January 8th, 2023 The RUN is 6 out of 6 Weeks.
Waist high or better at least once a week.
There were waist to chest high waves on January 6th & 7th, 2023
THE RECORD FOR THE MOST CONSECUTIVE WEEKS IN A ROW FOR WAIST HIGH OR BETTER. August 8th, 2021 was 53 WEEKS! TOPPING THE 43 CONSECUTIVE WEEKS SET IN 2009! |
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. |
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ESM (EASTERN SURF MAGAZINE)
Does a BEST of RPOTW 2022!
NEW RPOTW CALENDARS FOR SALE.
PATRIOTS LOSE TO BILLS!
SEASON ENDS.
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This is one of Ed's pride and joys. It's no secret that Ed loved his old vehicles. He was as proud of his cars and vans as he was his boards and cameras. This is one CLEAN looking Van.
Photo by Ed O'Connell
*Click the photo above to see a larger version of Ed's Pic. |
BELOW IS FROM THE CURRENT FEATURE ON ESM "RALPH FATELLO’S FAVE PHOTOS OF 2022"
Welcome to the first in a series we’ll be running over the next month or so featuring some of our coast’s most talented and prolific shooters who get to pick their favorite images they captured during 2022 and write their thoughts on them. First up, veteran ( in more ways than one ) Northeast Filmer – and one of our longest serving contributors to both ESM the mag and now www.easternsurf.com – New Hampshire’s Ralph Fatello.
Check out his long running blog at www.ralphspic.com and on Instagram at @ralphs.pic . Surfing since 1964, Ralph took his first surf shot in 1965, made his first surf film in 1971 and has been running his highly entertaining surf blog since 2004, the longest running east coast digital surf site of them all. This guy is as OG as they come on this side of the continent and other parts of our surfing universe and we are stoked to present these amazing shots he captured during the year 2022. – Dugan & Mez
Ralphs thoughts on surfing in the year 2022 :
All in all, I’d say we had a consistent year of small to medium size surf. We never really got any huge days. Which was kind of odd, because, we typically get, one or two monster swells. We had our share of cold winter storms, we just never got that BIG Swell. If I had to grade 2022? I’d give her a B+. Hey, it’s better than a C or a D.
My own criteria has to be waist high or better at least once a week. We reached 53 weeks in 2021. But I’d have to go back into the archives to see what the biggest run was in 2022. We had some good runs for sure. And we had our share of flat spells too.
But having said that? If there’s decent surf, you tend to push that cold business out of your head if this is your home turf, and concentrate on what’s in front of you. In other words, SUCK IT UP and get on it! That goes for both the riders, and those who document the action. And I will say this with 100% certainty, having been on both sides of the neoprene coin. It is way colder standing on the beach, reefs, and points shooting the action, than it ever was surfing. Twice in my life I surfed every single day in New Hampshire for two separate fundraisers. That’s every single day for 365 consecutive days. So I know a little bit about surfing in the winter.
Ralph Fatello
It was a humbling and grateful feeling to not only to be asked to participate in this series, but, to be the first photographer featured.
There's a lot of great surf photographers on the East Coast. I was beyond stoked to be the first in this Best of the 2022 seasons.
So I sent them a batch of over 100 pics and Mez and Dugan picked 21 out of that group. It was interesting to see the photos they picked. I would have picked others, but because of their perspective, I just sat back and let them pick the ones they liked. Interestingly enough, they picked a lot of human interest photos. Portraits and scenery pics. In other words, they stepped out of the surf box and were way more interested in our culture and weather.
ESM is based out of Florida. They don't get the extreme weather changes like we do. Don't get me wrong. They do get good to great surf, and they do get extreme weather in the forms of hurricanes. They get plenty of them. They don't get the cold water and cold air temps that we get. So I'm sure seeing pics like this one below must be mind blowing to them. I admit, even though I've seen sea smoke enough times in my life, it is like looking at another planet. I'm always fascinated by it. Always.
From the January gallery. This day was 3 degrees. Yes I said THREE!
I can remember my fingers feeling like they were going to fall off this day.
Another 2022 January pic. This day was one of the coldest of the year.
I shiver when I think about those guys going out to sea on days like this.
This is a pic from the 14th Annual HIT THE BEACH event that we run each year for the WOUNDED WARRIOR PROJECT. This sumer will be our 15th year. Each year I tell the vets, "Surfing is riding a wave. You can be standing up, kneeling down, sitting down, or lying prone on your stomach. As long as you are paralleling along on a wave, you are surfing." I design the shirts each year, and I was really satisfied with this year's slogan. WE SERVED-WE SURFED. That really hit home with the vets. Not to mention, the color of the shirts. Yes, I used them during the Fall Bird Hunting season. The color was "Hunter's Orange." They worked great in the colorful fall woods.
Photo by my lifelong fellow musician/hunter brother Rich Appel.
Kody Grondin, Cam MacLeod, and Dave Cropper assisting one of the vets out into the line-up. Note the GARRISON Flag draped over the wall in the background. Each year the HFD comes down and hangs the Garrison over the Wall. It has become a beacon for the HIT THE BEACH Day. When people drive by and see the flag hanging there, they know that it's the WOUNDED WARRIOR SURFING Event. We have a wonderful community up here.
They (ESM) also posted one of the SURFING WITH SMILES photos. I guess if you've seen a million barrel and AIR shots, images like this certainly stands out. This young girl claiming this wave with Dave Cropper in the background? That's unique. And that's all about this community.
This was from last November. I remember sitting on that mini bluff waiting for someone to hit that glowing light on the wave face. It was the first really cold day of the Fall. I got lucky and got the shot I had envisioned. Thank you ESM for recognizing not only my work, but the amazing community that I live in.
*NOTE: at the top of each page on the Blog is a NEW navigational bar. Including a page for THE LOCAL LEGENDS and for those we lost IN MEMORIAM. These are both a work in progress. In the coming weeks those pages will be filled with those we honor as LOCAL LEGENDS and those we lost. I figure it would be an easier way to find those who have been honored and memorialized. It's all coming in the future Blogs.
"SURFING & HONORING THOSE WHO SURF HEALS ALL WOUNDS"
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LOOK WHO IS RECEIVING THE FAITH IN THE FUTURE AWARD AT THE HAMPTON AREA CHAMBER AWARDS.
THE NEW 2023 RPOTW CALENDARS ARE AVAILABLE!
Featuring pics from every month from last year's Blog.
Email me directly at ralph@adlantic.com or pick one up
at CINNAMON RAINBOWS in North Hampton, NH
Finally, the Patriots lost their last game in Buffalo. They never stood a chance. Not with Damar Hamlin's near death experience and with him watching from his hospital bed. They did put up a good fight. And Mac Jones played his best game of the year. But the TWO KICK OFF RETURNS for TWO TD's killed them. That and the fact that it was too little too late. The Vikings Game, The Raiders Game, and the Bengals game? They all hurt them. So close yet so far away. Damn what a frustrating season.
And the saddest part is watching Matthew Slater and Devin McCourty play their last game as a Patriot.
They were two of New England greatest players. And they have rings on their fingers to prove it. God Bless them both. We won't forget what you guys did. Please come back as coaches.
A documentary that has been 58 years in the making.
Coming Summer of 2023
FIFTEEN. That's 15 long tries. That's how long it took for Kevin McCarthy to be sworn in as SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE. The entire GOP is a mess. The most embarrassing Congress in the last 100 years or more. Matt Gaetz and his female partner in crime Lauren Boebert have two of the most "Punchable" faces in Congress. And I say this with regret, because I'm trying not to be that person in 2023. But damn those two. Back in the day? He'd get his ass kicked. Same with her. I guess I missed the fact that somehow and someway, KSM found his way into the Chamber. Am I surprised? Hell no. The Sheik has a way of showing up at these historical situations week after week. (You're welcome).
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 FINGER POINTING Mouthwash at Home Depot this week.
HAPPY NEW YEAR December 31st, 2022!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY Kim Grondin January 13th, 2023!
Please keep local surfer Mike Keefe in your thoughts and prayers in the next few months. Keep fighting
Mike!
Please keep local Surfer/Musician Pete Kowalski in your thoughts and prayers. SURFING HEALS ALL WOUNDS!
Please Keep local surfer Bill M. in your thoughts and prayers.
Please
Support ALL The photographers who contribute to
Ralph's Pic Of The Week every week for the last 18 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. Surf For Fun.
Ralph
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Everybody loves seeing the old pics of surfing. Especially here in Northern New England. If you have any old pics please send them off to me via email or social media. My email is ralph@adlantic.com
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YESTERDAY From the 60's-70's-80's-90's to TODAY!
A collage from the page on this Blog WHO THE HELLS IS RALPH? I'm posting this because so many of you have asked who is going to do the LOCAL LEGEND piece on me. My answer is, it's already on the Blog. If you have never been to the RALPH BIO page hit the RALPH BIO tab.
Collage courtesy of RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see a larger image
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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.
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All photos taken this week unless otherwise noted.
Today- THE FIRST SWELL OF 2023 January 7th, 2023
Photos by RALPH
(Above) Bryan Johnson racing down a beautiful left.
Saturday January 7, 2023. Photos by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
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Click on the ad above to see the Menu and other
important info on their Somerville restaurant and all the
other AMERICAN FLATBREAD locations.
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(Above) Max Fatello tucked and folded in a clean open right.
Saturday January 7, 2023. Photos by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery |
The Haffenreffer family have been helping seacoast families
with their holistic health and optimal wellness for decades. |
(Above) It was so pretty and glassy that the lack of size didn't matter.
Saturday January 7, 2023. Photos by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
(Above) Another perfect left for Mackey V on this fine winter morning.
Saturday January 7, 2023. Photos by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
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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.
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(Above) And speaking of perfect lefts. Seriously? How perfect is this?
Saturday January 7, 2023. Photos by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
(Above) One of a handful of pics that that I got of @eMmee.
Saturday January 7, 2023. Photos by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
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The SURFER'S JOURNAL is in a league all of their own.
DIPG THE CURE STARTS NOW
To learn more about Evan and his journey click here https://thecurestartsnow.org/sup.../view-heroes/evan-austin/
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(Above) The empty rights were just as pretty and plentiful as the lefts.
Saturday January 7, 2023. Photos by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery |
Click on the ad above to find out more about owner
and creator Ryan Jackson and
NH2o's cool selection
of surf related products. |
(Above) Johnny Reynolds always in tune with this spot.
Saturday January 7, 2023. Photos by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
(Above) Kevin "Doc" Grondin always was a "Barrel Hound. "
Saturday January 7, 2023. Photos by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
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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) Max hitting that last bit of juice before the sand takes over.
Saturday January 7, 2023. Photos by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
Today- THE FIRST SWELL OF 2023 January 6th, 2023
Photos by RALPH
(Above) When someone writes to me "I saw you at Bass Beach" I know
they are not a local.
Friday January 6, 2023. Photos by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
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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
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(Above) Kalani.
Friday January 6, 2023. Photos by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery |
Joe Carter, Brian Nevins, and Nick Lavecchia |
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(Above) Unknown Goofy coming around the bend.
Friday January 6, 2023. Photos by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
(Above) This is a first. Black and Gray Fatello.
Friday January 6, 2023. Photos by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
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The art of Donna Baldassari
Hannah Vokey is one of my favorite surf artists.
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(Above) It was damn near impossible to shoot in the snow and fog.
Friday January 6, 2023. Photos by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
Today- MORE FIRST SWELL OF 2023 January 7th, 2023
Photos by Dina Crawford
(Above) This is me standing on a green plastic lawn chair that was coated in barnacles. That thing had to have been floating around in the ocean for quite some time.
Saturday January 7th, 2023.Photo by Dina Crawford
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery |
Visit Jimmy Dunn's website to find out where and
when he will be performing. |
(Above) This is Max pulling into another clean little zipper.
Saturday January 7th, 2023.Photo by Dina Crawford
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
(Above) Corey Beale hand dragging into the inside section.
Saturday January 7th, 2023.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.
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(Above) Kevin Grondin feeling his way through another tube section.
Saturday January 7th, 2023.Photo by Dina Crawford
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
(Above) Erik Cannon on a clean and green right hander.
Saturday January 7th, 2023.Photo by Dina Crawford
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery |
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Today- SOME MORE FIRST SWELL OF 2023
January 6th, 2023 Photos by Dina Crawford
(Above) Colby was out here all by himself scoring wave after wave.
Friday January 6th, 2023. Photo by Dina Crawford
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
(Above) Surfing alone allows you to pick and choose whatever wave you want.
Friday January 6th, 2023. Photo by Dina Crawford
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery |
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(Above) Matt Colby on a frothy right. Friday January 6th, 2023.
Photo by Dina Crawford
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
(Above) Matt Colby pulling up and into a semi clean barrel section.
Friday January 6th, 2023. 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) Matt Colby bouncing off the snow bank.
Friday January 6th, 2023. Photo by Dina Crawford
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
Today- FROM CHRISTMAS EVE 12-24-22
Photos by Ross McLane
(Above) This day was insane. Not only was it sizable, but it was deathly cold.
December 24th, 2022. Photo by Ross McLane
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
(Above) Perry Reynolds slotted on a Christmas Eve gift wrapped barrel.
December 24th, 2022. Photo by Ross McLane
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
(Above) All I want for Christmas...December 24th, 2022.
Photo by Ross McLane
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
(Above) Seriously? What else would you want for Christmas?
December 24th, 2022. Photo by Ross McLane
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
(Above) Perry Reynolds deep in a Christmas Eve barrel.
December 24th, 2022. Photo by Ross McLane
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
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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
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(Above) This is a pic of Hawaii where Mr and Mrs Lenny Nichols are visiting family (Ohana) and reliving their early years where they lived for so long. It must feel so much like home for them. Stoked for all of the Nichols Ohana. January 2023. Photo by Lenny Nichols
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
(Above) This is what you do when you can't surf. You take surf photos. January 2023. Photo by KD Durham
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
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He's more than just a good photographer
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(Above) All Rise: The 10th Street District Court Of Surf is Now in Session. The Honorable Judge RALPH presiding. Case # 708 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.
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Click on this image above to buy this book
and more cool KING'S X merchandise and music
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I'm seeing waves for days here
starting Friday 1-13-23
Saturday 1-14-23 is my pick of the week.
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JANUARY 8th, 2023
"Now I lay me down to sleep, I pray that Ralph did not take this Pic. But alas I know he got the shot, and now I must face the negative talk."
Everybody falls. It's just that not everybody gets their pic taken when they do. Photo by RALPH
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