.

That's how fresh this batch is. Happy Holidays!

Ralph

 




one hour parking from Michael Sander on Vimeo.

michael sander presents - one hour parking , a holiday dvd of clips from this past season in new hampshire. limited copies available.

Pick your copy up today at Pioneers Surf Shop, Zapstix Surf Shop, or Cinnamon Rainbows Surf Company

music : zombie met girl, new rose cover




(Above) All Rise: 10th Street District Court of Surf Justice is now in session, the
Honorable Judge Ralph G. Fatello presiding. CASE #86 BLATANT DROP IN OF
THE WEEK- REPEAT OFFENDER- CLICK and SEE. Photo by Ed O'Connell


(Above) This is Jay Hammer, Charlie Daly, and TK...these three surfers used to live together in Hawaii. I stayed with these guys a few times over the years.
Photo By Jay Hammer


(Above) This is my old Home Break. Photo By Tony Szabo
* Click on the photo above to see Larger image.

(Above) This is my new Home Break. Photo By Tony Szabo
* Click on the photo above to see Larger image.

(Above) Billy Ritchie. Photo By Brian Nevins GITV
* Click on the photo above to see Larger image.



(Above) More insane images from the Phantom..Photo courtesy of The Phantom


(Above) Look familiar? That's Pipe and Backdoor kids ...Photo courtesy of The Phantom


(Above) Half Moon Bay with Mavs out the back. Photo courtesy of The Phantom

*Click masthead above to read the original ISM story.


(Above) Put the cursor over the images above to see 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.
Photos by Ed O'Connell


Today 2010
"Here Kitty Kitty...Tiger Shark!"


(Above) This guy is standing on a dead whale and petting these large Tiger Sharks
who are in a feeding frenzy eating this whale carcass. Darwin Theory contestant in
the making. Put the cursor over the image to see the second pic.

Photo courtesy of the Internet
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

















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"Catch A Wave For Molly" BLOG


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