Got good surf pics? Send em off to me directly.
(See link below) Just make sure they're NOT huge
files. In fact if you have any questions about the
size, email me first and I'll write back.
Start shooting crackie!!
Ralph Pic Of The Week

If you want to access the Pic of the
week from past weeks click here.
Archives


January 14th, 2007

 I should of kept my mouth shut. I started last week's column off with the obvious news about about our unseasonably warm weather, and then...BAM! We get a couple of back to back cold days, and now...we've got an Ice Storm heading our way.

See, that old saying about being careful of what you wish does have some merit.

Oh well. At least it will feel like January NE style.
No biggie to all the hard core locals. Ice storm? Please. Bring it on! As long as you send us some surf too. Speaking of surf. Hope you got some of that sneaky swell last week. I'm surprised at how many people missed it completely. Like me. But I was busy (excuse). Plus by the time I realized the surf was good...the sun was dropping. Talking to Jon Gozzo and Casey Lockwood on Tuesday, they said they scored some decent surf with minimal crowds.

Is that supposed to happen? Minimal crowds in 2007?
Even in extreme locales like Northern New England?

Well, I guess it does. That's good news. You can still live the dream kids. It's not the end of the world as far as crowds and hassles are concerned. Open your eyes and see what's out there.

There's a perfect wave with your name on it just waiting for you to paddle out.

Lots of you have spent the last few days down in Sunny Florida at the Surf Expo. Inking deals with Surf related reps and seeing what's happening in the surf world. No doubt about it. Surfing is big business. That's good news for those who are looking to make a living in the surf related business. There are so many opportunities out there these days. And I would think that our neck of the woods is a very marketable region for the industry.

Lord knows we have the talent both in and out of the water. I'm talking Surfers and photographers. The cold Northeast is no longer looked upon as some freak of nature, with a handful of hairy, bearded, brutes riding old equipment. Those untruthful days are over.

We are here to stay, and our talented youth corps is proof of that.

Thank God for modern equipment and wetsuits.




Well my friends today is the day. It's do or die for our New England Patriots. I'm writing this column before the game. So come tomorrow morning when most of you will read this, we will either be going to Indianapolis to face the Colts or we will be staying home to watch the Colts play the Chargers. Either way, I'm happy with the team. I am. How can any true New England Patriots fan be unhappy?

They won 3 Superbowls! THREE! That's insane.

It's been so much fun being a fan since 2001. I mean come on? Surely, all of you NE Transplants who live abroad or all over the country, must have some satisfaction in telling your co-workers, or fellow students and surfers how good your team is. It's got to be good fun for you all. Especially those who live in places where the local NFL team has been getting spanked. The Raiders for instance. Feel free to rub it in. Enjoy these times. It's all in good fun.

And remember my column a few months ago when I hoped and prayed for the ultimate AFC Championship scenario...where the PATS meet the COLTS. I think I said something along the lines of the game being tied with a Vinatiari field goal and then with little time on the clock...out comes Gostkowski to kick the winning field goal! Ahhhh the justice and glory of it all...let's hope that comes true.

A big shout out to both the Keefe girls . Carrie Keefe whose married to Jacko Keefe is running in a 26 mile Marathon today way down in Texas! That's amazing. I mean running 26 miles...the weather is perfect for running and we wish her the best! And a speedy recovery and get well wishes to Dale Keefe whose married to Mike Keefe.
On behalf of the whole surf community we wish them all the best.

Tomorrow is Martin Luther King Day. MLK a Civil Rights leader who was assassinated in 1968 is being honored all across the nation and the world. So a hand salute to you MLK and to those who have fought for the Civil Rights movement.

I hope it snows in the mountains for all you snowboarders. Again...Good Luck to the Pats today.

Thank you all for buying my movie and the positive feedback. It means a lot to me.

Remember my friends...Surfing heals all wounds....
Pray for Surf. Pray for Peace. Surf For Fun.

Ralph
 


Yesterday 1979 Somewhere on the North Shore of New England
 My old buddy Larry Crateau and I were best surf buddies. We surfed everywhere together. All over New England
and beyond. He's wearing a funky hood here in this photo. This photo was taken in January of 1979. Larry has
since quit surfing. I don't know why he did. He was a pretty talented surfer in his day. I do know that he's going
to be sitting in front of a TV this afternoon like the rest of us watching the game. And maybe, just maybe, he'll be
looking out the window and wondering if there's any surf today. Maybe. Photo by SFOD R. Fatello

Today 2007 The EX Easties Gone Westie Send This Latest Batch
 Again, the Ex-New England Surfers who have moved to the West Coast send in some pics...to Rub it in?
Maybe...but I think it's just to share the sessions with their long lost brethren.




(Above) Corey Howard's unknown floater.. Photo by Corey Howard



(Above) Corey's little brother Kyle sending some spray our way. Photo by Corey Howard





(Above) Kyle lip locked and heading back down. Photo by Corey Howard




(Above) I'm not sure if this is Corey or not. I can't remember if Corey is a regular foot or a Goofy. There was no
description on this one. Photo by Corey Howard



(Above) Corey and little brother Kyle digging life on the West Coast. Photo courtesy of Corey Howard



(Above) Beautiful Fire Sky Sunset. Photo by Corey Howard




(Above) Tony Szabo sent this session in. Just two guys out. Photo by Tony Szabo




(Above) Same session. Same wave?Photo by Tony Szabo



(Above) OK...maybe not the same wave. Clearly the same dude standing off to the right. Photo by Tony Szabo




(Above) Nice outside set. Heavy inside shorebreak. Photo by Tony Szabo




(Above) Liz (Tony's wife) Szabo checking the action. . Photo by Tony Szabo

Today 2007 Mo Phantom MO Phantom!



(Above) This a wave you would like to surf? Photo by The Phantom



(Above) Looks like one Doug Hendry would like. Photo by The Phantom



(Above) Oh Oh Wally the Vikings Fan dropping in on fellow Westie Raiders fan Dougie. Photo by The Phantom



(Above) This is Sam George. We don't have enough room on this whole website talk about what this man
has done in the world of Surfing. Here he's playing a little Blues Harp for the boys. Photo by The Phantom


Today 2007 Local NNE Surfer Julia Nichols visits her home on Oahu's North Shore
 These photos came in from Julia and Mom Arlene during their visit back home last week.



(Above) Pipe backside drop. Photo by Julia Nichols




(Above) Backdoor looking long and beefy. Photo by Julia Nichols




(Above) Pipeline. It's heavier than it looks.. Photo by Julia Nichols




(Above) Perfect Pipe. Photo by Julia Nichols




(Above) The otherside of the Island. Peaceful and tranquil...check it during the Summer. It's a whole other
Animal . Photo by Julia Nichols




(Above) Barney and Julia. Long standing loving family friend, Barney has battled back from the dark side
and is living proof that SURFING and ALOHA is the key to happiness and Good Living. Welcome Home Barney!
Photo courtesy of Julia Nichols



Parting Shot Pointy Nose Impacted Wisdom Tooth
Look at this poor shortboarders situation. This can't have a happy ending. Although, something tells me the
Phantom enjoyed taking this photo. Are you kidding? We all enjoy this.
Photo courtesy of The PHANTOM

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 




 

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 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