April
17th, 2005
Looking
at the calender this weekend, I realized that it's been one year since the
birth of this new website and for writing this weekly column. Now, for all
intents and purposes, I've been posting pictures on Cinnamon Rainbows
for much longer. I think since 1998, or maybe earlier. I've also been posting
surf pics on my other site Surf Free Or Die for way longer. But, it's
this ' New weekly column' format that is celebrating our 1st anniversary.
For the better part of a year now, the gang at CR has been putting
out information and product that has been both fun and informative. Dave,
Phil, Heather, Kevin, and all the other Shop crew have done an outstanding
job. The man behind the monitor you look at, Paul Block has been instrumental
in the cool look and feel of this site. So kudos to you Paul. The biggest
addition has been the Wave Cam at the Wall. We all look at it. Everyday.
It's hard to believe a whole year has gone by.
A lot has happened since April 15, 2004. Like what? Well, the Sox
are World Champs for starters. The Patriots are a Dynasty wining 3
out of the last 4 Superbowls. We've just experienced the Best winter in ages.
In fact, we're still getting waves. If you haven't heard, there's decent surf
today.
Lots of sad things too. We lost some friends and loved ones this past year.
The key to losing someone, is to never forget them. The only way for that
to happen, is to talk about them. And, we all witnessed the horror of the
December 26, 2004 tsunami. The single biggest loss of life
from a natural disaster in our lifetimes and it was caused by waves.
In short,
it's been quite the year.
The last year writing this column has been especially rewarding for me. I
guess it's because, I really had no idea how many of you actually read my
column each week. I've had so many positive emails from so many of you. I've
met many more out in the water, who have told me they read my column every
week. I have to say, I am touched by all of you. And I am truly greatful for
all of your kind words. Someone once asked me, "How do you find so many
'surf related' subjects to write about every week?" Well, that's easy.
The thing about surfing and surfers in general is, we are such an interesting
bunch of individuals. I mean think about it. I'm talking about surfers from
our neck of the woods. New England. To the rest of the surf world,
we're all considered certifiably insane. Surely, the thought of surfing in
minus wind chill factors and in water temps hovering around freezing (32)
we must look crazy to the outsider. I know we do. You know we do.
The California gang, the Hawaiian crew and even our southern
brothers and sisters in Florida are slack jawed goofy when it
comes to the extreme conditions we deal with. Throw in the fact, that we actually
get World Class Surf and you got yourselves one unusual bunch.
Trust me, you guys are easy to write about.
If you
got good surf pics send em off to me directly.
Just make sure they're NOT huge files. In fact if you have any questions about
the size, email me first and I'll write back. Start shooting crackie!!
Ralph Pic Of The Week
Yesterday
1976. Jeff Crawford perfectly
slotted in a dream wave.
I remember the first time I laid eyes on this photo. I stared at it for a
very long time. It's a photo of one of my closest and dearest friends. Jeff
Crawford. He knew what he had in his hands when he showed it to me. It was
a bona fide photo of himself in a perfect tube. He had his ' then girlfriend'
take the photo. Look at this shot! His girlfriend took it! Are you kidding
me? Oh Jeffy, I can still feel the sting of jealousy seeing this photo again.
Jeff and I have been on quite a few surf adventures in our lives and this
place was hands down the best place we ever discovered. Where is it? Well
kids, truth be told, it ain't a secret anymore. But I'm still not gonna tell
you. I will say this. It's North of Cape Cod and South of Greenland (the continent).
Remember...? Use your imagination...it's out there...go out and find it!
Photo
courtesy of Jeff Crawford
Today
2005. Jeff's Son Everest
Having some fun in Thailand
This is my friend Jeff's son Everest. Clearly the kid has experienced more
at his young age than most adults will
have in their entire lifetime. Riding elephants through the mountains and
jungles of Thailand. Handling deadly King
Cobras.
Spending
a few winters on the North Shore of Oahu. Oh yea...he's seen some stuff.
Photos
by Jeff Crawford
Today really felt like Spring. And if I may be so bold, I think we're
out of the woods as far as Snowfall goes. Now I know we've had snow as late
as May in the past, but I'm going out on a limb here and saying that
it's all behind us now. However, if for some reason we get a few flurries
here and there, please don't blame me.
I know it's Spring because my daughter Gabby went surfing after
a winter lay-off. She was so stoked! So was I. I love to see her having fun
in the surf. All you dads and moms know what I'm talking about. Gabby
and I surfed the Wall on saturday. Now let me tell you, there were a few sets
she caught on the head. And yes she went through the proverbial "ice
cream headache" syndrone, but all in all, she was stoked to be back in
the water. She caught a couple of long rights that had us both hooting. I
was very proud and happy for her.
Speaking of girls...I'm seeing more and more women out surfing these days.
I think it's great. I mean how could it not be? We have a pretty good contingent
of female surfers in our neck of the woods. Some who surf year round. There's
Nohea and Julia Nichols, Jen and her crew, Erica, and
just a whole bunch more who surf right through the winter. And now that the
warmer temps are here, expect to see Leah Grondin, Carly Gould, Heather
Day and a host of others.
No offense boys, but the women seem to have a better understanding and compassion
when it comes to sharing waves than most of the men and boys. There's a life
lesson there for some of you.
Speaking of women. How many of you have ever had your poor girlfriend or wife
stand out there in the freezing cold weather snapping photos of you and your
buds? (See Yesterday Pic below) Come on be truthful. I know I'm guilty of
it. In fact, my wife has shot some of the best video I've ever had. She's
credited in most of my movies. There's a bunch of real good women photographers
out there. Some of them got good because of guys like us. "Come on
baby, just shoot some video of me and the boys. Just shoot the good waves.
Baby? Please...hello?"
My friend Nick Valhouli says he spotted a couple dolphins last week
while out surfing the point. Did anyone else see them? Typically we don't
see dolphins that close to land and we sure don't see them in water this cold.
Hope they were ok. Nick's going to opening a new Hair salon in Hampton
next month. It will be called Jon Val's.
Look for it next month. Another friend has opened a new Mexican food restaurant
in Newburyport. Mike Rosa is partners in the new Skate, Surf, Snowboard
theme eating spot called "Bucky's Burritos". Check it out
when you get a hankerin for MexFood.
Surf should be good tomorrow (Monday). Life is good again. Thank you again
for a wonderful first year.
Stay tuned on the Ray Hackett Memorial Paddle.
As
always my friends...Pray for Surf. Pray for Peace. Surf For Fun.
Ralph
