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

February 16th, 2025 The RUN is 4 out of 4 Weeks.
CRITERIA: Waist high or better at least once a week.
There were waist high waves on 2-7-25 and head high to overhead waves on 2-23-25


THE RECORD FOR THE MOST CONSECUTIVE WEEKS IN A ROW FOR WAIST HIGH OR BETTER. January 13th, 2025 was 59 WEEKS!

NEXT BLOG March 2nd, 2025.
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.



NOROVIRUS HITS. SUPER BOWL 59 CHIEFS vs EAGLES. BIG SWELL HITS 2-13-25. McCartney Plays small club in NYC

The NOROVIRUS swept through our family like the plague.

It was hard to concentrate on the Super Bowl with this thing hanging over our heads. By the time the 2nd qtr started my poor wife got hit. And by the end of the first half the game was basically over. The EAGLES manhandled the Chiefs in such a way that it was over before it started. Oh my God. The Eagles four defensive linemen sacked Mahomes 6 times. It was downright embarrassing for the Cocky Chiefs who were on the verge of becoming the first ever NFL team to win three consecutive Super Bowls.

But alas my dear Chiefs fans. Twas not to be. Not on this night. Nosiree Bobbee. The Eagles had other plans. And I say Thank God for that. Why?
Look, I'm a Patriots fan. I'm a Tom Brady fan. I don't want to see Kermit and Kelce beat our boy Tommy. Hell no. So please, don't any of you ever speak of the REAL GOAT TB 12 and Kermit in the same sentence ever again. Patrick Mahomes is a good to Great QB. But he's NO TB12.



Jalen Hurts on the other hand was a far superior QB than Mahomes.



The pressure came all night long. I mean ALL NIGHT.

Hurts got the MVP of the game and it was well earned.

Those of us Patriots fans were giddy by the end of the 3rd qtr It was 34-0
and the Chiefs were talking about the Patriots being down 28-3 late in the 3rd qtr and came back to beat the Falcons. That's true, but it was the farthest from the truth during this game. The EAGLES were dominating and would not be denied. Not this night. The final Score says it all.
EAGLES 40 CHIEFS 22.

Long Live The New England Patriots and Tom Brady!

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 February 16th, 2025



This is just another empty wave. Ed and I both shared a love for Empty waves. It's no secret that I only paint empty waves. And it's no secret that I look for those perfect empty waves whenever I am out shooting the surf. I would always encourage Ed to seek them out as well.

I know how much he enjoyed shooting them as I did (and still do). In fact there were so many times when he'd send me a beauty where I would immediately pick up the phone and call him when I saw the empty gem he just sent me. Just another thing I miss about him. Photo by Ed O'Connell
*Click the photo above to see a larger version of Ed's Pic.

COMING SOME TIME IN Late WINTER/SPRING OF 2025



This is beginning to sound like a broken record but...we recently had two serious setbacks. We had another bout with the dreaded COVID in the house, and then our dog Patch of 15 years passed away. And then the NOROVIRUS? Damn. So while I apologize (again) for this taking so damn long, but the above aforementioned events were unforeseen and needed to be dealt with.

UPDATE: I did hire a professional editor to cut through my story and take out the fat and leave the prime beef. Having my life stories ending up on the cutting room floor has been difficult at best. So I bit the bullet and hired a team of BEST SELLER editors. I hope this will expedite the process. Fingers crossed.
I strongly believe that it will be done before Spring.

And this book will be available in both hard cover and soft cover on AMAZON, BARNES & NOBLE, INGRAM, GOOGLE BOOKS, and KOBO PUBLISHING.

Meanwhile here's the ONLY existing photo of my monkey.
Taken by my father. There is a super 8mm movie that my dad shot at the end in September 1971. But this is the only photo.


You can see the date. May of 1971.

"WORST HALFTIME SHOW EVER"
I posted this on my FACEBOOK Page.

But then, I had a change of heart and reposted this.

I’m sorry if I offended anyone tonight. Seriously, I apologize. I made a pledge to myself on New Years Eve, that I would try to be a better person this year. Some of my posts tonight have fallen short of that pledge. Kendrick Lamar is a successful Hip Hop artist and I had no business writing what I did.

I’ll try and get back on the right track. Congrats to both teams tonight. And to all the fans of both teams.

*Truth is I actually toured with members of the SUGAR HILL Gang the summer of 1984. So I am familiar with RAP.


VALENTINES DAY STORY.

I remember when we were kids, we had to give Valentines Day cards to everyone in the class. My then best friend Eddie gave me a card that said, “We’re just two peas in a pod.” And we were. Best friends since the 2nd grade. Our birthdays were one day apart. We were inseparable from the 2nd grade right through High School. We ended up enlisting in the Marines together. Both went to Vietnam.

And that was the beginning of the end.



(The photos above was taken right before we shipped out .
And when we met up over there.)

Alcohol, drugs, and PTS being the main problems. I ended up being his best man at his wedding. And he and his wife along with their new born baby came to our wedding. My parents were like parents to him. When my dad passed away, I tried calling and writing to him. But he just went dark on me. I have not seen or heard from him in over 25 years.

But there’s never been a single Valentines Day since the 2nd grade, that I don’t think about that silly card he gave me. “We’re just two peas in a pod.” Happy Valentines Day.

PAUL McCARTNEY PLAYS 3 SURPRISE SHOWS IN NYC



Can you imagine seeing Paul McCartney in a small club setting?
Here's a list of some of the songs he played.
HARD DAYS NIGHT, I'VE JUST SEEN A FACE, FROM ME TO YOU, GOT TO GET YOU INTO MY LIFE, BLACKBIRD, SOMETHING, OB LA DI OB LA DA, DRIVE MY CAR, GET BACK, NOW AND THEN, LADY MADONNA, LET IT BE, HEY JUDE, and the encore GOLDEN SLUMBERS, CARRY THAT WEIGHT, and THE END.
I had read that he played MAYBE I'M AMAZED the first night.

And CONGRATS TO SNL on their 50th anniversary. I'll have more on this in the next Blog on March 2nd, 2025.


“SURFING AND BEATLES HEALS ALL WOUNDS.” 

TIME MAGAZINE HUMILIATES THE KING OF AMERICA



This controversial cover on TIME magazine had the whole world shaking their collective heads. The cover which shows Elon Musk sitting behind the King's desk begs the question. Who is really in charge here? And to be quite honest with you? I'm not really sure. Because it sure seems like the South African Prince is trying to weasel in on the King's throne. And knowing the King like we do, he can't be very happy about it.

I can't remember any time in our nation's history when a non elected individual has had so much power. I know that Prince Musk gave $250 million dollars to the King's campaign. That's a lot of money. So you can't really blame the King for letting Muskrat run amok in the oval office and beyond.

I mean his whole DOGE team has been headline news for the last week too. Now before you get your panties all up in a bunch. I am ALL FOR STOPPING WASTEFUL Spending in our government especially the nonessential wasteful spending on some of the items that is on the hit list.

But some of the South African's cuts have been hurting actual Veterans. It's true. Veterans who served our country in uniform. *Both the King and The Prince never served our country. I belong to several Vietnam Veterans pages and they are being decimated by Prince Muskrat. It's true. Google it.

This is not some political rant. This is the truth. I am a advocate for Veterans and their earned rights. And what is happening is a travesty. Leave the Veterans and their families alone.

80 YEARS AGO ON FEBRUARY 23rd, 1945.

Six US MARINES Raised the flag on top of Mt Suribachi on the island of Iwo Jima. *Next Blog will have a full feature on this historical moment in our nation's history.






Somehow the Sheik found his way into the OVAL Office when he heard that the South African Prince was holding a press conference with his little son X. He did this while The King sat in his chair and looked completely unimportant. See the full story by The Sheik in the GITMO Gazette. I would imagine that Ole Khaliddy is going to get a promotion soon. I mean he's getting all these big scoops. Though he'd rather be getting big ice cream scoops then getting these BREAKING NEWS Stories. Go get 'em Sheiky!

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 MAGA Diapers at Home Depot this week.

I'm just gonna leave this here...though I'm assuming you already know about this. The King is renaming large bodies of water. How is that even legal? And really? How incredibly childish is this? Unbelievable.
*Somebody should rename Mara Lago.

REST IN PEACE PATCH 2010-2025

HAPPY 75th BIRTHDAY Joe Somogyi March 2, 2025!
REST IN PEACE Andrew Raucci SEMPER FI.
REST PEACE the people who perished on the American Airlines and the US ARMY Blackhawk helicopter crash.
HAPPY VALENTINES DAY February 14th, 2025 Baby!
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY Judith & John February 23rd, 2025!
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 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

TWENTY FIVE YEARS AGO.
My father passed away on February 7th, 2000. I can't believe he's been gone for 25 years. I write about him in my new book.
Photos c/o The Fatello Family
*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 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.

Click on the ad above to see a larger version

All photos taken this week unless otherwise noted.

Today- The EVE OF LOVE SWELL February 13th, 2025.
Photos by RALPH




(Above) That's Joel Feid getting vert and beyond on February 13th, 2025.
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.

Best EAST COAST Coverage on the Internet.

(Above) Matt Colby getting a few turns in before changing venues. Thursday February 13th, 2025. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) Finally some waves of significance. February 13th, 2025.
Photo by RALPH *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

The Haffenreffer family have been helping seacoast families
with their holistic health and optimal wellness for decades.

Welcome Solsticenh.com Melinda is a local NH surfer.
Click on the ad above to visit her site.

(Above) Crowley was jamming turns and turning heads.
Thursday February 13th, 2025. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery



(Above) James Morse sussing out the situation in between diaper duty. Thursday February 13th, 2025. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

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.

(Above) Gut check for Crowley. Thursday February 13th, 2025.
Photo by RALPH *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery



(Above) I wrote on social media that Crowley is one of the most powerful surfers in the line-up. Case in point. Thursday February 13th, 2025.
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) Looks pretty from here. Thursday February 13th, 2025.
Photo by RALPH *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) Before there were drones, there were gulls.
Thursday February 13th, 2025. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery



(Above) Johnny "JIM" Meehan dropping in below sea level.
Thursday February 13th, 2025. 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) Ian Dreher going above sea level. Thursday February 13th, 2025.
Photo by RALPH *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery



(Above) Stepping on the gas pedal. Crowley Gentile.
Thursday February 13th, 2025. 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) Dodging loose boards and paddlers was commonplace.
Thursday February 13th, 2025. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery



(Above) JIM did two long sessions this day. 65 is just a number to him. Thursday February 13th, 2025. Photo by RALPH *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) Smooth carve by Matt Colby. Thursday February 13th, 2025.
Photo by RALPH *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

Joe Carter, Brian Nevins, and Nick Lavecchia

Click on the ad above to visit their website



The art of Donna Baldassari

(Above) I remember dad. Friday February 7th, 2025. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) Not very big, but plenty clean and green enough for this guy.
Friday February 7th, 2025. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) It was pretty enough for me to think back 25 years ago.
Friday February 7th, 2025. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

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

(Above) If my dad were around today he would have chuckled at this photoshop. Friday February 7th, 2025. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) I like practicing on flying gulls. Friday February 7th, 2025.
Photo by RALPH *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) Kenny's last wave that day. Friday February 7th, 2025.
Photo by RALPH *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) Johnny Meehan. Friday February 7th, 2025. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery



(Above) I really wanted to paddle out this day. It was pretty mellow.
Friday February 7th, 2025. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

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.

(Above) I looked at this rock and thought about the wrinkles in my own face. Like I used to say to Patch, "We got old Patchy. We got old."
Friday February 7th, 2025. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) I looked up and saw this guy get this pretty wave and I suddenly felt young again. Friday February 7th, 2025. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

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.

Today- The DAY BEFORE VALENTINES DAY
February 13th, 2025. Photos by Chris Carragher



(Above) This is a great shot of Brian "BMO" Morse.
Thursday February 13th, 2025. Photo by Chris Carragher
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) Brian's brother James hitting the brakes for a little cover up.
Thursday February 13th, 2025. Photo by Chris Carragher
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

Listen to QWILL on the video page.

(Above) This guy is fully extended to make that looping section up ahead.
Thursday February 13th, 2025. Photo by Chris Carragher
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) Nice carve. Thursday February 13th, 2025.
Photo by Chris Carragher
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) This Goofy foot is seeking shelter in a perfect folding lip.
Thursday February 13th, 2025. Photo by Chris Carragher
*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.

Click on the image above to see the cool ocean art
from Alex Walsh.

Today- The Z-RUN February 6th, 2025.
Photos by RALPH

(Above) They almost look alike. Zorro is Patchy's first born male.
Thursday February 6th, 2025. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) He can run like his father. Zorro chasing gulls on the beach.
Thursday February 6th, 2025. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) This is SURF FAMILY ROBINSON BEACH. I hope they finish before Labor Day. Thursday February 6th, 2025. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) Zorro is bigger and thicker than his dad Patch. But he still has a solid point. Thursday February 6th, 2025. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) That pure joy that they all have when running on the beach.
Run Zorro run! I got you. Thursday February 6th, 2025. 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 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

(Above) Tim Brown on a smooth looking beautiful wave.
January 1st, 2025. Photo by @madpowley
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery



(Above) 14 YEARS AGO on February 6th, 2011. This was from my CATCH A WAVE FOR MOLLY Campaign. The good folks at The Penguin Plunge let me catch my wave before they ran the event
Photo c/o Gabby LaBreck and Cory Fatello
*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 # 788 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 today and next week

I'm picking 2-26-25 as the best of the two weeks

February 16th, 2025

"Hey if you're the Commander in Chief, you need to render a proper hand salute!"

(ABOVE) I swear he needs to get some Private in the armed forces to teach him how to salute. This is embarrassing. Photoshop by RALPH



Click here to return to TOP of the page