February 12th, 2023 The RUN is 11 out of 11 Weeks.
Waist high or better at least once a week.
There were head high waves on February 8th, 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. |
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VALENTINES DAY February 14th, 2023.
MASSIVE EARTH QUAKE IN TURKEY.
SUPER BOWL 57 CHIEFS vs EAGLES.
Tuesday February 14th, 2023 is Valentines Day. This pic above? That was done by me during my CATCH A WAVE FOR MOLLY Campaign. I drew this in the sand in front of some total strangers after catching my wave for Molly. on Valentines Day 2-14-2011. It's still my favorite Valentines Day Card. I can remember some great days of surf on Valentines Day. Kevin Grondin and I once surfed a rare break here in NH on Valentines Day. It was just he and out there. The rides were so long that we never spoke to each other out there. One of us would get a ride and go a couple of hundred yards and then paddle back out while the other would do the same. The only time we saw each other was when we'd pass each other. That was either in the late 80's or the early 90's. But I do remember it was on Valentines Day. And I also remember Paul Hamblet was watching us from the shore. He too claimed we were getting the longest rides he'd ever seen anyone get out there. Though I'm sure there are those who will dispute that claim. But that's what surfers do. We agree and we disagree. Always have and always will.
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This is Kevin "DOC" Grondin doing one of his trademark carves. I'm thinking this wave was one of the point breaks. It sure has all the characteristics of one. Kevin is currently down in PR enjoying the tropics with his bride Kim Grondin. No doubt they will be celebrating Valentines day in the tropics with Kevin pampering Kim with all kinds of sweets.
My fear of course is the surf gets really good.
In which case, it will be Kim pampering Kevin with all kinds of sweets. Speaking of Valentines Day, I hope Ed's widow Kathy is doing well. We sort of lost track of each other since she moved. I hope she knows, that I have kept this ED'S CORNER going since Ed's passing on July 1st, 2014. And I will keep it going for as long as I shall live and breathe this air. And that's a promise.
Photo by Ed O'Connell
*Click the photo above to see a larger version of Ed's Pic. |
Do any of you believe in LOVE AT FIRST SIGHT?
Well, I sure do. I fell for my future wife the moment I laid eyes on her. I remember at the time, I was not looking for a steady girlfriend. So meeting her really shook my world. And to have the reaction I did? That was equally surprising. But it happened, and here we are today. Married 35 years, together for 40 years. Three adult children, four grandchildren, two son-in-laws, and a wonderful steady girlfriend of our son. We are truly blessed.
This was all of us in Virginia after the funeral service for our beloved Grammy. Back on the farm that we all loved visiting when Grampy and Grammy were still with us. We had such lovely memories there. The new owners allowed us to visit and we had a wonderful day reminiscing about our times there. Both Grampy and Grammy's final resting place is nearby. So we have an excuse to visit the old farm whenever we are there visiting their graves.
*Note little baby Malia was not born until the following April.
Fast forward to last weekend's ARCTIC BLAST. The “Grandchillys” spent the Arctic Blast weekend at Mimi and Gramp's house. We had a great time. We watched “Puss in Boots” on Saturday night, then I pulled out the guitar and we all sang Beatles songs. And on Sunday morning, we woke up to two deer grazing in the backyard, and then Mimi cooked us “Flap Jacks” for breakfast. Finally, before they left, we played Hide and Seek. Our new home is great for playing that game. Am I blessed? Yes, I am truly blessed.
So something happened in the surf community these last few months that has everything in the world to do with Valentines Day. Three of the local boys got engaged. Brian "BMO" and Emma, James and Bella, and Kody and Lilli. I don't recall something like this happening so close together. Though I'm sure the NH Surf Historians are at this very minute wracking their brains to prove me wrong. And once they do, I will stand corrected and re-post.
Emma and Brian got engaged to be married when Brian asked Emma on Christmas morning. Aww that's memorable. Congrats to them both.
And then, Brian's big brother James asked Bella for her hand in marriage in Puerto Rico. Talk about a tropical romantic engagement. Congrats guys.
And lastly, Lilli and Kody are getting hitched when Kody asked Lilli to marry him while in her hometown in Canada. Whoa. Three local surfers all getting engaged within a month from each other! That's great news.
That's three local surfers taking that all too important step
into marriage and starting a family. All three of the "wives to be" have a vast understanding of what it's like to be with a surfer. Put it this way, if they don't, they are about to find out. I just so happen to know that Emma, Bella, and Lilli know all about what being with a surfer is all about. In my own case, I had Cory out on our first date in January, in 1984 taking surf movies standing in knee deep snow.
She knew right
out of the gates, of what being with a surfer was all about.
For the record to you non-surfers; Surfers will drop everything to get to go surfing. I mean everything. The problem with surfing is, you can't count on there being waves when it's convenient for you, and or your spouse. The surf is not on any kind of schedule. It's not like any other sport. We don't have a football field, or a basketball court, or a baseball diamond. Our field shows up on any given day or hour. You have to be very flexible to be a surfer, and to be a surfer's partner. Cory knew this only too well, during our courting years. She knew exactly what was coming. There were no surprises for her.
Same with Kody's parents Kevin and Kim Grondin.
In fact, I've known both Kevin and Kim for over 50 years. So I am personally aware of what Kim knew prior to marrying Kevin. Heck, I was Kevin's Best man at the wedding. And I saw it all. Kim watched Kevin get into so much trouble with his parents and work because of surfing. She knew that Surfing was going to get in the way of some of life's biggest events. And it has. It sure as hell did with me and Cory. And, it will with these three freshly engaged love birds. It's best that the girls know this up front. There should be NO surprises that when the surf comes up, and there's a dinner plan with the parents, or someone else in the family, that surfing is going to take precedent over that kind of stuff. And that is never going to change. Am I right people?
Damn straight I am.
I wish them all the best going forward. My best advice to them all. Is to keep each other laughing. Make your partner laugh. That is so important. And just pray that the surf doesn't come up on a holiday, birthday, graduation, funeral, or anything else that will take you away from the ocean. But if it does? Well, there's always saying your sorry, and
asking for forgiveness. With the latter being all so important. Forgiveness.
Don't be like these two assholes. Nobody likes this. Nobody.
“SURFING and LOVE HEALS ALL WOUNDS.”
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THE EARTHQUAKE IN TURKEY HAS KILLED OVER 28,000
Now I know that this has taken place a half a world away, and that most of us have nothing to do with Turkey or her people. But, whenever the reports started to come in, the news kept getting worse and worse with each waking moment.
The fact that so many people/children have been rescued is truly a miracle. It's been a while since we've witnessed anything so deadly. I know the war in Ukraine has been devastating to watch. But this amount of death and destruction in one day? It's nearly impossible to grasp it all. I mean, 28,000 dead?
The world needs to stop doing what their doing right now and help these poor people.
THE NEW 2023 RPOTW CALENDARS ARE 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
THE EAGLES vs THE CHIEFS SUPER BOWL LVII
The other day a beautiful Bald Eagle flew over me and my dogs. I took it as a positive omen. I have good friends who are EAGLES fans.
FLY EAGLES FLY!
THIS JUST IN. KC BEATS THE EAGLES in what some are saying is a controversial victory. A terrible holding
call against the Eagles basically handed the game over to the Chiefs. Meanwhile that loudmouth Kelce won't shut up. In my honest opinion, this is a hollow victory. And KC cannot feel good about the way they won this game. In fact, the last two games. I guess it's true. The league wants what the league wants. There's always next year.
The NEW HAMPSHIRE SURF DOCUMENTARY.
A documentary that has been 58 years in the making. Hear from Local Legends Surfers from all over New England talk about New Hampshire. Coming the Summer of 2023
How many of you guessed that Ole Khaliddy would be court-side when King Lebron James broke the NBA record for most points scored in a career? I did. But then again, I do these funny memes every week. Look at Kareem handing the ball to the New Born King. And look at our boy Khaliddy, looking up at these towering NBA icons. What do you suppose he's thinking? Only the Good Lord and Allah know the answer to that question. Once again, you're welcome my KSM friends.
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 LA LAKERS Jock straps at Home Depot this week.
REST IN PEACE Pat Curren 1932-2023
REST IN PEACE Patricia "PATCHES" Holmes
CONGRATS to Holly and the Linseman family on the birth of new baby girl Reighlynn!
HAPPY VALENTINES DAY February 14th, 2023
HAPPY BIRTHDAY Jesse Joseph February 17th, 2023!
GET WELL SOON Zorro "Z" Fatello!
KEEP FIGHTING Robert Gerard! You Got This Brother!
Heal quickly Gary Ritchie who took ONE STEP BEYOND!
Please keep local Surfer Norm Murphy in your thoughts and prayers. SURFING HEALS ALL WOUNDS!
Please Keep local surfer Bill M. in your thoughts and prayers.
Please
Support ALL The photographers who contribute to
Ralph's Pic Of The Week every week for the last 18 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 |
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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YESTERDAY: FROM BOYS TO MEN 1997.
This is a photo of the Fatello boys at our old home. Max, myself, and my late father Gus. My dad would be gone from this earth just 3 years later. I thought it was cool that we were all wearing a similar color scheme this day. I had grown a goatee because my surfboard had hit me in the face and I got 36 stitches a few months prior. Oh to go back for just one day, to hear my father's voice again. Photo by Cory Fatello
*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- THE ONE DAY IN FEBRUARY SWELL.
Wednesday February 8th, 2023 Photos by RALPH
(Above) This is a hollow section that if played right would offer a fun barrel.
Wednesday February 8th, 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) That's Ian Dreher and the newly engaged James Morse checking
the action.
Wednesday February 8th, 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) This is from a short sequence. Unknown Goofy foot.
Wednesday February 8th, 2023. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
(Above) The truth is, just 4 days prior to this day it was -8 degrees.
Wednesday February 8th, 2023. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
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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) This is that same hollow section. Easy in and easy out.
Wednesday February 8th, 2023. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
(Above) That's Ian Dreher lighting up this early morning lip.
Wednesday February 8th, 2023. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
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The SURFER'S JOURNAL is in a league all of their own.
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) Perfect positioning on a perfect wave.
Wednesday February 8th, 2023. Photo 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) Up and down the beach these perfect peaks were unloading onto the sandbars.
Wednesday February 8th, 2023. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
(Above) Kyle Linseman was out doing a little head dipping.
Wednesday February 8th, 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) My favorite new empty wave pic.
Wednesday February 8th, 2023. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
(Above) Kody Grondin alone with his thoughts about his newly engagement news.
Wednesday February 8th, 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) Jack Madden punching hard off the bottom.
Wednesday February 8th, 2023. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
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Joe Carter, Brian Nevins, and Nick Lavecchia |
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(Above) Another sweet looking empty grinder.
Wednesday February 8th, 2023. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
(Above) Later that night. The glass off was something special.
Wednesday February 8th, 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) The gulls and pink and purple skies made for a beautiful ending
to the day.
Wednesday February 8th, 2023. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
Today- THE DAY BEFORE Tuesday
February 7th, 2023 Photos by RALPH
Above) That's Johnny Reynolds Tuesday February 7th, 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. |
Above) That's Johnny "JIM" Meehan Tuesday February 7th, 2023.
Photo by RALPH *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
Above) This is Markey J. Tuesday February 7th, 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) The natural art of Phragmites Tuesday February 7th, 2023.
Photo by RALPH *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
Above) That's Johnny Meehan riding a wave in front of JT's wall. Tuesday February 7th, 2023.
Photo by RALPH *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
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Today- THE ONE DAY IN FEBRUARY SWELL.
Wednesday February 8th, 2023 Photos by Dina Crawford
(Above) Matt Colby locked into a sand sucking left.
*I have this same wave on video. Watch the video at the top of the page.
Wednesday February 8th, 2023. Photo by Dina Crawford
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
(Above) Nip and tuck.
Wednesday February 8th, 2023.
Photo by Dina Crawford
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
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(Above) Jack Madden whipping around on this right hander.
Wednesday February 8th, 2023. Photo by Dina Crawford
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
(Above) Jack Madden punting a little air hop.
Wednesday February 8th, 2023. Photo by Dina Crawford
*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) This is a thick milkshake inside thumper.
Wednesday February 8th, 2023. Photo by Dina Crawford
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
(Above) Nice looking wave here. This guy must remember this wave.
Wednesday February 8th, 2023. Photo by Dina Crawford
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
(Above) She calls them "Wavebows" . Rainbow waves.
Wednesday February 8th, 2023. Photo by Dina Crawford
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
(Above) I've been getting this guy in my videos the last two swells. I need to stop and introduce myself to him one of these days.
Wednesday February 8th, 2023. Photo by Dina Crawford
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
(Above) Kyle Linseman in a perfect barrel. I have this wave on video.
Wednesday February 8th, 2023. Photo by Dina Crawford
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
(Above) Jack Madden whipping around on this right hander.
Wednesday February 8th, 2023. Photo by Dina Crawford
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
(Above) Colby and the photographer. Mutual respect.
Wednesday February 8th, 2023. Photo by Dina Crawford
*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) Grif Brunette on a beast of a wave down in PR.
Photo c/o Brunette
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
(Above) Oh this is too beautiful to even think about. The Promise-land.
Photo by Dr. Chambo
*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 # 713 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'm seeing more waves this week. Valentines Day Tuesday 2-14-23
Why not take your sweetheart for a surf on V-Day Tuesday 2-24-23!
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February 12th, 2023
"I'm not sure if this qualifies as an actual layback. I mean, I don't see him pulling this off. Do you?"
I don't even know what to say here. Sorry? .
Photo by Dina Crawford
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Click here to read Shaun Tomson's first book. |
