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

MOTHERS DAY. CELTICS IN GAME 7
GIRLS ON CURLS UPDATE



MOTHER'S DAY May 14th, 2023

Happy Mother’s Day to all the mothers out there. Past, present, and future. Every mother’s day is special. We all have a special place in our hearts for our mothers. Let’s face it, we're all here because of our mothers. They carried us around for 9 months, and more times than not, had to suffer immeasurable pain to deliver us. And some of us came out fighting all the way, while only a handful came willingly. Most mothers will agree, there was serious pain at childbirth. And almost every single man will agree, “There’s no way I could do that. Nope. Not a chance. No sirree Bobby.”  Homey don’t play that game.

I’m sure there’s not a man alive, who would argue that point. Certainly, not me.

So because this day comes but once a year, I’d like to acknowledge all the moms that I am close with, and have had some interaction with over the years. But again, this day is clearly for all moms. And a very special Happy Mother’s Day for all you surf moms. You guys are the best.



My own mother has been gone since 2007. I put my poor mother through all kinds of worrisome grief. From surfing in the winter, when I was a young teen (before they had wetsuits for surfers). To joining the Marines at 17, and heading off to war at 18yrs of age. I did not have a hair on my face. I can’t imagine what that had to have been like for her. She worked two jobs while raising six of us kids with my dad who worked three jobs. It wasn’t easy. But she loved us all, and she loved Cory, and she really loved our three kids.



Unfortunately, she never got to meet any of our grandchildren. But I think of her often and smile. She always had nothing but the best for my family. And boy could she ever cook. To know my mother was to have a friend for life, and a full belly full of her home cooking. Because, you did not walk into our home, without her demanding that you sit down and eat. Happy Mother’s Day Ma.
I still miss you.

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 APRIL 14th, 2023




This pic was shot in May 2008. The surfer is Kainalu Nichols. Even at this age you can see that he's already pushing the envelope. Kai is currently living on Oahu in Hawaii surfing the real deal waves of Hawaii's powerful North Shore. Kai was born in Hawaii before he moved here in Hampton, NH. It was only a matter of time before he found his way back there. To see him surfing those tropical dream waves, it's obvious that he belongs there. Photo by Ed O'Connell
*Click the photo above to see a larger version of Ed's Pic.

BOSTON CELTICS IN GAME & TODAY
I'm really hoping that the Celtics win today. Not sure that many of us Boston Sports fans can take another game 7 loss. That Bruins loss in Game 7 is still stinging many of us? I admit I don't know a whole lot about the game of basketball, but, I know enough. I know that the team and the fans need Tatum to step up early and often and make some plays.

The self proclaimed "ONE OF THE BEST IN THE NBA" almost didn't get to Game 7. He was shooting blanks the entire first quarter in GAME 6, but came roaring back in the 4th qtr to help the team advance to game 7 by hitting three consecutive 3 ptrs with 5 minutes to go in the game. From zero to hero.



He just needs to be more consistent in the beginning of the game. None of this last minute heroics please. My poor heart can't handle that kind of stress. Right now my non sports loving friends are chuckling to themselves. How could a grown man get that worked up over a bunch of gazillionaires playing a game of basketball?

Well now that I put it that way, it does sound and look silly.

The simple truth is, I am a sports fan. I am mostly a fair weather fan when it comes to Basketball, Hockey, and Baseball. But I am ALL IN once the Playoffs start. Shit, if you didn't know better you'd swear I was a real fan. I am a real fan, just not the hardcore fan, like I am with Football. Anyway, this is not about me and my percentage of dedication. This is about our sports team in a Game 7 on Mother's Day. The perfect scenario would be for the Celtics to advance and then end up playing in a GAME 7 in the FINALS on Father's Day.

Wait, did I just jinx them? No I did not. I made a prediction. Let's see if I eat crow or, if I was spot on. Come tonight, we will know the answer to that. GO CELTICS!

Happy Mother’s day to my beautiful wife Cory. She is a fantastic mother and grandmother. I am constantly blown away by her loving and giving ways, when it comes to all three of our kids, and four grandkids. Cory is never looking for the accolades of being a good mother, and grandmother, but she has earned every single one of them. Our kids know how lucky they are to have her for a mom. And I know how lucky I am to have her as my wife. We’ve been together since 1983. And we will be together forever. Because, we take our vows pretty serious. I love you baby.



Speaking of mothers. Cory’s mom Judith is the only living Mom on both sides of our family. Judith looks absolutely amazing, and she has not changed a bit. Honestly. She looks just like she did when I first met her in the early 80’s. She is the best mom to Cory, and the best grandmother to our kids and grandkids. She and her husband John are the best. We love them both so much.

As hard as it is for me to believe, both of my daughters are Mothers. Happy Mother’s Day girls.

Gabby is the mother of 3 beautiful girls, and Noelle is the mother of our latest granddaughter. We love all of our grandchildren equally, and we are so proud of our daughters, who have become wonderful loving moms themselves. Being raised by a mother like Cory, it’s easy to see how they too have become such great mothers.



We lost our Grammy in 2021. JoEllen was married to Cory’s late father Jerry, and she was another significant woman in our lives. We always acknowledged JoEllen on Mother’s Day. Much like we honor John (Judith’s husband) on Father’s Day. Family is family, and we make no distinctions between any of them.

Happy Mother’s Day to my two surviving sisters Donna and Gale. We lost my younger sister Evamarie in 2017. She left behind her only child a daughter who has three of her own children now. Evamarie only got to meet one of her three grandsons. My sister Donna has two adult children and several grandchildren. My sister Gale lost her only child in 2014. But we still acknowledge her on Mother’s Day.

Life can sometimes be a kick in the teeth.

And when life knocks you down, we all really only have two options. You can stay on the ground, or you can get back up and keep fighting. My family are fighters. Happy Mother’s Day to all the mother’s in my family. I hope you all have the best day.



Now for some of those Surf Moms I mentioned earlier. Starting with the Matriarch of all the Surf Moms. Kim Grondin. Kim should get some kind of life achievement award for being the ultimate surf mom. Her husband Kevin is a life long surfer, her daughter Leah is a great surfer, and who by the way, is now the mother of three, and her son Kody is a hardcore surfer too. And there’s probably a good chance, that her grandkids will end up surfing. Happy Mother’s Day Kim Grondin. WE all love you and appreciate what you have done and continue to do. Happy Mother's day to Shelly Berardini. Shelly is a mother and also a proud grandmother. Love you all in this photo.

I’m going to acknowledge the Surfing Nichols Moms. Arlene, Nohea, and Julia. All moms who are deeply involved in surfing. Karen Evans, another longtime surf mom who raised a handful of surfers while being married to one of the local legends Rick Evans.

Erica Nardone is another surf mom and a future legend in my LOCAL LEGENDS page.  Erica and her surfing husband Matt and surfing daughter Clara along with Sofia and Jack, are local fixtures here in Hampton.



Heather Day is another surf mom. Her daughter Veda is a bona fide surfer, and she got accepted to a school in Hawaii, and will be attending college in the Aloha state in a few months. And YES, she will be surfing her brains out while attending school in the Aloha state.

There are so many surf moms here in the Northeast, and I couldn’t possibly name them all. Suffice it to say, that each and every one of them has earned the title mom and should have our utmost respect and compassion.

There are two mother’s that I want to mention, who have exhibited the courage and strength beyond what most mothers have had to endure. Jess Austin and Meighan Rowlee.



Both of these mothers have lost a child to cancer, and they both have gone through that unthinkable raw pain, with that devastating loss. I have stood there and witnessed their incredible courage, as they both have stood above the fray, of the disease that wracked their families, with gut wrenching losses, and faced the unknown, with both dignity, and grace.

Jess Austin and Meighan Rowlee, you have both earned my respect and admiration as you have graciously accepted the incredible outpouring of love and support, from our seacoast community. You have witnessed firsthand, the power of love, in such vast numbers here on the Seacoast. You are both incredible human beings.

Happy Mother’s Day to you both, and May God Bless you, and your families, and continue to give you the strength to carry on, as we in this community, continue to make that solemn pledge to you and your family, that we will never forget your children. And that MOLLY and EVAN, will live on forever here on the seacoast. So help us God. Happy Mothers Day to all you Moms.

The "GIRLS ON CURLS" Derryfield Surf Project/Documentary Update.



Alyssa, Christine, Elena, and Ava. The GIRLS ON CURLS.

So on DAY 3 May 9th, 2023 the girls turned a corner. I was alone with them on both days. Kevin had to work, and Erica had school. But because the surf was so small, I was easily able to handle the four of them. And, they made remarkable progress in their Surf Mission. All four of them were able to paddle out on their own. Stop and sit up on their boards, and then spin around to paddle for a wave, catch the wave, and ride it to the shore. I was pretty dammed impressed.

On day 4 May 11th, 2023 they went a step further. This day started off special because we made the decision to pull the hoods off. It was like night and day for them. The water is still pretty cold, but not that cold where they couldn’t surf without a hood. Once the hoods came off they felt much looser and less confined. And there was a spark in their energy.

Each girl was able to do all of the above again, only this time, instead of just going straight, they were all able to turn, and parallel along on the wave. In other words, they were not just riding whitewater, they were actually surfing on the wave face. I was very proud of them. There were lots of hoots in the water. I see nothing but more improvements in the days ahead. Be sure and check out both galleries down in the photo section.

I posted two full galleries of their progress..

“SURFING MOTHER'S HEALS ALL WOUNDS.” 

REST IN PEACE DANE KEALOHA



Dane passed away at age 64 after battling cancer. He was a true Hawaiian big wave surfer. Powerful and totally committed especially when it came to riding inside the barrel on the foamball. Dane was one of the best when it came to tube riding.



Dane was one of the most innovative and powerful surfers on the North Shore in the 70's and 80's. He was always one of my favorite surfers to watch. There was nobody like him. He was also on e of the first to use the "Pigdog" rail grabbing stance. There was nobody like him. The SURFERS JOURNAL recently did a great article on Dane. You should look it up.

The story of him was one of the most inspirational, and yet, completely messed up. I for one think he was robbed of getting the World Title. He earned it. No question he earned it. And his ability to overcome the racists bullshit in South Africa was another incredible story and journey. REST IN PEACE Dane. Aloha.



THIS JUST IN! Michael Lynch Takes First Place in the ESA Northeast Regionals in Menehunes. And he came in 4th in the under 18 division. Look closely at his 4th Place Pic. That's one of mine. PLUS...today is his mom's birthday. HAPPY BIRTHDAY Noreen and Happy Mother's Day! I'm guessing the whole family is pretty stoked.

The NEW HAMPSHIRE SURF DOCUMENTARY.
A documentary that has been 59 years in the making. Hear from Local Legends Surfers from all over New England talk about New Hampshire. Coming the Summer of 2023

“SURFING HEALS ALL WOUNDS.” 

Everyone is talking about the disastrous CNN interview with CNN moderator Kaitlan Collins was a complete disaster when she interviewed the 45th president Donald Trump. I swear the man is without question delusional. He still thinks he did nothing wrong on January 6th. He still thinks he did nothing wrong with paying off a Porn Star. He still thinks he did nothing wrong when he was found libel for the rape charges last week. And he still thinks the election was stolen from him. Are you F***ING kidding me???
I am at the point where I just wish he would go away. He is toxic. He is insane. He has NO business running for president EVER again.
I suppose I have to explain why KSM was in the CNN studio. But do I really? By now you regular readers know, I'm basically looking for the hot topic of the week. So it was either this, or the border TITLE 42 nightmare. I chose this, because Khaliddy looks too much like some of those immigrants, and I didn't want to insult any of them.



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 "ART OF THE DEAL" Books at Home Depot this week.

GET WELL SOON Bruce Aquizap US NAVY Vietnam Vet.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY Jay Gould May 7th, 2023!
HAPPY 75th BIRTHDAY Stan Bocko May 8th, 2023!
HAPPY 33rd BIRTHDAY Leah Piersiack May 8th, 2023!
HAPPY 33rd BIRTHDAY Gabby LaBreck May 9th, 2023!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY Tony Szabo May 9th, 2023!
HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY SUNDAY MAY 14th, 2023!
TO ALL THE MOMS OUT THERE!
KEEP FIGHTING Robert Gerard! You Got This Brother!
Please keep LOCAL LEGEND Surfer Norm Murphy in your thoughts and prayers.
GET WELL SOON Sofia Nardone!

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. Surf For Fun.

Ralph

63 YEARS AGO TODAY THIS YOUNG SURFER GIRL AND FUTURE MOTHER WAS BORN. SHE PASSED AWAY ON MAY 31st, 1982.
Moira Daly Born May 13th, 1960 Passed May 31st, 1982.
I realize I am speculating that Moira would have been a future mom. But I'm sure her sister Annie would agree with me, that Moira would have settled down eventually, and raised a family. Of course that's all speculation. In a perfect world, Moria and Joe would have gotten married and had a few kids, and we'd all live up here surfing and laughing our way through life. But that's not how it all went down. We lost Joe in 78, and Moira in 82. I hope and pray, that they are together in heaven somewhere. Happy 63rd Birthday Moira. Photos courtesy of RALPH, Annie Kelly, and Jay Hammer
*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- GIRLS ON CURLS DAY 3 May 9th, 2023.
Photos by RALPH



(Above) They stacked four soft tops on their vehicle. Alyssa and Elena securing the soft tops. Tuesday May 9th, 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) They actually took my advice and did some stretches before paddling out. Christine, Elena, and Alyssa getting it done.
Tuesday May 9th, 2023. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) There was nobody out this day. We had it to ourselves.
Ava stretching. Tuesday May 9th, 2023. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) The GIRLS ON CURLS heading out on DAY 3.
Tuesday May 9th, 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) Facing directly east, they learned how to spin around from a sitting position to catch a wave. There was NO pushing them into waves. They it it all on their own power. Tuesday May 9th, 2023. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery



(Above) Christine dropping into a fun little wave.
Tuesday May 9th, 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) Elena and Ava share a fun looking right.
Tuesday May 9th, 2023. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) Christine dropping into another fun right hander.
Tuesday May 9th, 2023. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) Elena digging in and paddling hard.
Tuesday May 9th, 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) Alyssa having second thoughts about this one.
Tuesday May 9th, 2023. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery



(Above) Elena, Alyssa, and Christine. Tuesday May 9th, 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) Alyssa dropping into a fun little left.
Tuesday May 9th, 2023. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) This day was a successful day, but the next time would be even better. Tuesday May 9th, 2023. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

Today- GIRLS ON CURLS DAY 4 May 11th, 2023.
Photos by RALPH



(Above) This was DAY 4. The hoods came off and the girls welcomed the freedom of not having to wear a hood. Thursday May 11th, 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) This was more like it. It was after all, 80 degrees out.
That's damn near summer weather. Thursday May 11th, 2023.
Photo by RALPH *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery



(Above) This is Christine. She's a LAX player trying the surfing lifestyle. Thursday May 11th, 2023. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery



(Above) This is Elena, she too is an LAX player who signed on for the
GIRLS ON CURLS Surf Mission. Thursday May 11th, 2023.
Photo by RALPH *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) Ava is a super strong swimmer and her paddling really exemplifies her swimming ability. Thursday May 11th, 2023.
Photo by RALPH *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) This is Alyssa. She and Elena are the two Goofyfoots, and Ava
and Christine are both regular foots. Alyssa is also on the LAX team.
Thursday May 11th, 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.

(Above) Ava surfing with no hood. Thursday May 11th, 2023.
Photo by RALPH *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) Alyssa cruising into a smooth faced left. DAY 4.
Thursday May 11th, 2023. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) Christine on the Red Soft Top and dropping into another fun may wave. DAY 4. Thursday May 11th, 2023. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) This is Elena paralleling along this Wall wave. DAY 4.
Thursday May 11th, 2023. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) Christine DAY 4. Thursday May 11th, 2023. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) Alyssa watching Elena's casual stance and ride.
Thursday May 11th, 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) There were times when they'd all paddle for the same wave.
DAY 4. Thursday May 11th, 2023. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) Alyssa dropping in while Christine hoots her from the inside.
DAY 4. Thursday May 11th, 2023. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) Christine taking the right and Ava opting for the left.
DAY 4. Thursday May 11th, 2023. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

Today- The MAY DAY SWELL May 1st-2023.
Photos by Robert Constanzo



(Above) I met Bob on the beach that morning and asked him to send me some pics. Monday May 1st, 2023. Photo by Bob Costanzo
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) This might be Anson Rodgers. Monday May 1st, 2023.
Photo by Bob Costanzo
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) The waves this day were pretty special.
Monday May 1st, 2023. Photo by Bob Costanzo
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery



(Above) This is Jesse Gould. Monday May 1st, 2023.
Photo by Bob Costanzo
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) Teddy Evans must have had a dozen or more photos taken of himself from this day. Monday May 1st, 2023.
Photo by Bob Costanzo
*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) That looks like fun. Somewhere in CR. Todd Preble sent this to me as a reminder as to why he moved there. May 11th, 2023.
Photo by Todd Preble
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery



(Above) This is the current CR crew. Caroline, Dave, Heather, Veda, and Phil. Drop by the New Temporary shop in North Hampton. They got what you're looking for. Photo c/o Heather Day
*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 # 723 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 GOOGLE
*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 a few bumps on the horizon

I picked Sunday as the best of the week 5-14-23

May 14th, 2023

"GIRLS ON CURLS Senior Prom." From neoprene wetsuits to prom dresses.
The girls throwing out the shakas!

(ABOVE) Ava, Elena, Alyssa, and Christine Senior Prom night..
Photo courtesy of Girls On Curls



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