The TEMPORARY Home of Cinnamon Rainbows is at 62 Lafayette Rd in North Hampton, NH Tel. (603) 929-7467

October 27th, 2024 The RUN is 48 out of 48 Weeks.
CRITERIA: Waist high or better at least once a week.
There were Head high to OH waves last week from a low pressure
system that generated some fun sized surf.

THE RECORD FOR THE MOST CONSECUTIVE WEEKS IN A ROW FOR WAIST HIGH OR BETTER. August 8th, 2021 was 53 WEEKS! TOPPING THE 43 CONSECUTIVE WEEKS SET IN 2009!

NEXT BLOG November 10th, 2024.
All future Blogs will be posted on the 1st and 3rd week of every month (give or take a day). *Also in the event of any significant swell I will post the week of that swell. Although the blog is now bi-weekly, I'm certainly not gonna pass up a decent swell. So while it's basically going to be every other week, I left it open for some wiggle room.



REST IN PEACE KAREN EVANS 1954-2024.



On Saturday October 26th, 2024 we all gathered at Bicentennial Park to say goodbye to a true local icon. Karen Evans passed away on 10-16-24 from FTD (Frontotemporal Dementia) a result of damage to neurons in the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain.. Even though it's been a longtime coming it's still hard to write these words. Karen Evans has passed away. We welcomed everybody as they literally poured into Bicentennial Park. On behalf of the Evan’s family and friends, we welcomed the seacoast community to this Memorial Beach Service for Karen Evans.

Rick Evans was married to Karen for over 50 years. They have been together for 55 years. That's a lifetime of memories. Rick spoke to the gathering crowd on how he and Karen met. Their story is an inspiration for all married couples, and really, all couples. Married or not.



The service itself was much like a traditional Surfer’s Paddle without the actual paddling out into the water.



The origin of the Surfer’s Paddle dates back to the ancient Hawaiians where they would all gather on the beach to celebrate one of their surfer’s passing. Although Karen was not a surfer, she was a surfer’s mom and wife. In fact, she was the ultimate surf mom.

The earliest documentation of a Surfer’s Paddle was from 1920’s on Waikiki Beach. When one of the Beach Boys would pass the family and friends of the deceased would gather on the beach and talk story. Then after those who were not going to paddle out had their say on the beach, the surfers would all paddle out to the line-up and form a circle. The surfers from 1960’s from both the west coast and the east coast started to perform these somber services.

Ed O'Connell was one of the most loved surf photographers in New England. A US ARMY Vietnam Veteran who saved the lives of so many ARMY Grunts in Nam in 68-69 as a Medic on board those Dust Off Hueys. He was a close and dear friend of mine.

When he passed on July 1st, 2014 I swore I'd keep his memory and legacy alive by giving him this weekly corner. He loved surfing and he loved taking photos of all the surfers. Not just those who could really stand out. He shot every one. As long as I shall live and breathe the salt air, there will be a corner dedicated to Ed.

ED'S CORNER October 27th, 2024



This is Mat Evans from 2006. Mat is Mikel Evan's big brother and one of the original groms from our generation. Mat is in my early grom movies that featured all the original SURF FAMILY ROBINSON groms. Mat lives in California these days but was home this week to attend the service for his mother Karen. It was great seeing Mat even though it was under these sad conditions. Photo by Ed O'Connell
*Click the photo above to see a larger version of Ed's Pic.

COMING THE END OF NEXT MONTH



It's basically my memoir. The last 73 plus years of my life all condensed into two formats. The shorter printed version and the longer Online version. I apologize for this taking so damn long, but I've had so many crazy stories in my life that I needed to include them all. Though the shorter printed version will only have the best of the best.



CLICK THE IMAGE ABOVE TO SEE A LARGER VERSION.

The book that I have been writing the last 100 years or so. The book will be out long after I hit my 20th Year Anniversary of this Blog. And that will be double the reason to celebrate. BOOK and BLOG. And YES, there will be a book signing. And I will let you all know in advance, where and when. The book will be available in both hard cover and soft cover on AMAZON, BARNES & NOBLE, INGRAM, GOOGLE BOOKS, and KOBO PUBLISHING.

Most of my close friends have heard some of these stories first hand. But trust me, with over 100 stories, there's a handful that none of you have ever heard. It's true. Be patient my friends. It should be out the end of November of 2024.

They would all be carrying flowers. A Hawaiian lei would represent the deceased and placed in the middle of the circle. Then each surfer would say something about the deceased. Once everyone had a chance to speak, the ashes of the deceased would be emptied into the middle of the circle. Then one person would count to three and then everyone would toss their flowers into the center of the circle and as they did, they would hoot loudly and splash water.

The people on the beach would follow suit and toss their flowers into the water and hoot from the beach.



Because we did not paddle out per’se we did all of our talking about Karen here on the beach. And when we were done, we will all walked down to the water’s edge and on the count of three we all tossed our flowers into the ocean while hooting loudly and calling out Karen’s name.



Karen Evans was an icon on this beach for well over 50 years. One of the original SURF FAMILIES here on this beach. When we started SURF FAMILY ROBINSON the Evans were there along with the Fatellos, the Grondins, The Goulds, The Haffenreffers, The Nichols, The Linsemans and so many more. Those days were magical. And it grew every year after with more and more families. Until our children outgrew the magic of SFR, and started to have children of their own. It was a treat for all of us when Karen made an appearance at this year’s SFR. That was a special day.

I remember one year when the dreaded Pirate Jonas came looking for his treasure map and drew his sword to do battle with Capn’ Vince it was Karen who went to the aid of my youngest daughter Noelle who was terrified of the pirate hurting her daddy. Karen comforting Noelle is etched into my mind.

But isn’t that just like Karen. She was wonderful with children. Starting with her own children and then her two grandkids. 

Karen and Rick were the ultimate surf couple. You did not see one without the other. I mean if you needed to seek out a couple who were true to their marriage vows, you need not look any further than Rick and Karen. They staked their claim in this town and on this beach. 10th Street is where we all raised our kids. And make no mistake about it. It was the draw of the ocean that drew us all together. We all had that saltwater in our veins. Matty and Mikey followed their dad into the surf as Meghan and Mom watched from the shore. We’re surfers. And we created a surf family environment.

I’m not sure how many of you believe in the afterlife. Heaven. You know I’m not a religious person, but I have witnessed several firsthand accounts that have happened to me that leave no doubt in an afterlife. Some of you here today remember the MOLLY story. There were too many witnesses to that incredible story not to believe it. I know Karen believed. And I know a lot of you here believe it too.  

When my kid sister passed away the Catholic priest told us all to listen and to look for signs. A catholic priest. Look and listen for signs. That’s amazing. But it’s true. So what do we do now that she’s crossed over? Karen will never be gone from this earth as long as we speak her name. Tell stories. Speak her name. Her legacy will live on with her children, Megan, Matt, and Mikey.

And her legacy will continue to live on in her grandchildren.

In the end, we will all be judged by what we did here on this earth.
Did you stop to help someone alone the way? Did you put a smile on someone’s face? Did you sacrifice a part of your life, to make someone else’s life better? I think we can all agree that Karen did all of that.

Mourn this loss. It’s OK to cry. It’s OK to laugh. But please remember to Speak her name. Karen Evans. The ultimate surf mom.


photo by Jonathan Barraza

KAREN EVANS. KAREN EVANS. KAREN EVANS. KAREN EVANS.
 
“SURFING AND SURF MOMS HEALS ALL WOUNDS.” 

TEN DAYS. JUST 10 DAYS. NOVEMBER 5th, 2024.
America will once again decide who will lead our country.
By November 6th, 2024 we should have a pretty good idea which one of these two will be our next president. You all know that I do not like Trump. I've never liked him. Long before he became a politician. I simply do not like the man.

I think he's everything they have said about him. Plus he's simply too old, and quite frankly, he's not mentally fit to be president. That's my honest to God opinion. Honestly.



I'll never change my mind about him. And you all should know that most of my adult life I was a moderate conservative. I was a member of the GOP. It's true. In fact, I have never voted for a democrat in my life in a presidential election. So it's not like I'm coming from a long history of being a liberal Democrat. I am NOT a Democrat. I am a strong INDEPENDENT.

And that's the difference. I'm not a member of either party.

But I honest to GOD think Harris is head and shoulders more qualified to be the FIRST Woman President of our great nation. The FIRST AFRICAN/INDIAN AMERICAN WOMAN. She's obviously more intelligent. She's younger and stronger. She's NOT a convicted felon. She's NOT a sexual predator. And I believe this country is better suited with her in the Oval Office.

Trump is just too toxic. He's already had his chance and he did not do very well while he was there. He needs to walk away from the podium. He's all done. PLEASE GO AWAY DONALD.

We are ready for someone new. Someone young. Someone fresh. Someone who will actually try to bring us together. WE need HARRIS. THE WORLD NEEDS HER. Please VOTE on November 5th, 2024. And regardless who wins, I am not gonna hate you if you voted for Trump. I might question your intelligence, but I'm not gonna hate you. And I would hope you will do the same if Harris wins.

We need to stop the hating. And speaking of hate...




I'm sure you all saw the photos of The Orange One slinging burgers and fries at McDonald's last week. But how many of you saw Khaliddy get served by the LYING KING? I bet not many. Ole Khaliddy just so happened to be in the area when he heard that DJT was working the Take Out Window. I'm secretly hoping that he gets a job as a McDonald's manager when he loses the election next month. Hey a man can dream right?

And so my friends, please take advantage of this weekly photo shop of the mastermind who planned 9-11 and resulted in the deaths of 3,000 innocent civilians by KSM (Khalid Sheik Mohammed). *Note to self -must pick up a case of HAPPY MEALS at Home Depot this week.

PATRIOTS are TWO and FIVE. They BEAT the JETS today!
KEEP FIGHTING Robert Gerard! You Got This Brother!
Please keep LOCAL SURF LEGEND Norm Murphy in your thoughts and prayers.

"SURFING HEALS ALL WOUNDS."
Please Support ALL The photographers who contribute to
Ralph's Pic Of The Week every week for the last 19 years.
** BUY a HIGH RES Photo from any of the weeks on RPOTW.
Remember my friends... Surfing Heals All Wounds.
Pray for Surf. Pray for Peace. Surfing Is Supposed to be Fun.

Ralph

RRICK EVANS AT THE WALL IN 1985.
I also remember taking this photo when I pulled up at the Wall this day. I looked and saw Ricky take off on this left and snapped a quick pic before I joined him. I wish we could all go back in time and relive some of these days. Nobody can take your memories. Nobody. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see a larger image

I kept a daily Blog on my CATCH A WAVE FOR MOLLY surf campaign, when I surfed every single day for 365 consecutive days. Click on the Banner above to read entries of my daily journey. There's some really interesting and true experiences
that happened during that year. Some of which are to this day, unexplainable. Some are just mind blowing. But all true.

I started on July 26th, 2010 and ended on July 26th, 2011.

Some rainy Sunday, pour yourself a cup and go through the journal. Pay close attention to the month of May in 2011. Read that month and let me know what you think of that. Be forewarned it will change you forever.

All photos taken this week unless otherwise noted.

Today- FUN FRIDAY October 25th, 2024.
Photos by RALPH



(Above) The first photo I shot this morning. Friday October 25th, 2024.
Photo by RALPH *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

Click on the ad above to see the Menu and other
important info on their Somerville restaurant and all the
other AMERICAN FLATBREAD locations.

(Above) This is Kenny Linseman. Friday October 25th, 2024.
Photo by RALPH *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) This gull went soaring by me. Friday October 25th, 2024.
Photo by RALPH *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

The Haffenreffer family have been helping seacoast families
with their holistic health and optimal wellness for decades.

Welcome Solsticenh.com Melinda is a local NH surfer.
Click on the ad above to visit her site.

(Above) This peak kept shifting through the lineup.
Friday October 25th, 2024. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) There were a few overhead waves that morning.
Friday October 25th, 2024. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

Best EAST COAST Coverage on the Internet.




NEW Client to the BLOG WELCOME 935 OCEAN
Click on the ad to find out where to stay the next time
you're in town.

(Above) This is why I called it FUN FRIDAY. October 25th, 2024.
Photo by RALPH *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery



(Above) Check that shining bowl. Fun Friday October 25th, 2024.
Photo by RALPH *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

Click on the ad above to see the NEW SURFER'S JOURNAL

DIPG THE CURE STARTS NOW
To learn more about Evan and his journey click here  https://thecurestartsnow.org/sup.../view-heroes/evan-austin/

(Above) These were the biggest waves I saw this morning.
Friday October 25th, 2024. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) Clearly overhead. FUN FRIDAY October 25th, 2024.
Photo by RALPH *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery



(Above) Kody Grondin working out the kinks of his injured ankle.
Friday October 25th, 2024. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

If you love the Beatles and you love the guitar
click on this ad above for an amazing instrumental
band playing all of your favorite Beatles songs with
the coolest arrangements. Johnny A is one of the
best guitar players on the planet.

Peter Stokes is one of the BEST guitar techs in
all of North America. He's the BEST guitar tech
in New England.

Produced by David Robinson of the CARS.
Visit our Facebook page

Today- THE KAREN EVANS MEMORIAL BEACH SERVICE.
Saturday October 26th, 2024. Photos by RALPH



(Above) The photos of Karen's life were on display.
Saturday October 26th, 2024. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery




(Above) They came in droves to pay their respects to the Evans family. Saturday October 26th, 2024. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

Produced by David Robinson of the CARS.
Visit our Facebook page

Produced by Steve Sadler.
Visit our Facebook page

The VINNY Band was around from 1976 to 1984




July 30th, 1979 headlining the Paradise Club
In Boston, MA

(Above) My girls Gabby and Noelle grew up with Karen and the whole Evans family. Saturday October 26th, 2024. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery



(Above) As did the Grondin family. Saturday October 26th, 2024.
Photo by RALPH *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

Joe Carter, Brian Nevins, and Nick Lavecchia

The art of Donna Baldassari

(Above) And those beautiful flowers floated out to sea because of the NW wind. Saturday October 26th, 2024. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) Two old friends of The Evans family. Jay Hammer and
Stan Bocko. Saturday October 26th, 2024. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

Hannah Vokey is one of my favorite surf artists.

Click on the ad above to find out more about
more about local surf artist Stan Chew's art

(Above) After the tossing of the flowers, everyone hung around the beach. Because that's where we are all most comfortable.
Saturday October 26th, 2024. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) The 935 SURF SHACK is a great new venue As did the Grondin family. Saturday October 26th, 2024.
Photo by RALPH *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) The last photo of the night., I took a quick Selfie of Julie, Mikey, Mat, Rick, Bob, and myself. Saturday October 26th, 2024.
Photo by RALPH *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

Today- DINALAND SATURDAY October 19th, 2024.
Photos by Dina Crawford

(Above) There was size and warmth down there in DINALAND.
Saturday October 19th, 2024. Photo by Dina Crawford
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) And as always it gets pretty hollow. DINALAND.
Saturday October 19th, 2024. Photo by Dina Crawford
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) And apparently it's still pretty warm down there. DINALAND.
Saturday October 19th, 2024. Photo by Dina Crawford
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

I love Erica's whimsical Gull art. So cool and unique.

SECRET SPOT IS NOW OPEN IN HAMPTON.
SECRET SPOT is back in operation on the seacoast.
Thank you.
Jon Gozzo and family.

(Above) There's always someone trying to punt one when it's this size. DINALAND. Saturday October 19th, 2024. Photo by Dina Crawford
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) Well looky here. It's Big Daddy James getting a little Dippty Do Head Dip. DINALAND. Saturday October 19th, 2024.
Photo by Dina Crawford
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

Listen to QWILL on the video page.

Today- Same Day. Different Spot. Different Photographer. Saturday October 19th, 2024. Photos by Tony Berardini



(Above) Helmet head the Goofyfoot. This kid is pretty good.
Saturday October 19th, 2024. Photo by Tony Berardini
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) Jim Meehan mid glide. Saturday October 19th, 2024.
Photo by Tony Berardini
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) Mike Stanek setting up for something good.
Saturday October 19th, 2024. Photo by Tony Berardini
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

Click on this image to visit Driftwood Photography

"GIVE YOUR BUSINESS A KICK IN THE ADS"
Since 1985.

The ONLY East Coast Mag for East Coast Surfers.

(Above) Matt Colby stopping o0r going? See the pic below for the correct answer. Saturday October 19th, 2024. Photo by Tony Berardini
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) BAM! Colby getting some much needed AIR in his tires.
Saturday October 19th, 2024. Photo by Tony Berardini
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

Today- CAP'N CHAMBO SHOWING THE WAY
October 24th, 2024. Photos by Capn' Chambo



(Above) That's what I'd call a REAL free form drop.
Thursday October 24, 2024. Photo by Capt. Chambo
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery





(Above) That's a sweet bottom turn in a sea of bull kelp.
Thursday October 24, 2024. Photo by Capt. Chambo
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) That looks top to bottom. Thursday October 24, 2024.
Photo by Capt. Chambo
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) The Capn' and his fleet of First Strike Swift boats do not mess around. They come in hot and fast. Thursday October 24, 2024. Photo by Capt. Chambo
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

Send your SURF Pics to me directly to: ralph@adlantic.com.
Need photos by 10 AM on Saturdays. Seriously. By 10AM. 
Make sure they are 1500 to 1555 pixels wide.
If you have more than 10 pics please use wetransfer.com it's free up to 2 gig. Please DO NOT send me over 10 pics without first contacting and communicating with me. Thank you.

Click on Archives link to see all the past Blogs and pics.

My friend Rick McAvoy from Maine is the creator
behind this unique Surf Company

(Above) The Aftermath of Karen Evan's Beach service.
Saturday October 26th, 2024. Photo by Lenny Nichols
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery



(Above) Waves and those who ride them. Saturday October 19th, 2024. Photo by Jennifer Bartlett
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

He's more than just a good photographer

(Above) All Rise: The 10th Street District Court Of Surf is Now in Session. The Honorable Judge RALPH presiding. Case # 780 BLATANT DROP IN OF THE WEEK. Click the image above to see the outcome of this Surf Crime and the verdict that was rendered.
Photo by Tony Berardini
*Click on the photo above to see the outcome

This is what happens if you are found GUILTY. You become invisible.

Click on this image above to buy this book
and more cool KING'S X merchandise and music

I see waves mid week

I'm picking October 30th, 2024 as the best of the 2 weeks!

October 27th, 2024

Words of wisdom at 10th Street. Though I might have penned it differently. "WHEN IN DOUBT-DON'T PADDLE OUT." Though they basically mean the same.

(ABOVE) We all see the clueless out there. Most times they are harmless to themselves and to those who know what they're doing. Other times? Complete danger. Photo by RALPH



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