The TEMPORARY Home at 62 Lafayette Rd in North Hampton, NH Tel. (603) 929-7467

FIRST SURF ON THE NEW HARBOUR RAPIER
REMEMBERING ROBIN ROWELL ON HIS 70th
BIRTHDAY. BRIAN NEVINS IN THE NEW TSJ.
GIRLS ON CURLS VIDEO with added footage



JUNE  6th, 2023 D-DAY. THE FIRST SURF WITH THE NEW RAPIER.

Riding a brand new surfboard is always a treat. As most of you know, I had a Harbour Rapier  back in 1967. I actually saw that board for the first time right here in Hampton in 1967. It was the day after Christmas to be exact. Me, Jeff Crawford, Mike Normand, and Jay Wilbur came up to Hampton to go for a surf. I’m pretty sure I wrote about this before here on the Blog. But for the sake of time and space I’ll give you a brief rundown on what happened that day. The surf was  big (solid 6’) and we were surfing the Wall at 10th Street. Nobody was out. It was big and offshore, and the waves were grinding. The sun was out but it was bitterly cold. We all had longboards, and none of us had leashes. Why? They were not invented yet.

It was a difficult paddle to say the least. Everyone was getting worked trying to paddle out.

There was more than one lost board, which entailed, starting over from scratch again. And we were all frustrated. If I remember correctly Mike Normand was the only one who made it outside and actually caught a wave. I remember borrowing Jeff’s David Nuuhiwa’s BING 10’ Noserider.
I almost made it out when I lost the board during a clean up set. I was no wearing a hood. I remember the swim back to the shore was brutal. I got hit by so many sets that I was getting delirious. My head was beyond freezing and just as I was about 25-30 yards from reaching the shore I went under and was struggling trying to keep afloat.

I was basically drowning in front of my friends when out of nowhere Jay Wilbur dove in the water with no wetsuit and pulled me in. Jay saved my life that day.

Shortly after we heard someone standing on top of the wall yell out “Far out I had no idea there was surf here in New Hampshire.” We all looked to see this Hippie with long hair and big black pirate like boots on. Behind him was his vehicle with California plates. The vehicle? It was a black hearse. And on top of the hearse was a surfboard. The original Harbour Rapier. 8’ 3” long and just the coolest board any of us had ever seen. We made friends with the West Coast hippie, and I ended up buying that board from him.

That was my board back in the day. In fact, I still have it. It’s currently hanging on my wall.

Johnny Meehan and Jack Keefe had a business dealing with old longboards in the late 90’s and early 2000’s. They have always wanted that board. It’s that rare. Well imagine my surprise when Dave Cropper  sent me a text two weeks ago showing me the NEW Harbour Rapier. Only this one was 9’4” long. I knew the second I saw it, that I had to have it. So I bought it.

And last Tuesday June 6th, 2023 was to be the day that I first rode it.

As I waxed the new Rapier it was hard not to flash back to the late 60’s and not think of the many times I paddled this board out into the surf and started at the decal. The Sea Nymph. Talk about classic logos. And now here I was 56 years later staring at a new Sea Nymph. Pretty wild. I took several photos of the board as it laid on my front lawn. “What a beautiful board” I thought to myself. If only I could find someone to take a photo or video of me riding it for the first time. I knew the surf was perfect, there were good waves the day before and I knew there would be some fun sized leftovers. And there were. My initial thoughts were I’d ride it at the Wall, or to be more specific at RALPH’S RIGHTS off the Jetty at 10th Street.

But I had a feeling that I might be better off up the road a piece. At that rocky reef, that has become a clear favorite of mine. As I drove around the hill, I saw one person out. He was riding a shoulder high left and it looked so good. It was Jesse Gould. One of my son Max’s best friends. I really wanted to surf with Max but he’s nursing a injured knee, and with a pending trip to the Tropics this week he was resting that knee.

I was stoked that it was Jesse. I figured this was a close as I would get to surfing with Max by surfing with one of his close friends. As I did my stretches on the beach I looked up and saw that Jesse was coming in. Bummer. We stopped mid paddle to chat. “Jesse do you have your phone in your vehicle?”
I asked him. “I don’t. I forgot it.” He answered. I was hoping that maybe he could take a cell phone pic of me. But nope. Oh well, but at least I had it to myself.

As I paddled the new board out to the reef I couldn’t help but notice how good she paddled.
 
She was cutting through the water with ease, and she had a good overall feel. I felt good. But I know that paddling through calm water was one thing, because paddling for a wave is something else all together.

I paddled over to the take off spot and waited for a set. It was mostly thigh to waist high. The wave I saw Jesse on had to have been a rare set wave. No wonder he was leaving. I looked around to take it all in. The sun was out, the wind a light offshore, and the waves were the perfect size for this board. Then I saw it. A set. It was a three wave set and I had my eye on the 2nd wave. It looked to be about waist high when I spun the Rapier around and dug in to start my paddle. She was moving smoothly through the water when I felt the wave under me. I knew I had it easily and stood up. I instantly crouched down to grab a rail and head for the channel.

It was a left by the way. As I glided along on my first ever wave  on my new board, I started to smile and I may have slightly hooted myself under my breath. As I zipped along through the kelp and the inside boulders, that were now semi exposed, I gained speed and then…WHACK!

I hit a rock and instantly launched myself forward on my board. My deep fin had hit one of the rocks on the inside. And when I popped up I instinctively flipped my board over to survey the damage. No dings on the bottom, but I got a good sized scrape on the fin itself. “Whoa.” I said out loud. That was a memorable first ride. It could have been worse. Much worse. As I looked towards shore, I saw three people headed out. So much for my solo session. I caught a few more waves and my last one was my best one. I dropped into a chest high wave and took off deep and angled my wave into the pocket.

Once again, I grabbed a rail and dragged my free hand in the face to set my line and adjust my speed.

I was perfectly slotted as I drove down and across the face. It was at this pint where I had wished there was someone with a camera on the beach. Because that wave? That would have been one for the Wall space in my home. It was that good. I went in and when I got to the beach, Johnny Meehan had showed up and he was getting ready to paddle out. 5 guys out at a spot that was borderline crowded  at that size? I opted to drive to the Wall.

Ed O'Connell was one of the most loved surf photographers in New England. A US ARMY Vietnam Veteran who saved the lives of so many ARMY Grunts in Nam in 68-69 as a Medic on board those Dust Off Hueys. He was a dear friend of mine.

When he passed on July 1st, 2014 I swore I'd keep his memory and legacy alive by giving him this weekly corner. He loved surfing and he loved taking photos of all the surfers. Not just those who could really stand out. He shot every one. As long as I shall live and breathe the salt air, there will be a corner dedicated to Ed.

ED'S CORNER June 11th, 2023



This pic was shot in June of 2008 on a fun late Spring day in June. The surfer is Mackey V AKA MVF AKA Max Fatello. Max is on his way to Nica with his posse to take part in a Bachelor's Party for BMO aka Brian Morse. Must be a new thing. Men traveling to exotic surf locales for a bachelor party. Funny, my bachelor party was right here in Hampton. Nothing exotic about that. Oh well.

It's clearly a sign of the times. I wish them all a fun week of waves and remembering what single life was like. BMO is the latest in a series of engagements for the local surf crew. They (boys and the girls) are all great people. Photo by Ed O'Connell
*Click the photo above to see a larger version of Ed's Pic.




CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL THE 2023
HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATES.

And just like that. The Shop girls all graduated from High School. Whoa. That went by quick. I mean, really. That just flew by us all.



And not only did the Seacoast Girls celebrate their graduation from High School, the GIRLS ON CURLS graduated this week too!
Alyssa, Christine, Ava, and Elena! High school graduates and surf grads. You're no longer kooks! (Ha ha).



Congrats to all the Surfer Girls and Boys! We wish you all the BEST in college and beyond. And wherever you end up, seek out the closest beach and bring your boards and wetsuits with you..

*Watch the video I posted at the top of this page.

And it was the right call. The surf at the wall was slightly bigger, albeit way more crowded, but I was cool with the crowd because there were plenty to waves to go around.  I caught a few more waves, but not the ones I wished I’d caught. I was still hurting from my right shoulder injury that has now traveled to my right elbow. And that morning as I was walking down the hallway my left hip went out. Gee, I sound like a broken man don’t I? Truth is, the older I get, the more injuries tend to slow me down. So, I only caught a half dozen or so waves on this virgin launch of the NEW Rapier. But I saw the potential and the most important factor was, I had fun.

I asked Cory to take a few pics with me still in my wetsuit, as I held the board in my front yard.

D-Day June 6th, 2023. The day the allies HIT THE BEACHES of NORMANDY in France 79 years ago to the day, I rode the NEW Rapier. Clearly they had better success. But I’m thinking it’s only a matter of time before I become comfortable with the new board. I have patience.
And a fistful of desire and passion to make this board work for me.    

ROBIN ROWELL would have turned 70 on JUNE 10th, 2023.



Me, Kevin, Kim, and Cory went down to 10th Street to celebrate Robin’s 70th Birthday. I had a small bag of Robin’s ashes left from the Paddle last summer. Because Kim couldn’t be there for that paddle I had set aside this baggie so that we could honor his birthday and spread the remaining ashes at 10th Street. I wanted to do it at the very spot I first laid eyes on Robin.

And that was a story for the ages.

I first met him in the early 70's at 10th Street. There was a small knee to waist high swell running when I saw him on the beach. He was sitting in some kind of lotus yoga position reading a book in front of these perfect little waves. He had that distinctive bowl hair cut like George Greenough. And next to him, were these two beautiful surfboards.

I walked up to him and asked him what he was reading? He showed me the book. "Understanding Philosophy."  I looked at the book, and back at him, “Are these your boards?” He looked up at me “Yes.” “Then why the hell are you not out surfing?”   “Shit those aren’t waves.” He said and went back to reading. “Say what? Those are waves! And you should be out surfing them.” I said back to him. “Who the hell are you?” he asked me while lowering the book. “I’ll tell you who I am…and you can Philosify this!” I said as I kicked the book out of his hands. He was startled, and immediately got to his feet looking like he was ready to fight me, as I burst out laughing.

“My name is Ralph, my friends call me Vince. Let’s go surfing.”  He looked at me and then, he too started laughing. I reached out and gave him the surfer’s handshake. And from that moment, until the day he passed away last year, we were close friends. Robin was one of my best friends in life from that day forward. We had so many great memories together. *Check out the photo gallery I posted of his Birthday celebration. Kevin and I reenact the first meeting scenario. It's pretty funny.



Back in the day Robin was one of the most powerful surfers to ever surf our waves. He was like a linebacker out there with the finesse of a wide receiver. He was just intense. Just a pleasure to watch him take off behind the peak, and just rip the snot out of the wave in front of him. He was a goofy foot with smarts.

Robin could switch-foot and just kill it on any wave he took off on.

There is not enough time or space to write here in this blog about the days we all spent together surfing together. But it's safe to say, we got more than our quota of waves back then. And we did our share of skateboarding as well.



This was a spot I discovered and named GHOST TOWN. That's Robin skating by our late friend Joe Somogyi. We all skated barefoot back then. Somewhere on my Vimeo page is a video from this session. I would park my van along the vacant building and open the doors and blast Robin Trower. It’s hard to believe that Joe and Robin are gone from this earth.

Robin married Elena and life just seemed so good back then. Those were fun times for sure. And like all good things, we thought they'd never end. But life caught up to us all. Robin would still come back every summer, but the visits became every other year to finally years would go by before we saw him. I have seen Robin whenever I'd go to California. It was always great seeing him. We all hung around and reminisced about the past. And when his sister Wendy passed away, we all attended her service. Wendy’s sons Corey and Kyle ended up being surfers and watermen. Corey is now married with twin boys living in California and Kyle is still surfing. His sister Lesley is a sweetheart and she really had a hard time with Robin’s passing.



I managed to get a selfie or two whenever Robin would visit. That's Robin leaning on Kevin. It sure would have been fun to surf with him one more time. But that never happened. The last time he was on a surfboard may have been here with me. I got him into a wetsuit and got him on a longboard. He never caught a wave that day, but he was in the water with me. And sometimes, that’s all it takes. Just to be in the water.

Happy heavenly Birthday Robin. You should still be here. There was, and is, still so much to talk about.  Maybe he'll read this Blog in heaven. And maybe somehow, he can send us a message. I know that Joe has sent me several over the years since he’s been gone. Maybe the two of them, can send us a message. We miss you both. Happy 70th Birthday Robin. There was nobody like you, brother. Nobody. We love you brother.

“SURFING WITH FRIENDS HEALS ALL WOUNDS.” 

This is next Sunday. June 18th, 2023 FATHERS DAY.



Check out the NEW SURFERS JOURNAL. There's a great piece on Brian Nevins. It's really really impressive.




The HIT THE BEACH DAY is on Friday August 25th, 2023.



A day where we take the REAL heroes for a Surf day at the beach! “SURFING HEALS ALL WOUNDS.” 

How many of you thought that KSM was the UNBOMBER back in the day? None of you should have thought that. Why? Because the UNABOMBER was way before KSM. So why did I put this weekly KSM as the UNABOMBER? It's newsworthy. It was either this, or the latest TRUMP fiasco. But alas my friends, that's coming next week. So enjoy this week's absurdity. Oh and before I forget. DO NOT REST IN PEACE Ted Kaczynski. You freaking lunatic. Sorry if I offended you Sheik. But then again, I love messing with you every week. Damn you Khaliddy it's just too much fun.



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 used Hoodies at Home Depot this week.

REST IN PEACE Justine Covault
GET WELL SOON Bruce Aquizap US NAVY Vietnam Vet.
CONGRATS Brylee Welch on your Dance Recital 6/10/23!
CONGRATS Reighlynn LaBreck on your 1st-2nd-3rd showing at the Horse riding show on 6/10/23!
KEEP FIGHTING Robert Gerard! You Got This Brother!
Please keep LOCAL LEGEND Surfer Norm Murphy in your thoughts and prayers.
HEAL Quickly Gary Ritchie with your shoulder surgery!
GREAT NEWS on Mike Keefe's latest med report!
Finally, I'm calling this a special request.
LOCAL SURFER/MUSICIAN PETE KOWALSKI NEEDS A KIDNEY. A TYPE A KIDNEY. PLEASE if you know anyone with a Type A Kidney please contact me at ralph@adlantic.com


SURFING HEALS ALL WOUNDS!
Please Support ALL The photographers who contribute to
Ralph's Pic Of The Week every week for the last 19 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. Surfing Is Supposed to be Fun.

Ralph

ROBIN ROWELL SALT CREEK Circa 1974.
I remember when Robin sent me this photo in the mail. He was so damn proud of this pic. I still have it in my actual photo album. Robin really could surf. And he was a walking talking encyclopedia on everything to do with surfing. Especially California surfing. Happy Heavenly 70th Birthday Robink!
Photo courtesy of Robin Rowell.
*Click on the photo above to see a larger image

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.

All photos taken this week unless otherwise noted.

Today- THE JUNE 5th SWELL.
Photos by RALPH



(Above) That's a pretty wave with a pretty foreground.
Monday June 5th, 2023 Photo by RALPH
*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 and all the
other AMERICAN FLATBREAD locations.

(Above) That's a father and a future husband. James Morse.
Monday June 5th, 2023 Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) Those Beach Roses only happen in the summer.
Monday June 5th, 2023 Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) This is Brian Avante. He has one of the most recognizable
surf styles around. Monday June 5th, 2023 Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

Best EAST COAST Coverage on the Internet.

Click on the ad above to find out more about
more about local surf artist Stan Chew's art

Clark Little's new book
Click on the ad for more info.

(Above) This spot was kind of working. And kind of not working.
Monday June 5th, 2023 Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery



(Above) That's a pretty legit cutback. Monday June 5th, 2023
Photo by RALPH *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

The SURFER'S JOURNAL is in a league all of their own.

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

(Above) There were a few sets that had that look though.
Monday June 5th, 2023 Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) There's a reason why I only shot stills this day. This looks head high.
But if I shot video? Nope. Monday June 5th, 2023 Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) This little guy was in the marsh behind my house.
Monday June 5th, 2023 Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

If you love the Beatles and you love the guitar
click on this ad above for an amazing instrumental
band playing all of your favorite Beatles songs with
the coolest arrangements. Johnny A is one of the
best guitar players on the planet.

Peter Stokes is one of the BEST guitar techs in
all of North America. He's the BEST guitar tech
in New England.

Produced by David Robinson of the CARS.
Visit our Facebook page

(Above) That's Ian Dreher utilizing the speed he got down the line.
Monday June 5th, 2023 Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery



(Above) This was the hollowest wave I saw all night. And nobody got it.
Monday June 5th, 2023 Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

Produced by David Robinson of the CARS.
Visit our Facebook page

Produced by Steve Sadler.
Visit our Facebook page

The VINNY Band was around from 1976 to 1984




July 30th, 1979 headlining the Paradise Club
In Boston, MA

(Above) At first I had no idea who this was. And then someone said his name. Mikel Evans. Monday June 5th, 2023 Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) That's Mikey Evans in the slot. Monday June 5th, 2023
Photo by RALPH *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) Just when I thought I've seen it all. This happens.
Monday June 5th, 2023 Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

The art of Donna Baldassari

Hannah Vokey is one of my favorite surf artists.

(Above) That's almost a overhead wave. Wait, it is overhead.
Monday June 5th, 2023 Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery



(Above) Preston tapping the inside section.
Monday June 5th, 2023 Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery



(Above) Crowley Gentile still hooded up but surfing like it's summer.
Monday June 5th, 2023 Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) This is Kevin "Doc" Grondin on a clear overhead wave. Though he might not call it overhead. Monday June 5th, 2023 Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) That dog hunt? Nope it does not. But it's still a pretty dog.
Monday June 5th, 2023 Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

I love Erica's whimsical Gull art. So cool and unique.

ONLY THE DURHAM STORE IS OPEN.
Due to the massive fire back in August the
Hampton store is closed. We will let you all
know when SECRET SPOT is back in
operation on the seacoast.
Thank you.
Jon Gozzo and family.

Today- THE FIRST SURF SESSION ON THE NEW HARBOUR RAPIER. Tuesday D-DAY JUNE 6th, 2023.
Photos by RALPh and Cory Fatello



(Above) Before the wax and after the wax. FIRST SURF June 6th, 2023. Photo by RALPH *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) I chose this spot to christen the Rapier. FIRST SURF June 6th, 2023. Photo by RALPH *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) And then I went to the Wall. It was bigger and cleaner, but also more crowded. This is David surfing in just his trunks. But he swore that he was not cold. I didn't believe him. FIRST SURF June 6th, 2023. Photo by RALPH *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) FIRST SURF at RALPH'S RIGHTS. June 6th, 2023.
Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) Behold, the Rapier and I shall surf here at 10th Street.
FIRST SURF June 6th, 2023. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) I had Cory take a quick photo when I got home.
FIRST SURF June 6th, 2023. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

Click on this image to visit Driftwood Photography

"GIVE YOUR BUSINESS A KICK IN THE ADS"
Since 1985.

Everybody has a story to tell

(Above) I could not believe that I was looking at the "SEA NYMPH" decal again. I can't tell you how many times I would look down at this classic image in the 60's when I rode the original Harbour Rapier. Here I am all these years later, and once again, I'm looking down at the Sea Nymph.
FIRST SURF June 6th, 2023. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

Today- CELEBRATING ROBIN ROWELL'S 70th BIRTHDAY.
June 10th, 2023. Photos by RALPH and Cory Fatello



(Above) This impromptu gathering of some of Robin's closest friends on his actual 70th Birthday. And at the exact spot where I first met him. Me, Cory, Kim, and Kevin. Saturday June 10th, 2023. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) We picked flowers from the Grondin pond area. I had the few remaining ashes from last year's paddle. Saturday June 10th, 2023.
Photo by Cory *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) I waded out and slipped his remaining ashes into the waves. Saturday June 10th, 2023. Photo by Cory
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) We all agreed that Robin should still be with us.
Saturday June 10th, 2023. Photo by Cory
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) American Legion Post 35 Commander Berk Bennett posing with the family and loved ones of the two fallen sailors. Well done Commander Bennett. Well done sir. Saturday June 3rd, 2023. Photo by Cory
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) Happy 70th Birthday Robin. Saturday June 10th, 2023.
Photo by Cory *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 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.

My friend Rick McAvoy from Maine is the creator
behind this unique Surf Company

(Above) Brian Joyce in the Mentawis.
Photo c/o Brian Joyce
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery



(Above) Drone view. Brian Joyce in the Mentawis.
Photo c/o Brian Joyce
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

He's more than just a good photographer

(Above) All Rise: The 10th Street District Court Of Surf is Now in Session. The Honorable Judge RALPH presiding. Case # 727 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 RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the outcome

This is what happens if you are found GUILTY. You become invisible.

Click on this image above to buy this book
and more cool KING'S X merchandise and music

I see little waves on Monday and Tuesday

I'm picking Tuesday June 13th, 2023 as the best of the week!

June 11th, 2023
" Back in the day laybacks were very popular. However, this is not a layback. This? This is a laydown. "

(ABOVE) Hey we've all been here before.
Photo by RALPH.



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