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

CHRONICLE COMES KNOCKING ON
Valentines Day February 14th, 2023.
TWO HOLLYWOOD ICONS PASS AWAY.
MATTHEW SLATER TO RETURN FOR 16th SEASON. REMEMBERING IWO JIMA FEBRUARY 19th-MARCH 26th, 1945.


videographer Paul Falco from NH Chronicle.

OK so last Spring I got a PM (Private Message) from a Sean Mcdonald. he said he was with NH Chronicle and he asked me if I shoot surfers and surfing in the winter. I knew right away, that he was clearly unaware of what we do here in the winter. Or rather, he was unaware of what I do. Because clearly everyone knows by now that New England surfers obviously surf through the winter months. Let's face it, that's when some of the best surf happens. In the dead of winter. I've dealt with non-surfers plenty of times in the last 59 years. That's how long I've been surfing. And I've been taking photos the last 58 years. And making Surf movies the last 52 years. And as some of you already know, I've been doing this weekly Blog the last 19 years.

"Great we'd like to do a story on you and your Blog. If you're interested."
Sean said. "I'll get back in touch with you next winter, when it starts to get cold and the snow starts falling."

This is yet another unknown. Though I suppose I could try and guess who would be surfing this Valentine's Day in 2008 at this particular spot. First and foremost, whoever it is, he's a Goofyfoot. So that narrows it down to about half the surfers who surf here. Still, that's an awful lot of surfers to go through. And quite frankly, I really don't have the time.

Sometimes it's best that these unknowns remain just that. Anonymous. So unless one of you guys can ID this Goofyfoot, he shall remain THE UNKNOWN Surfer. Photo by Ed O'Connell
*Click the photo above to see a larger version of Ed's Pic.

photo by KD Durham

THE WINTER THAT NEVER WAS.
Well, as most of you already know, this winter isn't exactly a typical New England winter. It's been pretty warm for the most part, and let's face it, there really hasn't been much in the way of snow. Yes we had a couple of cold days here and there. Hell, that arctic Blast from a few weeks ago that set all kinds of cold records was surely a cold day in the winter. But damn, 48 hours later? It was back in the 60's. I feel as though I need to own up to you all that I may have inadvertently caused this mild winter. How's that? Well I bought a brand new snow Blower in November for starters, and then I went out and bought the snow plow stakes. You know the kind, where you stick them along the edge of your property to let the snow plow drivers know where the lawn starts, and where it ends. Yeah, I'm one of those guys. When in Rome...?

So I feel guilty, because I may have upset the Voodoo cart.

Aside for the bone chilling cold arctic Blast on February 4th, 2023, this has been like Spring. It sure as hell don't feel like winter. I'm not complaining. But some folks sure are. The mountains are hurting. As are the local ponds and small lakes where people ice skate and go ice fishing. Not a good year for any of that. The only silver lining is; December, January, and now February have had some good to great surf. So while it's not a typical winter, there has been surf. And technically it is winter. So Sean Mcdonald and his cameraman Paul Falco showed up on Tuesday (Valentines Day) February 14th, 2023.



And honestly? The most important factor on any story on surfing has always been the surf. I mean it's still pretty cold outside, and though the water has yet to dip into the 30's it has stayed pretty much in the lower 40's Which, is not that bad, especially if you're wearing a decent 5-4-3 wetsuit. Which is what most people wear in the winter around these parts. Not exactly survival conditions, but then again, it can get cold out there. But again, the surf in general has been pretty consistent.

Besides this is not so much a story on winter surfing (Lord knows that has been done a million times since the 70's around here). This story is about the Blog and my surf photography and making surf movies. That story has not been told.

So Sean Mcdonald and Paul Falco drove out on Tuesday February 14th, 2023 and interviewed me in my office/studio and then we drove down to the Wall to meet up with Kody and Max where they interviewed the two of them and then they shot me shooting them. Gee that line is the kind of line that would get you bounced off of social media these day. "Shot me shooting them." Yeah that won't fly on Facebook. I know this because I've been in Facebook jail in the past for using the word "shooting." Which is a freaking joke because every photographer shoots photos. Lighten up people.



Kody Grondin and Max Fatello ready for their close-ups.



I don't know what they said to Sean and Paul, but I do know that the surf was really good and I shot some decent pics and video of the two of them.

RALPH's PIC OF THE WEEK Blog is in my 19th year. My Goal is to make it to 20 years. I will reach that goal on April 15th 2024. Once I reach that goal, I will do one of three things.
1. Keep going every week like I have for the past 20 years (very unlikely).
2. Quit and walk away. And have a life again. (somewhat likely)
3. Go monthly. Like SURFER Magazine used to do. (most likely)

So if you're interested in this seeing this piece on me and the Blog, it airs on MONDAY MARCH 6th, 2023 on Channel 9 WMUR TV Chronicle at 7:00PM. I hope I don't come off looking and sounding like a clown (I had to mind my P's and Q's), hey I'm a Marine with no filters when I speak. So I had to mindful not to drop the "F" bombs on camera. I did pretty good, except they had me mic'd up all day long. And when I was talking to Max and Kody? Well, that's what editing is all about. Thank you Sean and Paul, that was fun.

Raquel Welch has passed away.
Clearly one of the top five sex symbols of the 60's-70's. Raquel, Marilyn, and Jane Mansfield. There's not many men my age who don't remember who Raquel Welch is. Hell, she even went to Vietnam with Bob Hope and performed for the troops in 1967. That's pretty cool. I never got to see her or Bob in 69-70. But I heard all about it.



This is Raquel and Ringo Starr of The BEATLES.



And of course the movie that made her an overnight sensation in Hollywood.
ONE MILLION BC. It's funny, I don't believe I ever saw the whole movie. I only remember the famous poster. Clearly one of the most iconic posters in all of America pop culture. Raquel was 82 years old. Rest in Peace.



And this just came in this morning, RICHARD BELZER passed away.



I saw him in the cult movie THE GROOVE TUBE. I can remember laughing so hard that my sides hurt watching that film. He was great in HOMICIDE LIFE ON THE STREETS and then he appeared regularly in LAW and ORDER as his character "Munch". Rest in peace Belz. You were one funny individual.

Speaking of funny...I'm thinking of buying this Pheasant Hat to wear on stage.
What do you guys think? Can you picture me wearing this playing my guitar?



“SURFING, SEX SYMBOLS, and COMEDY HEALS ALL WOUNDS.” 

THE EARTHQUAKE IN TURKEY HAS KILLED OVER 35,000
Think about that staggering number. 35,000 dead. 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, 35,000 dead?

The world needs to 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

MATTHEW SLATER IS RETURNING TO THE PATRIOTS!

The last game for the New England Patriots was so depressing for so many fans because of the rumors that Slater was playing his last game. Most fans will remember Slater walking around Gillette on their last home game with tears running down his face. The rumor had Slater and McCourty retiring. So this is great news to have Slater return for his 16th season. Look, he's still a formidable opponent on the filed, and he's a much loved team leader. And the lord knows we need that in the locker room and on the field. Now if only Devin McCourty comes back.

All will be well in Patriots Nation. With Patricia stepping away from the Offensive Coordinator and Bill O'Brien stepping in again to take over the offensive play calling, there's is light at the end of the dark tunnel that has been the patriots since you know who left. Keep yer fingers crossed kids. We may be a contender next year.

78 years ago today...



This anniversary rolls around each year, and each year I post something. I do it for a number of reasons. First and foremost the battle for IWO JIMA helped saved the world in 1945. The battle lasted from February 19th to March 26th, 1945. We lost well over 6,500 Marines killed in action on this volcanic island, with over 20,000 wounded in action. There were 27 Medals of Honor awarded on IWO JIMA. And of the 22,000 Japanese defenders on IWO, only 216 were captured. The rest were killed. IWO JIMA was one of the most bloodiest battles in Marine Corp history.



The iconic flag raising on February 23rd, 1945 captured by Joe Rosenthal (who won the pulitzer prize for this iconic photograph) was the main reason I joined the Marines. I wanted to be one of them. And I fulfilled that dream in 1969.

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


Once again we find out something about our boy Khaliddy that we didn't know before. He was originally cast as one of the cavemen in this iconic film ONE MILLION BC. And once again, he was cut from the final edit because he was just too aggressive on the set. His character was known as the "Hairy Beast" but he couldn't remember his lines which only consisted of him grunting and growling. He was constantly yelling "ALLAH ARKBAR!" and trying to cover up the women by making them wear furry Burkas. According to inside sources it was Raquel who insisted that he be removed from the set. Damn you Sheik. Once again, you're welcome my KSM fans/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 bear hides at Home Depot this week.

REST IN PEACE Raquel Welch age 82yrs old.
REST IN PEACE RICHARD BELZER age 78yrs old.
REST IN PEACE Patricia "PATCHES" Holmes
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY Judith and John Rastl 2-23-23!
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's going through PT for a messed up shoulder.
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

YESTERDAY: FROM FEBRUARY 1987.
This is a photo of a video frame grab from my old Super 8mm movie camera of me dropping into a pretty good sized wave at the Wall in 1987. It was just me and Kevin Grondin and Mike "Zappy" Paugh out there that day. This was back in th e days when we would take turns shooting each other. This was a pretty big day at the Wall. Photo/VFG by Mike "Zappy" Paugh

*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 CHRONICLE V-DAY SWELL.
Tuesday February 14th, 2023 Photos by RALPH



(Above) The boys (max and Kody) heading out to perform for the Chronicle cameras. Tuesday February 14th, 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) Kody following Mackey's lead gets a nice one too.
Tuesday February 14th, 2023. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) One of the rare moments when the TV cameras were around when there was actually surf. Tuesday February 14th, 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) There were so many hollow waves pouring through that day.
Tuesday February 14th, 2023. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) I'm pretty sure the camera guys from Chronicle missed a few of the good ones. I've said this a million times, only surfers or those who know surfing can take decent surf pics. I hope they use what I shot that day.
Tuesday February 14th, 2023. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

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/

(Above) Another tube tuck. MVF Tuesday February 14th, 2023.
Photo by RALPH *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) How sweet is this? Valentines Day Tuesday February 14th, 2023. Photo by RALPH *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) The boys had a fun session out there. Kody on the shoulder as Max carves out another slice for the Chronicle cameras.
Tuesday February 14th, 2023. Photo 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) It seemed like every other wave was a barrel ride. MVF.
Tuesday February 14th, 2023. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) Kody Grondin dropping into a nice lined up left.
Tuesday February 14th, 2023. Photo by RALPH
*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) Kody punching off the bottom on Tuesday February 14th, 2023. Photo by RALPH *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) The boys dodging sets as they fought the rip out at the Wall.
Tuesday February 14th, 2023. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery



(Above) KD Durham hobbled up to the wall to snap a few pics. Check
out his gallery down lower in the Blog. Tuesday February 14th, 2023.
Photo by RALPH *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) What's this about Chronicle? MVF Tuesday February 14th, 2023.
Photo by RALPH *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

Today- THE VFG (Video Frame Grabs) from ONE DAY IN FEBRUARY. Wednesday February 8th, 2023 Photos by RALPH



(Above) This is pretty self explanatory. Wednesday February 8th, 2023.
VFG by RALPH *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) Same with this. Wednesday February 8th, 2023.
VFG by RALPH *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) The video (at the top of this page) is worth watching for the soundtrack alone. Wednesday February 8th, 2023.
VFG by RALPH *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) This is Crowley Gentile. His surfing has really improved since his return from 3 months in Indo. Wednesday February 8th, 2023.
VFG by RALPH *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) Not sure who this is. watch the video and tell me.
Wednesday February 8th, 2023. VFG by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) That's Johnny "JIM" Meehan on the right and Brian "BMO"
Morse on the left. Wednesday February 8th, 2023.
VFG by RALPH *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) This is Kody Grondin pulling into a sand sucking barrel.
Wednesday February 8th, 2023. VFG by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) This is Kyle Linseman getting the BEST barrel of the video. Wednesday February 8th, 2023. VFG by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) Jack Madden punching off the bottom.
Wednesday February 8th, 2023. VFG 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) This is Preston Reusch later in the day when it glassed off. Wednesday February 8th, 2023. VFG by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) When soft tops attack. An abandoned board almost clobbers Max. Wednesday February 8th, 2023. VFG by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

Today- THE VALENTINES DAY SWELL.
Tuesday February 14th, 2023 Photos by KD Durham

(Above) Kody Grondin's deep carve. Tuesday February 14th, 2023.
Photo by KD Durham
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) That's me on the left shooting the action and Paul from Chronicle. Tuesday February 14th, 2023. Photo by KD Durham
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) That's Matt Colby earlier in the day playing around in the inside. Tuesday February 14th, 2023. Photo by KD Durham
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) Colby again. This looks like the same wave as above.
Tuesday February 14th, 2023. Photo by KD Durham
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) Max fatello one last lip blast. Tuesday February 14th, 2023.
Photo by KD Durham
*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) Cliff Pappas on Kauai during the EDDIE. Tow in surfing is still a thing. Still not something I would ever find myself doing. But Cliffy loves it. Photo c/o Cliff Pappas
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery



(Above) Jude Cappachetti moved to Oahu last year. He seems to be
settling in nicely. That's a nice looking wave Jude.
Photo c/o Jude Cappachetti
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

He's more than just a good photographer

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

I'm seeing more waves this week. Thursday thru Saturday 2-23-23 to 2-25-23

I picked this day because of the size only. Thursday 2-23-23!

February 19th, 2023

"I'm not sure why people do this. The water is still pretty freaking cold. Maybe he had a water camera and wanted a selfie? Or maybe he needed to relieve himself with an emergency head call. Does anyone know him?"

(ABOVE) Yeah we see you. Big deal.
Photo by RALPH



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