Newsletter April 15, 2004

Well, here we are, another version of our website. We think this one's pretty good and we'll more than likely be sticking with it for a while. It all started with the Wave Cam. Then Dave and Phil with the help of Paul came up with the look and feel. They let me continue on with the Pic of the week and the weekly Newsletter. I like doing the Pic of the week and writing about it. I guess they figure I've been hanging around these parts for some time now and must know something about surfing.

Truth be told. I started surfing and playing guitar (that's a whole other story) in 1964. I've always painted waves. It's the only subject matter that I can paint. I love empty waves. I've also been making movies since the late 60's and still do all three today. I don't surf as good as I used to, but I still know the art form. Surfing is an art. Making Surf Videos is art form too. I'm fortunate to be able to do the things I love and share them with family and friends.I am truly fortunate to have the medium to express it all. That medium is Cinnamon Rainbows.com So thank you Dave, Heather, Phil, and Nick and everyone else who works at Cinnamon Rainbows from Johnny to Nohea.

So my first photos of the week I'm calling. Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow. I think it's important to know where we all came from. And where we are today. And most importantly, my friends, where we're all heading.

There is a history here of this art form we call Surfing. This short coastline has a rich culture and we must do everything we can to preserve it. Take the time to do the right thing. Our ocean and our community. Keep it clean. Never forget the past, learn from our daily activities and hold onto your dreams of the future.

So, to all my friends who surf, and to those who paint, and those who make music...and especially all of you making surf videos, take a look at our short history in this series of photos.

Hopefully the stoke will burn deep in your souls and you will find the inspiration to surf a little better, and to make more surf art, and pull out that camera and take a photo or two and shoot some killer video. Remember what I always say..."Imagination is more important than knowledge".

Keep surfing. Keep rocking.

Pray for Surf. Pray for Peace.

Ralph

Ralph Fatello at one our Points circa 1971 shooting with an old GAF Super 8mm Movie Camera. photo Jason Hammer
YESTERDAY
YESTERDAY
Joe Somogyi and Moira Daly at the Wall circa 1974. They were my best friends. They are both gone now. They were destined to be together. Forever. They had dreamed of getting married and moving to Tahiti. I did a drawing of them. I called it Tahiti for Two. They're together now, for all eternity. photo Jason Hammer
TODAY
Mike Stanek slashing back to tap into the juice of his roots. A contemporary surfer to say the least, Mike has a finger on the pulse on what's hot and what's not. He's paid his dues as a young grom and today has the talent to take his surfing wherever he wants.
photo Betsy Cory
*Note: Betsy Cory is one of the most talented up and coming photographers I have seen in this area in years. I guess it doesn't hurt having Mike as a boyfriend to keep her chops together.
Keep 'em coming Betsy. We love your work!
TOMORROW
Max Fatello with his foot on the accelerator is one of the many young groms who seem to be popping up everywhere and heading straight for the lifestyle. Someone once said to me a few years ago..."We don't have any young surfers in New Hampshire". I beg to differ. There are a whole bunch of great kids out there surfing every swell...and some year round! These kids are the future of our Seacoast. They are having blast. And isn't that what surfing is all about? Having fun. Next time it's 2' slop take the time to watch these kids just have the time of their lives.
Who do they remind you of?