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

July 22nd, 2007

Yesterday and today I had the distinct pleasure of surfing with several hundred people. I know that sounds absurd, but I assure you my friends, it is all true. There had to have been a over 300 people in the water between yesterday and today. And we're talking about a 2-3 mile radius. That may look frightening on paper, but I can also assure you, that it was not that bad.

Huh? Oh yea, it was crowded at times, but somehow, some way, I managed to overcome it. And here's the crazy part. I made some new friends. In fact, I got to
meet some of you readers out in the water after I introduced myself.

There were lots of beginners out there. Hell, the water was warm enough for everyone this weekend. But the beginners were everywhere. I know some of you want me to use the "K" word, but I won't this week. Although they were clearly reeking of the "K" word, I would not address them as such. I even, (please forgive me) gave some helpful pointers. I did. I figure, if I can get someone who is struggling with their paddling, a few tips, that may get them out of your way, and my way.

There were several times today for instance when I was quickly approaching a flailing paddler. They were half on, half off their board. You know the type. That look of fear and innocent pleasure. I would come up on them and say "Don't move. Don't move. I'll go around you." When they realize that it's better for them to sit still and let me go around them, it made for a better session for me.

Then on the way back out, I'd stop and thank them for not moving, or ditching their boards. Then I'd give them a pointer. Is that bad? I mean is it selfish on my part? I thought about it and really gave it some thought. And here's what I came up with. I know that the crowds in the summer will not be getting better anytime too soon. So I either move away, to some faraway lonely Island, or I can help make it better with what we have around here.

I guess I'm choosing the latter.

I felt good helping people out. It was mostly safety stuff at first, and then I got into the paddling aspect and other little tips. You'd be surprised at the reaction those many strangers had for me this weekend. It made me feel good.

I live here in New England. I don't want to move. I want to stay and raise my family here, grow old here, and eventually, pass away here. I don't want to be someone that other surfers hate or feel uncomfortable around. Look I'm not saying I'm making new friends and having them all over for dinner this week. Hardly. In fact, my friend quota is already filled. I'm just trying to be a positive role model for my kids and my younger friends. I guess what I'm saying is, the ocean is big enough to hold us all. We need to try and get along with each other.

Remember what Elvis said...No not Elvis Presley, I'm talking about Elvis Costello...he said...

"What's so funny about peace, love and understanding?"

And I say NOTHING.




I hope you all had a chance to get out this week. There were several days of waves, and some of those days were pretty dam fun. I mean it's summer people. The water actually warmed up from Rhode Island to Maine. It was one of the best weeks all summer. The surf and conditions on Saturday and today were typical New England varying conditions. From hard offshore winds and overcast skies, to hard onshores, to a complete turnaround sunny glassy conditions. And if that wasn't enough, the water temp rose about 10 degrees. All in the matter of 10 to 12 hours.

Like I said. It was typical New England.

Hey how many of you have been watching the HBO series John From Cincinnati? We've been watching it and I have to say, I really have a hard time warming up to it. Yet, I watch it every week. Mostly due to the fact, that I hope the writers will finally let us on, as to what the hell is happening. It is just so whacked that I can't make heads or tails of it, from one week to the next. I know now, that it is loosely based on the lives of Herbie Fletcher and family. JFC is so out there that it almost seems like I'm watching the old Outer Limits or the freaking Twilight Zone.

The surfing (as limited as it is) is just OK. They could use more of it in my opinion. But I'm sure the writers are thinking the opposite. But it's the characters that really bother me. They are all totally whacked out. My favorite part of the show is, the opening credits with the old grainy surf footage from the 50's -60's era. It's cool to see that. But not cool to see surfers depicted (once again) as a bunch of loser assholes. Not that there aren't any of them. Lord knows there are plenty.

But seriously, wouldn't you all just like to see a Hollyweird movie about surfing that does not make us out to be a bunch of total losers? I mean just once? The big movie moguls have never gotten it close when it comes to Surfing. The only movie that maybe close is Big Wednesday. That was sort of a cool storyline about being a surfer back in the 60's-70's era. The rampant wild antics and the war in Vietnam. It was believable. That starred Jan Michael Vincent. Who ended up being a real life loser. Gee, how ironic. That movie just recently became available on DVD.
The others as of recent times are a complete waste of time. The North Shore. Point Break. Johnny Tsunami.

All a big waste of time and money in my eyes.

Here's something that is not a waste of time or money.
The Continuing Fund for the Late Surfer Danny Miller's young son Landon can be made to 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



 

CALL FOR SURF ART
The annual Ralph's SURF Art Column is July 29th! Send in your art images.
No more than 2 images per artist. Make sure you have the following:
1. Title of Art Piece
2. Name of artist.
3. What medium you used.
4. NO PHOTOS.

MAKE SURE all Images are jpegs and NO Bigger and NO Smaller than 650 pixels wide.
All you other webmasters PLEASE pass the word.




Yesterday 1920's A Day at the Beach Hampton NH
This family looks a little too warm. Yet this is how they dressed for the beach in those days. Can you imagine
hanging around the beach in these clothes? They must of had plenty of drownings in those days.
Photo courtesy of The Lane Library Hampton, NH




Today 2007 Sunday July 22nd
The Sun, The Surf and the Fun




(Above) 5:00PM Sunday. If it looks warm, that's because it is. Warm and fun.
Photo by SFOD R. Fatello



(Above) Around 3:00PM Sunday. Check out the Isle of Shoals out the back. That's good visibility.
Photo by SFOD R. Fatello



(Above) 3:30PM Sunday. It's truly summertime...
Photo by SFOD R. Fatello




(Above) 5:30PM Sunday. Paul Carroll heading out after the crowds have left and he's trunking it.
Photo by SFOD R. Fatello


Today 2007 Saturday July 21st Northern New England



(Above) 8:30AM Saturday. ESA-NNE surf contest.
Photo by SFOD R. Fatello




(Above) 4:30PM Saturday. After the surf contest the waves were still working and the water was getting warmer.
Photo by SFOD R. Fatello


Today 2007 Friday July 20th NH



(Above) Patrick setting up for an evening glide.

Photo by SFOD R. Fatello


Today 2007 Wednesday July 17th The Call of The...


(Above) 07-17-07 was glassy and waist high. And it was so much fun. Oh my God was it fun.
Photo by SFOD R. Fatello




(Above) 07-17-07 There were glassy lefts and glassy rights.
Photo by SFOD R. Fatello




(Above) 07-17-07 Mostly glassy rights. Jason Carignan riding.
Photo by SFOD R. Fatello




(Above) 07-17-07 Phil sampling a glassy right.
Photo by SFOD R. Fatello





(Above) 07-17-07 Eric Zak styling with his straw hat and casual style.
Photo by SFOD R. Fatello





(Above) 07-17-07 Doug Fresh in between turns.
Photo by SFOD R. Fatello





(Above) 07-17-07 Kody Grondin throwing it up into the lip to see what sticks.
Photo by SFOD R. Fatello





(Above) 07-17-07 Christian from CA looking very stylish on this tropical looking NH wave.
Photo by SFOD R. Fatello




(Above) 07-17-07 Phil Carey hoping there would be waves for the Shop's guests in a few days. There were.
Photo by SFOD R. Fatello




(Above) 07-17-07 Kody Grondin taking on the righthanders.
Photo by SFOD R. Fatello




(Above) 07-17-07 MVF taking on the lefts.
Photo by SFOD R. Fatello






(Above) 07-17-07 Johnny Sav on BIG RED...trolling for tourists...to offer them helpful advice.
Photo by SFOD R. Fatello





(Above) 07-17-07 Skip leaving the water totally satisfied.
Photo by SFOD R. Fatello



(Above) 07-17-07 Zak leaving the water feeling the same...
Photo by SFOD R. Fatello




(Above) 07-17-07 The Cinnamon Rainbows SURF CAMP. Getting prepped and ready to give it a whirl.
Photo by SFOD R. Fatello


(Above) 07-17-07 The Cinnamon Rainbows SURF CAMP. Check it out!
Photo by SFOD R. Fatello







(Above) 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) Kai Nichols on Saturday July 21st at the ESA contest. Kai is only 7yrs old.
Click on photo for Video clip.

Video Frame grab and Video clip by SFOD R. Fatello

Today 2007 From Somewhere Tropical




(Above) My buddy Wally from out west sent me these of his buddy somewhere deep in the tropics.
Photo courtesy of Wally Engle




(Above) Dam Wally this is almost hurtful to look at.
Photo courtesy of Wally Engle



(Above) Blue Moon in the tropics.
Photo courtesy of Wally Engle


Today 2007 From the past year...from J W



(Above) I have to apologize to the photographer. I got these pics last week from I think his name is Jonathan.
I say think, because I inadvertently deleted his email. I did get the images but no name. Sorry man.
Great shots though.
Photo courtesy of Jonathon



(Above) Nice looking green wall in Southern New England.
Photo courtesy of Jonathon




(Above) Nice and BIG New England Grinder. Photo courtesy of Jonathon



(Above) Every picture tells a story. Photo courtesy of Jonathon



Today 2007 Parting Shot..."Dude did you see my Air?"

(Above) The things that Groms say to impress other groms.
Photo by SFOD R. Fatello

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 




 

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 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