Got good surf pics?
Send em off to me directly.
(See link below) Just make sure
they're 650 pixels wide.
NO bigger NO smaller.

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

If you want to access the Pic of the
week from past weeks click here.
Archives

August 19th, 2007

Pray for surf.
How many times have we all said or written those words? Pray for surf. Or worse, Pray For Hurricanes. We all don't put much stock into those words, as they have become, part of our overall make-up. We don't really think much beyond what "we want out of each storm, and or Hurricane". We want surf, and we don't care how we get it. And, we want it now. Being a surfer in New England during mid to late summer, we all look down in the tropics for any sign of any Tropical depressions or Tropical Storm activity. To a single surfer, both men and women, we all hope and "pray" for big surf. The bigger, the better.

What we don't really think about is, what happens to others when our dreams and prayers are answered. Like today for instance. The people in Jamaica are living a nightmare as I write this. This Hurricane that is steamrolling towards the Caribbean Island is bearing down on this Rastafarian Nation with a vengeance. This storm my friends, is not for the feint of heart.

Hurricane Dean is a CAT 4 storm
that is packing 145mph winds. And this storm, when all is said and done, will undoubtedly cause death and destruction. Yet, all any of us can think about is, will we get any surf from this? Will we get overhead surf, and will it be clean and warm? Will it be crowded? Will I get good pics and video?

I know I'm being unfair here.

I really don't think that any of you would trade a six foot wave over the life of a small child. I think I can safely say that. At least, I hope that's the case. If I thought for a minute, that any of my friends who I surf with, on a regular basis, would gladly take a wave, over someone's life, no matter how poor, and how remote, well, simply put, we wouldn't be friends for long.

However, if we all stopped and thought about, what we really all pray and hope for, we'd probably tone it down.

Most surfers, just don't think about the many deaths, or the thousands that are left homeless, during these storms. Or, they turn a blind eye to it. They see it, and hear it on TV, or read about it, in the papers. But for the most part, we shut it out and try not to dwell on it. After all, we have no control over the weather.

I wrote something similar once, after the devastating Tsunami of December 2004, where the irony of a massive Tidal wave, killed all those people. My message was the same. And that is: Surfers want surf. To hell with everyone and everything else. Surfers just want to go surfing, and we want big waves. And unfortunately, big surf is caused by big storms. And big storms, more times than not, kill people. Many, many people. Men, women and children.

Talk about dilemmas.

If only God would guide these massive storms out to sea, and have them just sit out there for weeks on end. Why can't God just produce perfectly groomed, lined up hollow waves? Is that too much to ask for? Or to pray for?

Maybe that's it. Maybe we have to add that little sidenote to our "Pray For Surf" prayers. You know, "God please send us Hurricanes and tropical storms and PLEASE God, do NOT have them make landfall, instead Lord, have them just skirt the coastline. Thank you Lord."

What do you say? Should we all try those prayers?

Otherwise, we will all feel guilty, if we hope and pray for these massive storms (like DEAN). This storm will not only cause massive deaths and destruction, but the dam thing will never get into our window for swell activity. So to add insult to injury, the last two storms have only killed and destroyed lives, and not given any of us New Englanders anything to ride.

Pray for Surf? Pray For Hurricanes? Sure, but only of they go out to Sea and not kill anyone. I for one, don't want that guilt hanging over my head, when the first big swell of Summer 2007 hits. I want surf as much as the next guy, I just don't want anyone to have to die for it. Especially some innocent civilian trying to make a living in some poverty stricken village. I don't need surf that bad.

So I say...
...Pray for Surf, that will not kill anyone.

Thank you for all the positive comments from last week's column. It was good to break away the weekly content and focus on something good like the paddle for Danny Miller.
Again, if you were there, or took part in it, you know what I'm talking about. If you were not, go back and read last week's column. I think you'll find the photos and coverage to be something worth taking in.

I can tell you all, that the family and friends of Danny Miller were very happy with the whole tribute.

I'm having a hard time believing that Cinnamon Rainbows shop guy Matt Evans is heading off to college this week. It seems like yesterday when his mom and dad were telling me how little Mattie got his head stuck in some bannister somewhere in Florida. Now he's heading off to college in San Diego. Gee, you think Matt will be getting in some surf time out there? We all wish Matt the best of luck and we look forward to getting some Southern Cal photos from him once he settles in.

Another shop worker is heading off to college as well. Ricky Radkay will be heading down south to Tampa to attend school. Man is it me, or is everyone growing up too fast? Slow down kids. You're making me feel older as well.

Now for a couple of Happy Birthday shout outs! Julia Nichols and her little brother Kai. They are both celebrating birthdays this week. Julia's is today, and Kai's is the Friday's the 24th. Turns out, the 24th is also the birthdate of the late Duke Kahanamoku. That's pretty cool. Kai and the Duke have the same birthdays.

Happy Birthday Julia & Kai.

I'm happy to report that HBO has canceled JOHN FROM CINCINNATI. Thank God, that show had a chance to redeem itself many times over the last month or two and never got it together. Please NO MORE shows on Surfing. Unless they do a SitCom. Hell, I could make a sitcom on surfing. All I'd have to do is tape some of the daily conversations that I have with some of my friends every week. They'd be funnier than half the crap that's on TV these days. Seriously, Hollyweird, if you're reading this...let it go. No one gives a Rats Ass about surfing. It's just not that interesting to make a TV series about. It's like Skiing or snowboarding. Who would want to watch a TV series about any of those sports? Let it go.

Leave Surfing and the people who do it alone.

Last week I bitched about the Patriots and their pre-season lack luster performance. This week MVF, myself and a couple of friends attended the TITANS game and we were impressed with both the first Defense and first Offense. The Patriots looked good. Especially when Rodney Harrison and Junior Seau put a serious hurt on TITANS QB Vince Young. There were plenty of other highlights during that first half as well. Brady threw a nice TD pass...but then again, he got picked off too. One for a TD. Ouch. All in all, the 2nd preseason game was...well, it was exciting.

I also expressed concern over the fact that the Yankees are sneaking up on the Red Sox. They are only 5 games back. Is this worrisome to anyone else out there? People I talk to say no, I don't know enough about the game of Baseball to offer any insight or advice. I am at best, a fair-weather fan. I do know that there was a time this season where the Sox were 14 games up on them pinstriped fools.

But 5 games...? That seems close to me.

I want to thank everyone who came out last Monday to check out BIG HANDSOME DADDY at 931 OCEAN in Hampton.Big Handsome Daddy (BHD) is a blues/rock based band that is heavily influenced by Stevie Ray Vaughan and Jimi Hendrix.

The Paddle for Danny Miller should reawaken your commitment to helping out his young son. So if you haven't already, please send a little something for little Landon.

The Landon Miller Fund through ANY Citizen Bank. Or send your donation to:
The Landon Miller Foundation
83 South Road
North Hampton, NH 03862
Click below to see Danny Tribute or see Danny Surfing
Tribute to
Danny. North By Northeast

Remember my friends...Surfing heals all wounds....
Pray for Surf. Pray for Peace. Surf For Fun.


Ralph




I

Yesterday 1800's The First Beach Notice in Hampton.
(Below) I know there are people who take seaweed home to their gardens. I also know that it upsets the eco system.
How bad? Bad enough to make it a law. I was surprised to see that it's been a law for sometime. Stay off the weed.
Photo courtesy of The Lane Public Library in Hampton, NH



Today 2007 The following Photos were SHOT TODAY



(Above) Surf Family Evans...Left to right) Mike, Karen, Rick, Matt and Megan. Good Luck Mattie, study hard
and send us plenty of surf pics. Photo by SFOD R. Fatello




(Above) F-16 at the Pease Airport today (Sunday) Air Show rush.. Photo by: John Carden




(Above) The F18 is as fast and as loud as this looks. Photo by: John Carden




(Above) Secure the LZ. Troops exiting a CH47 Chinook Pease Airport Sunday Air Show rush.. Photo by: John Carden



(Above) Pease Airport Sunday Air Show. F-18C Hornet and F-4U Corsair.. Photo by: John Carden

Today 2007 The following Photos are from local New England surfers



(Above) Kevin Doherty taking a late drop prior to his shoulder surgery.. Photo by: Alayon Cholo




(Above) Kevin Doherty impacted on a rail grabbing takeoff .Photo by: Alayon Cholo


(Above) Seth Bilodeau cuttie in PR Photo by: Alayon Cholo




(Above) Seth Bilodeau backhand in New England. Photo by: Kevin Doherty


Today 2007 The following Photos were SHOT Friday...



(Above) Surfing Pats Fans at Gillette on Friday Photo by SFOD R. Fatello




Above) That's what we're talking about....Photo by SFOD R. Fatello

Above) Titans vs Patriots at Gillette on Friday...Vince Young about to meet the D. Photo by SFOD R. Fatello



Above) The Pats First Offense at work.Photo by SFOD R. Fatello



Above) They were winning when we left Photo courtesy of SFOD R. Fatello


Today 2007 More Photos from New England Surfers...




(Above) Madelyn Beauchesne with Daddy Artie somewhere in Tropical New England.
Photo courtesy of Art Beauchesne



(Above) Jon Gozzo sends this shot of an unknown secluded reef break somewhere North of Rhode Island.
Photo by: Jon Gozzo



(Above) Stan Chew sends this UNREAL Central American setup just around the corner from his new SURF Camp
that he's building, just for NEW ENGLAND surfers...OK, he may let a few other Westies in, but not many! This is
a dream coming true, from someone who's lived and worked his entire life, to make this a reality. Stan is from
New England and his mission is to complete this Surf Camp soon and get your cold tired asses down there all winter.
So stay tuned, I will be his voice when this baby is ready to roll. Photo by: Stan Chew



(Above) Lenny Nichol's Tidal Series One. This is some trippy looking saltwater art.
Photo by: Lenny Nichols



(Above) Lenny Nichol's Tidal Series Two. Have you ever been experienced? Well I have.. WILD looking Len!
Photo by: Lenny Nichols



(
Above) This is one scary looking cloud. . Photo courtesy of Mike Keefe



(
Above) And so is this. Fire cloud on Oahu's North Shore. Photo by Bernie Baker



NEW FEATURE. RALPH'S CLIP OF THE WEEK.
CLICK ON IMAGE BELOW FOR SHORT WINDOWS MEDIA FILE VIDEO CLIP.
VIDEO by SFOD R. Fatello



(Above) CLICK ON Video Frame Grab ABOVE FOR SHORT WINDOWS MEDIA FILE VIDEO CLIP of Zak and Friends
FROM THE MOVIE NORTH BY NORTHEAST. VIDEO by SFOD R. Fatello




(Above) From last week's gig at 931 OCEAN...Thanks Angela for letting us play. Sorry about the volume.
Photo courtesy of Bill Morrissey


Today 2007 The Phantom Heads North To....


(
Above) Looks good from up here...let's put the plane and boat down in the water. Photo courtesy of The Phantom


(Above) Somewhere out there is a decent spot to camp and surf. Let's find it. Photo courtesy of The Phantom



(Above) This looks good. Let's set up camp. Photo courtesy of The Phantom

(Above) A room with a view. Photo courtesy of The Phantom

(Above) All the comforts of home. Photo courtesy of The Phantom

(Above) Time to go look for surf...what's that hump up ahead?Photo courtesy of The Phantom

(Above) A WHALE! Yikes. . Photo courtesy of The Phantom

 



(
Above) Another room with a view. This is called Scoring. Photo courtesy of The Phantom

(Above) Time to head back in. Photo courtesy of The Phantom

(Above) And hit the showers.Photo courtesy of The Phantom

(Above) And call for room service. Yes that's a bear. Photo courtesy of The Phantom


Today 2007 Parting Shot...Is this guy strapped in?



(Above) Whoa Nellie!!!!!! I hope this leash holds. From Today's Air Show. Photo by: John Carden

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 




 

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
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