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Got
good surf epics? Send em off to me directly. (See link below) Just make sure they're 650-700 pixels wide. NO bigger NO smaller. In fact if you have any questions about the size, email me first and I'll write back. Start shooting crackie!! Ralph Pic Of The Week |
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If you want to access the Pic of the week from past weeks click here. Archives |
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June
15, 2008 Father's Day And...we were the only two out. My dad had his movie camera with him. We were beyond stoked. Back in those days we had no wave cams, surf reports, cell phones or any other modern technology that we have today. In those days, you found out if there was surf by actually driving to the ocean and seeing for yourself. I know this sounds primitive to a good number of you, but that's how we did it. Plus, we didn't have leashes, or very good wetsuits. Still, this day had all the makings of a memorable day. Hell, how often do you show up at the beach with perfect conditions, and not another soul around for miles, and have someone with a movie camera, who was willing and able, to shoot the entire session? I'll tell you. Not very often. And Lil Ralphie was surfing his brains out this day. RGF had his groove on. In fact, I kept looking back at my dad, standing at the water's edge, shooting all of our rides giving us the proverbial thumb's up sign. We were so stoked. This was right before we both left for the Military, and it would end up being our last surf session together, ever. It was all coming together. When I caught my last ride, I walked up to my dad who was standing there beaming with his old 8mm movie camera. "I hope these movies come out." He said. "Me too!" I answered. Not thinking twice, about whether or not, the movies would come out or not. My dad was a photographer. He also loved shooting movies. Why wouldn't it come out? I thought to myself. "I mean, I never did this before." He added. "What do you mean dad? You've shot surfing before." "No, no, that's not what I'm talking about." He answered. "Well what are you talking about?" I asked getting a little uptight about his impending answer. "I'm talking about this." He says, pulling a Magnifying glass out of his pocket. "What? You mean shot those waves through a magnifying glass?" "I sure did", he said smiling. "Oh no dad. Please tell me you didn't shoot every wave that way." "I most certainly did too. I just hope they come out..." I didn't have to wait for the film to get developed, and put on the old movie projector. I already knew the answer. When we got the reels back from Kodak a couple of weeks later, and put up the screen and got ready to see what we had...I was already bummed out. I knew. But for the record: It was all a blur. Out of focus, completely distorted and just nothing worth saving. I was heartbroken. And
yes, I was upset with my dad. I never forgot that day. One of the best
days of my young surfing life. We all learned valuable lessons that day.
But I could hardly stay upset with my dad for long. After all, he was
the one who took me surfing for the very first time (and continued to
take me, throughout my formative years). And on this day June 15, 2008 Father's Day...I still miss him. |
I was thinking earlier today about the number of dads I know who surf. It's amazing really. And I know so many of you dads share the love of this lifestyle with your children. And by lifestyle, I mean, the whole ocean and beach thing we all have going on in our lives. Some of you actually get to surf with your kids. But regardless of whether or not your kids surf, they all love the beach. I mean what kid doesn't? All you dads, who took your young babies to the beach, for the very first time, and then spent every waking, free moment, with your kids at the beach, are now enjoying the fruits of your labor, your labor of love. I mean, all you dads out there can relate to this. Watching your kids at the beach is one of life's most treasured, splendid moments. I can remember when our kids were young, and hoping, that they would continue to love the beach and surfing as they got older. I'm happy to say that they have. Although, it's a tad different, now that they are older teenagers. I'm afraid to say...that 'Dad' is suddenly not that hip anymore. I remember going through the same stage with my own dad. And it wasn't until later in my life, that I realized that my dad was still my dad, and I loved him for all his good and bad traits. I'm hoping that my kids will see me, as I saw my own father later in life. Meanwhile, I can wait until that day comes. Besides, as long as they all live in our house. They have to adhere to "Dad's Rules". And make no mistake, we enforce those rules. Besides, they should be thankful that I didn't get what I really wanted for Father's day. A Tazor gun. A waterproof Tazor gun. Oh well, maybe next year. Speaking of Dads. Our thoughts and prayers go out to NBC's Tim Russert's family this day, after the sudden passing of Tim on Friday the 13th. Another life lesson. Another reason to have faith. Another reason, to be thankful for what we have. Also, our condolences and prayers to the family of the local WHS student Lara Bunce who passed away suddenly on Thursday June 11th. Life is short my friends. My wife and I watched our daughter Gabby graduate from High School on Friday. We were both proud and sad at the same time. I don't know where the time goes. One day she's a toddler on the beach and the next day she's a High School grad heading off to college. Man, I wish there was a pause button in life so I could slow things down. Lately, it feels like someone hit the fast forward button. Tonight,
the Boston Celtics have a chance to win the NBA Championships.
If any of you stayed up to watch Game 5 last week, you know
exactly what I'm talking about when I say...WHOA!!!!! ARE YOU KIDDING
ME? How good was that game? Well for me...I almost forgot about
that last Patriots game for a moment. You know what, I did forget.
It was all GREEN that night. Tonight, they could win it all!. Again,
HAPPY FATHERS DAY to all the Dad's!!! Remember
my friends...Surfing heals all wounds.... |
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Yesterday
1980's circa The Late Dan Carignan at The Wall.
Above)
Gabby wanted me draw on her cap. Says it all.
(Above)
Gabby Graduated from High School.
Above)
Surfing Dads and Grads.
2008 Today-SURF SPRING, 2008
Ralph, whats up, well here’s my latest story….13 days ago I was surfing 2-3' Lani's (head high), it was 0530 and I was the only one out, on my second wave, as I was hanging 11, I slipped off the nose and fell into the wave, no big deal, the next moment, I feel this hit on my chest, this was the worst hit I have ever taken, what I can best figure is, that as I was on the nose, the board sank, and then flipped around, the tail block came back and hit me squarely in the chest.
I was initially a little disorientated, but regained, checked for protruding bones and was not coughing up any blood, all good signs!! As I tried to get back on the board, I discovered that I could not pull myself back on, so I just relaxed and floated, and swam as best as I could to get in…made it to the beach, managed to get the board on the car and got to the Troop Medical Center, they took some X-Rays, and gave me a hand full of 800m Motren and sent me on my way…I have been sleeping sitting up and of course sneezing, coughing or laughing have been killing me.. .I am feeling better and plan on getting back into the water this weekend….
Bottom Line, lucky I was not hit in the neck or head (although, being hit in the head probably would not cause me much damage), being the only one out would have been bad. Any Lessons learned??? Nope, still intend on getting out as early as I can and get the first waves, Hang-10, J-Rat
LTC JAY HAMMER
(Above)
Summer Fun South Shore Style
(Above)
Pull in, twist and torque while Bernie snaps away.
(Above)
It's all about speed. This kid's got enough and then some to pull this
off.
(Above)
Oh yea. Snap, crackle, slip and slide.
Today
2008 Parting Shot...Keep yer eye on the ball! Above)
Ed O'Connell took in a Red Sox game last week and shot this fast ball
from Papelbon.
 Click On Wave to Go Back to The Top.
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