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

THE SURFER MUSIC CONNECTION.
THE TRUMP MACHINE ROLLS ON AS
AMERICA SEEMS DOOMED WITH A BIDEN
VS TRUMP GENERAL ELECTION.



FRIDAY FEBRUARY 23rd, 2024.
THE STONE CHURCH in Newmarket, NH

I have mentioned many times before on this BLOG, about my super talented nephew Jesse Joseph Ciarmataro (QWILL) and I have used his songs dozens of times in my surf videos. The group above is called WOOD and BONE. Google them and buy a few songs. They are really good.



Jesse is the driving force behind WOOD & BONE. He plays the guitar and the banjo and keyboards and he is the main vocalist and his voice never disappoints. A soulful a singer as I have ever heard.



Dennis and Jesse have been playing together for years. I love Dennis, he's a great drummer and vocalist. These two have been part of Jesse's musical projects it seems forever. Jesse is a surfer and he had just came in on a morning flight from Puerto Rico that same morning he played . I introduced Jesse to both music and Surfing. And as I joked with him that night "I ruined your life." Though I was only half joking.



Jack Shea opened for WOOD & BONE and put on a great set. Playing solo Jack is another surfer who I met a few years back and we ironically spoke about Jesse. I guess I sort of introduced them to each other and expressed a desire to see them play on the same bill. Well that all happened on Friday. Jack's songs and his live playing was very well suited for the night. I have used Jack's songs in some of my videos. In fact, the video at the top of this page features one of Jack's songs. He's got a great vocal style, and I really like his guitar playing. If you ever get a chance to see and hear him play, do it. It will be money well spent. Or buy his music on-line. JACK SHEA.

Surfing and Music. They go well together.

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 February 18th, 2024



This is a pic of Nohea Nichols surfing the Wall on February 24th, 2008. I member this day. We were all out that day. Lenny, Kainalu, me, and Mackey. Hell, even my nephew Jesse (in the next column over on the left) was out. It was one of those Surf Family Wall days. Only in the dead of winter.
Photo by Ed O'Connell
*Click the photo above to see a larger version of Ed's Pic.

COMING THIS SPRING of 2024 (April). My book that I have been writing the last 10 years or so. I apologize for being late but a few things happened that caused a delay in getting the book out sooner. It's looking more and more like the book will be out by the time I hit my 20th Year Anniversary of this Blog. And that will be double the reason to celebrate in April. BOOK and BLOG.

And 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.

I'm pretty stoked about this project. 73 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.



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.

NEW SECRET SPOT UPDATE ON THEIR GO FUND ME PAGE FOR THEIR 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! CLICK ON THE AD ABOVE!

PSA (PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENTS)



IF ANYONE SHOWS UP AT MY HOUSE WEARING A PAIR OF THESE? Start running. Don’t look back. Just keep running. I mean it. Why would you fork over $400 to a billionaire to wear these clown shoes? Run. Run. Run!
And no matter what, don't stop. Trust me, keep running.



Perfect fit. Kanye The Clown is digging his new TRUMPERS.
Certain Clowns stick together. Kanye and Trump.



IF ANYONE SHOWS UP AT MY HOUSE WEARING A PAIR OF THESE?
By all means, come on in. You are welcome here in our home . And please, leave your shoes on. This has been another Public Service Announcement.
You may now return to your regular Blogging ritual.


THE NEW CALENDARS ARE IN. PM me on Facebook or drop me an email to: ralph@adlantic.com or stop by CINNAMON RAINBOWS to pick one up. I have Venmo so if you want to pay through them let me know. But HURRY I only have less than a dozen left, and I'm not going to print anymore.


Click on the image above to see the larger version.
This calendar might become a collectors item.

Twenty years of Ralph's Pic from 2004 to 2024. It was cool going through the years and picking out pics from the last 20 years. Not only are there pics of mine, but also from some of the other photographers who have submitted pics to this weekly Blog. The late Ed O'Connell, Brian Nevins, Martha Lardent, Dina Crawford, Erica Nardone and many more. *Send me an email or a Private Message to reserve a copy of this 20 year Calendar.

MIKEL EVANS and his Mom KAREN EVANS



I stopped by the Evans home last weekend to give Mikey a framed photo of his infamous ride and wave from last September 16th, 2023 during Hurricane LEE. Karen is currently battling FTD (Frontotemporal Dementia) a result of damage to neurons in the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain.

She's doing remarkably well in dealing with this condition. But it couldn't hurt to have a few prayers for Karen and the family. The Evans have been local icons here for as long as I can remember. All the Surf Families are in full support of Rick, Karen, Matt, Megan and Nick and baby Luka, and of course Mikel. Sending your positive thoughts and prayers are welcome.

HAPPY 45th WEDDING ANNIVERSARY John and Judith Rastl



Grandma and grandpa to our 3 children and our grandchildren. There's not enough space here on the Blog to write about these two. Suffice it to say we love them both. *I can clearly see Cory in Judith's face. Hope you both had a wonderful 45th Wedding Anniversary.

“LOVE HEALS ALL WOUNDS.” 

79 Years Ago on February 23rd, 1945.





To all my friends and family who are on the fence about who to vote for in this race. You are not alone. Nobody wants either one of these guys. But this is all we have. These are the two top leading candidates. How on earth did we get here? This latest poll should not come as a surprise to any of you. The GOP has lost their moral compass by backing Trump. The DEMS have lost their sense of time. Biden does not have much time left on this planet. It seems like we are all living in a reoccurring nightmare. Please somebody wake me up from this bad dream.



Former President Donald Trump might have said the most racist remark so far when he claimed that Black people like him because he has faced discrimination in the legal system, which is something they can relate to. Are you kidding me? What a freaking moron.

"I got indicted a second time and a third time and a fourth time, and a lot of people said that that’s why the Black people like me, because they have been hurt so badly and discriminated against, and they actually viewed me as I’m being discriminated against," he said.

"I’m being indicted for you, the American people. I’m being indicted for you, the Black population. I am being indicted for a lot of different groups by sick people, these are sick, sick people," Trump said Friday night in a speech at the Black Conservative Federation's annual gala, at which he received the "Champion of Black America" award. No you idiot. You got indicted because you're a criminal. Even Ole Khaliddy can see that. You buffoon.

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 MORONS FOR DUMMIES Books at Home Depot this week.

SEMPER FI TO CAPTAIN JACK CASEY USMC from Dover, NH and REST IN PEACE TO ALL FIVE OF THE MARINES WHO WERE KILLED IN THE CH-53 SUPER STALLION HELICOPTER CRASH TWO WEEKS AGO IN
SAN DIEGO. SEMPER FIDELIS MARINES.



We lowered the flag to half staff on February 24th, 2024 the day of the funeral for Captain Jack Casey of Dover, NH.

Please keep local Seacoast icon Karen Evans in your thoughts and prayers as she battles with FTD.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY Jesse QWILL February 17th, 2024!
FEBRUARY 19th, 2024 is the 79th Anniversary of the landing on IWO JIMA during WWII.
FEBRUARY 23rd, 2024 is the 79th anniversary of the Flag Raising on IWO JIMA!
HAPPY ANNIVERSAY Judith and John Rastl 2-23-24!
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

THE BOYS OF SUMMER . FRANK SWIFT, JAY HAMMER,
and JOHNNY SAV. SUMMER 1978.
I guess it's true. We were all young once. These three friends seen here enjoying a fun summer day at the Wall. They all still have a relationship with the ocean today. Especially Jay Hammer who still surfs every chance he gets. From Hawaii to Hampton. Johnny Sav gets out on his outrigger canoe, and Frank is still dreaming about paddling out again. Once a surfer-always a surfer. Photo c/o Frank Swift
*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 NEXT FEBRUARY SWELL.
FEBRUARY 24th, 2024 Photos by by RALPH



(Above) The Wall was clean and fun. Saturday February 24th, 2024.
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) The Wall looked like fun to me. Saturday February 24th, 2024.
Photo by RALPH *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) The Neighborhood in B&W. Saturday February 24th, 2024.
Photo by RALPH *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) Unknown. The Wall Saturday February 24th, 2024.
Photo by RALPH *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery



(Above) Looked perfect to me. Small, but perfect. The Wall Saturday February 24th, 2024. 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) The Call Of The Wall. Saturday February 24th, 2024.
Photo by RALPH *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery



(Above) Good morning. Saturday February 24th, 2024. Photo by RALPH *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

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/

(Above) Not the Wall. Saturday February 24th, 2024. Photo by RALPH *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) Still Not the Wall. Saturday February 24th, 2024.
Photo by RALPH *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) One of my favorite views up here. Not the Wall.
Saturday February 24th, 2024. 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

Today- THE FEBRUARY 23rd, 2024 Session
Photos by by DINA CRAWFORD



(Above) That's a sweet section. Friday February 23rd, 2024.
Photo by Dina Crawford
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery



(Above) That's Jack Madden stepping on the gas pedal.
Friday February 23rd, 2024. Photo by Dina Crawford
*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) This is Jon Kiskinis. Friday February 23rd, 2024.
Photo by Dina Crawford
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery



(Above) This is a follow up shot of Jon Kiskinis. Friday February 23rd, 2024.
Photo by Dina Crawford
*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) Michael Kirby on Friday February 23rd, 2024.
Photo by Dina Crawford
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery



(Above) This is Kody Grondin's backdoor attempt.
Friday February 23rd, 2024. Photo by Dina Crawford
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) Jack Madden on a smooth faced left. Friday February 23rd, 2024.
Photo by Dina Crawford
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) Jon Kiskinis on a good one. Friday February 23rd, 2024.
Photo by Dina Crawford
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery



(Above) I'm guessing this is Kody Grondin. Friday February 23rd, 2024.
Photo by Dina Crawford
*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) There goes Michael Kirby, like a fish leaping out of the water.
Friday February 23rd, 2024. Photo by Dina Crawford
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery



(Above) This is a sequence of Kody Grondin. Pic 1.
Friday February 23rd, 2024. Photo by Dina Crawford
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) Nice Kody Grondin. Pic 2. Friday February 23rd, 2024.
Photo by Dina Crawford
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) This is a nice backdoor. Kody Grondin Pic 3.
Friday February 23rd, 2024. Photo by Dina Crawford
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

Listen to QWILL on the new video at the top of this page.

(Above) This is Colby setting up for something sweet on the inside.
Friday February 23rd, 2024. Photo by Dina Crawford
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery



(Above) Kody Grondin backing into a nice looking left.
Friday February 23rd, 2024. Photo by Dina Crawford
*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 the same wave as above. Kody Grondin.
Friday February 23rd, 2024. Photo by Dina Crawford
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery



(Above) Squeezing out the bulkhead door. Kody Grondin.
Friday February 23rd, 2024. Photo by Dina Crawford
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) Kody Grondin always sniffing out the hollow sections.
Friday February 23rd, 2024. Photo by Dina Crawford
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) Kody Grondin again. Friday February 23rd, 2024.
Photo by Dina Crawford
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery



(Above) Michael Kirby leaning into a beefy right hander.
Friday February 23rd, 2024. Photo by Dina Crawford
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) Michael Kirby on a sizable right. Friday February 23rd, 2024.
Photo by Dina Crawford
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery



(Above) Matt Colby hearing his text alert going off and hoping it's not me.
Friday February 23rd, 2024. Photo by Dina Crawford
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) Colby hitting the lip and the silent switch on his phone.
Friday February 23rd, 2024. Photo by Dina Crawford
*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) This is WOOD AND BONE. Friday February 23rd, 2024 at The STONE CHURCH. Photo RGF
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery



(Above) This is Julia Nichols in a super cool stance on her longboard. This mother of two has grace and style in Hawaii.
Photo by Lenny Nichols
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

He's more than just a good photographer

(Above) All Rise: The 10th Street District Court Of Surf is Now in Session. The Honorable Judge RALPH presiding. Case # 761 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.

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

I see waves today, midweek, and the end of the week.

I'm picking Today February 25th, 2024 as the best of the week!

February 25th, 2024

HEART TO HEART. FACE TO FACE. WHAT COMES NEXT WILL
TEAR US APART.

(ABOVE) I don't know how he does this winter after winter without getting seriously hurt. Clark Little is on an island all of his own.
Photo by Clark Little



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