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

HURRICANE LEE DELIVERS THE ONE-TWO PUNCH THURSDAY - SATURDAY 9-16th, 2023!



I shot this at midday on Saturday September 16th, 2023. A mere three hours prior to this, it was looking like Lee was not gonna hit like they were saying. In fact, many thought it had missed us completely. There were many naysayers and those who just felt like the Hurricane that the media has been hyping for days, would not be showing up.

How they could think LEE was a bust was a mystery to me. Why? Because we've had waves since Thursday September 14th, 2023. I mean we had GREAT waves on that day and the next day as well. Overhead and clean surf on Thursday and Friday. 9/14 & 9/15. But still, they claimed the storm had already passed us and that we were going to get skunked. Seeing how this hurricane was not my first rodeo, I knew better. Granted these damn storms seem to have a mind of their own at times, but for the most part the surf forecasts are pretty accurate. SURFLINE was spot on this day.



I shot this pic of Debbie Green on Thursday September 14th, 2023.

This pic of Big Cam was also shot an hour later Thursday September 14th, 2023. Two days before HURRICANE LEE was going to show up. I mean according to SURFLINE, Lee was going to be producing 10-15' surf on Saturday September 16th, 2023. That's pretty damn impressive. I don't care where you live and surf. That's impressive. 10 to 15' surf? Oh hell yes.

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This is another shot from September 14th, 2023. The surfer is Kody Grondin. Photo by Ed Moran

This is another shot of Kody Grondin on September 14th, 2023.



Here's Mikel Evans on Thursday September 14th, 2023. Photo by Ed Moran.




I shot this pic on Friday September 15th, 2023. As you can see it was overhead and semi clean. This is Day II of overhead surf. The guy on the left going right is my son-in-law Pete Rizzo.

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 17th, 2023



This pic of Johnny Meehan is from September 4th, 2010. This was from a Tropical Storm EARL off the coast of NH. I thought this pic matched the color of the background, plus the whole theme of Hurricanes and Tropical Storms. Photo by Ed O'Connell
*Click the photo above to see a larger version of Ed's Pic.

COMING THIS FALL. 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.

EVERY SINGLE 9-11 WE MEET RIGHT HERE.
This is where we were all surfing that day. We made a pact after the first anniversary to meet here every year. The original crew was much bigger with Jacko and a few others. But it's usually me, Markey, Johnny, and Tony.

Tony had surgery the day before and was watching from his balcony. In fact here he is taking photos of the three of us. This photo of Tony was taken by his wife Shelly.



So he was there, just not out on the waterfront. He had some serious surgery to his ankle and will be out of the water for a while. He was truly bummed not to be out there with us, but this was good enough my brother.



Tony took this pic of Johnny, me, and Markey J. Like in the military, we improvised when one of us goes down. We improvise and then move forward.

Later that afternoon on Friday 9-15-23. My son-in-law Pete Rizzo showed up with my granddaughter Malia. It was amazing that she could spot me way out on the point where I stand on the rocks.



This is pretty cool. Chris Carragher took this pic of me standing on the rocks on Friday September 15th, 2023 at the exact moment I shot the guy on the red board (insert).



Midday on Saturday September 16th, 2023 LEE Showed up. This is Jake Davidson on his 30th Birthday. Talk about getting your birthday waves on your birthday Jake was catching all kinds of bombs this day.



Kody Grondin getting seriously shacked on Saturday September 16th, 2023



When the waves got bigger so too did the damage. The price you pay for being a surfer in New England. Oh the horror. The horror.



Dina Crawford had a short window on Saturday September 16th, 2023 but she made the best of it.



Nohea Nichols was screaming (literally) on this take-off as she drops into one of the biggest waves of the day on Saturday September 16th, 2023.
Photo by Ed Moran.



PLEASE don't question HURRICANE LEE. He has delivered.
Be grateful. Be thankful. Photo by Ryan Jackson NH2O


“SURFING HURRICANES HEALS ALL WOUNDS.” 

BABY METAL AT THE MGM 9-14-23



I went to see BABY METAL with my dear friend David Robinson of the band The CARS on Thursday September 14th, 2023 at the MGM on Lansdown Street in Boston. It was quite the experience mostly because David and I had to be two of the oldest people in that concert hall. And then we got caught up in the MOSH PIT!



That was pretty damn crazy. I have never been in a MOSH Pit before. And neither had David. But there we were being shoved and slammed with the youngsters slamming to BABY METAL. David had turned me onto them years ago and we all went and saw them at HOUSE OF BLUES about 5 years ago. They were about 13yrs old at the time. They are still young. And the band is still kicking ass. If you really want to know anything about them, I suggest you watch one of their videos. Just Google them.




BABY SHEIK METAL
I wonder what the SHEIK really thinks of the band BABY METAL.I know this week's KSM is a bit of a stretch but who knows what he listens too? Not me and not you. So let's pretend he's a head banging lunatic in the mosh pits. Why the hell not? And that he LOVES Baby Metal. That could happen. But only here in my twisted KSM Photoshop world. Rock on you crazy Terrorist.



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 HEAVY METAL Cassettes, at Home Depot this week.

THE PATRIOTS LOST AGAIN. They fell into another deep hole and couldn't get out of their own way. It's pretty hard watching them this year. Though, I suppose last year was worse. But man they are in trouble (already). But alas my friends. I am true blue all the way.

HEAL QUICKLY Tony Berardini from ankle surgery.
HAPPY 3rd ANNIVERSARY Noelle & Pete Rizzo 9-12-23! HAPPY BIRTHDAY HOKU NICHOLS SEPTEMBER 7th, 2023!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY MAX Fatello SEPTEMBER 14th, 2023!
HAPPY HEAVENLY BIRTHDAY Michael Colby September 14th, 2023!
HAPPY BIRTHDAYJACKO KEEFE September 21st 2023!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY Victor Capozzi September 22nd, 2023!
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

THIRTY FOUR YEARS AGO. SEPTEMBER 1989. HURRICANE GABRIELLE. SURFER: KEVIN "DOC" GRONDIN.
For those of you who remember this iconic photo by Richard "MEZ" Meseroll.
This photo is hands down the biggest wave ever photographed in New England. This swell was one for the ages. I personally remember it for a number of reasons. I lost my board at Fox Hill and had to swim in from way outside. Then I ruptured my ear drum out at Ahwoo. I told my wife who was pregnant with our first child, that if this baby is a girl, we should name her "Gabrielle." And we did. Gabby became a little surfer and loves the ocean
to this very day. Photo by MEZ
*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- HURRICANE LEE DAY I September 14th, 2023.
Photos by RALPH



(Above) This was the start of DAY I of HURRICANE LEE. Markey J dropping into a beautiful Lee wave. Thursday September 14th, 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) This is Matt Colby donning some new head wear. The waves were so pretty and the water temp was so warm. DAY I of HURRICANE LEE
Thursday September 14th, 2023. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) This is 74 year old Peter Stokes. He had a great session. DAY I of HURRICANE LEE Thursday September 14th, 2023. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

Today- HURRICANE LEE DAY II
September 15th, 2023. Photos by RALPH



(Above) Pete Rizzo on the right. Unknown on the left. DAY II of HURRICANE LEE Friday September 15th, 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) Crowley was dressed for the day. It was super warm out there. Mackey DAY II of HURRICANE LEE Friday September 15th, 2023.
Photo by RALPH *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery



(Above) Preston pushing the Purple People Eater hard on the first section. DAY II of HURRICANE LEE Friday September 15th, 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.
READ the Great piece on local photographer Brian Nevins

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

Today- HURRICANE LEE DAY III September 16th, 2023.
The morning session. Photos by RALPH



(Above) At one point in the AM this was the wave of the day. Kenny Linseman. HURRICANE LEE Saturday morning September 16th, 2023.
Photo by RALPH *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) And at one other point in the AM this was the NEXT wave of the day. Lenny Nichols. HURRICANE LEE Saturday morning September 16th, 2023.
Photo by RALPH *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery



(Above) And then it started. The waves kept getting bigger before our very eyes. Kevin "DOC" Grondin standing tall in the opening salvos of HURRICANE LEE Saturday morning September 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) Johnny "JIM" Meehan was charging the rights. HURRICANE LEE Saturday morning September 16th, 2023.
Photo by RALPH *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) Debbie Green was one of a handful of women who were pushing themselves over the edge out there. HURRICANE LEE Saturday morning September 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) And then it was on. Mackey V backing into the infamous bowling section. HURRICANE LEE Saturday midday September 16th, 2023.
Photo by RALPH *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) Matt Colby got so many barrels. I lost count. HURRICANE LEE Saturday midday September 16th, 2023.Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery




(Above) Birthday Boy Jake Davidson turned 30 out there. HURRICANE LEE Saturday midday September 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) His peeps were calling one of his waves the best of the day. Shayne Forsely driving west with his foot on the gas pedal. HURRICANE LEE Saturday midday September 16th, 2023. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery



(Above) This? This might be my favorite photo of the day. Mikel "Mikey" Evans in a long drawn out bottom turn, on a wave that is easily 10' plus. HURRICANE LEE Saturday midday September 16th, 2023.
Photo by RALPH *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

Today- HURRICANE LEE DAY III September 16th, 2023.
The Late Afternoon session. Photos by RALPH



(Above) The swell was dropping, but the vibe was still raging. Pev on a beauty. HURRICANE LEE Saturday Late Afternoon September 16th, 2023.
Photo by RALPH *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) Unknown Goofy foot doing a well known carve. HURRICANE LEE Saturday Late Afternoon September 16th, 2023. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) Mackey V chasing down a brown churned up remnant of HURRICANE LEE Saturday Late Afternoon September 16th, 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) This is Kody Grondin. But for those of us who know, this could very easily be his father Kevin. Like father like son. HURRICANE LEE Saturday Late Afternoon September 16th, 2023. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery



(Above) This is how the day ended. I can't wait to see what I shot on video.
Thank you Hurricane Lee. They Hype was real. HURRICANE LEE Saturday Late Afternoon September 16th, 2023. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

Today- DINALAND WELCOMES HURRICANE LEE
September 16th, 2023. Photos by Dina Crawford

(Above) Always hollower down in Dinaland. Unknown about to get a little enclosure. DAY III of HURRICANE LEE Saturday September 16th, 2023. Photo by Dina Crawford
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) This is a great shot. Damn look at that wave. DAY III of HURRICANE LEE Saturday September 16th, 2023. Photo by Dina Crawford
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

Today- MORE OF THE BIG DAY OF HURRICAN LEE
September 16th, 2023. Photos by Ed Moran



(Above) This is a cool sequence of Nohea Nichols. She was literally screaming on that wave. DAY III of HURRICANE LEE Saturday September 16th, 2023. Photo by Ed Moran
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery



(Above) This is another great photo. I like how Ed actually captures the facial expressions on these Hurricane riders. Unknown on DAY III of HURRICANE LEE Saturday September 16th, 2023. Photo by Ed Moran
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) This is Brian BMO Morse a week out from getting married. These are the kind of memories BMO that will stay with you. Best of luck to you and Emma. DAY III of HURRICANE LEE Saturday September 16th, 2023.
Photo by Ed Moran *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

Today- DAY I OF HURRICAN LEE
September 14th, 2023. Photos by Ed Moran



(Above) This is Kody grondin on the first pulses of Mr Lee. DAY I of HURRICANE LEE Thursday September 14th, 2023. Photo by Ed Moran
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery



(Above) Brian Avantes got the most waves and the most barrels of this day. He was a fucking machine out there. DAY I of HURRICANE LEE Thursday September 14th, 2023. Photo by Ed Moran
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery


Today- RYAN JACKSON from NH2O Hurricane Lee Gallery
September 14-16th, 2023. Photos by RYAN JACKSON/NH2O



(Above) This is a very heavy shot of HURRICANE LEE. He's wearing a helmet for good reason. September 16th, 2023. Photo by NH2O
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery





(Above) This is Matt Colby not caring if that nuisance of a body boarder sees him or not. September 16th, 2023. Photo by NH2O
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery




(Above) Very cool angle of this Goofy foot driving south in HURRICANE LEE
September 14-16th, 2023. Photo by NH2O
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

Today- MORE PICS FROM HURRICANE LEE DAY II
Friday September 15th, 2023. Photos by Chris Carragher



(Above) I love this shot of Crowley Gentile. Because you know he's flying out there. Friday September 15th, 2023. Photo by Chris Carragher
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery




(Above) I think this is Lars Hamilton. I know he was out there all three days ripping. Friday September 15th, 2023. Photo by Chris Carragher
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

Today- THE ANNUAL AMERICAN LEGION POST 35 GWOT SEPTEMBER 11th OBSERVANCE
Monday September 11th, 2023. Photos by RALPH



(Above) Commander Berk Bennett addressing the families and attendees of our annual 9-11 Observance. A DAY OF REMEMBRANCE.
September 11th, 2023. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery



(Above) Retired ARMY Captain Suzanne Tetreault served in IRAQ.
A DAY OF REMEMBRANCE. September 11th, 2023. Photo by RALPH
*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) He couldn't be with us, so he sat on the balcony and took photos of us. September 11th, 2023. Photo by Tony Berardini
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery



(Above) The Pappas boys grew up in a home where half of the them were Patriots fans, and the other half were Dolphins fans. Congrats to the first place Miami Dolphins. Photo by Cliff Pappas
*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 # 741 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 on Thursday

I'm picking Thursday September 21st, 2023 as the best of the week!

September 17th, 2023

No guts no glory.

(ABOVE) This didn't end quite like Lenny had intended. But he got some killer waves and so did his daughter Nohea. So, alls well that ends well.
Photo RALPH



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