Send your SURF Pics to me directly. (See link below) Just make sure they're 800 pixels wide. PLEASE NO smaller. Need photos by each Saturday at 12 noon if possible . In fact if you have any questions about the size, email me first and I'll write back. Start shooting my brothers and sisters!
SEND PICS by clicking here- Ralph's Pic Of The Week To check out Past ( RPOTW) Go to the Archives Page

July 12th, 2009 21 Weeks Of Surf - Pray For Lil Miss Molly. *NEWS FLASH Lil Miss Molly Rowlee Passed away Today.
July 12-2009 *I wrote this column earlier today.


"Goodbye Little Miss Molly Rowlee. My heart is with you, the Rowlee family and our amazing community here in Hampton whos hearts are hurting tonight. "
Words and Photo By Brian Nevins

Photos above and below Lil Miss Molly Beach Gathering. Tonight July 12, 2009
Photos by RALPH



This column was written before the news of Miss Molly's passing. The request for prayers are still needed for the family and friends of Lil Miss Molly.
There's surf out there today. But it really seems insignificant in light of what is happening in our surf community. Most of you regular readers are aware of one of the local Surf Family's battle against cancer. Lil Miss Molly Rowlee is battling for her life as I write this. She is just 5 years old and is such a sweet heart. I mean she is something very special. Some of you know her Daddy, Buck Rowlee. He's an icon at Pioneers with Stevie O'Hara. Molly's Mom is Meg Rowlee. She is a pillar of strength. And finally, she has a little brother named Kieran. They are a part of our local surf community. In fact, The whole New England Surf community and beyond, have been praying for Molly since she was first diagnosed with Cancer, back in February. These past few days, have been particularly hard. She is in trouble, and she needs every single person out there, to stop and say a prayer, or send some positive thoughts her way. She is at Children's Hospital in Boston and we need every prayer, and every positive vibe, we can muster, and send it off. ASAP. Please.

No one knows if they (Prayers) actually work or not, but there has been case studies, where the medical field has acknowledged, that positive thinking, and prayers, have been the only other logical answer, for patients getting better. Some who were knocking on death's door, have made remarkable turn-a-rounds, because of the amazing power of prayer. Now I wouldn't be wasting my breath, and time, if I didn't think it could help. I know it does. I don't want to get philosophical, religious, or anything but straight with you. Bu there are too many unexplained instances where the power of prayer, and positive thinking, have played a major role in fighting and beating cancer and other diseases.

Doctors are only human after all. Yes, they are smarter than us. Yes they have seen and done it all, but even the Doctors have not ruled out praying and sending positive thoughts, and well wishes to Molly. I mean really, who the hell are we to say that prayers do not work? That's BS. I believe it works, and it has been proven to work. This little girl is fighting for her young life. Her parents have not left her side. They have asked that we help by praying and sending out positive thoughts. We need to all just stop and say a short prayer. Please my friends. Pray. Pray together, or alone. But just pray. Thank you.*Lil Miss Molly passed away after I wrote this. REST IN PEACE Molly. God hold onto the Rowlees. And now, you can all say a prayer for the family and friends of Lil Miss Molly.

As I was saying earlier. There are waves today. And there was a slight brownish bump on Friday. And while the sun was shining on both days, that has not been the case for most of the Spring and Summer. In fact, it's been downright dismal. We've had quite the record rainfall this past June and into July. And while we've been having weekly waves it's been killing the local Beach businesses. Beach towns like Hampton rely heavily on the weather. And it trickles down to all the surf shops as well. I know it does not mean squat for surf or surfers, but you have to admit, you'd much rather surf under the sun,than under the clouds and rain.

All this rain has done, has caused the infamous Mosquitos to multiply in great numbers. I hate the Mosquito. Hate them. Hate em as much as I hate the dreaded Green Head. And make no mistake my friends, I hate the Green Head. They serve no purpose on this planet. Zero. In fact, I believe the Greenhead secretly works for Satan or Al Qeada. They are that evil. I mean I don't know of any other insect that will attack you while you are surfing. I mean what freaking bug does that? I've knocked those evil SOB's out in the water and left them for dead, floating with their legs up in the air, only to watch them regroup and come back to life and attack me again. That's evil. That's Al Qeada. And the Mosquito is the only other bug I hate as much.

If you've read my BIO on the Who The Hell is Ralph page you would know, that I am a veteran and served in a part of the world where the Mosquito is King. Southeast Asia. In Vietnam the Mosquito was my enemy as much as the Communists. Hated them. Little freaks. I guess that's why I hate them so much today and why I will not go to any surf destination that has a serious Mosquito problem. Or if I do, I bring lots of DEET and spray the snot out of everything and everyone. I hate Mosquitos.

Speaking of Vietnam. I was on the beach this afternoon snapping a few shots here and there, of the clean little swell we had. When I noticed a man and a woman about 60 years old standing near the shoreline, wearing Sun Hats. A Sun hat is what the Vietnamese wore out in the fields and Rice Paddies. It's made out of Bamboo and is a basic cone, that sits lightly on the head. I've never seen anyone wear one outside of Vietnam. So I walked up and asked the man "Excuse me, did you get that Sun Hat in Vietnam?" He looked surprised at me, and said "Why yes, I did. I got it from a Buddhist Monk while we were visiting in Vietnam. How did you know that?" I looked back at him and the hat and said, "I saw plenty of them when I was there in 69." The wife, or woman asked "You were there in 1969?" "Yes." I answered. Then she put her hand on my arm and said "Have you recovered?" I looked at her in disbelief and said "What did you say?" And she repeated herself. "Did you recover?" I was so upset and hurt, that I pulled my arm away and just walked off saying, "Yes I recovered, thanks for asking." I heard the husband say to her, as I walked away. "Why the hell did you say that?"

I was pissed. And the more I thought about it, the more upset I became.

In hindsight, I should of said several things. Like "No I have not recovered. In fact that hat reminds me of a VC who killed my friend." Or this..."Yes I recovered. Did you recover from all the drugs you and your Hippie husband used in the 60's?" I mean, How insensitive can someone be? But I'm over it. Sort of. I mean can you imagine saying that to a WWII Vet? Or a Korean War Vet? or a GWOT vet? Talk about BS stereo typing.

Have you checked the WHO THE HELL IS RALPH? page? I also added another Tip on the RULES & TIPS page. Don't forget to Drop me a line in the DROPPING IN section. I can handle anything you have on your mind. I mentioned before that I'm allowing for anonymous users to vent if you want. I don't want to embarrass anyone. So check it out. The beauty of the DROPPING IN section is, I post it as it I get them.

So Drop in on me. Just don't do it in the water.

Now for some of my weekly Global observances:

Is Michael Jackson still dead? You'd never know it. You'd also never know that there was anything else news worthy there for awhile with the coverage of Michael Jackson's Memorial Concert. Although, I did think John Mayer was great. Damn that guy can play the guitar. So smooth and tasteful. But honestly, how many of you knew that 9 Americans were Killed in Afghanistan within 48 hours surrounding the MJ Freak Show? It's true. 9 REAL heroes died defending our country, and there was barely a blip on the Media screen. After all, The King Of Pop was dead. Even though that Chimp loving, Pedophile, more than likely killed himself with the amount of drugs he was popping into his frail woman's body. Joan Crawford, I mean Michael Jackson is dead. Let his family fight over the Royalties and leave the rest of us in Peace. Please.

The Statue of Liberty has reopened. It's been closed since September 11, 2001. You can now go to the Crown and see the skyline.

Boxing great Arturo Gatti died of strangulation today in Brazil at age 37. WTF? Are you kidding me? His girlfriend/wife murdered him. He was part of the three most amazing fights I have ever seen. Gatti -Ward bouts. One, Two, and Three. Rest In Peace Arturo.

The WOUNDED WARRIORS are coming back to Hampton Friday August 28th, 2009 at North Beach for the 2nd Annual HIT THE BEACH! Surf event. Stay tuned.

From Bob McNeil: PLEASE READ.
The last few times I have been at the "Wall" in Hampton, surfing or checking the conditions, I have noticed an increase in the whistle blowing of lifeguards and the enforcement of surfing in a "designated" area. I was approached by a number of the local crew Saturday at KB's and asked why after years of being able to use all of North Beach, this year, there is an effort to "corral" surfers into an area. Especially, when the popularity of surfing and the number of surfers in the water has grown.

Saturday, I spoke with Brian Warburton, the Regional Supervisor for the Division of Parks. I told Brian of the concerns of the local crew. I was informed that the State had received a number of complaints about the conditions at North Beach. The complaints included vehicles being parked in a variety of ways other than between the lined spaces and the sidewalk being blocked by surfing equipment preventing the safe passage of pedestrians. As a result of the complaints, the Division of Parks and head lifeguard decided to enforce a surfing area. Brian called Jim Donahue, the head lifeguard, and called me back indicating that the concerns of the locals will be addressed. He also stated that he and Jim would be willing to meet and discuss any problems that persist.

In the interest of alleviating the North Beach problems, it would be helpful if all of the shops would place a posting on their websites and at the shops asking that everybody obey the parking regulations and not block sidewalks and beach entrances with surfing equipment (at Jenness Beach also). Additionally, there is a procedure to address any grievences that one might have against Park Personnel (lifeguards, meter patrol, etc.). If a problem arises, politely ask the employee for their name and file a complaint with the appropriate authorities.

Bob McNeil
Competition Director
Eastern Surfing Association
Northern New England District

REST IN PEACE Lil Miss Molly.
Ralph's Community Page
.
Little Miss Molly Fund Auction

Get well Bruce Crisner. NJ Surf Photographer who lost his eye in a tragic surf accident. *It was by his own board. People listen Up! Always come up out if the water, with your hands in front of your face. Hang in there Bruce (Hare).

Check out the NEW WHO THE HELL IS RALPH?
Check out the DROPPING IN ON RALPH Pages.
Check out. Cinnamon Rainbows SurfLine.

REST IN PEACE ARTURO GATTI 37, yrs old.
Happy Birthday to John Rastl July 12th!


CALL FOR SURF ART!
The Annual RALPH'S SURF ART COLUMN WILL BE POSTED ON JULY 26TH! Start Sending your work now. Make sure they are either JPEGS or PDF files. Make sure they are 700 to 800 pixels wide. *You can send up to 5 pieces per artist. Just make sure you include the Title, your name (or artist name), the medium and surface it is painted on. ALL Artists, including sculptors, and other mediums are welcome. NO STILL PHOTOGRAPHY please for the Art Column.

Deadline for all Art submitted is Friday July 24th 2009 at 6:00PM. Thanks and I'm looking forward to seeing this year's Surf Art.

Please Support ALL The photographers who contribute to Ralph's Pic Of The Week every week for the last 6 years.

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


Ralph


Yesterday- 1978 BIG WEDNESDAY
(Below) A classic movie based loosely on the Malibu surf scene in the 60's. The only reason I used this photo for the Yesterday pic was because of the shot I took of Mackey V on Friday, July 10, 2009 *see next pic. Photo courtesy of the Internet


 

Today 2009- Week-21 SMALL FRIDAY July 10, 2009


(Above) Malibu had it's famous Wall and we have ours. Local 10th Street Surfer Mackey V heads out on SMALL FRIDAY July 10, 2009. To see more click on Photo. Photo by RALPH
Click on the image above to see more.


(Above) Jared Hay on SMALL FRIDAY July 10, 2009.
Friday July 10th, 2009. To see more click on Photo. Photo by RALPH
Click on the image above to see more.

(Above) How warm was it? Mackey V trunk's it on SMALL FRIDAY July 10, 2009.
To see more click on Photo. Photo by RALPH
Click on the image above to see more.


 

(Above) Kody Grondin on SMALL FRIDAY July 10, 2009.
To see more click on Photo. Photo by RALPH
Click on the image above to see more.

 

(Above) Woof? No woof. Get used to it. Friday July 10th, 2009
To see more click on Photo. Photo by RALPH
Click on the image above to see more.


Today 2009- Week-21 Sunday July 12th, 2009

(Above) Mikey Moran at the Wall. Today Sunday July 12th, 2009.
To see more Click on pic. Photo by RALPH
Click on the image above to see more.


(Above) Unknown floats one. Today Sunday July 12th, 2009.
To see more Click on pic. Photo by RALPH
Click on the image above to see more.

 

(Above) Empty waves. Today Sunday July 12th, 2009.
To see more Click on pic. Photo by RALPH
Click on the image above to see more.

 

(Above) This is the lady who asked me if I've recovered from the war. Sunday July 12, 2009.
To see more Click on pic. Photo by RALPH
Click on the image above to see more.

 



RALPH'S VIDEO CLIP OF THE WEEK BELOW.



RALPH'S VIDEO CLIP OF THE WEEK *SHOT in June 2009
CLICK ON THE PHOTO IMAGE BELOW FOR SHORT WINDOWS MEDIA FILE VIDEO CLIP.

(Above) Click on this image of Adam Coates For a clip taken at the WALL June 09. Video Frame Grab by RALPH SFOD



Today 2009- FRIDAY July 10th, 2009 Blatant DROP-IN

(Above) The weekly Crime captured on film. Jared Hay deals with a Hairy BLATANT Drop In. Friday July 10th, 2009. To see more and other Drop-Ins click on image.
Photo by RALPH Click on the image above to see more.

(Above) Day in The Life Of The Fashion King from De Kookee De Cemente. Shot Friday July 10, 2009. To see the rest- click on image. Photo by RALPH
Click on the image above to see more.

Today 2009- July 6, 2009 West Coast Action

(Above) Newport Beach Action. Shot Monday July 6, 2009. To see the rest- click on image. Photo by Ben Ginsberg Click on the image above to see more.

(Above) Tail slide Newport Beach Style. Shot Monday July 6, 2009. To see the rest- click on image. Photo by Ben Ginsberg Click on the image above to see more.


(Above)Newport BeachBoost. Shot Monday July 6, 2009. To see the rest- click on image. Photo by Ben Ginsberg Click on the image above to see more.

Today 2009- July 4 & 11, 2009 Oahu SUPB & Grom Fest

(Above) SUPB Paddle Race Oahu. Shot Saturday July 4, 2009. To see the rest- click on image. Photo by Bernie Baker Click on the image above to see more.


(Above) Rip Curl Grom Search Finals. Shot Saturday July 11, 2009. To see the rest- click on image. Photo by Bernie Baker Click on the image above to see more.


(Above) Rip Curl Grom Search Finals. Shot Saturday July 11, 2009. To see the rest- click on image. Photo by Bernie Baker Click on the image above to see more.

Today 2009- Insane Indo July 9th, 2009

(Above) July 9, 2009. Insane Indo surf. To see the rest- click on image.
Photo by Bruce Young
Click on the image above to see more.

(Above) This is a Barrel. July 9, 2009. To see the rest- click on image.
Photo by Bruce Young
Click on the image above to see more.


Today 2009- Back Home Eastie Scenes


(Above) Moonlite July 9th, 2009. Photo by Life's A Beach



(Above) Big Handsome Daddy at Rudis July 9th, 2009. Photo by CORY

Today 2009 PARTING SHOT- Bubble Head Stand
July 10th, 2009

(Above) This is hard to do. Doing a head stand while blowing a huge bubble. Kevin Doc Grondin get's it down. July 10th.
Photo by RALPH

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To contact the advertisers below, simply click on the Ad space. Anyone wishing to find out info about advertising here can do so by emailing me directly. Ralph's Email I'll send you a template and other info.

We highly recommend the various businesses and artists listed below. Why? Well simply put, each and every one of them is a Surfer, who lives the Surfing Lifestyle.

 

 


 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 


See QWILL at the HOUSE OF BLUES in Boston on Thursday June 25th, 2009

 

 

 

 

 

 

 









 




 

WOUNDED WARRIORS are COMING AUGUST 28, 2009 to 10th Street North Beach, Hampton, NH.



 


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Dan Healy was a Surfer from Exeter who was killed
in Afghanistan in 2005. Click on the image above
to see a larger view.