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

BACK TO BACK KILLER SWELLS
AND HAPPY THANKSGIVING.



The Japanese Maple in our front yard reminds me each year of Thanksgiving and the month of November. I have said in the past, that October is my favorite month of the year, and that November is a close 2nd. I love them both. And this year, both October and November have been giving us some pretty damn good surf. The surf we got on November 16th was so pretty. And then three days later the surf we got on Sunday November 19th, was a swell for the ages. I mean, if you're a regular reader of this Blog you know I'm a day late and a dollar short. The reason being is the waves yesterday on Sunday messed me up. I ended up shooting from sunrise to sunset. In short, I shot well over 500 pics and a few miles of video. I'm not complaining-I'm just explaining. Hey that actually rhymed. I wonder if I could work that line into a new song? Well that's a thought and idea for another time and place.

Back to those two beautiful swells. Starting with 11-16-23.



This was the first empty wave I shot that afternoon. Wednesday November 16th, 2023. It was so incredibly pretty out there. And I'm not the only one who thought that. Lars Hamilton said it was the best waves he'd surfed in months. I mean, that's a significant statement. After all we had all those Hurricanes and Tropicals storms in August and September. But I agreed with him. The waves were that pretty and perfect.



Even if you don't surf, one look at this perfect peak should be obvious to all of you. Surfers and non-surfers. The perfect peak. That's a two way street. One surfer can go left and one surfer can go right.



The perfect peak. It's what we all dream about.



Here's another wave from the same day. Oh did I mention there was not a single cloud in the sky. And did I also mention that it was 65 degrees. I was standing there in my tee shirt. It felt like one of the hurricane/tropical storm swells. I mean it was that nice. If this is Global warming? I say bring it on (I'm kidding. Sort of).



Here's one more from 11-16-23. I stood there with Martha Lardent and we just watched wave after perfect wave pour onto that infamous reef out front. I actually cursed myself because I only brought my still camera. But clearly there were a few sets that warranted my 4K video camera. So, I shot a few clips with my iPhone. And I posted it on my instagram page.

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 November 12th, 2023



This is Lenny Nichols with his young son Kainalu back on November 13th, 2010. Both are still surfing. Lenny here in NH and Kainalu on Hawaii's North Shore. I miss that kid (man).
Photo by Ed O'Connell
*Click the photo above to see a larger version of Ed's Pic.

COMING THIS WINTER (December-January). My book that I have been writing the last 10 years or so. Yes, there will be a book signing. And I will let you all know in advance, where and when. The book will be available in both hard cover and soft cover on AMAZON, BARNES & NOBLE, INGRAM, GOOGLE BOOKS, and KOBO PUBLISHING.

It's been a long time coming. I'm pretty stoked about this project.
72 years in the making. So please be patient with me and stay tuned. The book is coming. It's just taking longer than I had originally anticipated. But it's coming.



Most of my close friends have heard some of these stories first hand. But trust me, with over 100 stories, there's a handful that none of you have ever heard. It's true. Be patient my friends.
It's all coming in the winter of 2023/24.

NEW BEATLES SONG "NOW AND THEN"



CLICK ON THIS IMAGE ABOVE TO WATCH AND LISTEN TO THE INCREDIBLE NEW VIDEO OF THE BEATLES BY PETER JACKSON.
Anyone who knows me that I am a huge BEATLES fan. Before any of my other favorite bands like KING'S X, the CARS, HENDRIX, SRV, and every other band I ever loved. The BEATLES will always be the BEST Band that ever lived and played music. Nobody comes close to them. NOBODY. Not the Stones, The Who, Led Zeppelin, you name it. None of them come close. I'm speaking of course about my own personal opinion.

Ironically I wrote a song two years ago called "EVERY NOW AND THEN" and I had wanted to record it, but now with this new Beatles song? I guess I'll just have to shelve it. Or maybe I'll still record it for my own library. My music friends say to record it. Maybe David Robinson (The CARS) will work with me on it, He was here last week and he has twice now said he wants to work on some new material with me. He saw Lenny Dunn's (my late drummer) drums in my music room and he thought it would be great to work together again. I agree with him. It would be. Me, David, my brother Johnny, and my bass player Rich. So stand by.

PATRIOTS LOSE THE BYE WEEK 21-17



This is bad I know. I saw this on Facebook (about a million times) and thought, why the hell not? I'll jump on the bandwagon and post it here. Or rather, jump on the Titanic. Oh no I did not just say that? Yes I did. These 2023 Patriots have not earned our respect. Not yet anyway. They could end the season on a high note. But it's highly unlikely. The best we can hope for is a 9-8 season. Hope for the best, but expect the worse. DOH!

THE AMAZING SWELL OF NOVEMBER 19th, 2023

Just when I thought I'd seen it all with the waves on 11-16-23 this swell came to town to put that day in the back seat. Holy Mackerel. The waves on Sunday November 19th, 2023 were UNBELIEVABLE. Clean, sunny, offshore winds, and OVERHEAD. And the tides were favorable all day long. I shot over 500 pics and a 5 miles of video. Though to be honest? That saying only works with film. Back in the day I'd say it and it made sense because I shooting 16mm and Super 8mm and it actually was hundreds of feet long when it was developed. Today's video is shot on the same digital cards as the stills. So, miles of footage is incorrect. Put it this way, I shot about 20 gig worth.



I was literally talking to a friend when I looked over my shoulder and saw this wave across the bay. I swung my camera and snapped off a pic within seconds. It wasn't until I got back to my studio when I saw this pic. 11-19-23



And this one? Why it's my favorite view on the seacoast. 11-19-23.



Same with this? It was like I couldn't take a bad photo this day. Just point the camera in any direction and pull the trigger.



This spot was unforgiving. Pounding beach break that is not for the faint of heart. This place is the kind of stuff that dreams come true, as well as your worse nightmare. People have gotten hurt here. Boards have been broken. And egos have been left in the sand. You don't win here. You might get the barrel of your life, but you don't take home the trophy. The waves always win here. Not a friendly longboard spot. Not even close. It's too fast and too hollow. Longboards typically, don't work in those conditions. There are of course, exceptions to the rule. But for the most part? It's shortboards only.

“GIVING THANKS ON THANKSGIVING HEALS ALL WOUNDS.” 

With this being Thanksgiving and all, and with all the recent bogus footage and photos of Bigfoot, I thought, what the hell? Imagine if you will, a time and place back in the Pilgrim and Indians days (oh lighten up. They are Indians. Indian is short for Indigenous). So if Bigfoot was around back then? Maybe he was friendly. As far as inserting KSM in this painting? Hey, I'm just having some fun here. I have him dressed in a buckskin dress. He's being escorted by one of the Pilgrim's wives. It is after all, THANKSGIVING.



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 Frozen Turkeys at the Home Depot this week.

LOCAL SURFER/COMIC/ACTOR LANDS NEW ROLE ON THE BRAND NEW FRASIER SITCOM. CONGRATS JIMMY!

Jimmy Dunn as Moose - Stand-up comedian and actor Jimmy Dunn plays firefighter Moose, a colleague of Freddy who appears to be slow-witted. Dunn is best known for playing Sean McCarthy on the CBS sitcom, The McCarthys.

I have to say I was a big fan of the original FRASIER and I've always been a fan of Jimmy Dunn. And I'm not the least bit surprised that Jimmy is back on TV. The man works his ass off and is constantly making connections in the entertainment world. So yeah, it was just a matter of time before he was working in front of the cameras again. We surfers on the seacoast wish him the absolute best. I'd say "break a leg" Jimmy but the wacky surf lifestyle he lives? He just might end up with a broken leg.

CONGRATS TO JIMMY DUNN! LANDING A PART
ON THE NEW FRAISER!
REMEMBERING JFK 60 years 11-22-63.
HAPPY THANKSGIVING NOVEMBER 23rd, 2023!
KEEP FIGHTING Robert Gerard! You Got This Brother!
Please keep LOCAL LEGEND Surfer Norm Murphy in your thoughts and prayers.

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

RALPH FATELLO IN 1982 SOMEWHERE OUT ON THE OUTER
REEFS OF OAHU'S NORTHEASTERN COAST.
I was working with Lenny for a potential photo shoot for my album cover. I was hoping to get a decent water shot of me surfing in Hawaii. Unfortunately we could not get the shot that I was hoping for. We needed to be secluded and we were, as we powered out on those outer reefs in Lenny's Zodiac boat.
Photos c/o Gus and Ralph Fatello
*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 NOVEMBER 16th, 2023 SWELL.
WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER 16th, 2023.
Photos by RALPH



(Above) I took this photo of Kenny Linseman as I walked up to the top
of the point. Wednesday November 16th, 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) I didn't recognize him at first. But this is Jon Kiskinis. He's back from the west coast. Wednesday November 16th, 2023. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) I looked up and saw Carter Walsh pic off a nice wave.
Wednesday November 16th, 2023. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery



(Above) I love the way @brundan_mumbleville surfs. This NJ transplant is always on fire out there. Wednesday November 16th, 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) Is it not what I said it was? Perfect waves. perfect conditions.
Wednesday November 16th, 2023. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery



(Above) I was stoked to see Lars Hamilton get so many waves out there.
Wednesday November 16th, 2023. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

Click on the ad above to see the NEW SURFER'S JOURNAL

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

(Above) I have said this in the past, and I'll say it again. Mike Stanek is still one of the best surfers on our coast. Wednesday November 16th, 2023. Photo by RALPH *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) Mike Stanek setting up on a nice left. November 16th, 2023.
Photo by RALPH *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) Stanek rides the boards that he shapes and designs. Wednesday November 16th, 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) Stanek LOVES to get inside the wave. Wednesday November 16th, 2023. Photo by RALPH *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery




(Above) And he loves to go fast. Very fast. Mike Stanek.
Wednesday November 16th, 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) I also love the way this guy jams on the brakes. Toby Parke. Wednesday November 16th, 2023. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) Anyone who surfed on this day scored.
Wednesday November 16th, 2023. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery




(Above) Lars laying it all out on the line. Wednesday November 16th, 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) One more of Mike Stanek. Wednesday November 16th, 2023. Photo by RALPH *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

Today- SNEAK PEAK-NOVEMBER 19th, 2023 SWELL.
SUNDAY NOVEMBER 19th, 2023.
Photos by RALPH



(Above) Crowley Gentile slamming into home-plate.
Sunday November 19th, 2023. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) This very well might be Crowley Gentile again. The kid was everywhere out there. Sunday November 19th, 2023. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) The Goofyfoots ruled the day out there.
Sunday November 19th, 2023. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery



(Above) I stopped and pulled over to get this passing shot.
Sunday November 19th, 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) Meanwhile, lucky regular foot Matt Colby was impacted in this inside grinder. Sunday November 19th, 2023. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery



(Above) Brian "BMO" Morse was picking off all the inside runners and the discarded set waves. Sunday November 19th, 2023. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) Lenny Nichols had Big Blue out there and scratched into a few bombs. Sunday November 19th, 2023. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) Crowley Gentile punting one through the crossbars.
Sunday November 19th, 2023. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) Max Fatello tucked under the lip and driving home.
Sunday November 19th, 2023. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery



(Above) Crowley Gentile's deep carve. Sunday November 19th, 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) Julie Jakoboski fresh back from New Zealand gets a nice last ride of her Welcome Home Session. Sunday November 19th, 2023. Photo by RALPH *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery




(Above) Mikel Evans twisting and turning on November 19th, 2023. Photo by RALPH *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery



(Above) Beckley Stearns going right.
Sunday November 19th, 2023. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery




(Above) Beckley Stearns going left.
Sunday November 19th, 2023. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

Today- THE NOVEMBER 16th, 2023 SWELL.
WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER 16th, 2023.
Photos by KD SURF PICS



(Above) Jack Bouchard stopping on a dime.
November 16th, 2023.
Photo by KD SURF Pics
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery



(Above) Jack Bouchard was out banging a few lips with his bro Ry.
November 16th, 2023.
Photo by KD SURF Pics
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery




(Above) Ryan McGill November 16th, 2023.
Photo by KD SURF Pics
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery






(Above) Ryan McGill floating the boat. November 16th, 2023.
Photo by KD SURF Pics
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) Jack Bouchard November 16th, 2023. Photo by KD SURF Pics
*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) There are beautiful scenes on our beaches every single day. And Karen Hoddeson Hager is there to capture them most mornings.
Photo by Karen Hoddeson Hager
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery



(Above) Good Morning. Photo by Karen Hoddeson Hager
*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 # 748 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 waves all week

I'm picking Sunday November 19th, 2023 as the best of the week!

November 19th, 2023

TOM: "DON'T BE A TURKEY. GIVE THANKS FOR WHAT YOU HAVE. AND WHILES YOU'RE AT IT, PRAY FOR WORLD PEACE."

(ABOVE) I couldn't resist taking this photo. Photo RALPH



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