Every now and then, I lose sight of the fact, that this BLOG, is a Surf Blog. I admit, I get caught up in the world around us. And as most of you already know, I can't help myself. You know "I see wrong-and try to right it!" It's one of my many mantras. I've got a few. However, this is one of those weeks where I must talk surf. And if you're a surfer, and you live in New England. Well, you know what kind of a week this has been.

Because of my age, I refuse to say "AWESOME" but I will say "INSANE!"



Take this pic for instance. I shot this on the first morning. Those waves were head high to overhead. That's right. Perfection came to New England this past week. I was just saying to a good friend, that I was as stoked shooting this week as you all were out in the water. I mean that. People always ask if I'm back surfing again. I tell 'em "Not yet, but I am just as stoked taking pics. " And that's the God's Honest Truth.

It's become part of my DNA. Digital stills and video. Along with the occasional painting. Though there are others who are far more dedicated to their painting then I am. Sam and Hannah Vokey come to mind. Dedicated talented surf artists. Same with Stan Chew. I know they are as stoked painting almost as much as they are surfing. But me? I'm genuinely excited about shooting surf pics. Especially, and I need to repeat this. ESPECIALLY the empty wave.

Like my paintings, I LOVE EMPTY WAVES.



And those of you who study my Ralphisms, will know why. But for the sake of the other 99% of you, I'll tell you why. When you look at an empty wave, your imagination kicks in. Only you know what you are thinking when you see an empty wave. It could be a number of things.

For me, I love to imagine where, or what I would be doing on the wave.

Again, I've said this many times before. The empty wave does NOT rob you of your imagination. A painting, or photo of a surfer riding a wave does. Your attention is directed to the surfer. That's the main focus. Whereas the empty wave leaves the canvas wide open for you to draw your own lines.



Go on, use your imagination. Where would you be? Who would you be with?



What do you suppose they are thinking? Well, I know what the guy caught inside is thinking. We all know that. But picture yourself in the spot where I was standing when I snapped this. Let your imagination run wild.

All the photos above were taken on the 17th of February 2016.



This pic above, was shot on the next day. The thing about this week long swell was, the winds were favorable all week. Just enough of an offshore wind to keep things groomed to perfection. That and the fact that the sun was out all week didn't hurt. It's funny that we all experienced bone chilling cold on the 14th, and then were treated to Spring like conditions all week long.

I saw people in shorts and no shoes on the beach this week.

However, they were crazy hardcore New Englanders. But it was warm. And if the air temp is warm, the ocean temps will feel warm. And that all adds up to a positive surf session.

You just surf better when it's sunny, warm, and clean.




This was yesterday afternoon. It was around 3:30. I was in my flannel shirt. Unbuttoned, sitting on the beach shooting perfection. See that wave? There were hundreds just like it. Hundreds. All week long. And it looks like there will be surf all next week. Don't you feel sorry for all those poor fools in the tropics?

Ha I'm kidding...or am I?

"Surfing Perfection Heals All Wounds"

Ed always ended up shooting Lenny Nichols out there. No matter how crowded it was. Lenny would get the waves he paddled for. And for most of his waves, Ed would be shooting across the bay. Tomorrow Lenny turns 60 years old. That's a big one. Lots of you are hitting the 4-0 and 5-0 mark and think that it is the end of your surfing lifestyle. It is not. Lenny is 60. Kevin Grondin will turn 60 this summer. My friends, 60 is the new 40. So Happy Birthday Lenny. Here's to 20 more. (I don't do the "60 more crap") I'm more realistic. Besides who the hell wants to be surfing when your a 100 years old? Not me. Not Lenny. Not you. Thanks for taking this pic Ed.

To see more of Ed's pics just scroll through the archives. He has shot so many pics for the blog. Be sure and pick up a copy of the COLD COAST and check out Ed's own 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 More Of My Weekly Global Observances

Ok this was a big week for the Political Circus. With the South Carolina Primary, and the Nevada Caucus, the stakes were high. Not surprisingly, TRUMP took SC and Hillary won in Nevada. In it's wake, Jeb Bush stepped aside.



The once golden GOP boy, was a far cry from 3rd place, let alone the number one slot. I have to say, I admire his take on the whole political arena. He seemed to me, as well as many others, the only sane choice for the GOP. But the GOP race this year is anything but sane.



If I were a betting man (and I am not) I would put my money on these two taking the final lap. Clinton and Trump. Your guess is as good as mine. But I'm sure the Clinton camp is not looking forward to running against this lunatic. Who would be?



This is happening right before our very own eyes.

KSM Photoshop of the Week
Here's the post that many of you get your kicks from. This week it's a no brainer. Can you imagine this being the first family? Neither can we. But KSM had no problem jumping into the pic last night. Talk about "Photo Bomb"



You have to admit, he does look good in drag. Please my friends take advantage of this weekly photo shop of the mastermind who planned 9-11 and resulted in the deaths of 3,000 innocent civilians KSM (Khalid Sheikh Mohammed).

*Note to self must pick up a case of TRUMP DOLLS
at Home Depot this week.

REST IN PEACE BROCK LITTLE.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY Lenny Nichols 2-22-16.

Keep local surfer Mike Keefe in your prayers. 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. Also please pray for Marine SSGT George Masten. A combat Marine who served in Korea and Vietnam. He was awarded the purple heart for wounds received in Vietnam in 1967. George is battling cancer. PLEASE say a prayer for him.

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

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