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

WELCOME OCTOBER. ESM HURRICANE GALLERY. SURFLINE HURRICANE VIDEO.
"KOOK" WAXING INCIDENT.


I saw this pic and I have to admit it stopped me dead in my tracks. It's a satellite shot of Hurricane Idalia and Hurricane Franklin. It's on the New ESM Hurricane gallery. Not since 1989 when there was a Hurricane Felix and a Hurricane Gabrielle and both storms circled around off the coast of New England like they were at a square dance bouncing off each other like they were at a damn Hootenanny. Not sure what that means, but you guys get my drift. We had waves for days. And this past month of September was something else. I know you all agree with me.



I've been asked by Sir Mez to send in some pics from the past four hurricanes. Franklin, Idalia, Lee, and Nigel. So I sent Mez quite the batch.



This day Jake Davidson turned 30. I jokingly said to him later that at times it looked like he was gonna check out on this and have gone full circle. But Jake being Jake made the best of each sticky situation. No problemo.



And this photo above of Mikey Evans has been called the best and the biggest of the entire Hurricane season. And then some folks started claiming it was the biggest photo ever taken of anyone surfing in New Hampshire. Look I took that photo and I admit it's probably the biggest photo taken of the Hurricane Lee Swell in NH I'm not quite so sure it's the biggest ever. And the photo below is why I'm saying that. The pic below is of Stevie O'Hara and it was taken in the early 90's and I'm not sure who took the photo. It might be Jeff Winterton, but I can't be sure.



But looking at both photos this one of Stevie appears to be bigger.
If Stevie was at the bottom of the wave like Mikey is it would be pretty evident of the size of the wave. One thing is for certain, the wave Stevie is on is much hollower. No question. And if I had to vote? I'd vote against my own photo and say the wave Stevie O'Hara is riding is bigger. What say you guys?

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 September 24th, 2023



This pic is a cool reminder that John Carden at one point in his life rode a shortboard and had fun on one. September 19th, 2012.
Photo by Ed O'Connell
*Click the photo above to see a larger version of Ed's Pic.

COMING THIS FALL (November-December). The long awaited 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. Meanwhile Click on the image below to see a larger version. 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. Stay tuned.



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 fall of 2023. Just in time for the holidays.

TO THE COWARD(s) WHO WROTE "KOOK" ON THE WINDSHIELD'S OF TWO LONG STANDING LOCAL SURFERS. PAY ATTENTION HERE.



LOOK AT THESE TWO. These are REAL kooks. Individuals who know little to nothing at all about surfing. Wearing their wetsuits backwards, and riding soft tops. *THESE TWO ARE NOT THE VANDALS. This is just an example of what a REAL KOOK looks like. The two surfers that you vandalized last week at The Rocks, know so much more about this lifestyle than you do, that it's laughable and embarrassing.

Your cowardly act will not stand in this surf community. REPEAT. YOUR COWARDLY ACT WILL NOT STAND. Therefore, We are Offering a SIGNIFICANT REWARD to find out who did this cowardly act. A SIGNIFICANT REWARD to be paid to the person who correctly identifies the Punk Coward who vandalized their vehicles. JUST CONTACT ME here via email, or go on my Facebook Page or my Instagram page.

Somebody knows something. Because cowards like to brag about their cowardly deeds. If you know something, do the right thing and contact us.

SIGNIFICANT REWARD $$$ TO BE DISCREETLY OFFERED TO ANYONE WHO CAN SHARE WITH US WHO THE COWARDLY INDIVIDUAL(S) WERE WHO VANDALIZED TWO LOCAL SURFER'S VEHICLES BY WRITING "KOOK" ON THEIR WINDSHIELD IN SURF WAX. COWARDS.

HERE'S A FEW MORE FROM THE ESM HURRICANE GALLEY

Michael Lynch Jr getting dropped off by dad and about to try his new board out at the Hill. He only caught one or two waves before switching up boards. I think Mez at ESM chose this shot because of all the yellow signs and the board. This was during Hurricane NIGEL. I know Michael wished they picked one of the pics of him surfing, but Mez is the boss at ESM. I can only send them the pics and hope for the best.



I'm stoked that ESM did pick one of the several pics I shot of Kody Grondin on Saturday September 16th, 2023 during the peak of Hurricane LEE. That was a session for the ages. So many big set waves and so many barrels. And Kody was nailing most of them. Stoked they chose this pic.

PATRIOTS vs COWBOYS



Well I tried watching this game with a positive attitude. I finally shut it off at 38-3. The Patriots were getting smoked. Like a ham. Like a slow burning piece of swine at some Texas Barbecue. We are such a long way from going DEEP INTO THE PLAYOFFS. I don't think we will ever see that again in my lifetime. I'm 72. They won't make it this year. And next year? Doubtful.

But alas my dear friends, I am more than happy with the 20 years under Tom Brady. I have lived long enough to see them play in 9 Super Bowls with Brady and winning 6. Hell, they easily could have won all 9. So I have been to the mountain top. I have seen the Glorious Lombardi trophy be kissed and fondled and passed around while we danced in the streets. I am good.

Yes I complain, because that's what fans do. But we fans of TB12 and the Glorious 20 years? We should always be forever grateful and thankful. I am.

This? This is funny. Because he is just that, a cry baby. A whining spoiled brat. The little rich kid who gets everything and lies about everything. A crybaby. A freaking loser who should be in jail. It's time for new fresh blood in the White House. Say goodbye to 45 and 46. Stick a fork in them both. They're done.

“SURFING HURRICANES HEALS ALL WOUNDS.” 

TWO FOR ONE KSM DAY
Welcome October. As most of you know, I live for October. I love everything about it. And because of my joy and enthusiasm about this glorious golden month, I thought why not give the fans a TWO FOR ONE KSM this first day of October. First up is the passing of Diane Feinstein. Man that took forever huh? Not her passing but her finally removing herself from the senate floor. She was just too damn old. Just like Grandpa Mitch McConnell, and Uncle Joe Biden. And while we're at it, Donald Trump. They are all too old.



The Sheik and The Feinstein. My what a homely couple they make.



And this? I'm sure you've seen enough of this Taylor Swift with Kelce's mother jumping up and own like a damn school girl. Kelce and Taylor? Like Barbie and Ken. I thought the players were not allowed to date the cheerleaders? Who really cares about this?

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 Pom Poms at Home Depot this week.

CONGRATS TO BRIAN "BMO" MORSE AND EMMA On their Marriage on Friday September 22nd, 2023!
HEAL QUICKLY Tony Berardini from ankle surgery.
HAPPY 13th BIRTHDAY PATCH SEPTEMBER 23rd, 2023!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY DEBORAH FOLEY October 3rd, 2023!
HAPPY 36th ANNIVERSARY CORY 10-10-23!
KEEP FIGHTING Robert Gerard! You Got This Brother!
Please keep LOCAL LEGEND Surfer Norm Murphy in your thoughts and prayers.

Please keep Victor Capozzi in your prayers as he continues to recover from heart surgery he had on July 7th, 2023 at Beth Israel.

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

48 YEARS AGO. 1975 SELFIE BY RALPHIE
People talk about selfies these last 10 years or so like it's something new. ALL my close friends will testify that I have been doing selfies since the 60's, 70's, 80's and 90's. This is nothing new to me or my family. In fact, my late father Gus has been doing Selfies since the 1940's. And that's the truth. Photo by RALPH
*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- Thursday September 28th, 2023.
Photos by RALPH



(Above) The waves were glassy and were chest to shoulder high.
Thursday September 28th, 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) And there were just a handful of riders who knew how to surf.
Thursday September 28th, 2023. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) I couldn't help but think that the two guys I ended up shooting
had to have realized that they were scoring fun waves by themselves.
Thursday September 28th, 2023. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery



(Above) Matt Colby had a new quad that he was still working out the
bugs on. Thursday September 28th, 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) I looked down the beach and thought I saw @brundan_mumbleville.
Thursday September 28th, 2023. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery



(Above) Colby was putting the little quad through it's paces.
Thursday September 28th, 2023. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

The NEW 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) And then Colby found a hole to slip into. Did he slip out?
Thursday September 28th, 2023. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) I admit he was flying all over the place out there. Matt Colby.
Thursday September 28th, 2023. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery



(Above) But it was the waves that caught my attention. I love the early morning glass. Thursday September 28th, 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) Colby was carving both the lefts and the rights. And the water
was warm. Thursday September 28th, 2023. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) Be truthful. Does this look fun? Only two guys sharing
these waves? Matt Colby into another smooth-bore right.
Thursday September 28th, 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) Both the rights and the lefts were working this morning. Colby.
Thursday September 28th, 2023. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) And then I saw this thing. At first I thought it was a surfer. And then? I thought it might be a you know, shark. But it was neither. It was a seal. Though seals attract sharks. Uh oh. Thursday September 28th, 2023.
Photo by RALPH *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery




(Above) There it is. Or there's a seal. Is this the same thing as the
pic above? You tell me. I think it is. But this thing looks smaller.
Thursday September 28th, 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) Driving back to my home, I saw this peaceful scene.
Thursday September 28th, 2023. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

Today- THE HURRICANE VIDEO FRAME GRABS
Franklin, Idalia, Lee, and Nigel.
Photos by RALPH



(Above) That's a big wave about to unload on these guys.
Hurricanes Summer of 2023. VFG by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) That's Mikey Evans from MIKEL Surfboards chasing down a Hurricane Lee right. Hurricanes Summer of 2023. VFG by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) MVF surfing with a torn ACL. Hurricanes Summer of 2023.
VFG by RALPH *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) MVF surfing from the depths of Hurricane Lee.
Hurricanes Summer of 2023. VFG 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) Kody gets one of the most consistent standouts of this entire swell. He was all over the place out there. Hurricanes Summer of 2023.
VFG by RALPH *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery



(Above) Kevin and Kody Grondin avoiding the mosquitoes with this dissolve.
Hurricanes Summer of 2023.VFG by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) Mikey Evans churning up the inside section.
Hurricanes Summer of 2023.VFG by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) Kody Grondin in deep again. Hurricanes Summer of 2023.
VFG by RALPH *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) Crowley Gentile heading into the floater section.
Hurricanes Summer of 2023.VFG by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery



(Above) Dougie "FRESH" Wright throwing a little wake around the campus. Hurricanes Summer of 2023. VFG by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) James Morse throwing buckets at his friends.
Hurricanes Summer of 2023. VFG 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) Brian BMO Morse carving a slice out of IDALIA.
Hurricanes Summer of 2023. VFG by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery



(Above) Matt Colby's big splash during the Hurricanes Summer of 2023. VFG by RALPH *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery




(Above) Max Fatello gets a sweet green tube during FRANKLIN.
Hurricanes Summer of 2023. VFG by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery




(Above) Ryan Reed standing tall and delivering a deep carve.
Hurricanes Summer of 2023. VFG by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery




(Above) Ian Dreher on a decent sized LEE wave.
Hurricanes Summer of 2023. VFG by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

Today- MORE PICS FROM The HURRICANE SWELLS
Sunday September 24th, 2023. Photos by Bob Costanzo



(Above) Matt Colby all hooded up and what not.
Sunday September 24th, 2023. Photo by Bob Costanzo
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery




(Above) Matt Colby hoodie down and carving.
Sunday September 24th, 2023. Photo by Bob Costanzo
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery



(Above) Matt Colby same move as the first pic only now the hoodie is down.
Sunday September 24th, 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) JoJo Kirby promo shot for CR's. September 2023.
Photo by c/o CINNAMON RAINBOWS
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery



(Above) The NEW Boat is in the water. Expect to see more of this craft
in the near future. Photo by CHAMBO
*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 # 743 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 some more fun waves all week long

I'm picking Today October 1st, 2023 as the best of the week!

October 1st, 2023

"MY DOG IS MY CO-PILOT."

(ABOVE) I keep seeing dogs in the laps of drivers all the time. Now I'm seeing dogs in baskets on the handlebars of motor bikes.
Photo by RALPH



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