Got good surf pics? Send em off to me directly.
(See link below) 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


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


March 11th, 2007


For the last few years, I've been after my wife and close friend and fellow surfer Jacko and his wife Carrie to get off our butts and go see the band Beatlejuice. I'm a huge Beatles fan and I've heard nothing but great reviews about these guys. Two of my close musician buddies play in the band Muzz and Joe Holaday. But the real feature of the band was Brad Delp. Brad's vocal tribute of Lennon and McCartney were I'm told, uncanny. Well, that will never happen now. They found the 55 year old body of Brad Delp on Friday afternoon. Gone forever. Some of you might remember Brad's other band... BOSTON. They had a few hits in their time. "More than a Feeling" and a whole bunch of others. Suffice to say, I'm bumming.

I have regrets.I missed Brad Delp and Beatlejuice.
Rest In Peace Brad.

Today marks the 3rd anniversary of the Terrorist Bombing in Madrid Spain. 3-11 is their equivalent to our 9-11. One hundred and ninety one people died and over two thousand were wounded by the hands of . scumbag, cowardly terrorists. Anybody out there have a problem with me calling terrorists- cowards or scumbags? Anyone?

Please let me know If you do. I'd be happy to debate it with you, after I beat you senseless with a 4 inch thick BIC rental softboard. Terrorists hate us all. Therefore, all of us, should hate Terrorists. Class dismissed.

All kidding aside, it's really hard to fathom, that there is a massive movement of human beings on this planet who loathe and hate everything that we (Free Thinking Americans) stand for. Surfing being one of them.

They especially hate anyone who has liberal ideals about life. Half of my friends fall into that category.

I've lost friends to terrorists and I will personally NOT stop bashing them until every last one of them has been dispatched from the face of this earth. Scumbags.

So are you calling what we had today Surf? After last week's one day of overhead surf and then today's thigh high tease? Is it surf?

I guess I would if I were in my early teens, or a pre-teen like little Kai Nichols. Kai who's just 7 years old was going out for session number two when I ran into him and his sister and dad. Kai's about 4' tall so those thigh high waves look and feel better on him than it would on us. How cool is it that in today's surf world we have winter wetsuits for the little groms. Man where was that stuff when I was scuffling along the beach in the winter as a young gremmie? Oh well...I'm happy for the kids.

I turned a corner today in my life. How's that? Well, I'm embarrassed to say this but...I finally figured out how to set my dam digital watch on my own. This setting the clocks forward and back crap has been a big headache for me the last 5 or 6 years. Ever since I went digi on my wrist watches it's been one pain in the butt. I used to slip down the shop and have Crop set it for me when no one was looking. I felt like a drug dealer or something. Slipping him my watch and acting cool and nonchalant . Except Dave always called me on it. Dam you Crop!. Anyway, I called him today with the good news bad news. I told him I'd be missing him those two times each year, when I show up all flustered over trying to figure out how to set the dam digi watch.

It was a bittersweet reality for the two of us.

Seriously, why do we set our clocks back and forth in the first place? Why can't we just set our clocks ahead and leave em there? Who benefits from this? The birds? I know the surfers would prefer to surf later each day.

I say, we set our watches and leave em alone!





OK, I've been holding off on this subject for quite sometime now, but, when Jacko stopped by the house yesterday to invite Mackey V to go for a paddle, I had to finally say something. "I'm gonna write about this." I told him. "Go ahead" he said. "We're not gonna be using them when the surf is real." "Oh really?" I said. "Really." He shot back.

I'm talking of course about, Stand Up Paddle Boards.

Are they here to stay? Will they become as popular as they are in the Islands and beyond? My friend Jeff Chamberlain and his buddy Sam George showed me some photos of the the two of them riding those long thick boatboards with long kayak type paddles, well over a year ago. I scoffed at them then.

Next thing you know, Laird Hamilton is riding them in everything from fun little mushburgers, to heaving Jaws! Another close friend of mine Geoff Haenn warned me that the beaches will be clogged with them this summer. I of course scoffed at that notion. Now, I'm not so certain. I know Dave is selling them, and I know, Jay Gould, Mark Jowett and Jacko have them. And they appear to be having fun on them. Actually, they are having a blast on them. As far as Jacko's comments about not using them in real surf, well that remains to be seen. I do know this. They are popular in certain places in California. They are HUGELY popular in Makaha. And apparently, they are getting more and more popular on our own East Coast. And I also know they are VERY expensive. Over $2,000.

What's my take on these boards?

It's too early to tell. I know that I wouldn't want one hitting me on the head as I was paddling out. Or hitting one of my kids. Or for that matter, hitting some tourist. I know I'd be uptight if someone in the line-up had one and was catching every wave that came through. Even taking waves from actual longboarders themselves and not sharing. They don't appear to be, on the surface, very functional. In other words, they don't seem to turn like a normal board. It's all really based on just catching waves before anyone else.

I honestly don't know what to make of them.

I know they are NOT going away. I don't believe I'll be calling one my own. Unless I can mount a 50 cal on the deck. Then I might consider riding one.

Didn't Cat Stevens have a song about these things? The Longer Boats are Coming To Win Us...coming to Win Us.

Seriously, let's all just wait and see what develops over the summer. I'd be curious to hear from some of you and hear your thoughts on these new water crafts.

On behalf of everyone here at Cinnamon Rainbows we want to extend our condolences to the family of surfer RJ Castongay on the loss of their father. May the peace and solitude of many happy memories, replace your grief and sadness in a short time. And may a new swell come to wash away all your sorrow. We are all so sorry for your loss. God Bless.

Please Remember The Danny Miller Foundation.
Donations for Late Surfer Danny Miller's young son 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



 




Yesterday 1987 Dave "Crop" Cropper's Nice Slice, New England



(Above) Crop's turn and spray is clearly evident that the boy had style back in the day. He still does. Only his
style includes not only Global surfing, but local Hockey as well. Recently he and local surfer Drew Clark battled
the Boston Bruins on the ice in Exeter, and your Dave Cropper scored two goals. It's true. His surf/skate style
baffled the Bruins Alumni team. Then they asked if he'd had enough fun, and when he said he did, they went on to smoke the team that he and Drew played on. Still surfing and still skating some 20 years later.
All you groms pay attention. This is the future!
Video frame grab by R. Fatello SFOD from the movie "Surfing The Soul"


Today 2007 The March 11th Shrimpy Swell
in New England


(Above) Checking it at the Wall. Left to right Lulu, Hoku, ESA-NNE Director Lenny Nichols and Mackey V
trying to get motivated.
Photo by R. Fatello SFOD


(Above) Looks OK...sort of...clearly long boardable. Unidentified taking a set wave.
Photo by R. Fatello SFOD





(Above) ...Ahhhh I don't think so...Unidentified falling and as a result convincing us to stay dry.
Photo by R. Fatello SFOD

(Above) There's always Ice Fishing...for the life of me, I'll never understand this pastime. I mean, it just looks
cold and lonely. Max and I always find it fascinating when we see them out there. Smelt fishing on the ice.

Photo by R. Fatello SFOD



Today 2007 March 1st Snowboarding in UTAH



(Above) A little different from the ones I shot last week. The real deal in Utah.
Photo courtesy of Jon Gozzo




(Above) This is some heavy shit. There is no room for error out here.
Photo courtesy of Jon Gozzo




(Above) The real Pow POW I've personally never experienced this. But I'd sure like to.
Photo courtesy of Jon Gozzo



(Above) I would think it would all be Black Diamond runs..
Photo courtesy of Jon Gozzo



(Above) This almost looks fake. Look at those mountains. Breathtaking! Wow. Photo courtesy of Jon Gozzo

Today 2007 Back To Warm Hawaii



(Above) Longboard lady taking the stroll. Photo by Bernie Baker



(Above) Paddleboarding Pipe. Whoa! Photo by Bernie Baker


Today 2007 Philippines...



(Above) The word is...The Philippines has great surf. Trevor Hillman sends in this photo as proof.
Photo courtesy of Trevor Hillman


Today 2007 The Phantom Boat Assault case#3-7-07



(Above) The Phantom's Crew deals with the thick kelp bed, and possible Men in the Gray suits below the surface,
but it's not enough to keep them from getting what they desire.
.
Photo courtesy of The Phantom



(Above) The Phantom's First Mate Rocky V taking a glassy gray one. Photo courtesy of The Phantom



(Above) got room for one more? Photo courtesy of The Phantom


Parting Shot 2007 Florida Sit-down Mower
Spring is coming and a lot of you guys and girls mow your own lawn. Some of you use the sit-down mowers.
Me? No sir, I push my mower. Actually Mackey' does. This unique vehicle was spotted down in Florida.
No doubt some Southern surfer came up with this design.
"Jacob! Git yer hands off that wheel barrow, you
don't know nuthing bout machinery!"
Photo courtesy of The Internet





 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 




 

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
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