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

NEW VIDEO POSTED. NEW CALENDARS.
NEW HAMPSHIRE PRIMARY 1-23-24.



Last week I posted the two SOU'EASTERS video of mostly storm surf and storm damage. This new video THE JANUARY SWELLS OF 2024 is all the surf action from the 3 days. January 8th, 10th, and 11th.



We had an amazing fall and we are currently having a damn good winter.



I shot this clip of my son Max's last wave before he has surgery. This was on January 11th, 2024. It was a super clean tube that never touched him. It was an easy in and easy out kind of barrel. We both agreed that this was a perfect wave to end his long pending layover. He will be out of the water for 6 to 9 months. That's a long time for a young surfer. But the memory of this wave and ride will stay with him for a long time.



And just 2 days later on January 13th, 2024 I was out shooting the storm damage. This is a cool pic that KD Durham sent in of me shooting that wild SOU'EASTER on January 13th, 2024. Thanks KD.


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.


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.

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 January 21st, 2024



This pic of Mike Stanek (who was always a favorite subject of Ed's) was shot by Ed on December 27th, 2010. It was at a spot that has suffered name changes since we first surfed it in 1971. However, Mike calls it by it's proper state given name. What? I'm not gonna tell you where it is. You kidding me? Photo by Ed O'Connell
*Click the photo above to see a larger version of Ed's Pic.

COMING THIS WINTER of 2024 (March). My book that I have been writing the last 10 years or so. 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.

PLEASE HELP HAMPTON'S SECRET SPOT 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!

WHY I DO NOT SUPPORT THE GOP FRONT RUNNER.



Back in 2007 I worked with John McCain on his presidential run. In fact, I worked with him on both of his campaigns. The first one in 2000 and the second one in 2008. I found John to be an honorable man with a sincere and straight forward approach to politics. He never used the tactics that TRUMP has used and still uses. He had a soul and he was a decent human being, unlike TRUMP who has mocked the disabled every step of the way. Remember when TRUMP said those horrible remarks about John McCain not being a hero because he was captured and tortured by the North Vietnamese. "I prefer heroes who were not captured OK." What the...?

That was what he said. When I heard that? He lost me for good. And ever since, TRUMP has said some of the most vile and disgusting things that I have ever heard. He even mocked McCain's physical disability (from wounds he received in Vietnam) in Iowa two weeks ago. He did it again. Not to mention his multiple affairs with porn stars and playmate models. He has cheated on all of his wives. He is a disgusting human being with no soul.



Me and Joe Kutt with John McCain (photos by John Carden). *Joe Kutt is NOT a Trump supporter. He has seen the light and is voting for Haley.

And whenever McCain lost to Obama, his concession speech that night was one for the ages. Gracious, honorable, and heartfelt. That speech should be posted in the White House for all future candidates to look to for inspiration on how to gracefully accept the outcome of a general election when the people of this country have spoken. Graciously accept the outcome.

NOT TRUMP. He had a complete hissy fit meltdown when he lost. On January 6th, 2021 he ordered the thousands of MAGAHEADS to attack our nation's capitol. He even encouraged them to go after his then Vice President Mike Pence. You all remember that. People died, hundreds of police were injured, and our nation has still has not fully recovered. He has since been charged with 91 felonies under 4 criminal cases. Hello? This is who is leading the GOP race to the White house? My God, what planet are we living on?

Look, Joe Biden is just too old. I'm not mocking the elderly, I am simply pointing out that his age is a factor. And quite frankly so is Trump's age. He's only two years younger than Biden. They both served our country as president. It's time for someone new and fresh that can unite us-not divide us. If you want four more years of BIDEN? Then by all means vote for TRUMP. Because a vote for Trump is a vote for Biden. Remember that come next November.



I'M VOTING FOR NIKKI HALEY ON JANUARY 23rd, 2024. I'm voting for the country. Not the party. I am a Strong Independent. NIKKI HAS MY VOTE.

Another reminder to help out SECRET SPOT. No donation is too small.
Click on the image below to make a donation.



CLICK ON THE GRAPHIC ABOVE TO HELP SECRET SPOT.

“VOTING FOR THE COUNTRY AND NOT THE PARTY HEALS ALL WOUNDS.” 

This is another pic of David Robinson of the CARS and the MODERN LOVERS from the 80'th BIRTHDAY BASH for Willie Alexander at the CUT in Gloucester. I'm going to regret not going to this show for a long time. I had a legit excuse (COVID) but still. This was a once in a lifetime event, and I missed it.






Khaliddy is seen looking at the three losers who dropped out of the GOP race and not a single one of them endorsed the only candidate that can save our country. Instead, they all endorsed the man who cruelly mocked them every step of the way. Except Christie (who surprisingly was the only one to actually slam 45) who is not supporting anyone. Even KSM himself is disgusted at the cowardice, two faced reactions, of these would be presidents. In fact even the Sheik called them out on it in his weekly GITMO GAZETTE column. "These three dropouts are typical politicians in America. All they care about is what is good for them." It's not often that I agree with scumbag Terrorists, but this time? Yeah I do. Khaliddy is right. They only care about themselves. Especially the orange headed menace himself DONALD J. TRUMP.



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 discarded DIRECT MAIL pieces promoting these three losers at Home Depot this week.



REST IN PEACE Ronnie Paugh!
HAPPY 32nd BIRTHDAY Kody Grondin January 25th, 2024.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY Kim Grondin January 13th, 2024!
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

JOE SOMOGYI circa 1974.
I was once again blown away by seeing new pics of the late Joe Somogyi. I have written about Joe in my new book, and hopefully more people will learn about what he did for our country and our surf community. Check out his back pack. Joe was no stranger to humping the boonies with a pack on his back. Some of his covert missions in Vietnam required him to live out of his pack for days on end. I am so stoked to share these new pics with you all.
Photos c/o/ Susan Merritt
*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 JANUARY SWELLS OF 2024
January 8th, 10th, & 11th 2024. Video Frame Grabs by RALPH



(Above) The video frame grabs from the movie posted at the top of this page. Monday January 8th, 2024. VFG 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) That's Michael Kirby punching off the bottom on Monday morning January 8th, 2024. VFG by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) That's Michael Kirby's dad Terence doing the same.
Monday morning January 8th, 2024. VFG by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) This guy caught a lot of waves. Monday morning January 8th, 2024. VFG by RALPH *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery



(Above) This might be Anson Rodgers. Monday January 8th, 2024.
VFG 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) This is Johnny "JIM" Meehan. Monday morning January 8th, 2024. VFG by RALPH *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery



(Above) This is Mikey Evans later that afternoon. Monday January 8th, 2024. VFG 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) Preston Reusch at The WALL. Monday January 8th, 2024. VFG by RALPH *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) MVF later that afternoon. Monday January 8th, 2024.
VFG by RALPH *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) Carter Walsh. Monday January 8th, 2024. VFG 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) Monday January 8th, 2024. VFG by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery



(Above) This is Mackey and Jacquie Monday January 8th, 2024.
VFG 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) Dory and Sarah watching daddy on Monday January 8th, 2024.
VFG by RALPH *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) This is Ryan Jackson surfing in front of his wife and son on
Monday January 8th, 2024. VFG by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery



(Above) Stevie O'Hara driving north on Wednesday January 10th, 2024.
VFG 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) Kody Grondin in a dark hole.
Wednesday January 10th, 2024. VFG by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery



(Above) Lars Hamilton dropping into a beauty.
Wednesday January 10th, 2024. VFG by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) Kody Grondin pedal to the metal on Wednesday January 10th, 2024.
VFG by RALPH *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) Crowley Gentile on a gaping low tide beast.
Wednesday January 10th, 2024. VFG by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery



(Above) Matt Colby slamming on the brakes.
Thursday January 11th, 2024. 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) Kevin "DOC" Grondin nicely slotted on Thursday
January 11th, 2024. VFG by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery



(Above) Tyler Moore joining the masses on a nice right.
Thursday January 11th, 2024. VFG by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) Kevin Grondin acting out what it was like to be held down
on a set wave. Thursday January 11th, 2024. VFG by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) Mackey V's last wave before his surgery. Not a bad way to end a long layover. Thursday January 11th, 2024. VFG by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

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

Today- MORE FROM JANUARY 10th, & 11th, 2023
Photos by KD Durham

(Above) This place was rocking on January 10th & 11th, 2024.
Photo by JD Durham
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery



(Above) The GOOFY FOOTS own this spot. January 10th & 11th, 2024.
Photo by JD Durham
*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) But then again, the regular foots like Ryan Jackson know how to get the most out of this spot too. January 10th & 11th, 2024.
Photo by JD Durham
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) Tail sliding fun. January 10th & 11th, 2024.
Photo by JD Durham
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) This place is pretty special when it's clean and green like this. January 10th & 11th, 2024. Photo by JD Durham
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) This looks like Colby. January 10th & 11th, 2024.
Photo by KD Durham
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery





(Above) That's a nice wave and a cool pic KD.
Thursday January 11th, 2024. Photo by KD Durham
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) This looks like so much fun. January 10th & 11th, 2024.
Photo by KD Durham
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery




(Above) This looks like a goofy Foot's delight. January 10th & 11th, 2024.
Photo by KD Durham
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) Did he make it? I'm not sure. The next time you see KD ask him. January 10th & 11th, 2024. 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

CLICK HERE TO READ ABOUT MAGBAY TOURS



(Above) This looks like a cool spot. Check out the promo letter from Mark Henschke January 21st, 2024. Photo c/o Mark Henschke
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery



(Above) This is Peter Joseph Burrt. He used to live out here in NH but now lives in California. He's the nephew of the late Steve "Neddie" Nelson. He's a super talented singer/songwriter. Google his name and check out his music. Photo c/o Peter Joseph Burrt
*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 # 756 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 mid-week.

I'm picking Saturday January 24th, 2024 as the best of the week!

January 21st, 2024

Shots fired. Shots fired.

(ABOVE) No there were no shots fired, though by looking at this poor guy it sure looks as if he was hit by a sniper or something. Photo by RALPH



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