Ralph's Pic of the Week

All materials contained in this blog are protected by copyright laws, and may not be reproduced, republished, distributed, transmitted, displayed, broadcast
or otherwise exploited in any manner without the express prior written permission of the owner, the author, authors or sources of said materials.

SURFING WITH SMILES 6-30-22.mp4 from SURF FREE OR DIE

The first SURFING WITH SMILES OF 2022. The smiles, the laughter, the surf stoke is all there.

July 24th, 2022 The RUN is 7 out of 7 Weeks.
Waist high or better at least once a week.
There were thigh to waist high waves on 7-20-22

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!

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.

MONTHLY LOCAL LEGEND. MIKE ROSA. CODE RED SWELL. FROM PAVONES IN CR TO MA'ALAEA IN MAUI.

Meet Surfer MICHAEL ROSA. 71yrs old From Hampton, NH
Looking at Mike Rosa today, you would be hard pressed to guess his age to be 71. He has the physique of someone closer to twenty plus years younger. I’m not kidding. But, having said that, Mike’s highly tuned up, and finely toned physical health, comes at a price. Both mentally, and physically. A solid, regimented, and highly disciplined workout schedule is what Mike is all about. And anyone who knows him, will attest to his daily strengthening commitment.
Hard core Surfer, Black Belt in Karate, and Yoga competitor.

Like I said, he’s not your typical 71 yr old.

Michael Rosa is 100% committed to his physical being, as well as his calm and reserved demeanor. He has an aura about him, that exudes confidence, and a sense of relaxed calmness.

He laughed when I said to him during my interview, “You’re the kind of individual, I warned my son about when he was growing up, and venturing out into the world.” But it’s the truth. You just don’t know what some people are capable of. Mike Rosa may be soft spoken, quiet, and unassuming on the outside, but he’s a force to be reckoned with on the inside, if pushed in the wrong direction. In other words, he could unleash a holy hell on you if he needed to.

When I asked him what size boards he’s riding today, he mentioned a handful of shortboards and one in particular, a 5’4” shortboard. “Are you kidding me? A 5’ 4”!!! How many 71 yr old’s do you know riding a 5’ 4” surfboard? I bet not many. Especially round these parts. Well, now you know one. Mike Rosa. Though, he wasn’t always riding those super short boards. In fact, his first ride on a surfboard, was twice that length. A 10' Hansen 50/50.

The summer of 1959, a young 8yr old boy from Arlington, Massachusetts saw surfing for the very first time on Seabrook Beach, NH. Mike was the oldest of 9 children. There were 5 girls and four boys. Yup, he’s from that generation where parents would pump out as many kids as they could possibly handle. And most times, it was 6 plus kids. Mike’s parents had rented a house on Seabrook Beach in the summers. His dad Dominic Rosa, was a hard working and hard fighting WWII and Korean War vet. He boxed in the NAVY. And he taught young Michael how to box. “I remember him getting down on his knees and teaching me how to box. Though it was more like how to take a punch." Those WWII vets were tough men. Damn were they tough.

But that summer of 1959, on Seabrook Beach? That summer changed Michael’s life forever.

He saw people surfing for the first time. This one guy riding along on a big board and it just looked like so much fun. He offered to carry the long 10' log, a very heavy Hansen 50/50 home for the guy who owned it. And in return, he let young Michael try the board. And Michael told me that he was up and riding right away on that old longboard (though at the time, it wasn’t very old). His first day surfing, he was absolutely hooked. Typically, it takes a few times of trying to surf, before you’re actually catching waves and standing up and riding them on your own. Well, it is for most beginners. But Mike is not one of them. He was up and riding from day one. I’m not the least bit surprised. Good on you Mike.

Suffice it to say, Mike took to surfing that summer of ‘59 and he was completely hooked on surfing. There was no looking back. He was all in.

From Seabrook Beach, to the Wall, and beyond, Mike surfed wherever and whenever he could. Mike is a Goofyfoot, and well, it wasn’t long before he found the region's Goofyfoot’s paradise. His favorite local break is that infamous left point. The Rocks. In fact, he first surfed there, sometime between 67-69. Long before the crowds showed up. And he has shared many sessions there over the years with John “JT” Taylor, Johnny “JIM” Meehan, and the many others who surfed there back in the day. The “Rocks” is his favorite local break. Hey, he’s a Goofyfoot. And all of us regular foots can only imagine what it’s like to face that wave like the Goofyfoots can.

photo by Martha Lardent

As a local surf photographer and filmmaker, I have seen and documented most of the locals here in New England. I can pretty much pick out every single surfer in the lineup by their own unique styles. And believe it or not, they all have their own individual styles and stances. Unlike most of the pros, who surf very similar to each other, because they gear their surfing to appeal and appease the judges. And by judges, I mean all those who judge them. From the contests, to the social media peanut gallery, to those who read the magazines, and watch their movies.

photo by Ginger Nelson

But the local surfers? They all have their own style. And Mike Rosa is one of those surfers that I can pick out a mile away. I know his stance as he’s taking off, I know his bottom turn stance, I know his tube stance, and I know his cutback stance. When he takes off on a wave, I know immediately that it’s him. We all have our own style. And Mike Rosa has his own style.

When it comes to surfing other spots, Mike is a world traveler.
Not one to be confined to just surfing the local New England breaks. He has traveled and surfed some of the best waves in the world. Places like: Tavarua in Fiji, Maui, Kauai, Oahu, the Big Island in Hawaii, Mexico, Australia, Biarritz, in France, California, and up and down the East Coast.
Then of course there’s the Caribbean. Puerto Rico, Barbados, and down into Central America. Like I said, Mike has traveled around the world.

Johnny Meehan and John "JT" Taylor with a gift for Mike from Tavarua.

When I asked him what was the biggest wave he’d ever surfed? He immediately answered Cloud Break on Tavarua in Fiji. Sometime between 92-94, he caught the biggest wave of his life. He said it was a solid 15’. That’s a Big wave, even by today’s ridiculously big wave standards. Johnny Meehan wrote that he saw Mike catch the biggest wave out at Cloud Break that was hands down the biggest wave that anyone from NH had ever caught. That’s pretty damn significant.

And Johnny is a pretty straight shooter. He tells it exactly like it is.

And when I asked him when and where was his worse wipeout? The answer was the same. Cloud Break on Tavarua Island in Fiji. He had a “hold down” during a big set that he thought that “this could be it.” And by “It” I’m talking about “cashing it all in,” “buying the farm,” “getting your ticket punched.” It was that bad. He told me he never got a chance to get a deep breath before that thrashing. He even got to the point where he was thinking of his family and how he was never going to see them again. That’s pretty heavy stuff. But like all bad wipeouts, whatever it is that doesn’t kill you, only makes you stronger. And I’m sure that was the case with Mike.

He survived that wipeout and lived to see another day.

And more than that. He started a whole new life. He came home and started a family here in New Hampshire.

He and his wife lovely wife Laura have been married for 30 years. They have three beautiful children. Chase, Skyler, and Bella. And their lives revolve in and around the ocean. From the beaches of NH, to the beaches of Barbados. Michael is a true family man. It runs deep in his blood and veins. His family is everything to him. He loves all three of his kids and is so very proud of them. And I’m sure that Laura and the kids are equally proud of him.

Mike is also a fighter in the truest sense of the word. The name Rosa is synonymous with fighting.

From Chucky Rosa (Chucky’s Fight) to his two nephews who fight in the MMA. There’s a lot of discipline in being a fighter. It is a relentless pursuit as far as the training and mental fitness that goes with it. You have to have that innate sense of discipline. He does not drink or smoke. He told me that he works out every single day. That’s the last 22 years with Karate, and the last 7 years with Yoga. Most of you surfers out there are well aware of the connection between Surfing and Yoga. Though, I’ve never personally tried it, I know the benefits of practicing it. And I have the highest respect for those who commit to it. Especially competing.

And if it can enhance your surfing? All the better. Because at the end of the day, that’s what we all really want. To be able to surf better and longer.

I ended the interview by asking Michael what surfing meant to him.

He said that surfing was everything to him. That it even, “saved his life” (a line that I have said many times in the past). He looked me in the eye, and thought about what he was going to say next for a few seconds, before saying. “You can paddle out on a good day and catch a bunch of waves, but not really getting any good ones, and then, that one wave comes along. And that one good wave, can make your whole session. And you leave the water with that one wave in the back of your mind. And everything is good in the world.”

I get it. And most of you surfers get it too. It’s called being stoked. Mike Rosa is stoked on surfing, and all that is good with surfing. From the camaraderie of surfing with friends, to surfing alone at a remote break hiding in plain sight, from surfing with his family in Barbados, to surfing with Sky on the beach, with Sky hooting him on. This is before and after their miles long walks along the seacoast. They have become NH Seacoast icons. Mike and Sky. In short, Mike is stoked to be surfing. “I’m going to surf for the rest of my life.” He said as I was leaving. And I believe him.

I also believe, that he’s going to end up surfing longer than most of the surfers that are half his age. And those of you who know him, will agree with me.

*Be sure and check out Mike's gallery down in the photo section.
"SURFING, KARATE, YOGA, And FAMILY HEALS ALL WOUNDS."

I was stoked to find this pic of our LOCAL LEGEND Mike Rosa by Ed O'Connell. This was shot on July 24th, 2009. Ed and I used to make up names of some of the breaks for our own amusement and maybe to throw some of those who don't know better a curve ball. You know, "Lumpy's? Where the hell is that?" Ha ha. 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
DEADLINE IS THIS COMING THURSDAY JULY 28th, 2022.
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 to see a larger version.

The MARINE MEMORIAL ON HAMPTON BEACH is adding a new name to those who were lost at sea.
Click on the image below to learn more.

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.

IN LOVING MEMORY OF EVAN AUSTIN

DIPG THE CURE STARTS NOW
To learn more about Evan and his journey visit https://thecurestartsnow.org/sup.../view-heroes/evan-austin/

KSM Photoshop of the Week
The past two weeks have been brutally hot. With Wildfires and severe droughts. Things got pretty hot down there at GITMO too. KSM is allowed to lay in the sand at GITMO for short intervals to try and stay cool. Here we see the Sheik with his favorite Tank Top. His "Pop cycle" tank. He claims when he's lying on the sand at GITMO, it reminds him of the deserts of the Middle East. In fact, he's paid off a few of the guards to import some camel and goat manure to spread around his towel. Nothing smells more like home to Khaliddy, than Camel and Goat shit. You guys smell what I'm cooking here? I think you do.

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 SUN BLOCK at
Home Depot This Week.

Click on the ad above to schedule you Charter today!

This is Eli Dicken. Eli single handedly stopped a mass shooter who had an AR 15 and was hell bent on shooting as many people as possible. Eli shot and killed the shooter just 15 seconds after the shooter opened up on innocent civilians. Eli was legally armed with a 9mm Glock handgun. Eli is a hero. Plain and simple, a hero. He did what 300 trained police officers couldn't do in Uvalde Texas the week before. He acted on his own and saved countless of lives. He's earned our praise.

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. Kim loved this man. He was someone truly special in her life. May he rest in peace.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY Nick Africano July 26th, 2022
HAPPY BIRTHDAY Longboard Larry July 26th, 2022!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY Mick Jagger July 26th, 2022!
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 too. She's doing OK, after her surgery 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 from any of the weeks on RPOTW.

Remember my friends... Surfing Heals All Wounds.
Pray for Surf. Pray for Peace. Surf For Fun.

Ralph

Yesterday- The First Time I Surfed Every Day For 365 Days.
July 26th, 2000 to July 26th, 2001. CATCH A WAVE FOR GUS.

(Below) I'm not sure I was mentally and physically prepared for that undertaking. I know I was better prepared the second time I did it in July of 2010 to July of 2011. What's the old saying? You live and you learn. By the time I surfed everyday for MOLLY I had learned a few things along the way. Like having two winter suits and two longboards. Still, it's hard not to think back and remember both of those campaigns and fondly appreciate the immense support I received from the community and beyond.
Photo courtesy of the Hampton Union.

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.

*Click on the photo above to see the large version of this pic.

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

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, and their business is a reflection of that lifestyle that we all love.

All PHOTOS BELOW SHOT THIS WEEK *Unless otherwise noted.

Today- The Michael Rosa Gallery.
Sunday July 24th, 2022. All photos courtesy of the Rosa Family.

(Above) That's a HUGE set. And Michael was out there all alone. Maui.
LOCAL LEGEND Gallery July 24th, 2022. Photo c/o Michael Rosa
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) This is Mike surfing Honolua Bay on Maui on what looks like a fun playful day. LOCAL LEGEND Gallery July 24th, 2022.
Photo c/o Michael Rosa
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) Being a Goofyfoot has it's distinct advantages when it comes to surfing those pumping lefts. LOCAL LEGEND Gallery July 24th, 2022.
Photo c/o Michael Rosa
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) That's the Mike Rosa style that I can pick out from standing on the shoreline. LOCAL LEGEND Gallery July 24th, 2022.
Photo by Martha Lardent
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

Click on the ad above to see the Menu and other
important info on their Somerville restaurant

(Above) Mike setting up for a little hollow section on the inside.
LOCAL LEGEND Gallery July 24th, 2022. Photo by Martha Lardent
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) I remember this board. Mike Rosa backside.
LOCAL LEGEND Gallery July 24th, 2022. Photo c/o Michael Rosa
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) That's a a hairball drop right there. Mike is totally committed.
LOCAL LEGEND Gallery July 24th, 2022. Photo by Ginger Rogers
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

"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

(Above) The early trips to Tavarua in Fiji help build his confidence in big waves as well as solidify lifelong friendships with his fellow NH surf brothers. Left to right: Mike Rosa, the late John "JT" Taylor, Jay Gould, and Johnny Meehan. LOCAL LEGEND Gallery July 24th, 2022. Photo c/o Michael Rosa
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) That's Mike's bottom turn alright. Suffice it to say, he has it down.
LOCAL LEGEND Gallery July 24th, 2022. Photo by John Carden
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) Michael "Mike" Rosa. LOCAL LEGEND Gallery July 24th, 2022. Photo by RALPH *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

Today- The Code Red Swell in Costa Rica July 2022
Photos by COCODRONE. PHOTOS

(Above) He said it was the best surf trip of his life. MVF.
Pavones, CR July 2022. Photo by cocodrone.photos
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) Mackey V laying it all out at Pavones, CR July 2022.
Photo by cocodrone.photos
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

Click on the ad above to find out more about
NH2o's cool selection of product

If you love the Beatles and you love the guitar
click on this ad above for a great band.

The BEST guitar tech on the planet.

(Above) It's all about throwing buckets. Mackey V.
Pavones, CR July 2022. Photo by cocodrone.photos
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) I love how Max and the guy out the back are in identical stances
Pavones, CR July 2022. Photo by cocodrone.photos
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) Fins out and jamming on the brakes. Max Fatello
Pavones, CR July 2022. Photo by cocodrone.photos
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) Max would text me and say he'd get barreled several times on a single wave. Pavones, CR July 2022. Photo by cocodrone.photos
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) Looks hollow to me. MVF Pavones, CR July 2022.
Photo by cocodrone.photos
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) Hollow with bath water warm water temps.
Pavones, CR July 2022. Photo by cocodrone.photos
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) I love this section. So did Max. Pavones, CR July 2022.
Photo by cocodrone.photos
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) Mackey V in deep and with an escape hatch opening up.
Pavones, CR July 2022. Photo by cocodrone.photos
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) I guess even the smaller days had plenty of juice to burn some turns.
Pavones, CR July 2022. Photo by cocodrone.photos
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) Man that looks fun. Pavones, CR July 2022.
Photo by cocodrone.photos
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) Max slotted again on the 2nd longest left in the world.
Pavones, CR July 2022. Photo by cocodrone.photos
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) Another day, another barrel. Max Fatello @_miami_dave
Pavones, CR July 2022. Photo by cocodrone.photos
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

Today- The Code Red Swell in Maui, HI July 2022
Photos by Thomas Jewell

(Above) Ma'alaea was churning for two days straight.
July, 2022. Photo by Thomas Jewell
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) Ma'alaea is a machine when all the elements come together.
July, 2022. Photo by Thomas Jewell
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) These might look like the same wave, but it's not. Ma'alaea
July, 2022. Photo by Thomas Jewell
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

Today- The MEMORIAL SURFER'S PADDLE for Peter Cole. July 9th, 2022.
Photos by Ron Freeman

(Above) He was one of the greatest Big Wave surfers in our lifetime.
Peter Cole. Saturday June 9th, 2022. Photo by Ron Freeman
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) He was well respected and loved by all who knew him. The Hawaiians loved him. Peter Cole. Saturday June 9th, 2022. Photo by Ron Freeman
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

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 pixels wide. If you have more than 10 pics please use wetransfer.com it's free up to 2 gig. Please don't send me over 50 pics without first contacting and communicating with me.
Thank you.

Click on Archives link to see all the past Blogs and pics.

(Above) This is Kody Grondin. Mexico. July 2022.
Photo by Danny Sexton
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) Lake Winnipesaukee sunset. July, 2022
Photo by Rich Appel
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

CLICK ON THE PLAY BUTTON on each clip to view videos

FIRST SUMMER SWELL OF 2022.mp4
from SURF FREE OR DIE on Vimeo. This was the first official swell of the summer of 2022. It hit on the 24th of June and lasted 5 days. The two best days were Saturday the 25th and Sunday the 26th. The water was intoxicatedly warm. In fact it was 70 degrees on Sunday. That's pretty damn warm for June. The music is a song I wrote in 1982.
I remember writing it in the summer of 83 and David Robinson and I worked out the arrangement and he produced it at Syncro Sound. This was to be one of the follow up songs to The VINNY LP that he produced.
I remember doing those cool ascending and descending background vocals. David and I have worked well together with all three of my bands. That's David playing the Linn Drum and my brother Johnny plays a really cool guitar
solo at the end of the song. *On a sad note, the day I shot this video, a biker was killed by a drunk driver in broad daylight.

There's a scene of bikers at the end of this video. I wonder if he was one of them. RIP David Penney.

MAMA'S DAY 2022.mp4 from SURF FREE OR DIE on Vimeo.
From Sunday May 8th to Friday May 13th, 2022. Five days of overhead waves. Seriously, 5 days worth. It never really cleaned up, but surfing overhead surf in May? Nobody was about to complain. The whole Mother's Day theme was carried along with the soundtrack. I used my own music that I wrote and recorded from the mid 70's.
The VINNY Band was a popular Boston/New England band in the 70's-80's. These songs? They crack me up. There's nothing about them that sounds like surf music to me. But that's what makes it so funny. It kind of does fit the vibe. Three of these songs were produced by the super talented Steve Sadler.

The highlights? Billy Leibundgut's drone footage adds to the overall vibe. And my favorite? The version of my song MAMA MIA by Steve Sadler is brilliant. And PLEASE try and watch to the very end where some of the boys wish their moms a Happy Mother's Day. It's all good.
As always, I hope you enjoy it. All 25 minutes of it. Watch in 1080 or higher

WILD WINDY WEDNESDAY.mp4 from SURF FREE OR DIE on Vimeo.
Wednesday April 27th, 2022 was a WILD and WINDY day. The swell filled in from late morning until dark. The locals that were around, scored some fun waves. This has been a pretty good Spring so far.
Music is by the Adobe Library.

THE SOU'EASTER.mp4 from SURF FREE OR DIE on Vimeo.

The surf reports all had their Purple Bars indicating Large surf and a few were in the RED. Oh hell yeah, it was on, and the night of the 18th, the winds began to howl. Howling for it's darling. By morning it was gusting 50 to 60 mph straight out of the east and southeast. While some were calling it a Nor'easter, it was not. This was a SOU'EASTER. And on April 19th & 20th, 2022 the Northeast were getting it with both barrels. The only real Nor'easter involved with this swell, was my band, The NOR'EASTERS.

You say Nor'easter I say Sou'easter. One thing's for sure, it was a POST EASTER SWELL that had all the points and reefs firing on Day I. And the beaches lit up on Day II. So, here it is. Two days of non stop action with a rocking all original soundtrack by The NOR'EASTERS. Enjoy it. Oh by the way, it's 18 minutes long. I know, the horror of having to sit through a surf video
that's longer than 30 seconds sounds like torture to some of you. I say "Suck it up butter cup!" I promise you all, that Facebook and Instagram will still be there after you watch this. Shot in 4K so watch in 1080 or higher.

ralphspic.com surffreeordie.com facebook/noreasters1988

GO SLO GO PRO 15 Years with the Go Pro.mp4
from SURF FREE OR DIE on Vimeo.

THIS MIGHT BE BORING to some of you. It's 15 years of Go Pro footage that I've shot using the Hero II, III, and V. It's just under 30 minutes in length and 90% of the footage is slow motion (hence the boring comment). Truth be told, you have to use Slow Motion when editing water footage. It just happens too fast otherwise. And you lose the detail and beauty of the waves themselves. I have always been fascinated with the mechanics of a wave. How they form and break, and of course, the pure stunning beauty of the empty hollow wave. This is not Pipe or Chopes. And it's NOT New Jersey. Far from out it.
It's mostly fun sized waves being surfed by local surfers. My biggest regret is I didn't capture all of my friends. It's 15 years worth. And while I love being in the water shooting, my best footage has always been shot on dry land.
In my honest opinion, you can't beat these little cameras. They shoot great HD quality video and they are fun to use. Music is by the Adobe library and the Free YouTube music. Links are: www.ralphspic.com www.gopro.com

SPRING EQUINOX 2022.mp4 from SURF FREE OR DIE on Vimeo.
Spring Equinox. The first day of Spring, March 20th, 2022. Followed by another Spring swell on March 26th, 2022 and then the big swell. April 8th, 2022. The day my 4th grandchild was born. Her name is "Malia" and it means
"Of The Sea." The music is by my two bands The VINNY Band and The NOR'EASTERS. The first song is called The WHIFF and the last song is called UPSIDE DOWN.
Both songs were produced by The CARS Drummer David Robinson.

The whole video is under 10 minutes. I know that seems like an eternity to some of you younger folks. But I don't care. I have said this before, and I'll say it again. I make surf movies, not Tik Tok clips.

WINTER STORM KENAN 2022.mp4
from SURF FREE OR DIE on Vimeo.

The fourth consecutive winter storm video that I shot and edited in January of 2022. This one was named KENAN. It was also known as a Bomb-O-Genesis, or Bomb Cyclone, or a Big Ole Nasty Nor'easter. We got over 2' of snow with high winds. The surf never got really huge, but it was big enough to warrant me shooting.

The music is written and performed by J. Ciarmataro qwillmusic.com

Winter Storm IZZY January 17th & 18th, 2022.mp4
from SURF FREE OR DIE on Vimeo.

This was shot as it happened. Day by day, hour by hour. In the exact sequence. Not a single frame of slow motion. I make no excuses for its
length. 13 minutes long. Look, I make surf movies, not surf commercials or
Tik Tok videos.

The music is by my super talented nephew J. Ciarmataro.

Check his music out at www.qwillmusic.com

Of Sun, Sea, And Smoke.mp4 from
SURF FREE OR DIE on Vimeo.
Saturday January 15th, 2022. One of the coldest days that I can remember
(and I've been around this block of ice a few times).
Single digits, with a wind-chill factor way below zero.
I got Frost Nip on my fingers. Took me hours to get some life back in them.
But having said that, the local crew were out and making it one of the
most dramatic videos I've ever shot.
I'm still cold just thinking about it.

SNOW DAY With Jon Kiskinis 1-7-22.mp4
from SURF FREE OR DIE on Vimeo. I shot this video of Jon Kiskinis at The WALL in Hampton, NH during the Snow Storm on January 7th, 2022. This has been done before. Hell I've made my share of "Snow Storm" videos. But if you've never seen one before, here's your chance.
Best Of Luck at SURFLINE Jon!

Nicaragua from Brayden Rudert on Vimeo.
Always happy to share Brayden Rudert's videos here. This is one he shot and edited from his trip to Nica last summer. This edit features a handful of local Hampton locals. Kody Grondin, Matt Colby, Mikel Evans, and Max Fatello. The video is cool and so is the music. And boy couldn't we all use warm tropical water.

DECEMBER 9th 2021.mp4

This is clearly a sign of the times we live in. I shot this footage the morning of 12-9-21, and did the edit the same afternoon. And less than 9 hours later, I finished the edit and posted it on social media.
This would have taken me weeks to finish back in the day when I was
shooting in Super 8mm.
Music is by the Adobe Music library. They have a great selection.
Anyway, HAPPY HOLIDAYS! PEACE ON EARTH
Watch in 1080 or higher. I shot this in 4K.

SURFER'S PADDLE For Greg Smith from SURF FREE OR DIE on Vimeo.
The traditional Surfer's Paddle for Legendary NH Surfer/Skier Greg Smith
on October 24th, 2021 at The Rocks. This was one of the Top 5 Paddles I've ever been involved in. Greg Smith was a true legend. The video is long compared to most edits, but to hear the true Greg Smith stories is worth it. Thank you to all who helped out in the paddle. From the photographers, to those who spoke, and to those who came to pay their respects to a true New Hampshire legend. Special thanks to the Grondins for hosting the after hours gathering. Keep Paddling Greg. Keep Paddling Brother. "A Hui Hou."

Please donate to Greg's daughter Sofia Smith Go Fund Me Scholarship Fund.
gofundme.com/f/sofia-smith-scholarship
Video and edit by Ralph G. Fatello
Additional video Cory B. Fatello
Drone footage by Martha Lardent
Music by QWILL
qwillmusic.com

HIT THE BEACH 8-27-21.mp4 from SURF FREE OR DIE on Vimeo.

The 13th Annual HIT THE BEACH. August 27th, 2021.
After being canceled the year before due to COVID 19 the HTB event
was on this year. Although the surf was not that big, it was enough to
run the event. And run it we did, and it was great!
Thank You to All the participants and all the Sponsors.
But a HUGE Thank you to ALL The Volunteers. You guys Rock!
In Loving Memory of the Brave Americans who lost their lives in
Afghanistan the day before.
Watch in 1080 or higher (I shot in 4K)
Video and edit by Ralph G. Fatello
Additional video by Max Fatello and Jay McCarthy
Drone footage by Martha Lardent
Music by SEMPER FI
Song "AMERICA" written by Ralph Fatello
produced by David Robinson

A Best Of RPOTW The Last 5 years, or something like that.
Song "Mirrors" by QWILL qwillmusic.com

This is the updated trailer with additional footage from PAX. The named storms of Winter 2013-2014 are featured in this impressive winter season of snow, surf, and freezing temps. The local surfers here in New England have been charging all winter. Look for Weston Rogers, Jesse Gould, Max Fatello, Joel Feid, Lenny and Kai Nichols, Johnny and Perry Reynolds, Steve O'Hara and a host of others. The music for this clip is Robin Trower.

(Above) ALL RISE: The 10th Street District Court Of Surf is Now in Session.
The Honorable Judge RALPH presiding. CASE #684 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 Thomas Jewell * Click on the photo above to see the OUTCOME.

* Looks like more small waves all week

This is my pick of the week. Thursday July 28th, 2022

Because the newer version of DREAMWEAVER no longer has a Rollover feature I will simply place both BEFORE and AFTER images side by side. This is what happens when you get caught doing something stupid.

Photo by Thomas Jewell
Photoshop by RALPH

July 24th, 2022
"Me and Zappy failing as Surfer Models back in the early 90's."

(Above) This is one of those pics that never should have seen the light of day. Truth be told, I can't speak for Mike, but I'm not that far off from actually looking like this. Photo by Cory Fatello

Click on wave to return to the top

This site and blog maintained
by ADLANTIC. 2022

*Tony and Jimmy do a hilarious Podcast called TWO BOSTON GUYS WHACK UP A PIE. Click on the image above to hear some of this insanity.

Nat Healy has some really cool stuff here.
Stop int at 72 High Street, Hampton, NH directly
across from the AMERICAN LEGION Post 35.
And PLEASE tell her that I said hello.

Several weeks ago I posted about Sam George
and his new venture. If you like great writing with wit,
humor, and an incredible legitimate insight to
everything that is surfing, you will LOVE
Sam George's new venture.
His stories are the best.

*CLICK ON THE IMAGE ABOVE
AND START READING TODAY*

*I urge you all to sign up to get these important
and entertaining stories of our world.
Besides, it's FREE. Trust me it's worth it.

Click on the ad above to find out more about
this unique NEW business.

Click on the ad above to hear My Podcast
with Host Chase Rosa

Click on Jimmy above to see his website
and other wicked important JD info

Click on the image above to purchase
Shaun Tomson's new book.

Click on image above to see more of Donna's work

Visit our facebook page.

Visit our Facebook Page

Click on the image above to visit
driftwoodfoto.com

check out the amazing sounds and songs of qwill
click on this image to see and hear the man who's
music I use more than 90% of the time in my videos

Great new book by Paul Theroux.
Click on the image to buy a copy.

Several months ago I posted about Sam George
and his new venture. If you like great writing with wit,
humor, and an incredible legitimate insight to
everything that is surfing, you will LOVE
Sam George's new venture.
His stories are the best.

*CLICK ON THE IMAGE ABOVE
AND START READING TODAY*

*I urge you all to sign up to get these important
and entertaining stories of our world.
Besides, it's FREE. Trust me it's worth it.

The SURFER’S EDGE A Guide To Conceptual Surfing

You can purchase The SURFER’S EDGE here

https://www.zinnkoskosurfs.com/

Or click on the Book Cover for more info

Click on the image to purchase your copy
Click here for my review

Click on the image to buy this book and
or to see more on KING'S X

Click on the image above to purchase
Mike's New book.