December 21st, 2025 The RUN is 15 out of 15 Weeks.
CRITERIA: Waist high or better at least once a week.
There were chest to head high on 12-20-25 and waist high
on 12-21-25
THE RECORD FOR THE MOST CONSECUTIVE WEEKS IN A ROW FOR WAIST HIGH OR BETTER. January 13th, 2025 was 59 WEEKS! |
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. |
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NEXT BLOG January 4th, 2026.
All future Blogs will be posted on the 1st and 3rd week of every month (give or take a day or two). *Also in the event of any significant swell I will post the week of that swell. Although the blog is now bi-weekly, I'm certainly not gonna pass up a decent swell. So while it's basically going to be every other week, I left it open for some wiggle room.
HAPPY HOLIDAYS! HAPPY HANUKKAH! MERRY CHRISTMAS!
NEW RALPH'S PIC CALENDARS ARE AVAILABLE! SOLSTICE
SWELL BRINGS WAVES OF JOY (Did I really just write that?)
The whole 12 months from this past year are in the new calendar.
I enjoy putting these calendars together every year. It's another one of my labor of love projects. I love doing the Blog, I love taking photos and videos, and I love putting together these calendars every year.
CALENDARS are at CINNAMON RAINBOWS for $20. Or you can email me ralph@adlantic.com and pay by Venmo, check, or cash and I'll mail them to you. They are $25 including shipping and handling.
This is our Japanese Maple in our front walk way. Each year I put blue lights on this tree and the Blue Spruce. I always had a blue candle in my bedroom window when I was a kid. It's my way of reliving my childhood.
Tis the season my friends.
37 Years ago, today. December 18th, 1988. I QUIT drinking.
I have been 100% sober from any and all substances for 37 years. And I did it all on my own. No AA, no 12-step meetings, and no counseling. I just made up my mind and quit. And I've never looked back. Here I am playing for my grandkids. When people ask me why I quit drinking, I always tell them "I filled my quota."
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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 close and 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 December 21st, 2025
This photo is hanging on my office wall. The day was December 14th, 2010. And as you can plainly see, this is a significant wave. In fact, there are many more pics and video of this day. It was one for the ages. I look at this photo every single day. We were both out shooting that day.
It was like I said, one of those days that will live on in the archives of NH surfing. I'm so very thankful that Ed shot this, and all the other days he captured. Ed O'Connell will live on forever as long as there is an Internet. His work is spread all over the WWW...World Wide Web.
Merry Christmas Ed...and Happy New Year.
Photo c/o Ed O'Connell
*Click the photo above to see a larger version of Ed's Pic.
PRE-ORDERS WILL BE AVAILABLE LATE DECEMBER
OF 2025
UPDATE: Fingers crossed. This is the NEW COVER and Back cover. CLICK ON THIS IMAGE ABOVE TO SEE THE full cover. The book will be be available for pre-ordering in late December. The Online version will have all the stories and images. The printed version will only have the stories that I feel will be the most entertaining.
Click on the image above to see the full cover and back cover art along with the endorsements on the back cover. I will post all the ordering info here on the Blog.
And this book will be available in both hard cover and soft cover on AMAZON, BARNES & NOBLE, INGRAM, GOOGLE BOOKS, and KOBO PUBLISHING.
SID ABRUZZI'S AMAZING DOCUMENTARY IS NOW STREAMING ON AMAZON, APPLE TV, and iTUNES.
CLICK ON THE IMAGE ABOVE TO SEE WHERE YOU CAN WATCH THE MOVIE.
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THE ANNUAL YANKEE SWAP AT POST 35 IN HAMPTON
Last Monday night at The Annual Holiday Yankee Swap at our Vet's Post here in Hampton. The criteria: Bring a wrapped gift, that is worth no more than $20.
So, I placed this photo of me from last Summer's "Hit The Beach" and photo shopped my hand with a $20 bill in a nice box and wrapped it up. I even put a bow on top. When the vet who picked this gift unwrapped it, I walked up and handed him a crisp $20 bill.
Suffice it to say, all the Vets present laughed their heads off! I try to bring a little Joy into our small world in Hampton every Holiday season.
I was a big fan of Rob Reiner. Hell, I even wrote a lyric about him in my song WHY CAN'T YOU SAY LOVE? (Click on the image above to see that video.) But honestly he made some amazing movies. The Princess Bride, Stand By Me, A Few Good Men, When Harry Met Sally, Misery, and one of my favorites THIS IS SPINAL TAP. His talent was appreciated by millions. Yes he was a non-Trumper (like me and millions of others) but that was his prerogative. He and his wife Michelle were murdered by their own son. Horrific doesn't even begin to cover it. Just a terrible tragedy.
But leave it to our Commander In Chief to post something so despicable that it defies any kind of presidential logic. Even some members of his own MAGA party
were disgusted by his post. But in case you didn't see it, or hear about it. Here it is. How any sitting president could post something this cruel and vile is beyond me. In my honest opinion, the president has (even for him) stooped to a new low. This is beyond insane.
And by the way, this made up TDS (That he himself conjured up in one of his late night tweeting missions) is a joke. The only ones who are suffering from TDS are those who blindly follow and support him. I am convinced that there is something mentally and physically wrong with the president. He falls asleep constantly in cabinet meetings. He can't string together a coherent sentence. His treatment of women (mostly reporters) is so un presidential that it makes most REAL men uncomfortable.
And is there anyone out there who does not think that he was in the Epstein Files? The Epstein files were released on Friday 12-19-2025 and there were pages and pages of blacked out REDACTED files. Gee, I wonder why?
And his recent presidential plaques that he had installed in the White House about past presidents is so incredibly crass and juvenile, that it defies any kind of normalcy and logic. He needs to start acting like a president for everyone, or his legacy will be forever stained by his own words and actions.
Mark my words: His legacy will not be flattering. And he will have no one to blame but himself. It was all his own undoing.
The Other Night At David Robinson's Annual Christmas Party
Me, Anne Marie, and David. David gave me the original VINNY Pin that he's wearing in the new CARS book with Anne Marie. He found the pin the other day, and thought he needed to give it to me. I was so touched by that kind and thoughtful gesture. I do not believe that I even have one.
The first time I saw the photo of David wearing the VINNY pin I was blown away by it. I mean The CARS were legitimate super stars. And there's David Robinson wearing the pin.
"SURFING AND THE HOLIDAYS HEALS ALL WOUNDS."
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THE END OF AN ERA OF THE MALL GAMES
The infamous MALL GAMES of the last 30 something years came to an dull thud of an end on Tuesday December 16th, 2025. Me, Jacko, and JIM. The Final Score 0-0. The Mall was completely dead.
We are currently looking at a new venue for 2026. But as of now, the Old Newington Mall that brought us so much joy and hurtfulness is over. May she rest in eternal peace.
*The Mall Games is featured in my soon to be released book DON'T EVER BUY A F**KING MONKEY.
PLEASE KEEP THE PRAYERS COMING FOR SKY ROSA
LAST WEEK THE NE PATRIOTS (11-2) lost to THE BUFFALO BILLS (9-4) This after they were up 21-0 in the first qtr. They had the lead 24-7 at the half. But the Bills scored 5 consecutive TDs! Say what? Yup. They ended up losing 35-31. All of a sudden there was panic in Patriots Nation. Oh no. How could we be so wrong about this team? But last night's game against The Ravens was one for the ages. The Patriots came back from a deficit and Drake Maye threw for 380 yards to beat the Ravens 28-24 and earned a spot in the PLAY-OFFS. Hot dang it people. We got ourselves one hell of a team (again).
So I'm sure you have heard that The EPSTEIN Files have been partially released on Friday December 19th, 2025 and lo and behold, there pages upon pages of Blacked out REDACTED files. Now, I'm no Colombo, but, it sure seems fishy that there are that many REDACTED pages. I mean who are they trying to protect? Any guesses? And look, it's NO secret that the president and Epstein were good friends at one time. There's enough video and photos of them together to prove that. AND, it's not just the current president who visited the Island of Misfit Boys. Ex President Clinton was there. So was Michael Jackson. and the little Pedophile Worm himself, Woody Allen. They should all be held accountable. No matter what political party you are part of. You need to face the music.
I'm not surprised that Our boy Khaliddy was there. And you shouldn't be either. Let's face it, the Sheik is not a nice guy. He has abused girls and women for as long as we have known him. In fact, I'm sure he must be harassing the women reporters at The GITMO GAZETTE. But that's not anything new. KSM is a pig. And so are those who abused underage girls at Epstein Island. So my friends, it's off to 2026. God knows what is coming. But you can all rest assure that whatever it is, Ole Khaliddy will be there.
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 BILLY JEAN Records at Home Depot this week.
PLEASE KEEP SKY ROSA in your Thoughts and Prayers.
GET WELL SOON Kim Grondin!
GET WELL SOON Jon Gozzo!
GET WELL SOON GABBY LaBRECK!
HAPPY 41st ANNIVERSAY CORY 12-23-25!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY Tony Berardini 12-24-25
HSAPPY BIRTHDAY Baby Jesus 12-25-25
MERRY CHRISTMAS! HAPPY HANUKKAH!
HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE! Peace On Earth.
KEEP FIGHTING Robert Gerard! You Got This Brother!
Please keep LOCAL SURF LEGEND Norm Murphy in your thoughts and prayers.
"SURFING HEALS ALL WOUNDS."
Please
Support ALL The photographers who contribute to
Ralph's Pic Of The Week every week for the last 21 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
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Everybody loves seeing the old pics of surfing. Especially here in Northern New England. If you have any old pics please send them off to me via email or social media. My email is ralph@adlantic.com
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40 YEARS AGO. KEVIN "DOC" GRONDIN AT THE WALL.
This photo brings back fond memories for me. I remember this day so clearly. And I was standing next to Thom Moore when he shot this photo. I had turned Thom onto both surfing and surf photography. Thom has since passed away, while Kevin is still surfing and charging it today. In fact, I got a great photo of him from this last swell doing a similar bottom turn. And he's 69 years young.
Photo by Thom-a-hawk
*Click on the photo above to see a larger image
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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 or two and go through this year long 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.
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All photos taken this week unless otherwise noted.
Today- WINTER SOLSTICE SWELL
December 20th, 2025
Photos by RALPH
(Above) As the sun was coming up Beckley was already into his
first hour on December 20th, 2025. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
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Click on the ad above to see the Menu and other
important info on their Somerville restaurant and all the
other AMERICAN FLATBREAD locations.
Best EAST COAST Coverage on the Internet.
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(Above) The man has style and grace on a longboard, Beckley Stearns. December 20th, 2025. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
(Above) This is Marcus @m_rc_s.v and he gets his fair share out there. December 20th, 2025. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
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Visit this site to read about the Legends of our coast.
Welcome Solsticenh.com Melinda is a local NH surfer.
Click on the ad above to visit her site.
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(Above) This is not a great surf pic per'se, but I like what the wave is doing. December 20th, 2025. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
(Above) Beckley Stearns. December 20th, 2025. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
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NEW Client to the BLOG WELCOME 935 OCEAN
Click on the ad to find out where to stay the next time
you're in town.
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(Above) He knows if you've been dropping in on your friends. So be good for goodness sake. December 20th, 2025. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
(Above) JoJo Kirby's cool bottom turn. December 20th, 2025.
Photo by RALPH *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
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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/
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(Above) And then Brian Nevins paddled out and scored some perfect rights. December 20th, 2025. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
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Click on the ad above to find out more about owner
and creator Ryan Jackson and
NH2o's cool selection
of surf related products. |
(Above) Brian had shot some insane drone pics minutes before. This is a cool little hollow inside section. December 20th, 2025. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
(Above) Imagine being this guy. He was out there by himself. Brian Nevins scoring an early Christmas gift. December 20th, 2025. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
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SALTY PAWS DAYCARE NOW OPEN
Click on the
Ad above for more info
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(Above) Meanwhile across the bay, Tyler Moore picked off this beauty. December 20th, 2025. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
(Above) Mackey V got a few of these inside runners.
December 20th, 2025. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
(Above) The lefts were lining up as the tide filled in. Max on the inside. December 20th, 2025. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
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Produced by David Robinson of the CARS.
Visit our Facebook page
Produced by David Robinson of the CARS.
Visit our Facebook page
Produced by Steve Saddler.
Visit our Facebook page
The VINNY Band was around from 1976 to 1984
July 30th, 1979 headlining the Paradise Club
In Boston, MA
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(Above) The Shoals appear to be dancing on the water. While the real dancing was happening closer to shore. December 20th, 2025.
Photo by RALPH *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
(Above) The man himself. Kevin "Doc" Grondin. 69 years old and still charging in the winter. December 20th, 2025. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
(Above) Kevin again, cutting back at a spot that he has surfed forever. December 20th, 2025. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
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Joe Carter, Brian Nevins, and Nick Machiavelli
Click on the ad above to visit their website
The art of Donna Ambassadorial
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(Above) This guy? That's Kenny Linsman. Look at the wave setting up. December 20th, 2025. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
(Above) I hope that's not one of those Venezuela's tankers.
December 20th, 2025. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
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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.
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(Above) This wave popped up on the outside reef and this guy slipped into a nice one on December 20th, 2025. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
(Above) Mr and Mrs Fatello. They are expecting their first child in May of 2026. December 20th, 2025. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
Today- WINTER SOLSTICE SWELL
December 20th, 2025
Photos by Ed Moran
(Above) Happy or Hoppy Holidays. December 20th, 2025.
Photo by Ed Moran
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
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Hannah Vokey is one of my favorite surf artists.
Click on the ad above to find out more about
more about local surf artist Stan Chew's art
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(Above) Fins out for Matt Colby. December 20th, 2025.
Photo by Ed Moran
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
(Above) That blue green looks cold. December 20th, 2025.
Photo by Ed Moran
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
(Above) This guy actually has his eyes closed. Nothing to see here.
December 20th, 2025. Photo by Ed Moran
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
(Above) My son-in-law Pete Rizzo got a few nice ones on this day. December 20th, 2025. Photo by Ed Moran
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
(Above) Impacted in this little nugget with a decent view of the outside. Kody Grondin. December 20th, 2025. Photo by Ed Moran
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
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Visit Jimmy Dunn's website to find out where
else he will be performing. Watch Jimmy on the
new FRASIER Click on Jimmy to find out more.
ALL EPISODES OF SEASON 2 of FRASIER ARE NOW STREAMING ON PARAMOUNT+
Jimmy Dunn and Kelsey Grammer
Click the image above or below to see more.
Click on the ad above to visit her Facebook page.
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(Above) Emptiness on the rocks. December 20th, 2025.
Photo by Ed Moran
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
(Above) Tapping the coping of a cold one. December 20th, 2025.
Photo by Ed Moran
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
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I love Erica's whimsical Gull art. So cool and unique.
SECRET SPOT IS NOW OPEN IN HAMPTON.
SECRET SPOT is back in operation on the seacoast.
Thank you.
Jon Gozzo and family.
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(Above) Matt Colby waiting for hollowness. December 20th, 2025.
Photo by Ed Moran
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
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(Above) One final lip bounce for Matt Colby.
December 20th, 2025. Photo by Ed Moran
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
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Listen to QWILL on the video page.
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(Above) Colby throwing buckets. December 20th, 2025.
Photo by Ed Moran
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
(Above) Sweet bottom turn. December 20th, 2025.
Photo by Ed Moran
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
(Above) The Quad has come a long way since I first had one in 1980. December 20th, 2025. Photo by Ed Moran
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
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Click on this image to visit Driftwood Photography
"GIVE YOUR BUSINESS A KICK IN THE ADS"
Since 1985.
Click on the image above to see the cool ocean art
from Alex Walsh.
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Today- THE CHAMBO FILES 12-12-25
Photos by Capn' Chambo
(Above) Pull over for a quick pre-launch surf check.
Photo by Cap'n Chambo
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
(Above) Having personally experienced this, I can tell you with 100% certainty, that there's something really special about boating into a secluded surf spot. Photo by Cap'n Chambo
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
(Above) Bottom turning with nobody around for miles.
Photo by Cap'n Chambo
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
(Above) You tell me. Does this look worth the prepping and riding for miles over open ocean? Photo by Cap'n Chambo
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
(Above) The look on his face tells you all you need to know.
Photo by Cap'n Chambo
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
(Above) Just in case you were on the fence. Just two guys out.
Photo by Cap'n Chambo
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
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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 1500 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
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(Above) Kevin Grondin shot this amazing pic of a Rocket Launch in Puerto Rico on December 8th, 2025. Photo by Kevin Doc Grondin
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
(Above) This is from the Winter Solstice Swell. Have a seat and take in the view. December 20th, 2025 Photo Erica Nardone
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
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He's more than just a good photographer
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(Above) All Rise: The 10th Street District Court Of Surf is Now in Session. The Honorable Judge RALPH presiding. Case # 810 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.
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Click on this image above to buy this book
and more cool KING'S X merchandise and music
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I see waves on Christmas December 25th, 2025....
I'm picking CHRISTMAS December 25th, 2025 as the best day of the
next two weeks.
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December 21st, 2025
"Swimming up stream..."
(ABOVE) This is Crazy scary. I'm so glad I'm old and would never be tempted to try and surf such a wave. Photo by GOOGLE
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Click here to read Shaun Tomson's first book.
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