I wished I kept my big mouth shut last week. All that talk about Tornadoes and how we all pray for surf regardless of what happens in and around the rest of the world sort of blew up in my face this past week. I mean Good Lord...349 people dead from over 172 Tornadoes that touched down in a single day? Look I'm not saying that by me mentioning those violent storms, that I had anything to do with them coming in on that historical path of death and destruction. I'm just saying...I wish now, that I did not write about them. 44 people dead the week before, and 349 this week?

Yes I feel sort of guilty, and I'm sure sick to my stomach over it.

I'm sure you watched in horror as I did at some of the home videos that were played and replayed a million times on every news station and website all over the Globe. Just heart wrenching stories of death and destruction for miles on end. If you're anything like me you can get miffed at a dead battery in your vehicle or a simple flat tire. But how on earth do you wake up to that horror? How do you sleep period?

I mean, where are the survivors staying? If their towns are wiped out, where the hell do they go? And the worse news for them is, May and June are typically worse for Tornadoes. Not that a new storm could hurt them anymore than they already are. It's just mind numbing to watch. There were just so many disturbing images from that day. And no I can't just turn away. Neither should any of you.

These are dangerous times.

Tsunamis and Tornadoes. Wildfires and floods. Maybe the Mayans were right. Maybe something is going to happen in 2012. Would I be surprised if something bigger happened between today and 2012? No I would not. Not after what we've been watching live on TV. From Japan to Alabama. Are you kidding me? I will say that it might not be bad idea to get all of your things in order. Just in case. You know, Life Insurance policies, and Last Will and Testament documents. You'd be surprised at how many seemingly intelligent human beings are walking around without them. Get your act together and make sure you have everything in order.

Because trust me, without the legal binding documents in order, there will certainly be discontent and unrest within your family circle. And you do not want that.

OK so let's get back to the root of this column shall we? Surf.

According to the pro Surf Reports the waves were supposed to be pretty good size on Friday. Actually, the initial reports had waves as early as Thursday. And certainly by Friday. So what happened? Well first and foremost there was surf on Friday. Just not what they said it would be. Or let me put it this way. Not what they said it would be here. In Northern New England, or to be more specific here in New Hampshire. There was surf. Just not big surf. And please understand when I say big, I am speaking in terms of around here. Not the Globe.

Big here in New England is not the same as Big in places like Mavericks, or Jaws, or the North Shore, or any other number of places that host big demented slabs of liquid beef. I'm talking big around these parts. So, we generally mean head high or bigger. Though I have to admit, I saw head high waves yesterday. In fact, I shot quite a few. You naysayers can check it out yourselves. Still, I honestly thought it would be bigger.

There was talk of bigger surf in southern New England. And my guess is, a few south exposed breaks in Maine more than likely picked up this south swell. Put it this way, they had to have had better surf than what we got. I guess we all got spoiled by the BIG SUNDAY Swell. That thing had teeth. And, it had longevity. It lasted right through Tuesday of that week. I know, because...well you know, I'm out surfing everyday. I was riding head high waves on Tuesday. Maybe even a few bigger ones.

BIG SUNDAY had some distance. That baby stuck around for a few days.

I was asked the other day if I thought that was the biggest swell in some time. I'd have to say that the December to Remember swell on the 14th of 2010 was pretty big. If I had to guess, I'd say it was bigger on December 14, 2010. But the BIG SUNDAY swell was nothing to sneeze at. And yet both of these storms could not hold a candle to the week of Huge Surf leading up to the Mack Daddy Swell of all time. October 30, 1990. The Halloween Swell. The perfect Storm Swell.

That's when a Hurricane mated with a Nor'easter. That swell was something I'll never ever forget. Even though the winds were not favorable here in New Hampshire, they were in other spots. Both North and South of here. And it was big. And I do mean big as in anywhere on the planet Big.

I can remember that morning like it was yesterday. I was standing at the Wall with Kevin Grondin and we were looking out as far as we could see, there were giant walls and massive peaks spilling over like something out of a horror movie. In fact it did not look real. I can recall with 100% certainty that I said to Kevin, "I have never seen it this big before. Ever." Kevin was just staring out to sea and he was quiet. Which in itself is a red flag warning that something was not quite right, or normal about this swell.

We both stood there that morning, slack jawed in complete awe at what we were seeing. I don't think the magnitude of what it really was had sunk in. We were after all, surfers. And we were trying to figure out where and when it was going to be good. That day was captured by my trusty GAF Super 8mm movie camera and it was featured in my movie 99 to 90. In fact, it was the first DVD release of my 16 movies on my SURF FREE OR DIE label.

Yes I said 16 movies. And those are just the DVD releases. I have many more that I shot on Movie film that I have not transferred to DVD yet. And those are gems. From the early 70's to the early 90's. Once I'm done with this Year Long Fundraiser, I plan on making the ultimate Historical documentary on Surfing in New England.

And speaking of my movies. I was so stoked to see a review on my latest Movie The RUN REDUX in the latest ESM magazine. I love Eastern Surf Magazine on so many levels. From their insane inspiring photos and videos of right coast waves and riders, to their high res quality articles on both their state of the art website, and their full color monthly magazine. But mostly, because they are all about us. The East Coast.

You and I know how special the East Coast is, well ESM has made it their lifelong passion to bring us both Fresh and historical photos, videos, and articles on the Best of The East Coast for the last 20 years. So, to see a review in the latest issue? Well, I was humbled and stoked. Click on the image below to see a larger version.

Or better yet pick up a copy in you favorite shop. Of course, you can always hit the ESM ad in the next column and check out their cool website. And if you don't have a copy of the RUN Redux ask your shop if they got em or just order one from SURF FREE OR DIE. Either way I'd be stoked...and who knows, you may be in the movie.

After all, my movies are like this weekly blog/column. I shoot everyone.
"Surfing Heals All Wounds."

Now for some of my Weekly Global Observances:
It looks like one of the NATO missiles has struck and killed the son of K-DAFFY Duck in Libya last night. Unfortunately, his three grandsons were also killed in the strike. Apparently K-DAFFY himself was in the building when the missile hit but he was not harmed. Look, with the world the way it is today with several wars and Libya and Syria just exploding every day something has to give.

Damn you K-Daffy! Give it up. Start that Blues band that you've always wanted to start. Let Libya go. Besides, think of how many blues tunes you could write with all that you've been through in the last couple of months. "K-Daffy Sings The Blues." I'd buy that CD my man...I would.

Meanwhile across the pond, Prince William and The new Duchess of Cambridge Kate Middleton were married in what sounded like quite the wedding bash. I personally slept right through it. I'm not really into the whole Royalty thing. Though I have said in the past, that I wish them both happiness and good health. Lord knows they already have enough money. I think they are set. I was surprised to hear that William has to postpone his Honeymoon so he can return to his military duties. I must say, that is rather impressive. In this day and age. That's honorable and noble. So here's to you and your wife Andy. God Bless the Queen.

OK it's been a reawakening for me of sorts this past week. I have rediscovered the sport of NHL Hockey. The Bruins and Montreal series was in a word "awesome." There is no faster game on TV than Hockey. I mean it's just non stop action. I am a Football fan first and foremost. I will admit that I have a hard time watching baseball. Unless it's a play-off game. But I had truly forgotten how fast and exciting Hockey was.

I'm going to pay attention to this Philly series...they just won the first game 7-3. Whoa...this is going to be fun. GO BRUINS!

And GO CELTICS! After spanking the Knicks, the Heat are next. With that Dream trio in place it should be interesting...

ANNOUNCEMENTS: THE RUN REDUX IS OUT! Pick one up in the shops or email me and order one directly or go to www.surffreeordie.com

A CONTINUED CONGRATULATIONS to John "Duffy" McCarthy and his wife Jen on the birth of their child Connor "Allen" McCarthy on April 20th, 2011!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY Sam Hammer Saturday April 30th!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY Patrick Millerick and Amy Dube May 6th!
REST IN PEACE James Walsh a Surfer from Rye, NH.
GO BRUINS! GO CELTICS! GO SOX! GO PATRIOTS (What's that? There's a strike? Nevermind).

Don't forget to Check the DAILY BLOG on My CATCH A WAVE FOR MOLLY. (Click
On the Banner on this page.) Started on July 26, 2010 ENDS July 26, 2011. A Wave
a day for 365 consecutive days. Just click on the banner ads on this page.

CHECK OUT THE NEW/Old YESTERDAY PAGE! ALL OLD New England and
beyond Surf Pics! *NEW PICS added each week!

*Check out the NEW updated DROPPING IN ON RALPH blog Section.
ALL of December, January, and February will be up soon . The DROPPING IN ON
RALPH section will be up to DATE as soon as I can find the time to do it. There's just so much a man can do in a single day. But I do want to update that page, as it is entertaining to say the least. Because there's some great letters from you guys from all over the world. (And a few hurtful ones too). But check it out.

*This is the blog section of this website where you can write in and comment. The only downside of this blog is, you actually have to use your REAL Name. No hiding behind some fake handle and name. If you want to comment, you have to man up, and be yourself. I will post all comments, both good and bad. You just have to be yourself.

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

Ralph

Today- April 24th, 2011 Easter Sunday
Photos By Ed O'Connell

(Above) Lenny Nichols driving on Easter Sunday April 24, 2011.
Photo By Ed O'Connell * Click on the photo above to see the Whole Gallery.

The day before, some 44 people died in violent Tornadoes sweeping up through and across the south and the midwestern states. Devastation and horror followed by heartbreaking stories.

That same system came here to New England.

The wind went East/Northeast and blew hard. The next day, the swell had arrived, and the wind came around out of the West. Then the sun came out.

What happened next is the stuff that dreams are made of. For some, it was the stuff of nightmares. Suffice it to say, the surf was big. But we're talking big for these parts. Was it the biggest ever? No. But it was significant.

I shot for about 3-5 hours total. I saw some good rides, and some horrific wipeouts. But that's surfing.

Later, it glassed off, and the moon rose up out of the ocean and it was a beautiful ending to a very impressive day here on the Northern New England seacoast.

I chose Jimi again for the music...it seems to fit.

Hope you enjoy BIG SUNDAY.

Ralph

Click above graphic for Daily BLOG or to DONATE to the Fundraiser.

(Above) Somewhere South of the Border is all Brennan would say this was.
Photo by Brennan Natoli *Click on the photo above to see the Readers Gallery