I have no doubt that some of my closest friends will spit their drinks out of their noses reading this column today. But if I am to be true to my word, and follow my heart, I must write the truth. And the truth is, I met two individuals this week who have embarked upon and completed an amazing journey that has never been done before. So what is so special about them you ask? Why would my close friends spit coffee through their nostrils? Well...these two individuals are...

STAND UP PADDLE BOARDERS. You know, SUPS.

I know what you're thinking, so just hold on a second here and let me explain. Mike Simpson and Will Rich are Surfers. They are Surfers from New England. They are familiar with this weekly blog and a lot of our different breaks. They are true watermen. And they are true Patriots. And what better way to fill a column on July 4th than to write about two modern day Patriots.

And no, I'm not referring to the New England Patriots. I'm talking REAL Patriots.

The kind of Patriot that has conviction and passion and believes in something. And the kind of Patriot who are willing to sacrifice a part of their lives for the simple act of making someone else's life better. But I'll let Mike and Will speak for themselves. Here's an excerpt from their website that basically sums it all up on their mission and passion.

"Starting March 1, 2011, Will and Mike will embark from Key West, Florida and head north to paddle the Eastern seaboard on stand-up paddleboards, finishing in Portland, Maine. We're combining our passions for paddling, people, and the ocean while fulfilling a dream of seeing the East coast from the water. 

    In doing this we hope to spread awareness and raise money for two specific causes which stem from these passions. The first is Wounded Warrior Project, a national organization which supports America's service men and women, particularly upon their return from duty. The by-line of the group is: "the greatest casualty of war is being forgotten". Regardless of what one's stance is on the US involvement in the Middle East, the fact is that these people put their lives on the line for the rest of us every day. We think it's only right to stand up for those who stood up for us. There's another quote regarding our troops which says: "All gave some, and some gave all ". If this resounds with you, please see the WWP page on this site. 
    
The second cause we are supporting is physically "closer to home". We live on, and love, the ocean, and she obviously plays an integral part in this adventure. We have chosen to combine our efforts with a great group of people who work hard ( and have fun at the same time ) to educate others about the well-being of our marine eco-systems on which we so closely depend. SUP Clean-up, a world-wide organization based in North Carolina, couldn't be a better fit for what we're trying to do. Being close to the ocean means so much more than using her for recreation and sustenance . It's a symbiotic relationship. The sea gives us so much and we MUST care for her better in return..."

That's the kind of True Patriots Mike and Will are.

Spreading the Word and Awareness about the WOUNDED WARRIOR Project is close and dear to my heart. For the last 4 years this NH Seacoast surf community has run a successful SURF CAMP For the Wounded Warriors called HIT THE BEACH. Started by Michael Taylor four years ago. Michael and I have worked side by side along with all the local surf shops and my own Veterans Group POST 35 to help introduce the men and women who have been wounded in combat to the soothing and healing elements of surfing.

This year we will continue that amazing event even though Michael and his wife Linda have since moved to the West Coast. With the help of all the local Surf Shops Cinnamon Rainbows, Pioneers, Zapstix, and Summer Sessions along with dozens of volunteers, we are all looking forward to the 4th Annual HIT THE BEACH Wounded Warriors event.

But getting back to Mike and Will and their SUP THE COAST journey...

I can hear some of you now..."But Ralph these guys are riding SUPS!" You scream in anguish. "You don't ride a SUP Ralph...what are we to think now?" Look, while it's true that I do not ride a SUP and more than likely never will, I do not hate the SUP. Or more specifically, the SUP rider. And let's be honest here. We're not talking about the local SUP person who paddles out at your local break and takes more than their share of waves. We're talking about something completely different.

These guys are not out surfing on these extra large SUPS. These guys are literally paddling the entire length of the East Coast . From Key West Florida to Portland Maine. That's like walking the entire coast. Actually, it's like walking on your hands. And these guys are doing this on behalf of the WOUNDED WARRIORS...hello?

These two earned a RALPH SALUTE! And I caught extra waves for them the day I met them. I admire anyone who thinks and steps out of the box when it comes to raising awareness and supporting certain projects that mean something. And this means something. I looked into their eyes. I'm a pretty good judge of character. I know when someone is trying to pull a fast one. These guys are real. They have my respect and admiration.

And they said they are going to try and make it back on August 18th to our WOUNDED WARRIOR HIT THE BEACH event. God Bless you both Mike and Will. You made a difference in many lives this past four months.

Last night my wife and I left the local bar and Grill at North Beach, we had been hanging out and listening to Mel & John. They were great. Super talented singers and musicians. It's always fun hearing a good cover band. They were very good and had their own unique style and presence. We really enjoyed both watching and listening to them.

As we were leaving, we walked back to our vehicle that was parked about a 100 yards from the club. That's when we both heard that familiar sound of muted and muffled large fireworks. Every year I am caught by surprise by the first large Fireworks exploding off in the distance

Instantly my mind raced back to a long time ago. That sound never leaves you. That dull, muffled sound, of large explosions. WHUMP. WHUMP. The sound of war off in the distance. We smiled and kept walking.

Have a safe and Happy fourth. Be careful with the fireworks you can buy at the local Fireworks mart and set off yourselves. And whatever you do, don't point them at anyone. Especially at some combat vet who may have little or no patience for your actions. But then again, you won't know they are combat vets until it's too late.

And by then? You are on your own. Good luck with that situation.

Happy Birthday America...we're 235 years old! Seems like yesterday we were under the British Rule paying British taxes and now look at us! On second thought, don't look too close. We're still paying taxes and things are not so good...but hey, don't let that stuff bother you. Go out and have some fun. Kick some British butt if you happen to run into one. I used to love to hassle my British friends during the 4th. What are friends for any way?

It's our freaking 235th birthday! Go out and celebrate you Bloody Yanks!

Happy 4th of July!!! !