January 8th, 2012- The New RUN is 45 out of 46 Weeks.
Waist high or better, at least once a week.
The Surf was actually just about waist high on Thursday, but I had no camera. And I cannot in
good faith, claim that there was surf, if I have no documented proof.
So, it's 45 out of 46 weeks. And once we get into a two week lapse
of less than waist high, we start over. |
"I'll catch one for you." Brian said as I walked away from him that cold windy afternoon on December 28, 2011. I had just sat nestled in the rocks at one of the pointbreaks in NH, and shot Brian in treacherous dredging conditions. He was out by himself for about 30 minutes, taking off on waves that were sucking out over a shallow ledge on his Longboard. The wind was gusting 35 plus.
I waved my hand without turning back. "I don't want anyone catching waves for me." I thought to myself, as I hobbled away in my "Robo Cop" brace. It's been a few weeks now, and I am not taking to being unable to walk, run, and especially surf
to well. I looked at Brian in my driver's side mirror as I got back in my vehicle that afternoon.
"That lucky bastard. He'll be surfing some other spot before the sun goes down. And I'm sure he's already planning his Snowboard adventures for the upcoming winter." I thought to myself as I drove off. "Nevins."
But less than a week later, Brian Nevins would be in the same boat as me.
And while I certainly would not wish any injury on any surfer, or non surfer for that matter, the irony did not escape me as I read his email on January 4th, 2012. Brian broke his right leg (Fibula) on 1-4-12 while shooting Sea Smoke at the Wall. Broke his leg? His right leg? And in his own words, he'll be out for 8-12 weeks. Oh no...he's going to miss snowboarding too!
I felt so freaking bad for him. I felt guilty too. You know, for feeling bad for myself while he got to go surfing, snowboarding, and climbing around getting great photographs. I know I did not cause his accident. But I guess misery loves company. And I am miserable. Buck Rowlee is always telling me to stay positive, and really, if there's anyone who walks that walk, and talks that talk it's Buck.
And I am basically positive most days. It's just harder when the surf is good.
Look, we all know there's a few hundred local surfers out in the water on any given day around here. But how many Surf Photographers are there? A dozen at best. Me and Nevins are down with right leg injury's? Huh? The day after Nevins broke his leg, I got a voice mail from Ed O'Connell.
I damn near spit my coffee through my nose when I heard it.
"Hey Ralph, two of New Hampshire's top surf photographer's with leg injury's within a few weeks of each other? I know a conspiracy when I hear one. I'm not leaving the house until whoever is behind this is captured!"
Funny stuff Ed. Though I admit, it does sound fishy.
Maybe you better hide.
In fact, alert the other photographers ASAP! Carden, Sander, Denning, Nichols, and everyone else! This is serious stuff here...ha! I wish it were that simple. I don't know what you'd call it. Just a string a bad luck for Nevins and I. That's all it is. Bad luck.
But speaking of Luck. Buck Rowlee just returned from his Bull Riding Adventure in Kansas this weekend.
A lifelong dream was fulfilled this past December 30, 2011 as Buck strapped himself onto a big bull and rode that sucker. Buck was sporting some serious aches and pains when all was said and done. But the one thing he had in his pocket was Good Luck. Turns out he could of been seriously hurt if not for some good luck. But you know what? I'll let Buck tell it to you himself. Check out his blog. http://www.buckrowlee.blogspot.com/
All I can say to Buck is...Dude you did it! You Cowboy'd Up in Life and did it!
There's good luck and bad luck, and there's also sad
luck. The inevitable. We are all going to leave this planet one day. When is the big question. But we are all going. Of that we can all agree. I got word today that one of the local surfers here on the seacoast lost his dad today. Bill Stecchi's father David passed away this morning. I know that Bill was close to his dad, and many times over the years we had talked about him.
His father served in the Marine Corps, and I know that had a lasting impression on Bill growing up. Those of us who had parents who served in the military can relate to that. And I am certainly not knocking the other branches of service, but the Marines really do leave a mark on you. And it did with David.
The old saying of saying of "Once a Marine always a Marine" is so true.
So on behalf of the entire seacoast surf community, we want to send out our condolences to Bill, his wife Jan, and their son Jack, on the passing of his father David. We old Marines have always said that the gates in Heaven are guarded by US MARINES...so David is reporting for duty in heaven.
May he Rest in Peace, and as always, Semper Fi Marine...
For those who are suffering losses, or illnesses, head down to the ocean. You will feel better. Whether you surf or not. The ocean has a healing affect.
Remember My mantra "Surfing Heals ALL Wounds..."
Now
for some of my Weekly Global Observances:
I don't know about you guys, but I personally had to chuckle at the fool who lost his life this week when he and his other fool partner tried to break into a home with a young mother and her infant son. The poor woman just lost her husband on Christmas Day. He passed away from cancer. Apparently she called 911 and asked permission to shoot her shotgun at the intruders, who were breaking down her door. She had repeatedly warned the fools to back off and go away...all to no avail.
The 911 operator was cool too. She basically said "I can't give you permission to shoot anyone, but you do what you have to do to protect your baby..."
They broke down the door and she calmly leveled her shotgun at the first dope who walked into her field of fire
and pulled the trigger. He was killed instantly. The other dope ran away. The police arrested him, and they also said that the woman would not be charged in the killing. Before you think I am being callous here, it is important that you all know, that I am all about gun control. Seriously.
Breathe, relax, squeeze, surprise. Gun Control.
I'm also for Nuclear Weapon Control. The Wacky Iranians basically threatened the US last week saying that if we pass through the international waters near Iran once more they are going to take it as an act of war. Can someone please get through to those losers that getting into any kind of confrontation with the US is NOT a good idea.
This is not the Jimmy Carter years when you can take Americans hostage again. This president may not be doing a great job with our economy and other issues, but one thing is for sure, he will not blink an eye to take you fools out. Especially if it helps him get reelected. If I were you Iranian leaders I would shut the hell up. Shut it.
The Patriots are waiting to see who wins today's Steelers/Broncos game. I secretly hope it's The Broncos. We only spotted them 14 points the last time we played them. In fact, we have spotted the last three teams we played 14 points, 17 points, and then last week's heart attack game against the Bills... 21 points! Then we scored 49 unanswered points. I'd rather we score 49 unanswered points in the first half. My heart can't take another game like that. Go Broncos!!!
The BRUINS...lost a close game to Vancouver Canucks today. Man that was a good game. Go ahead Canucks wave your regular season banner win against the Bruins. It does not change what happened last year.
If Rick Santorum calls my house one more time I'm gonna rip that Mr Rogers Sleeveless sweater off his bony ass! Damn Rick...leave us alone.
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
CONGRATS BUCK ROWLEE in your Bull Riding Quest!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY Matt Williams January 9th, 2012!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY David O'Connor January 9th, 2012!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY Jerry Bunton January 9th, 2012!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY Meghan Evans January 10th, 2012!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY Aaron Buell January 12th, 2012!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY Kim Grondin January 13th, 2012!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY Steve McIsaac January 15th, 2012!
REST IN PEACE David Stecchi father of local Surfer Bill Stecchi.
Don't forget to go back and read the whole DAILY BLOG on My CATCH A WAVE FOR MOLLY. (Click On the Banner on this page.) Started on July 26, 2010 ENDED July 26, 2011. A Wave a day for 365 consecutive days. Just click on the banner ads on this page.
CHECK
OUT THE NEW/Old YESTERDAY PAGE! ALL OLD New England and
beyond Surf Pics! *NEW PICS added each week!
*Check out the NEW updated DROPPING
IN ON RALPH blog Section. I will have March,and April up soon (I promise).
Please
Support ALL The photographers who contribute to Ralph's Pic
Of The Week
every week for the last 8 years. **Think about BUYING a Photo
from any of the weeks
on RPOTW as a GREAT Gift Idea. A nice framed photo of your favorite
Surfer!
Remember
my friends...Surfing Heals All Wounds....
Pray for Surf. Pray for Peace. Surf For Fun.
Ralph |
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(Above) This is the NEW Movie we're trying to get out as soon as possible. It's all original music (QWILL, Todo Bien and more), and footage. Joe Carter's GITV, my own, and a few others. Plus the many stills from Ed O'Connell, Brian Nevins, my family, and more. A portion
of the proceeds will go directly to The MOLLY Fund. |
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Yesterday- "If I say it's safe to surf- It's safe to surf!"
North Shore Oahu, January 1988!
(Below) Kevin Grondin, myself, and Zappy on the beach at BIG Pupekea on Hawaii's North Shore. I convinced them to paddle out into some REALLY BIG surf so I could shoot some footage of them. They were not happy at first. But once they saw the footage they felt relieved. Photo by Mike IRON BALLS Baytoff |
Click on the photo above to see the larger version. |
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| Today- Wednesday January 4th, 2012 Photos By Brian Nevins |
(Above) Sea smoke only happens a few times each winter. You have to have single digit air temps, along with cold water temps, and you need the sun to be out. For the full affect. The photos here were paid in full by the man who shot them. Brian Nevins broke his leg shooting this natural phenomenon. He says it was worth it. I believe him.
January 4th, 2012. Photo By Brian Nevins
* Click on the photo above to see the Whole gallery. |
(Above) Bryan Johnson sitting in the early morning Sea smoke.
January 4th, 2012. Photo By Brian Nevins
* Click on the photo above to see the Whole gallery.
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Today- Monday, January 2nd, 2012 Photos By RALPH |
(Above) Small but perfect...The second day of 2012...January 2nd, 2012.
Photo By RALPH * Click on the photo above to see the Whole Gallery.
(Above) A father and his two young sons showed up at 10th Street and paddled out. I watched them and smiled as they acted like it was a fun chest high day in the summer. I am convinced that the surf stoke lives here in Northern New England.
January 2nd, 2012. Photo By RALPH
* Click on the photo above to see the Whole Gallery.
(Above) The older boy knew how to surf. And this might be waist high on him...what
do you think? .January 2nd, 2012. Photo By RALPH
* Click on the photo above to see the Whole Gallery.
(Above) This is a photo all about STOKE. That young 6 year old and the smiling father? That's SURF STOKE. January 2nd, 2012. Photo By RALPH
* Click on the photo above to see the Whole Gallery.
Today- Wednesday, January 4th, 2011 Photos By The Phantom |
(Above) The glassy conditions would soon give way to serious wind and swell.
January 4th, 2012. Photo By The Phantom
* Click on the photo above to see the Whole gallery.
(Above) The PRE Swell sesh...January 4th, 2012. Photo By The Phantom
* Click on the photo above to see the Whole gallery.
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(Above) They do have pretty sunsets those Cali boys...January 4th, 2012.
Photo By The Phantom * Click on the photo above to see the Whole gallery.
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Today- West Coast Dec. 23-25-27th, 2011 Photos By Ben Ginsberg
(Above) Black and white gift wrapped peaks. December 25, 2011.
Photo By Ben Ginsberg * Click on the photo above to see the Whole gallery.
(Above) Leaping Dolphin at Uppers. December 27, 2011.
Photo By Ben Ginsberg * Click on the photo above to see the Whole gallery.
(Above) Nick Fowler streaking at sand level. December 27, 2011.
Photo By Ben Ginsberg * Click on the photo above to see the Whole gallery.
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Today- SURF OR SUP? The Late December Session-2011
Photos By J C
(Above) Surf or SUP? To be fair, JC has 10 to 1 shots of the SUP. The shortboarder
was short changed on the photo count. Photo By JC
* Click on the photo above to see the Whole Gallery.
(Above) Surf or SUP? Photo By JC
* Click on the photo above to see the Whole Gallery.
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(Above) Surf or SUP? Photo By JC
* Click on the photo above to see the Whole Gallery.
(Above) Surf or SUP? Photo By JC
* Click on the photo above to see the Whole Gallery.
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Today- For Those who missed this Gallery Last Week...
THE YEAR IN REVIEW. All The ACTION and More!
From January 2011 thru December 2011 Photos By Ralph, Ed O'Connell, Brian Nevins, John Carden, Michael Sander, Ben Ginsberg, Ryan Denning, The Phantom, Bernie Baker, Lenny Nichols, Kevin Doherty, Steve Dillon, Mike Sidebottom, and many more super talented surf Photographers from 2011...SEE IT ALL AGAIN...
(Above) The Month of January....see the BEST of RPOTW. Shot in January 2011!
Photo By RALPH * Click on the photo above to see the Whole gallery.
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(Above) The Penguin plunge on 2-6-11...that was cold. The Month of February....see
the BEST of RPOTW. Shot in February 2011! Photo By GABBY
* Click on the photo above to see the Whole gallery.
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(Above) The Month of March....see the BEST of RPOTW. Shot in March 2011!
Photo By Ed O'Connell * Click on the photo above to see the Whole gallery. |
(Above) BIG SUNDAY The Month of April....see the BEST of RPOTW. Shot in April 2011!
Photo By Ed O'Connell * Click on the photo above to see the Whole gallery.
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(Above) The "Photo" if you have been following my blog the last year. You know what this is...if not click on the photo and see. Month of May....see the BEST of RPOTW. Shot in May 2011! Photo By Barbara Savastano
* Click on the photo above to see the Whole gallery.
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(Above) Who could forget this? UNREAL! Bruins Win the Stanley Cup in Game 7.
The Month of June....see the BEST of RPOTW. Shot in June 2011!
Photo By RALPH * Click on the photo above to see the Whole gallery.
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(Above) The Rowlees on my last day of Catch a wave For Molly...Month of July....see the BEST of RPOTW. Shot in July 2011!
Photo By Amy Dube * Click on the photo above to see the Whole gallery.
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(Above) Wounded Warriors HIT THE BEACH IV. The Month of August....see the
BEST of RPOTW. Shot in August 2011! Photo By Brian Nevins
* Click on the photo above to see the Whole gallery.
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(Above) The 20th Anniversary of SURF FAMILY ROBINSON. Month of September....see the BEST of RPOTW. Shot in September 2011! Photo courtesy of RPOTW
* Click on the photo above to see the Whole gallery.
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(Above) October Gold. Month of October....see the BEST of RPOTW.
Shot in October 2011! Photo by Brian Nevins
* Click on the photo above to see the Whole gallery.
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(Above) Kai Nichols perfect bottom turn. Month of November....see the BEST of RPOTW. Shot in November 2011! Photo by Michael Sander
* Click on the photo above to see the Whole gallery.
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(Above) The Last Month of the Year. December ..see the BEST of RPOTW.
Shot in December 2011! Photo By RALPH
* Click on the photo above to see the Whole gallery.
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(Above) Tony S sent this in of the Lane this week...January 2, 2012 Photo By Tony S
* Click on the photo above to see the Whole gallery. |
(Above) Local surfer Bella suffered a serious dinged board at the hands of AA in Barbados at Christmas. Be aware that the AA claims they are NOT responsible for broken boards that are shipped in Soft bags.
Photo care of MR * Click on the photo above to see the Whole gallery.
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(Above) Buck Rowlee was awarded the TOP BULL RIDING Student last week! You go Boy...or You Go Cowboy! December 30, 2011 Photo By Buck Rowlee
* Click on the photo above to see the Whole gallery.
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(Above) Tony S sent this in of the Lane this week...January 2, 2012 Photo By Tony S
* Click on the photo above to see the Whole gallery.
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CLICK ON THE PLAY BUTTON on each clip to view videos
VANRIDES 2011 REEL from Joe Carter on Vimeo. Looking back at some VANRIDES 2011 and beyond.
Music: Emancipator Igor and Dylan from Phillip Mansfield on Vimeo.
I had the pleasure of hanging with Phil the last couple of days here in NH. He was in town with Michael Cole shooting for a new surf doc. Phil has his finger on the pulse of contemporary surf viddys...check this Puerto Rico clip of Dylan Graves from last year's IGOR swell.
BELOW- This is the second 5 minute trailer to the NEW Surf Free Or Die -Memory Lane Movies documentary called SURFING HEALS ALL WOUNDS.
"SURFING HEALS ALL WOUNDS Trailer II"
This is the insane surf footage from December 2010. Oh yea, there was good surf last December, and this clip will prove that. The soundtrack was recorded in 1983 and it's the classic "LIL DRUMMER BOY" that I sang, played guitar and arranged and well, you should just sit back and watch and listen. The music will speak for itself.
Music is by RALPH
COMING SOON
This is the NEW 5 minute trailer to the NEW Surf Free Or Die -Memory Lane Movies documentary called
"SURFING HEALS ALL WOUNDS"
It's the true story of the 60 year old man who surfed 365 consecutive Days in memory of a 5 year old girl who lost her battle to cancer in 2009.
He called it "Catch a Wave For Molly".
Music is by QWILL
COMING SOON
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Crackie is on vacation this week so we're running the NEW YEARS Clip
again.
Check out Crackie sharing some New Years Resolutions with his followers. Happy NEW YEAR Crackie fans ! Now GIT OUT MY FACE!
crackie@adlantic.com
Crackie now has his own Facebook Page. You should Friend Him...though there are
no guarantees that he'll be nice to you.
Hope you all learn something from this informative Q&A.
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(Above) All
Rise: 10th
Street District Court of Surf Justice
is now in session, the
Honorable Judge
RALPH presiding. CASE
#143 BLATANT DROP IN OF THE WEEK-
Shot last week in New Hampshire. CLICK and SEE this Surf crime and the verdict.
Photo by Matt Robertson |
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Click above graphic for The Daily BLOG I wrote from July 26-2010 to July 26-2011
Yes you can STILL DONATE to the Fundraiser.
THE "CATCH A WAVE FOR MOLLY" video by JOE CARTER and
GET IN THE VAN is NOW on the SURFER'S JOURNAL Website and
now
the ESPN website too! Wow!
To see it on this site go to the Molly Page.
http://www.surfersjournal.com/journal_entry/molly-motivation |
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(Above) BIG California...SHOT Today January 7th, 2012. Photo by Ben Ginsberg
COMING NEXT WEEK!
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(Above) BIG Green Barrels La Jolla California...SHOT Today January 7th, 2012.
Photo by Ben Ginsberg
COMING NEXT WEEK! |
(Above) BIG BLACKS California...SHOT Today January 7th, 2012.
Photo by Ben Ginsberg
COMING NEXT WEEK! |
(Above) Launching the Rubber Boat in this shorebreak? Hello...SHOT Today
January 7th, 2012. Photo by The Phantom
COMING NEXT WEEK! |
*Click masthead above to read the original
ISM story.
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(Above) Put the cursor over the images above to
see happens when you DROP in on someone. You
become Invisible. Simply put the mouse over the photo to see the
original photo and then marvel at
the results of what happens when the criminal
becomes invisible.*Put the cursor over the photo to see the Real
image.
Photo by Matt Robertson |
Today 2011 "If you don't live here you can't Yak Here!"
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(Above) Kayakers beware heavy locals ahead.... Photo by JC |
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