DECEMBER 3rd, 2023 The RUN is 4 out of 4 Weeks.
Waist high or better at least once a week.
There were overhead high waves 11-27-20-23 and head high waves
on 11-28-23 this week.
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. |
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'TIS THE SEASON. HAPPY HOLIDAYS! ANOTHER LATE NOVEMBER SWELL.
This is a from Last week's tree decorating. Clearly the biggest tree we’ve ever had in our home. I wanted the full "Chevy Chase Christmas Vacation tree." The whole family pitched in, and we got this big boy at Bassett’s Christmas Trees on Rte 1 in North Hampton, NH. They are the best.
We get our tree at Bassett's every single year.
The kids and grandkids had a blast. This large Christmas tree was an experience for everyone. Why? Because we have never had a tree this big before. How big was it? 9.5' tall. That's our oldest grandchild Avery standing next to BIG CHEVY.
Our son Max, and two son-in-laws Pete and Brent, were a tremendous help in securing the tree and helping us get the lights on. Step ladders were used in the decorating. We had no choice. We needed elevation.
All you longtime readers of the Blog will recognize these babies. Our "his and her" gift ornaments from our longtime guitarists friend, Elliott Easton. These two Surfing figurines have been with Cory and I for 40 years.
Our Nativity Set
was gifted to us by her late father Jerry. He bought this Nativity set in Jerusalem during one of his many trips to the Middle East.
We love it and intend for it to be part of family's heirloom collection.
This is me putting the final touch on the new tree. Placing Cory's childhood Star on top of the tree. I love that old star. I think it's the cutest thing ever.
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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 December 3rd, 2023
This pic was shot by Ed on December 5th, 2012. Looked like a clean little swell that was still favorably warm. I mean this guy is not wearing a hood. But then again, he could have simply forgotten it. Guess we will never really know. Photo by Ed O'Connell
*Click the photo above to see a larger version of Ed's Pic.
COMING THIS WINTER of 2024 (January-February). My 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. The book will be available in both hard cover and soft cover on AMAZON, BARNES & NOBLE, INGRAM, GOOGLE BOOKS, and KOBO PUBLISHING.
It's been a long time coming. I'm pretty stoked about this project.
72 years in the making. So please be patient with me and stay tuned. The book is coming. It's just taking longer than I had originally anticipated. But it's coming. *I know SO IS CHRISTMAS!
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 winter of 2024.
PLEASE HELP HAMPTON'S SECRET SPOT REBUILD FOR THE SUMMER OF 2024!
CLICK ON THE GRAPHIC ABOVE TO HELP SECRET SPOT.
HELP HAMPTON'/S POPULAR SECRET SPOT
REBUILD FOR THE SUMMER OF 2024! I’ve known Jon Gozzo for about 20 years. We surfed together and have shared a common bond with pointing dogs. But more importantly, I’ve watched Jon establish himself here on the seacoast and become part of this great community. I was there when he met and fell in love with Sarah. I was there when he became a father of his beautiful twin girls Maeve and Lyona. And I was there when he launched SECRET SPOT. He’s been on my weekly Blog every week since day one.
Back in August of 2022, the seacoast community suffered a major loss when we lost, CINNAMON RAINBOWS, The NORTH BEACH Bar & Grille, and SECRET SPOT due to a devastating fire. Jon and Sarah lost everything. I mean everything. It was a gut wrenching loss for their family.
I started a Go Fund Me page for CINNAMON RAINBOWS (which was quite successful thanks to all of you who donated.) At that same time I asked Jon if we could do the same for SECRET SPOT. They were not ready at the time due to a number of reasons to ask for help.
This is the season of giving. And I truly hope that you will join me in helping SECRET SPOT get back on their feet, and provide the seacoast community with the best and healthiest food on the coast.
Surfing Heals All Wounds (and so does a Acai’ bowl at Secret Spot).
Below is a letter from Sarah and Jon Gozzo. |
There she stands. THE GREAT CHEVY OF THE NORTHEAST.
THE ANNUAL CHRISTMAS PARADE in HAMPTON, NH.
And just two days later it was the Annual Christmas/Holiday parade in Hampton.
Back in 2006 when I was the Grand Marshall of the largest parade in all of NH (it's true. Hampton's Holiday/Christmas Parade is the largest in the state). I was Commander of the American Legion Post 35 for 13 years from 2001 to 2014. Besides spear-heading the HIT THE BEACH event every summer, and being the point man behind the only one of it's kind monument in the entire nation, our GWOT Monument, I was asked by John Nyhan's EXPERIENCE HAMPTON to lead off the 2006 Holiday Parade.
It was a pretty humbling experience.
What's interesting to note in these two photos is: That's the late George Masten driving the Jeep. (He insisted that I stand up the whole parade). I felt like Patton riding into Germany in WWII. And the photo of me on that old flip-phone, is when my late mother called me during the parade. I'm actually trying to explain to her that "I'm the Grand Marshall in the Christmas Parade Ma, and I can't really talk." Her reply? "Never mind that crap. Listen, are you people coming down for Christmas or what?" Ha ha. Classic Eva Fatello.
Photos by John Carden.
American Legion Post 35 lead the parade off. That's our Commander
Berk Bennett in his full dress NAVY uniform standing in front of the Post 35 Color Guard.
The HFD are always
at the head of the parade. Chief Michael McMahon
is a good guy as are all the HFD and HPD.
Yup, I couldn't resist taking a selfie of myself during the parade. I actually called cadence for our Post. I felt like a Marine Corps Drill Instructor. It was pretty cool and I actually had fun calling cadence.
Another reminder to help out SECRET SPOT. No donation is too small.
Click on the image below to make a donation. Thank you and Happy Holidays!
CLICK ON THE GRAPHIC ABOVE TO HELP SECRET SPOT.
Click on the pic above to help SECRET SPOT.
“HELPING FRIENDS IN NEED HEALS ALL WOUNDS.”
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Dear Ralph and loving Seacoast community,
You’ve been asking and we’ve been waiting and now it’s finally time to rebuild the Secret Spot! It’s difficult for us to ask but we need your help!
On August 19, 2022 a fire infiltrated our restaurant through the ceiling rafters and completely consumed our Secret Spot, obliterating everything inside. In a matter of hours, everything we had worked for, built from the ground up, our family business of 15 years was a total loss. Fortunately no one was hurt but our family was grief stricken and our community was devastated. At that time we did not start a GoFundMe because we wanted to focus efforts on helping our friends at Cinnamon Rainbows get into a clean space asap. We are so happy they were able to find a perfect temporary home!
Finally, we are happy to announce that we’ve found a new spot but it needs a ton of work! The small building at 560 High Street, to the west of where Secret Spot once was, will be our new home for a few years:) We (Jon and Sarah) plan to do much of the work along with friends, family and community members. Of course our 10yr twins Maeve and Lyona will help too!
The physical labor poses a real issue with Jon’s declining health. Jon’s health issues have been kept private but if you’ve known The Gozzo’s for a while, you know we live cautiously. Jon was diagnosed with SLL, CVID and GLILD many years ago which is how he came to be the first to bring Acaí to New England, for its health benefits. In order for Jon to live, he must do weekly plasma infusions, take daily antibiotics and antivirals and avoid germs in general as the common cold could cause hospitalization. The Gozzo family does our best to normalize this for our children but it’s been exceedingly stressful and difficult after the loss of our family business. If you see the twins, they are always happy to get extra hugs:)
Looking forward! The Gozzo family feels a new sense of hope for the future! Finding the space so close to the old space, near Hampton’s iconic corner, in the same beach community that we love so dearly, is our dream realized. Even though we have high hopes for a rebuild in the original space, the plan is to be OPEN Spring 2024 at 560 High Street, in Hampton, NH and we can all finally get acaí to the face!
We need to raise $35,000 to go directly toward the build-out and necessary equipment. All help is welcome! Thank you so much for your continued support. It means the world to our family and our beach community!
Click on the pic above to help SECRET SPOT.
With Love,
Sarah Gozzo (Jon, Lyona and Maeve)
Here's something I did not know. Khaliddy is apparently working as an intern with the GITMO GAZETTE down in GITMO. And he somehow how got a hall pass to cover he George Santos case in our nation's capitol. Though it's pretty apparent that The Sheik is not very happy with Santos. And he's not exactly Mr Assert yourself, So Santos allowed KSM to ask him a few questions. Like "Where do you get off telling so many damn lies Georgie?" I don't know how you all feel, but I'm happy to see him go. Seeya Santos Claus!
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 Truth Serum
at Home Depot this week.
LOCAL SURFER/COMIC/ACTOR LANDS NEW ROLE ON THE BRAND NEW FRASIER SITCOM. CONGRATS JIMMY!
Jimmy Dunn as Moose - Stand-up comedian and actor Jimmy Dunn plays firefighter Moose, a colleague of Freddy who appears to be slow-witted. Dunn is best known for playing Sean McCarthy on the CBS sitcom, The McCarthys.
HAPPY HOLIDAYS EVERYONE 2023!
KEEP FIGHTING Robert Gerard! You Got This Brother!
Please keep LOCAL LEGEND Surfer Norm Murphy in your thoughts and prayers.
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
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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
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THE NAME D-LAND AND THIS BREAK WILL ALWAYS HAVE A SPECIAL PLACE IN MY HEART. RGF IN 1979
It's always been special to me. I first surfed it in 1966. There was a time from 1971 to 1991 where I never missed a swell there. I'm sure that the locals who surf there today have no idea who I am (except for Artie Beauchesne). As long as Artie is still surfing there, I'll have a foot in that door, should I ever decide to go back for a surf one day. But, there was a time, when I felt pretty damn comfortable out there. Maybe I'll drive down there during the right swell and wind direction and say hello to the old reef. I wonder if she'll still remember me. Photo by Tony Szcabo.
*Click on the photo above to see a larger image
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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.
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All photos taken this week unless otherwise noted.
Today- MONDAY NOVEMBER 27th, 2023
Photos by RALPH
(Above) I admit, this swell caught me off guard. Man she was something else. Monday November 27th, 2023. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
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Click on the ad above to see the Menu and other
important info on their Somerville restaurant and all the
other AMERICAN FLATBREAD locations.
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(Above) It was one of those swells that you won't soon forget.
Monday November 27th, 2023. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
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The Haffenreffer family have been helping seacoast families
with their holistic health and optimal wellness for decades. |
(Above) It was not an easy paddle out. You had to pay double for each wave.
Monday November 27th, 2023. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
(Above) Jesse Gould on the way inside track finding some hollowness.
Monday November 27th, 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.
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(Above) I love it when the wind creates these prisms and rainbows.
Monday November 27th, 2023. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
(Above) Shortly after I snapped this pic Colby would lose this board forever.
Monday November 27th, 2023. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
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Click on the ad above to see the NEW SURFER'S JOURNAL
DIPG THE CURE STARTS NOW
To learn more about Evan and his journey click here https://thecurestartsnow.org/sup.../view-heroes/evan-austin/
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(Above) If you have an imagination, imagine yourself on one of these.
Monday November 27th, 2023. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
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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) Look how thick and hollow this wave is.
Monday November 27th, 2023. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
(Above) It was one of those days where denials were common.
Monday November 27th, 2023. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
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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) I mean, look at that wave. Are you kidding me?
Monday November 27th, 2023. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
(Above) I'm not sure who this Goofy foot is, but I know he got some really good waves this day.
Monday November 27th, 2023. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
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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
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(Above) I could not draw or paint a better wave than this one.
Monday November 27th, 2023. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery |
Joe Carter, Brian Nevins, and Nick Lavecchia |
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(Above) It was also a good day for the birds. Who knew?
Monday November 27th, 2023. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
(Above) I would call this a "Wave Field"
Monday November 27th, 2023. Photo by RALPH *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
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The art of Donna Baldassari
Hannah Vokey is one of my favorite surf artists.
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(Above) Here's that Goofyfoot again. I think this may be Nico.
Monday November 27th, 2023. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
(Above) It's clear to see that this guy knew what he was doing out there.
Monday November 27th, 2023. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
(Above) I always know that if Colby is out I'm going to get something worth posting.
Monday November 27th, 2023. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
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Visit Jimmy Dunn's website to find out where and
when he will be performing.
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(Above) It was "take off and go" all day long.
Monday November 27th, 2023. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
(Above) It was "BOWLING BARRELS" out there.
Monday November 27th, 2023. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
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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.
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(Above) I looked up and spotted Jon Kiskinis pulling into a stand up barrel.
Monday November 27th, 2023. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
(Above) It was Kody Grondin who kept grinding away at those right handers.
Monday November 27th, 2023. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
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(Above) I admit even the white frothing inside was going off.
Monday November 27th, 2023. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
(Above) I love Carter Walsh's keen nose for the barrel.
Monday November 27th, 2023. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
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Listen to QWILL on the new video at the top of this page.
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(Above) I call this one STAND AND DELIVER! !
Monday November 27th, 2023. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
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THE 2024 BEST OF RPOTW CALENDARS ARE COMING
Featuring pics from the Last 20 Years!
Email me directly at ralph@adlantic.com or pick one up
at CINNAMON RAINBOWS in North Hampton, NH
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(Above) I'd easily call this a back door attempt. Kody Grondin
Monday November 27th, 2023. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
(Above) He was going for it both front side and backside. Kody Grondin.
Monday November 27th, 2023. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
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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) LOOK AT THIS WAVE! Monday November 27th, 2023.
Photo by RALPH *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
(Above) He was doing a simple duck dive when this happened. Matt Colby.
Monday November 27th, 2023. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
(Above) Kody Grondin was finding all the holes.
Monday November 27th, 2023. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
(Above) Brendan Denney pulling up a seat at his favorite sandbar.
Monday November 27th, 2023. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
Today- MONDAY AND MORE NOVEMBER 27th, 2023
Photos by James Sullivan
(Above) That's a big wave with big an even bigger carve.
November , 2023. Photo by James Sullivan
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
(Above) Matt Colby in Black and White.
Monday November 27th, 2023. Photo by James Sullivan
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
(Above) I think this is Brian BMO Morse on a beauty.
Monday November 27th, 2023. Photo by James Sullivan
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
(Above) I don't believe you can call this a proper duck dive. I hope they both made it.
Monday November 27th, 2023. Photo by James Sullivan
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
(Above) Brian BMO Morse getting blasted by the spit.
Monday November 27th, 2023. Photo by James Sullivan
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
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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
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(Above) There were some HUGE waves at Ocean Beach in Northern Cal
last week. Photo by John McGinty
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
(Above) And there were some HOLLOW waves at Ocean Beach in Northern Cal last week too. Photo by John McGinty
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
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He's more than just a good photographer
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(Above) All Rise: The 10th Street District Court Of Surf is Now in Session. The Honorable Judge RALPH presiding. Case # 750 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.
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Click on this image above to buy this book
and more cool KING'S X merchandise and music
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I see waves on Monday and Friday.
I'm picking Monday December 4th, 2023 as the best of the week!
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December 3rd, 2023
"I don't know, sometimes I just feel like rolling over out there and going to love it how in surfing, every single wave is uniquely different."
Said nobody ever.
(ABOVE) I hope whoever this is can find the humor in this pic. After all we all fall,
Photo by RALPH
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