Surfing With Smiles and Walking for Stephen.

I think I know stoked when I see it. I'm talking about legitimate stoke. Not something posers pretend to be. Lord knows I've seen enough of them. I guess I mean that pure innocent salt water stoke that we all felt at one time in our lives. Most of us would hark-en back to when we were young and clueless.

But I remember the feeling I had when I first felt it. It was on my old Keoki. At the corner on Lynn Beach. I can still hear the water rippling along as I cruised on that long right. That sensation stayed with me to this day. I'm sure you all have similar stories.

Phil Edwards called it being "jazzed". I could relate to that.



This is STOKE. By both the father and his son. Like I was saying, I know stoke when I see it. And I see it here. I think you do too. These are I-phone pics that I shot on Thursday July 16th, 2015. It was the second event of the summer.

SURFING WITH SMILES has become one the most attended events we have all summer. I mean all you have to do is to look at the photos. Do you see smiles? Then BAM! It was another huge success.

Thanks to Lindsay and Cinnamon Rainbows and all the volunteers. It is always an amazing time to witness. If you have been lucky enough to witness one of these events, or better yet, had volunteered for one. You will leave with the biggest smile on your face.



I know there are some jaded surfers out there who will look at this and sneer. If they don't know what is behind all of this, they won't get it. If someone were ever to ask me..."Is this really surfing Ralph?" My answer would be "You bet your fricken ass it's surfing!" And I would use my big voice when I do answer.

I mean look at that stance. Look at it. You're looking at Stoke.



The whole McCarthy family was out in force today. This was the McCarthy Strong FIGHT AGAINST Pancreatic Cancer. It was held in memory of beloved son, husband, father, brother, uncle, and friend to so many. Stephen McCarthy. The vibe this morning was so positive. It was a 5k (3.1 miles) walk that started from the American Legion and ended at the High Street cemetery where Steve is buried.

It was a bittersweet day to say the least.



Stephen's wife and kids lead the walk. Nina, Corey, Lene, and Ryan stepped off at around 11:30 and the walkers all followed. There were families with small children in strollers. There were people with dogs. There were couples young and old. There was basically a sea of love moving through Hampton. And the weather was just cool enough to make the walk tolerable.



I've know Duffy since he was Connor's age. He's a great father, husband, and brother. And he has about a million friends. He is what that tee shirt says. McCARTHY STRONG!

And I was proud to walk with him and his whole family.



How many walkers? I would say a couple of hundred easy.



Three of the five Fatello girls were there. I pushed Avery the whole way and I had a blast listening to her talk the entire 5k. She is something special. When the walk was over she was soaked.
I guess the juice cup spilled all over her. So much for Gramps paying attention to the details. We all had fun. I could of walked another 10k easy. But my hip was bothering me. Not sure what that means. I hope it's not what most of my friends have been dealing with. New hips.
I better not say that out loud.

The walk ended at Steve's grave. As it turned out we were close enough to Steve's immediate family. They gathered by his grave and held onto each other. It was a private moment that was shared with those who were there.



I'm sure their father and husband was smiling down on them all.



Soon they were joined by Stephen's sisters and brothers.
It was a touching moment. I think we all left the cemetery today feeling the McCarthy strong vibe. In fact, I know we all did.

Rest in Peace Steve. You are missed every minute of every day.



Next Big Event...THE MOLLY. August 1st, 2015

"Surfing and Walking Heals All Wounds"