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

November 25th, 2007

The Internet is truly an amazing tool. Clearly, we all would be lost without it. If you're reading this right now, you know what I'm talking about. Then again, the Internet can be very cruel. Or, as I am fond of saying..."very hurtful". How's that you ask? Well, if some of you regular readers were aware of my column last week, I stated that, I would be taking my family to Virginia for Thanksgiving.

And I added, that there would clearly be waves.

It happens every year. Oh yea. I leave, the surf comes up. I'm sure you're familiar with this phenomenon.Because, as most of you now know. There were waves. The Day Before Thanksgiving. It was good. In fact, it was very good. How did I know all of this, being down in the Blue Ridge Mountains in VA? Hell, you already know the dam answer. The freaking Internet.

My faithful battalion of photographers, who submit photos to me after every good swell, sent me the goods. Yes, it was "hurtful" to open my mail, 6 hours from the ocean, and 12 hours from our home in Hampton. It was an easy call and quite frankly, I'm happy for all of you who scored both the waves and the images. I was happy to be the sacrificial lamb. I can't say the same for the boy. Mackey V was shocked when he saw these photos (below) from Nevins, Carden and O'Connell.

Not me. I knew it would happen.

I had a good chuckle at his discomfort though. Heck that's what surfers do. We raz each other. Even if you're related. Actually, you raz each other more, when you're in the same family. Mackey V got both barrels from me.


Seriously, I hope you were able to get some of those gems. The Pre Thanksgiving Swell sure looked good. And, I'm guessing that the line-ups had to be, somewhat sparse, due to the fact that, a lot of the tribe were on the road traveling to other family gatherings. Lord knows, we had to leave the day before to make it to VA for Turkey day. Speaking of which, I truly hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving, and that you were able to spend it with loved ones and close friends (after you went surfing of course) and the post nasal drip was not too embarrassing. Nothing worse than that eh kids?.

This was the first Thanksgiving without my Mother. I know it was hard for some of my siblings. My mom could sure cook and prepare a special Thanksgiving dinner. I know I missed a lot of those dinners because of surfing. And if I was home in New England this year...well, I would of more than likely missed a portion of the gathering. That's tradition too.

But that's what surfers do. We weigh out the options, and hope and pray that our families understand our addiction to the ocean, and don't take it personal. Even though, family should always come before surfing, however, it's nice, if you can sneak away, and get stuffed in a couple of Thanksgiving Day barrels before you stuff yourself, with the Turkey and all the fixins.

It is truly a day to give thanks. And I do hope, you all got stuffed, both in the barrel, and in your face.



I posted another video clip of Todd Ross surfing. This one is from last year, and he's riding a short board. I do want to take this time to thank everyone who participated in the paddle last Sunday on such a short notice. I know his family were blown away by the whole event. It's still hard to believe that Todd is gone. For those of us who knew him over the years, he just didn't seem like the guy who would leave us before his time. I mean, I never once thought that I wouldn't see Todd again. Todd was such a common fixture up here and at certain breaks.

But I am thankful for having known him. And I am thankful for having known his friends and family. And honestly, one of the the things I've learned in my life, (and I've had my fair share of tragedies) is this: Remember those who have passed. And by that, I mean to talk about them. Bring them up in conversation. Both in the water, and out. Because if you don't, they will truly be gone from this earth.

Talk about your loved ones who have passed on before you, and keep their memories alive. Talk about Todd, talk about Danny, talk about who ever you want, just as long as you talk about them. Keep their spirit in our midst.

Speaking of talking...how about them New England Patriots! They are now 11-0...and although the victory tonight was anything but easy, they are still 11-0. And my friends, when this is all said and done, they will only remember what we have in the win column. And right now, we have 11...it won't be easy from here on out. Especially after what the Eagles did tonight. I'm afraid they have exposed a soft side to our boys. Like the dam secondary! Dam that game was nerve wracking...OK OK, I'm losing you non sportsfans I apologize. It's just that here in New England, we never had a great Football team like this. I mean, ever since the first Superbowl win in 2001 it has been one hell of a ride. Most of us sports fans are living highs that were totally foreign to us, just a decade or more ago. Please do not deny us this simple pleasure of being happy sports fans. Dam it does feel good.

OK kids, this week we have the Gary Ritchie Fund raiser. It's this Saturday, December 1st at the American Legion Hall in Hampton. It starts at 8PM and ends around 11:30PM. If you don't know what this is all about see the Poster below. There will be live music and the night should be a fun time for all. If you can't make it, please be kind and send a donation to:
The GARY RITCHIE Fundraiser
P.O. Box 192
Hampton, NH 03843.

The Landon Miller Fund is still taking donations through ANY Citizen Bank.
Or PLEASE 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 1974 A cold gray day in New England for young Vincent
(Below) The scene remains the same. The cold gray days of winter are coming. Only the surfer changes.
Everything else stays the same. The reef, the look and feel of the wave. The rocks, the clouds. This shot could
of easily have been taken this year. But it was not. It was taken some 33 years ago. I know, cuz it's me.
Photo by Jeff Crawford



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



(Above) CLICK ON Video (photo) Frame Grab of Todd Ross ABOVE FOR a SHORT
WINDOWS MEDIA FILE VIDEO CLIP from NORTH BY NORTHEAST 2006
VIDEO clip courtesy by SFOD R. Fatello

CLICK HERE for the wonderfully written Eulogy by Todd's close Friend (and ours) Stan Chew.
TODD ROSS EULOGY


This Saturday Nite 12-01-07 The Get Gary Back On His Feet Fundraiser



Today 2007 Thanksgiving Swell Photos November 21, 2007


(Above) Time to Give Thanks. The Day Before Thanksgiving Day Swell. This place was reeling and
NO ONE surfed it. Yes, it's BIGGER than it looks. Trust me it is. Photo by Brian Nevins



(Above) Billy Ritchie setting up for inside section and thinking about the
Fund raiser for his brother Gary this coming Saturday.
Photo by Brian Nevins



(Above) Billy again...only this time, he's only thinking about the g-force generated from this turn.
Photo by Brian Nevins




(Above) That's a rather large Lobster boat. And he's in a precarious spot there. See PARTING SHOT at
the bottom of this page for more boat action.
Photo by Brian Nevins


(Above) The tables are all set for the Thanksgiving meal. Where are the Natives and Pilgrims?
Photo by Brian Nevins


(Above) Turkey this!
Photo by Brian Nevins



(Above) This photo made Max and I weep. 12 hours from home, in the Blue Ridge Mountains.
But it also made us very proud. Happy Thanksgiving New Hammy!
Photo by Brian Nevins



(Above) These next pre-turkey day pics come from Johnny Carden. This looks like Mike Stanek setting up on a
rather heavy inside section.
Photo by John Carden



(Above) A pulled back view of the drive thru section.
Photo by John Carden



(Above) You like froth? Look out the back.
Photo by John Carden


(Above) The ultimate surf vehicle? Ask Stevie O...he's got two boards in there.
Photo by John Carden



(Above) NJ boy Ben BcBrien getting STUFFED on Thanksgiving.
Photo by John Carden



(Above) OK check this out. Same day. Same wave. Same rider. Different angle.
Photo by Ed O'Connell


(Above) The smooth gray waves looked like fun. Albeit slightly colder than last week.
Photo by Ed O'Connell



(Above) I think this is Stevie O. Hard to tell, if this guy was moving I could tell you in a heart beat.
Photo by Ed O'Connell


(Above) Someone out there seeing this, knows who this is...let me know. This is a good shot.
Photo by Ed O'Connell


(Above) a friend of Christian's sent these few to him on the same Turkey swell. And Christian sent them to me.
Photo courtesy of Christian Kozowyk


(Above) A closer look at Turkey swell left.
Photo courtesy of Christian Kozowyk


(Above) You can't get there from here. Somewhere over the Pig farm.
Photo courtesy of Christian Kozowyk

Today Nov. 22, 2007 A few Westy Turkey Pics

(Above) Thanksgiving Day at Ocean Beach.
Photo by Charley Daly


(Above) Thanksgiving Day Rider at Ocean Beach.
Photo by Charley Daly



(Above) Thanksgiving Day different spot.
Photo by Charley Daly



(Above) Giving Thanks on the West Coast. Ocean Beach.
Photo by Charley Daly



(Above) Thanksgiving Day view.
Photo by Charley Daly

Today Nov. 22, 2007 A few Oahu North Shore Turkey Pics


(Above) A four shot sequence of Pancho Sullivan from Hawaiian lens master Bernie Baker.
Shot number 1, Pancho launches one in a Gravy colored North Shore wave.
Photo by Bernie Baker


(Above) Shot number 2...feeling the weightlessness.
Photo by Bernie Baker



(Above) Shot number 3...does he land it?
Photo by Bernie Baker



(Above) Shot number 4...sticking it
Photo by Bernie Baker


Today Nov. 18, 2007 A few More from Todd's Paddle



(Above) The paddle for Todd from last weekend.
Photo by Judy Howard


(Above) Todd was smiling down on all of us.
Photo by Judy Howard



(Above) It was a good day to be a New England Surfer.
Photo by Judy Howard



(Above) Rest in peace brother Todd...
Photo by Judy Howard

Today 2007 FIRST EVER 3 Pic Parting Shot... all three from the
Thanksgiving Turkey Swell November 21, 2007



(Above) This is one of the most hairball scenes I've ever seen on this coast. Dude...? Are you serious?
What lobster is worth this? New England has a hearty bunch of surfers and mariners
Photo by Brian Nevins



(Above) Birds and Turkey legs. Look, I could not pass up a pun like this. This shit writes itself.
Photo by John Carden


(Above) Dam snipers! Never fails, some anti surfing terrorist on the beach, with a silencer on a high powered
weapon takes another unsuspecting surfer out of the line-up. Dam terrorists.
Photo by Ed O Connell

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 




 

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 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