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July 17th, 2022 The RUN is 6 out of 6 Weeks.
Waist high or better at least once a week.
There were waist high waves on 7-13-22
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!
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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. |
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THE TROPICAL SURF DESTINATIONS.
The Good, The Bad and The Ugly.
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SURFING IN COSTA RICA FROM 2003 To 2022.
My first REAL tropical Surf Trip was in the late 70’s. Unless, of course I count my time in Southeast Asia in 69-70. But that was hardly a surf trip. It was however, very tropical. Though, I was in Hawaii in 1971, and in Mexico 71-72. And I suppose I could say, that Florida, in 1972, was kind of the tropics. It sure felt hot down there, and there was tropical vegetation. I also surfed in Southern California in the early 70’s too. But when I think of real tropical surf trips, I have to call the trip to TORTOLA BVI in January of 1979 as THE ONE.
It was the barometer by which all other tropical surf trips were measured by. And the late John “JT” Taylor (above) agreed with me.
And we both had our share of tropical surf trips since that first one. But we both always compared all of our other trips to the TORTOLA Trip.
I bring this up because my son Max and his two friends Colby and Pev are currently experiencing a dream surf trip in the tropics. They are in Costa Rica and man are they ever scoring. Max has had his share of tropical surf trips since his very first one. And that first one happened to be in CR when he was just 12 years old. I’m not sure where he ranks that first tropical surf trip but I remember it well. It was our first family surf trip. We all went down together that winter of 2003. And it was pretty epic.
Max and I scored some great surf out at Ollies Point and some really good surf at Playa Negra. Again, he was only 12 years old at the time. And he surfed some big waves out at Ollies and Playa Negra. I posted a full gallery of our trip down in the photos section. Be sure to click on any of the photos to check out the whole gallery.
And we surfed everywhere else along that stretch of coastline between Playa Negra and Ollies point. Surfing at Avellanas was especially fun.
Mostly because we got it to ourselves. There was a spot called Little Jesus that we scored one afternoon all to ourselves.
Those were such memorable times. From riding in the Panga boats on the way out to Ollies Point to negotiating the shallow reefs at Playa Negra. We even had ourselves an exciting encounter with a big mama crocodile near the river-mouth in Tamarindo. And Max got a sunburn so bad on his left ear that we were worried he might lose it. It was pretty damn nasty.
We were there in the dry season and that sun was a hot as it gets.
I believe it’s the rainy season there now, and I’m guessing there’s quite a few biting bugs in the area. I made sure we avoided the buggy season. I’d rather be dry and hot than hot and humid. To be fair Gabby surfed a few times as well. And Noelle did her share of boogie boarding. And the whole family had fun. There were other members of some local Hampton surfers there too that year. Lenny and Nohea were there. The Veltsos family was there too. It felt like a home away from home.
But going on surfing trips with your peeps is the way to score waves.
This is Phil Carey out at OLIIES POINT. I shot this from the boat.
And as I type this Colby, Pev, and Max are getting some insanely long rides while getting a few barrels along the way. I’ve seen the short clips, and man, they are really getting it good. I mean really good. Insanely good.
That’s what surf trips are supposed to be like. Surf all day and sleep all night. Only to get up and do it all over again. Day after day. Night after night. I can’t wait to see what they bring back for visual treats. I’m just stoked their getting great waves and making lasting memories.
From the THIS JUST IN DEPARTENT.
As I finished writing this Blog on July 16th, 2022. I got a report that Mackey had a terrible reaction to either bacteria in the water or some kind of adverse food reaction and was rushed to the nearest clinic, that was about two hours away. If you have ever driven in CR you know that the driving is treacherous. Cory and I were on pins and needles waiting for updates. His face and lips were all swollen as were his ears, his whole body was itching, and he had violent vomiting. Thank God Colby and Pev were with him. They got him to the clinic on that rough road and they immediately got him on an IV.
*Note to self: Must take good to great photos and video of Colby and Pev during the next decent NH swell.
I owe you guys.
It took a few hours but his symptoms finally subsided. The IV fluids helped. As of this morning, he is back at the surf camp and resting. Whew! *Mackey took this pic of himself last night at the clinic.
I couldn’t help but think back on my trip in 1979 when something similar happened to me. The pic below is me lying on my back in the hospital in Road-town on Tortola BVI. I was hurting big time. JT took this pic.
I too had to be driven in the back of an old JEEP to the hospital as I was violently ill. Once there I had to be put on an IV. I spent two days and nights there in that shanty old hospital in Road town. On Day 3 I ripped the IV out of my arm and made my way back to Little Apple Bay. I walked and hitchhiked all the way back. After arriving back at the beach, the surf suddenly came up. Turns out it was the biggest surf in over 10 years. That photo of me at the top of this page was taken just 4 hours after leaving the hospital. I may be thin in that pic, but my stoke was through the roof.
I have a funny feeling the same is in store for Max and the boys the next couple of days. And wouldn't that be something.
Pura Vida my friends. Pura Vida!
"SURFING IN THE TROPICS HEALS ALL WOUNDS."
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This is a pic of Sashi Lyford from July of 2008. I recently ran into Sashi and he told he has not been surfing as of late. He had no reason why, just that he was not that interested in it. I don't know about you guys, but I always thought he was a great surfer. If you see him out and about invite him to go for a surf with you, He's too good not to be out there. Photo by Ed O'Connell
*Click the photo above to see a larger version of Ed's Pic.
NOW FOR SOME LOCAL AND NATIONAL NEWS
Send me your Surf Art. The 18th Annual RPOTW SURF ART BLOG will be posted on July 31st, 2022. Deadline for submissions is July 28th, 2022. Click on the image below.
The annual JIMMY DUNN HBCF. Click on the ad to purchase tickets. Act now. Tickets will be going fast.
The 14th Annual HIT THE BEACH EVENT is on schedule this year for Friday August 26th, 2022. So mark your calendars.
CLICK ON THE IMAGE BELOW TO SEE A LARGER VERSION.
KSM Photoshop of the Week
This past week President Biden was in the Middle East trying to ease up tensions between Israel and Iran as well as getting the Saudi's to cough up some cheap oil and gas. However, he created some controversy by fist pumping with the Saudi Prince after the prince was been accused of ordering the brutal slaying of NY Times columnist Jamal Khashoggi. Yeah, not good.
Biden is no different than any of the other past presidents when it comes to making colossal mistakes and huge gaffes on live TV.
I suppose it comes with the territory. Though, IMHO 45 would still claim that crown. It would be hard to beat some of his on camera gaffes. But, it does appear that Uncle Joe is doing his best to become number 1 in that department. You Go Joe!
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 Chopped Beef at
Home Depot This Week.
Click on the ad above to schedule you Charter today!
Please keep local surfer Mike Keefe in your thoughts and prayers in the next few months during his treatments. Hang in there 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.
REST IN PEACE Rick Dreyer 88yrs old beloved Uncle and Godfather of Kim Grondin.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY Tami Heide July 23rd, 2022!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY Judith Rastl July 23rd, 2022!
HAPPY 33rd WEDDING ANNIVERSARY Kevin and Kim Grondin July 23rd, 2022
PLEASE keep Kim Grondin in your thoughts and prayers this week. She's doing OK, but she could use a few extra prayers especially on Wednesday July 20th, 2022.
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
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Remember
my friends... Surfing Heals All Wounds.
Pray for Surf. Pray for Peace. Surf For Fun.
Ralph
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Yesterday- The First Surf Family of Hampton. Circa 1974
(Below) I'm not 100% sure of the exact year. But I know it was the early 70's. I knew them both back then. Damn, that's almost 50 years. These two lovebirds ended up getting Married on July 23rd, 1989. I know this because I was the Best Man. Everyone who knows them loves them. They have two wonderful children and three grandchildren. Happy 33rd to two of our Best and Most Loving friends.
Photo courtesy of the Grondins.
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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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*Click on the photo above to see the large version of this pic.
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| All PHOTOS BELOW SHOT THIS WEEK *Unless otherwise noted. |
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Today- The SMALL BUT FUN SUMMER SWELL
Wednesday July 13th, 2022. Photos by RALPH |
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(Above) That's a sweet looking summer peak for this lonely surfer.
Wednesday July 13th, 2022. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
(Above) The criteria is waist high or better. Both pics so far are just that.
Wednesday July 13th, 2022. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
(Above) As we all know, Summer can be fickle. The windows are short.
Wednesday July 13th, 2022. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
(Above) This guy was slightly over dressed.
Wednesday July 13th, 2022. Photo 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
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(Above) Waves this size require and active imagination.
Wednesday July 13th, 2022. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
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(Above) This is a typical summer morning here in NH.
Wednesday July 13th, 2022. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
(Above) You can't tell me that this kid wasn't having fun out there.
Wednesday July 13th, 2022. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
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"BEST EAST COAST SURF COVERAGE"
Clark Little's new book
Click on the ad for more info.
Click on the ad above to find out more about
more about Stan Chew's art
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(Above) This is more proof of waist high. I mean, it's not rocket science.
Wednesday July 13th, 2022. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
(Above) The Buck Moon was impressive that night. This is a cell pic.
Wednesday July 13th, 2022. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
(Above) The end of a nice summer day. Alls well that ends well.
Wednesday July 13th, 2022. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
Today- The 2003 Costa Rican SURF TRIP
Photos by RALPH and Cory Fatello
(Above) I had my Canon water camera with me that trip. MVF Winter, 2003.
Photo by RALPH *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
(Above) Max paddling out at OLLIES point CR. Winter, 2003.
Photo by RALPH *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
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NH2o's cool selection of product
If you love the Beatles and you love the guitar
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The BEST guitar tech on the planet.
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(Above) Her name was Lola and she loved hanging near the surf at Avellanas. Winter, 2003. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
(Above) I have to admit having the Veltsos family there was fun
for our kids. Winter, 2003. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
(Above) I have a hard time believing that all three of these girls are mothers now. Noelle, Gabby, and Melanie. Winter, 2003.
Photo by RALPH *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
(Above) I shot this from the water at Ollies Point CR Winter, 2003.
Photo by RALPH *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
(Above) Selfie of max and I out at Ollies Point CR Winter, 2003.
Photo by RALPH *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
(Above) The pangas to and from Ollies Point CR Winter, 2003.
Photo by RALPH *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
(Above) I love this cool Rock. MONKEY ISLAND CR Winter, 2003.
Photo by RALPH *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
(Above) Mackey wearing the old SFOD tee shirt. Playa Negra.
CR Winter, 2003. Photo by Cory Fatello
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
(Above) Lenny Nichols Playa Negra. CR Winter, 2003.
Photo by Cory Fatello
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
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