Ralph's Pic of the Week

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October 1st, 2017 The RUN is 10 out of 10 Weeks. Waist high or better at least once a week. *There were GOOD to GREAT WAVES 9-24-17 to 9-29-17!*	Send your SURF Pics to me directly to ralph@adlantic.com. Need photos by 12 noon on Saturdays. Click on Archives link to see all the past Blogs and pics.

MARIA! MARIA! MARIA! What a GREAT Week of Surf. Not so great for Puerto Rico though. 90% still have NO electricity. 50% without clean water. It's a nightmare!
MARIA brought the best surf of the Hurricane season (so far). Days on end of great surf. The segway between Jose and Maria was seamless. We had surf on Saturday the 23rd from Jose and the very next day, we saw the first pulses of Maria. And she stayed all week long. Getting bigger and better with each day. And if you were one of the lucky ones who could travel south, then you really scored. South facing beaches was the call mid week. Like that heaving peak above. Yup that's a south facing beach. MARIA and Kai Nichols got along just fine. Kai was fresh back from Hatteras when Maria started to show. Having just surfed some insanely hollow barrels in Hatteras the big Maria Peaks were perfectly suited for Kai and company. The surf was twice as big on the south facing beaches. And twice as warm as what we have up here. Bigger and warmer surf? Yeah, we're going south boys and girls. And I did mean girls. Maine River girl Lana Teal was dropping in on some bombs this day. Yeah she paid for some of those drops, but she always came up smiling. I told her she just earned a spot in the GRANITE GIRLS and The RIVER WOMEN video that I'm working on. And make no mistake about it, it's all about earning, and not deserving. She earned it. If I had to pick one surfer from the Northeast who was consistently getting shacked it would have to be Kai Nichols. From Hatteras to New England, Kai was pulling into some deep ones. And making most of 'em. And trust me, that was no small feat. These waves were top to bottom heavy. Here he is again. Dragging his outside arm for full enclosure.\| The week before he got as close as you can get to a perfect score in Hatteras as he pulled into a gaping barrel. Much like this one below. Kai Nichols is the real deal. 18 years old and the surf world better get ready for him. He's coming whether they're ready or not. Back up north in NH the Maria swell was gradually building all week. This was shot on the morning of September 26th, 2017. I should know who this goofy foot is by now, Lord knows I've shot enough of him in the last two years. Actually, he should contact me to let me know who he is. This is Tom Hay on September 25th, 2017 at the Wall. The water this day was the warmest it has been all summer. I kid you not. This was dam near tropical. I shot in the water for almost two hours. And get this, I was wearing my trunks and my 1mil sleeves. I could have easily not worn any rubber. This is Tom after almost clobbering me with his loose board. He's laughing here because he knows he narrowly missed death. For you see, had he hit me, I might have taken him to the bottom to visit some old crustacean friends of mine. I'm kidding (sort of). "Surfing Hurricane Surf Heals All Wounds"	This week's Ed's corner pic is from 2013. That's Steve "CROW" Watson standing at the water's edge watching the future go flying by. Crow still manages to slip out every now and then. He and Ed were close friends. They really enjoyed each other's company. *Photo by Ed O'Connell* Click the photo above to see a larger version of Ed's Pic. Now for Some International News* I don't know about you guys, but I am truly saddened by the absolute devastation to Puerto Rico. And I am equally saddened by our slow response to helping them out. Here's an aerial shot of some of the devastation the poor people are dealing with. 10 days and still 90% of the Island has no electricity. And 50% has no clean water. I don't know why we can't mobilize the US NAVY and their LPH's (Landing Platform Helicopters) and have the Marines chopper in supplies and food. In 1970 I was part of a humanitarian mission when we left Vietnam to head over to the Philippines to help the villagers who lost everything in a Typhoon. We were there in a matter of days. We went up into the mountains and brought them food water and medical supplies. I'll never forget the sight of all those dead villagers. It was awful. But we helped them. We even got a Presidential Unit Citation for that mission. Tortola BVI was really hit hard. This spot below is notorious for decadence. Bomba's Shack has a nasty reputation. I'm not gonna lose any sleep knowing that Bomba's Shack got wiped out. Read the handmade sign on the left. I hope he lost everything. Lord knows there are some women who agree with me. KSM Photoshop of the Week So if Bomba is gone who could possibly take his place? BAM! You got it kids! Ole KSM is who. Not sure how many of the patrons would get naked for him. Time will tell. 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 Viagra at Home Depot this week. HAPPY BIRTHDAY Avery Fatello September 25th, 2017! REST IN PEACE Hugh Hefner. Click on the image above for details. I am holding off the release of this movie until Thanksgiving. We need a few more big swells to make this film legit. So far so good. We just need a few more head high and bigger swells. If you are a woman or you know any women or girls that can surf. Especially if they are shortboarders. Please have them get in touch with me. I keep meeting more and more women who have been surfing around these parts, and have just been flying under the radar. So help me pass the word. Please Support ALL The photographers who contribute to Ralph's Pic Of The Week every week for the last 13 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

	I kept a daily BLOG when I surfed everyday during my CATCH A WAVE FOR MOLLY. (Click On the Banner below) Started on July 26, 2010 ENDED July 26, 2011. A Wave a day for 365 consecutive days.
Yesterday- This is me in 1979 at Little Apple Bay in Tortola. (Below) This is actually a video frame grab from a very grainy super 8mm movie film. The late JT shot this wave of me. We both took turns shooting each other that trip. January 1979. It was the first real tropical adventure for the both of us. We always talked about that trip when he was still with us. Photo by courtesy of John "JT" Taylor
*Click on the photo above to see a larger version	To contact the advertisers below, simply click on the Ad itself. Anyone wishing to find out info about advertising here can do so by emailing me directly by clicking here. Ralph's Email I'll send you a template and other info on how you can become a paid sponsor We highly recommend the various businesses and artists listed below. Why? Well simply put, each and every one of them is a Surfer, who lives the Surfing Lifestyle, and their business is a reflection of that lifestyle that we all love.

*All PHOTOS BELOW SHOT THIS WEEK Unless otherwise noted.**
Today- MARIA September 28th, 2017 *Photos by RALPH*
(Above) This spot was firing. Thursday September 28th, 2017 *Photos by RALPH* Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery (Above)* This might be my favorite new empty wave pic. Thursday September 28th, 2017 *Photos by RALPH* Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery (Above)* Lana Teal from Maine was charging the biggest peaks. Thursday September 28th, 2017 *Photos by RALPH* *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
(Above) Jared Veltsos grabbing a rail and praying for an exit. Thursday September 28th, 2017 *Photos by RALPH* *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
(Above) Raymond King is a beast. He takes off on anything and pulls into every beastly barrel there is. Thursday September 28th, 2017 *Photos by RALPH* Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery (Above)* Unknown Goofy foot in the sweetest of sweet spots. Thursday September 28th, 2017 *Photos by RALPH* *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) Kody Grondin in a perfect fit for this pitching lip. Thursday September 28th, 2017 *Photos by RALPH* Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery (Above)* Guess who? Kai Nichols from a long sequence shot. Thursday September 28th, 2017 *Photos by RALPH* *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
(Above) This guy was down the beach from us, and he kept picking off these insane barrels. I shot a lot of video this day, and by next week you'll be able to see it all. Thursday September 28th, 2017 *Photos by RALPH* Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery Today- MARIA Tuesday* September 26th, 2017 *Photos by RALPH* (Above) I was lucky enough to get a handful of shots before the fog rolled in. Unknown green carve. Tuesday September 26th, 2017 *Photos by RALPH* Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery (Above)* Max compressing under a green Maria lip. Tuesday September 26th, 2017 *Photos by RALPH* *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) This photo was taken looking directly into the sun. I could not see him. I pulled the trigger when I thought he might be here on the wave. I lucked out. MVF. Tuesday September 26th, 2017 *Photos by RALPH* *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
(Above) Later that day, Kai shows up from Hatteras and paddles out without skipping a beat. Tuesday September 26th, 2017 *Photos by RALPH* Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery (Above)* Always a treat to watch and shoot. Mikey Evans rides a short board and Longboard as good as anyone out there and beyond. Tuesday September 26th, 2017 *Photos by RALPH* Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery Today- MARIA Monday* September 25th, 2017 *Photos by RALPH* (Above) Lunchtime session under glass. Monday September 25th, 2017 *Photos by RALPH* *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) A sea level view of MVF. Monday September 25th, 2017 *Photos by RALPH* Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery (Above)* Richie Appel banging the lip. Monday September 25th, 2017 *Photos by RALPH* Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery (Above)* The two wisemen Rick and Jay. Monday September 25th, 2017 *Photos by RALPH* Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery Today- MARIA in the Water Monday* September 25th, 2017 *Photos by RALPH* (Above) Tom Hay in a deep carve. Monday September 25th, 2017 *Photos by RALPH* Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery (Above)* Richie Appel off in the distant. Monday September 25th, 2017 *Photos by RALPH* *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery	\|
(Above) Gilly Donatelli midday glide. Monday September 25th, 2017 *Photos by RALPH* *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery


(Above) Kai Nichols looking down the line. Monday September 25th, 2017 *Photos by RALPH* Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery Today- MARIA* Sunday September 24th, 2017 *Photos by RALPH* (Above) "See him. He's standing in the water. The guy with the nut hugger suit." Sunday September 24th, 2017 *Photos by RALPH* *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
(Above) At the Wall you see it all. Sunday September 24th, 2017 *Photos by RALPH* *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
(Above) Jordan Montgomery Sunday September 24th, 2017 *Photos by RALPH* *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
(Above) Like I said, you see it all at the Wall. Sunday September 24th, 2017 *Photos by RALPH* *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
Today- MARIA Sunday September 24th, 2017 *Photos by Cory Fatello* (Above) Shayne Forsely Maria day One. Sunday September 24th, 2017 *Photos by Cory Fatello* *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
(Above) Brian Tabor having fun on Sunday September 24th, 2017 *Photos by Cory Fatello* *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) Max Fatello Sunday carve. Sunday September 24th, 2017 *Photos by Cory Fatello* *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
(Above) Lenny Nichols on the first chest high wave from Maria. Sunday September 24th, 2017 *Photos by Cory Fatello* Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery Today- EASTERNS ESA Cape Hatteras Kai Nichols PICS* September 20th-22nd, 2017 *Photos by Lenny Nichols* (Above) This Gallery is an impressive photo journal of Kai Nichols. Cape Hatteras EASTERNS. September 20th, 2017 *Photos by Lenny Nichols* Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery Today- Hurricanes JOSE and MARIA* September, 2017 *Photos by David Schultz* (Above) Jordan Montgomery's high jump. September 25th, 2017 *Photos by David Schultz* *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery	Great New Marine Forecast

(Above) TS Jose at a special place in my heart. September 2017. *Photo Sean O'Connor* *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
(Above) Some where north of here. September 2017 *Photo by Mark Martin* *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

CLICK ON THE PLAY BUTTON on each clip to view videos JOSE September 20th to September 24th, 2017 from Ralph's Pic Of The Week on Vimeo. TS Jose came to town and just got ugly on us. Rain and onshore winds, with glimpses of glass, and sun. But mostly Jose was ugly and dirty. Nothing wrong with ugly, as long as there is some size and entertainment. And there was all of that and then some. The surfers are the local knowns and unknowns. But the music? The VINNY band music was recorded in 1983. Three songs off of our OLAS DE SEXO LP produced by David Robinson of The CARS. I wrote all the songs on the LP. The songs in this video are: "WAVES" "I NEVER SAW YOU" and "HERE'S WHERE I GET OFF" the last song is probably the best song I ever wrote. And I've written a few hundred. The VINNY band included my brother Johnny Fatello guitar, Greg Nesto bass, Javier Pico Keyboards, and Peter Goutzos drums. I hope you like both the video and the soundtrack. Come on MARIA!!!!! AUGEASTER 8-30-31-2017 from Ralph's Pic Of The Week on Vimeo. With all the recent Hurricane activity as of late I had put this footage on the back burner. It's that end of August Nor'easter that we had on the 30th and 31st of August. I was surprised when doing the edit at just how good the waves were that swell. There's some really good surf in this edit. It's all local. Both the talent and the surf. I used the cool Beautiful People sampling Hendrix tunes. And once again, it all flows. I'll be busy shooting JOSE and MARIA in the next few days, meanwhile, take a short trip back to last month and enjoy AUGEASTER. IRMA 9-9-17 from Ralph's Pic Of The Week on Vimeo. Me and the newest Inductee into the "East Coast Hall Of Fame" Kevin F. Grondin went south to meet up with the first swell from Hurricane IRMA. The water was warm and green, and the boys were all over it. The surfers that I know who appear in this film are: Kevin Grondin, Kody Grondin, Robbie Goodwin, Sam, Liam, Jared Veltsos, Max Fatello, and Jesse Gould. The music is by my old band SEMPER FI and it was recorded back in 1986 on a 4-track machine in our rehearsal place. The songs are GIMME SHELTER and DON'T GIVE UP (an original song I wrote). The musicians in this version of Semper Fi are :Ralph Fatello guitar and lead vocals, Rich Appel bass and backing vocals, Eric Brown drums and backing vocals, and Greg Lyons keyboards. LABOR DAY September 4 2017 from Ralph's Pic Of The Week on Vimeo. The "boys were back in town". Dougie "Fresh" Wright, TC Christo, and Ryan Olsen all NH transplants were back on the Live Free Or Die coast. They scored insane surf on Thursday August 31st, and now this. Labor Day September 4th, 2017 had a fun little waist to chest high swell, and the vibe was all good. The song is by Thin Lizzy "The Boys Are Back In Town" This is the second edit in as many days and it's on to the BIG Swell. But hold on kids...it looks like there's more surf coming! Oh hell yeah! HIT THE BEACH X 8-25-17 from Ralph's Pic Of The Week on Vimeo. The 10th Annual HIT THE BEACH August 25th, 2017. Hampton American Legion Post 35 along with Cinnamon Rainbows, Pioneers, Summer Sessions, Zapstix, ESA-NNE, Fresh Valley Fruit, and all you Volunteers help take the Wounded Warriors from Vietnam, Iraq, Afghanistan, and other Military stations around the world surfing. This is our 10th Year! It's been incredible. About five years ago, we opened it up to the Veteran's spouses and children. Because let's face it, the families have suffered just as much as the vets themselves. We have turned this day into a family Beach-Surf Day. Surfing is All about having Fun. And as you will see, everyone in this web edit is having fun. The song is by SEMPER FI my band from 1984-1987. I wrote this song RED, WHITE, and BLUE in 1986. Surprisingly, it goes well with this video. Again, THANK YOU SPONSORS and a VERY SPECIAL THANK YOU to all you Volunteers! I love you all. GRANITE GIRLS and The RIVER WOMEN from Ralph's Pic Of The Week on Vimeo. This is the trailer for the new Surf Free Or Die and Ralph's Pic movie about the women surfers of the Northeast. We're looking at a late summer release. It's been fun working with these talented women. The movie itself will be around 30 minutes long. Hope you like it.

(Above) ALL RISE: The 10th Street District Court Of Surf is Now in Session. The Honorable Judge RALPH presiding. CASE #439 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.
Tuesday appears to be the day to skip school or work.
My call for the day of the week is Tuesday.


This is what happens when you get caught dropping in on someone. You end up here.

October 1st, 2017 "So I was out there doing my thing, when my favorite song came on the radio, and i just started to light up the line-up!" (Above) If you want to dance in public, sometimes you get your pic taken. photo by Cory Fatello
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