March
7th, 2005
The
Big Swell from last week really played into the hands for those of us who
enjoy the Art of the Wipeout. The snow storm cancelled school for the
day and most of you bagged going to work. That resulted into a heavily clogged
line-up of numerous individuals, with varying skill levels. Throw the Video
camera into the mix and you've got the makings of people going for broke on
most of those set waves. Which, as I stated earlier, made up for some spectacular
wipes. You see, when some people see the Camcorder out there, they tend to
throw caution into the wind. That my friends, adds up to good video.
Now, I certainly don't wish for anyone to be taking gas on my account, but,
I'm not going to turn the camera away if I think I can capture someone getting
worked. Look, it's all part of the ambiance of any Big Swell. Last Tuesday's
BIG SWELL was no exception.
I shot one sequence where one guy was hung up in the lip of a solid 10' Gray
Mass (see below) and then free fell into the pit, only to be held under for
two waves! I felt guilty shooting the whole thing. On the other hand, I understood
the value of the footage. I could just hear the groans of future audiences
watching the thrashing on the big screen. I could feel this poor soul's pain
and anguish as he finally surfaced gasping for air. I remember thanking him
under my breath for the footage. I knew what I had in the camera. I got some
good footage at someone else's misfortune. The videogapher in me was giddy
with delight. The surfer in me was sick to my stomach after witnessing such
a severe pounding. The dad in me, was fearful of my own kids having to have
to deal with this element of Big Wave Winter Surfing.
Look, we've all been there. The hold downs. It's a rite of passage in Big
Wave winter surfing. You know the potential for disaster is there everytime
you paddle out, yet we all paddle out. The risk is worth the intense rush
of dropping into a massive winter wave. And as a videographer, I can't thank
you all enough for the guts and glory.
Remember, "He Who Hesitates is Lost."
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
1968. Jeff Crawford with a Wells Peak to himself.
This photograph of Jeffery Crawford was shot from the Wells Beach Jetty in
Maine. The Jetty was a great place to shoot from. It still is. Set up the
tripod and get some cool angles. Hard to tell what time of year this was.
Could be Spring or it could be Summer. Where were you in the Spring/Summer
of 1968? Most of you were not even close to being conceived let alone born.
photo
courtesy of Mike Normand's Mom
Ok, the
never ending line
of Patriots leaving the team has got to stop. Enough already. Ty
Law, Troy Brown, Roman Phiefer, Joe Andruzzi, David Patton, not to mention
Charlie Weis and Romeo Crennal. That's a bitter pill to swallow for some
diehard Patriots fans. Those were popular players. We're gonna miss
them all. I am not going to question Belichick, Pioli and Kraft
in their decisions to release these players. I'm way past that. I know that
I know very little when it comes to Professional sports and how the business
end of it is run. I know nothing. However, I do know loyalty. And some of
those players I mentioned above went beyond the call of loyalty. And that
should account for something. As a fan, I feel saddened by their departure.
Of course, if it means another Superbowl Championship...well don't
let the door hit you on the way out boys!
I'm kidding. (Sort of). And I know, I'm not speaking for everyone out there.
However, I do know some of you agree with me.
It's the same thing with the Sox. Pedro's gone. Lowe's
gone. I'm not going to question wonder boy Theo Epstein. Are you? That's
why these guys get the Big Bucks. They make these big money decisions and
hopefully it all translates into Championships.
I see Antwoin Walker is back on track with the Celtics and they
seem to be winning again. Jay Gould and Jack Keefe went to Walker's
welcome back party against Kobe last week and came back with all kinds
of good memories.
Are you ready for the next Swell? My battery is fully charged and I've got
some new booties! I'll see you out there rain, snow or shine.
As
always my friends...Pray for Surf. Pray for Peace. Surf For Fun.
Ralph
