OK take a good look at this pic. That is a big wave. A very big wave.

And the man dropping down the face of this big wave is Clyde Aikau. Clyde is 66 years old. He is the brother of the late Eddie Aikau. And the EDDIE is the contest where the big wave surfers are invited to in memory of Eddie. The contest is appropriately called "THE EDDIE."



I believe I mentioned recently about the criteria of this event. So I'm not going to repeat myself. Suffice it to say, that the contest is ONLY held in BIG consistent surf. On February 25th, 2016 the EDDIE was on and so were the acts of bravado and insanity. There's a gallery located in the blog this week that will show you the highlights and the lowlights of this historical day.

John John Florence won the event. But others also left their mark.



This year was poignant and special, as one of the true big wave Hawaiian surfers passed away from cancer, before the event was held. Brock Little lost the battle but won the hearts of many of his peers and fans.

Once again, Cancer takes another life. It's amazing to think of what man can do in technology, but are still unable to stop this awful fricken disease. It's really disheartening. No one is safe from it. Nobody.



The thought of a man who would paddle out in surf this size, being taken by some insidious disease is hard to believe. We will all remember Brock's drop and barrel at the EDDIE in 1990. He didn't win the contest, but he literally stole the show by taking off on this monster.



And at this year's EDDIE, Brock was remembered by all. RIP Brock Little.



Here's something refreshing and healthy for you. And by you I'm talking about the UNH gang. If you're familiar with SECRET SPOT in Hampton and are bumming that you're living out in Durham and beyond and can't get your Acai kick. Your worries are over.

Just click on the image above and see what's going on at The SPOT.
Be sure and tell Jon I said hello.


Speaking of refreshing. With the Oscars on tonight, I couldn't help myself.



Some might say I have too much time on my hands. Not true. The fact is I am able to make these Photoshop memes in a short amount of time. This graphic start to finish? 23 minutes. For real. I thought of it, and then produced it.

"Surfing and Creating Heals All Wounds"

Ed would shoot everyone and anyone. Like this guy. I'm not sure who this is. I do know it was the winter of 2014. It's taken from Ed's nest. He had a special place nestled in the rocks where he would shoot from. I have hundreds of Ed's pics from this angle. Thanks again 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

The three ring circus of presidential politics might be widdled down to two after Tuesday. People are jumping ship left and right. But it sure looks like it's going to be TRUMP vs HILLARY.



Chris Christy is throwing his weight behind Trump. Oh no I didn't just say that? And if you saw the Debacle (GOP debate) the other night you would know that the circus is out of control. Both Cruz and Rubio ganged up on Trump.



But is it enough to topple the Donald? I hope so. But I won't be surprised if he takes it all. I still can't believe I'm writing this shit. Donald Freaking Trump might become POTUS? Help.



I wonder if Chris Rock will bring up the lack of Black actors being nominated this year? What do you think?



Not a single African American among them. Not good. I fear, all they have done, is awakened a sleeping comic, and filled him with some stinging jokes.

KSM Photoshop of the Week
Here's a pic from The REVENANT. I believe it is up for a million nominations. And..wait a minute, isn't that our boy on the right? Why is sure is. Can you believe him? Of course we can. He's a glutton for exposure.



As always... 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 Buckskins at Home Depot this week.

REST IN PEACE BROCK LITTLE.

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

Like us on Facebook



CLICK ON THE GRAPHIC ABOVE TO SEE EVERY
SINGLE WEEK FROM THE LAST 11 YEARS!