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October 13th, 2024 The RUN is 46 out of 46 Weeks.
CRITERIA: Waist high or better at least once a week.
There were Head high to OH waves waves for 3 straight days
from Hurricane KIRK starting from 10-7 to 10-10 And there were
multiple days of waist high.

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 October 27th, 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.



HURRICANE KIRK. WELCOME OCTOBER. SPEARFISH.
37 YEARS A MARRIAGE. TOPSFIELD FAIR.

I admit I was one of the loudmouths complaining about our lack of hurricanes and Tropical Storms this season. Even though we’ve had a pretty decent end of summer and early fall fun surf that ran for days on end. The problem was/is the NOAA prediction about this season being the most active of all Hurricanes ever on record. I mean that’s a significant call. Of course, this was before the Hurricane Helene and now Hurricane Milton storms. Open mouth insert foot.

We had a bump from Ernesto, but that was it. Just a short taste of a hurricane swell. After last year? And this year’s big prediction? Yeah, that wasn’t enough. Our prayers were answered and then some with Kirk. Man were they ever. Monday the 7th were the first signs of Kirk. Chest to head high sets were pulsing last night. But it was overcast, foggy, and drizzly. Not exactly the best conditions to shoot. But checking the Surfline forecast, today Tuesday October 8th, 2024 was the call.

I was awakened by my buddy JIM’s text. Head high plus, three people out. That text was followed by Tony’s text. “IT’S ON!” I rolled out of bed and grabbed my bag of cameras and drove down to the beach. My first glimpse was an eyeful. It was easily head high and bigger on the sets. The sun was out, the wind was a light offshore and the waves were going off.

I shot the usual spots and the usual suspects and just like that, we were all in giddy hurricane mode. The points were firing and the beach breaks were thumping. And everybody and their brother were showing up. Which begs the question. “Do you people have jobs? Or school?” Ha. Nothing changes from generation to generation. All surfers will find a way to get to the surf no matter what. That’s what we do.

The morning was beautiful. Back-lit dreamy waves spilling into the local arenas, and everybody had a smile on their faces.  Like Tony said, it was on! The afternoon was just as rewarding. We all opted for the beaches and the thumping. And I shot a few miles of video and a thousand stills. Hurricane season came late for us New Englanders, but it was worth the wait. I mean it always is when they hit up here.

We hope and pray that Milton goes easy on our brothers and sisters down in Florida. After dealing with Helene Milton looks to be just as mean as Helene, perhaps more. We walk a thin line this time of year. We all want the surf from these systems but not the death and destruction. But unfortunately you can’t have one without the other.

It looks like Kirk is gonna hang around another day.  And we’re more than OK with that. The next day saw more of the same but slightly smaller. I saw no need to shoot after what I shot on the 8th. Funny thing is Dina Crawford was on the same page. She and I were elbow to elbow at Dinaland shooting the thumping beach break. (Check out my video at the top of this page) and we both agreed it would be hard to top what we shot on the 8th. So we both opted to edit rather than add to the pile of stills and video clips.

However the next day (October 10th, 2024) there were still waves. But they too were smaller than the 8th, and smaller than the 9th too. But they were perfect for the Geezer Patrol members. Meaning myself and Tony Berardini. So we paddled out to waist to chest high perfection. The water was still very warm. I was in my 3/2 with no gloves or hood. While Tony who is 90% submerged (he rides a Paipo) was in a hooded 4/3. We shared some really fun waves together. And I was witness to two of Tony's best waves since he's had his new Green Machine from Mikey Evans.
I saw Tony drop into a wave and was instantly sucked up into the barrel. If he had put pressure on his inside rail he would have made it out of that barrel. Regardless he got barreled.

And a little while later he caught a bomb and did a killer bottom turn and taking my advice he leaned hard on that inside rail and made that wave all the way into the inside. It was one of the longest rides of the day. I was so stoked for him. We were joined by Will Powley (who graciously took a pic of me before he paddled out. See below) and a woman named Raye. She was a smooth longboarder who was slightly overdressed in a 5/4. Says the guy who had to leave early due to the wind cutting through my 3/2.



All in all it was a fun session sharing the remnants of KIRK.
Later that night after dinner we drove back to this surf spot and I took this photo of the Northern Lights at the exact spot I surfed earlier in the day.



What an amazing day. 10-10-24.

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 13th, 2024



This is Jay Hammer on May 20th, 2010. There once was a time when this guy was the BEST Goofyfoot on the coast. Hammer had style and heaps of wave knowledge and he was a standout when it got big and hollow. He (like Ed) was an ARMY vet. He served all over the Globe including Korea, Panama, and Iraq. He retired as a full bird Colonel, And I'm proud to call him my friend. Photo by Ed O'Connell
*Click the photo above to see a larger version of Ed's Pic.

37 YEARS A MARRIAGE



On October 10th, 2024 Cory and I celebrated our 37th year of marriage. We got married at the Union Chapel in North Hampton overlooking Fox Hill. It's funny, I remember that day like it was yesterday. I was praying that there would be no surf that day. And there wasn't. Sort of. I saw one wave that was at least waist high come through and peel off both ways over the reef. I almost freaked out. Almost. But it was just that one wave.

My brother Johnny who was my best man said to me "Don't even think about it." I told him I wasn't. I was more worried that my friends who surfed would bail out and go surfing. After all I knew how surfers think. They drop everything to go surfing. Clearly if there were waves that day, there would have been a few attendees who would have slipped off to get wet.



This is the photo that I took that day. See the waves?



And this is Cory and I at the same spot behind the chapel, Ironically, there were waves this day. But no pressure of worrying about waves. 37 years baby. I'd do it all over again.

MIKEY FEBRUARY AND HIS SPEARFISH 10-5-24



Mikey showed up at the wall and put on a clinic on how to ride a Fish.


Both photos above by Chris Carragher.

I have ridden a few fishes in my time. But nothing like this man. Mikey February came to town last week and brought his quiver of Fish Sticks with him. Channel Islands rep Jon along with Dave Cropper from CINNAMON RAINBOWS hooked up with 935 OCEAN to show Mikey's movie. First and foremost what a great little setting 935 has out back., They call it the SURF SHACK and it was (in my honest opinion) the coolest place in town. And what a turnout. All the surfers and their families showed up on a warm October night t watch the movie and to hang out with Mikey and chat about his cool Fish boards.



The whole night had an old school vibe about it. In fact I spoke with Mikey and mentioned to him that I was picking up on shades on MR in his surfing. MR being Mark Richards from Australia. Turns out Mikey was influenced by MR and they have spoken a few times over the years about board design. MR was more of a Twin Fin guy than the Fish. But there were clear similarities in their approach to surfing.

Another Selfie By Ralphie. Me, Grant (from 935) and Dave CROP Cropper from Cinnamon Rainbows. It was a great night, and according to Mikey and his crew, this was the biggest turnout of their tour so far. Not surprisingly. The Northeast is no longer considered The NORTH POLE. We have a healthy and thriving surf scene up here.

THE OLDEST CONTINUOUS FAIR IN AMERICA TOPSFIELD FAIR.



For years I have had a photo taken in front of the Sportsman Show.



Here's Dan Reilly actually dunking the Clown on Friday October 11th, 2024 at Topsfield, He was very casual about it.



The TOPSFIELD FAIR Tradition lives on in our world.

“SURFING AND THE FAIR HEALS ALL WOUNDS.” 

LESS THAN 30 DAYS.

On November 6th, 2024 we should have a pretty good idea which one of these two will be our next president. By now most of you know that I do not like Trump. And the truth is I 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. And he is 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 honestly think Harris is head and shoulders more qualified to be the FIRST Woman President of our great nation. She's obviously more intelligent. She's younger and stronger. 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.

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.



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 in November of 2024.




I'm not sure how Khaliddy got the DUNK THE CLOWN job but I knew I had to post it. Just when you think you've seen it all. Ole Khaliddy needed a little extra cash and got a job at the Fair as the CLOWN. They had to keep warning him not to yell out DEATH TO AMERICA and his favorite ALLAH ARKBAR! Damn Sheiky you can't be yelling that shit in public.

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 "HOW TO DUNK CLOWNS AT COUNTY FAIRS" Books at Home Depot this week.

PLEASE KEEP Karen Evans in your thoughts and prayers. Karen and her immediate family at the beach. Karen is currently battling FTD (Frontotemporal Dementia) a result of damage to neurons in the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain. She's doing remarkably well in dealing with this condition. The Evans have been local icons here for as long as I can remember. All the Surf Families are in full support of Rick, Karen, Matt, Megan and Nick and baby Luka, and of course Mikel. Sending your positive thoughts and prayers to Karen and the family are welcome.

PATRIOTS ONE and FIVE. UGH.
HAPPY 65th BIRTHDAY Johnny "JIM" Meehan 10-12-24
HAPPY BIRTHDAY Markey J, October 11th, 2024!
HAPPY 37th Anniversary To my Beautiful Wife Cory!
October 10th, 2024!

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

49 YEARS AGO. HURRICANE SURF AT THE WALL IN 1975.
I remember taking this photo with my old Instamatic that I had in Vietnam. The storm had just passed and me and Joe were driving around checking the surf. We stopped at the wall and I hopped out to take this photo. I have no idea who this is. But I remember taking the pic. 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- HURRICANE KIRK October 8th, 2024.
Photos by RALPH



(Above) The Best Day of the 4 Days of KIRK. Tuesday October 8th, 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) Lucky regular foot getting his share before the crowds showed up.
The Best Day of the 4 Days of KIRK. Tuesday October 8th, 2024.
Photo by RALPH *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) The UNRIDDEN realm. 4 Days of KIRK.
Tuesday October 8th, 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) Stand and deliver. Hurricane KIRK. Tuesday October 8th, 2024.
Photo by RALPH *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) This is Ray King. One of the hardest charging Goofyfoots I
have ever known. 4 Days of KIRK. Tuesday October 8th, 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 James Morse ducking under this pitching lip.
4 Days of KIRK. Tuesday October 8th, 2024.
Photo by RALPH *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery



(Above) Natty Graham setting up on an inside runner. 4 Days of KIRK.
Tuesday October 8th, 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) The Best WAVE of the 4 Days of KIRK.
Tuesday October 8th, 2024. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) Michael Kirby's afternoon carve. 4 Days of KIRK.
Tuesday October 8th, 2024. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery


(Above) Crowley finds another hole to hide in. The Best Day of the 4 Days of KIRK. Tuesday October 8th, 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
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in New England.

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

Today- HURRICANE KIRK SEQUENCES October 8th, 2024.
Photos by RALPH



(Above) Brian Avantes picked off one of the nicest waves of the swell. Crowley finds another hole to hide in. KIRK SEQUENCE. Tuesday October 8th, 2024. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery




(Above) Kody Grondin. KIRK SEQUENCE.
Tuesday October 8th, 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) Anson Rodgers in a clean white room with green trimming. KIRK SEQUENCE. Tuesday October 8th, 2024. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

Today- DINALAND KIRK Tuesday October 8th, 2024.
Photos by Dina Crawford



(Above) Always hollower and greener at Dinaland.
KIRK Tuesday October 8th, 2024. Photo by Dina Crawford
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

Joe Carter, Brian Nevins, and Nick Lavecchia

The art of Donna Baldassari

(Above) Natty Graham's last ride before donning the fins for some water angles. KIRK Tuesday October 8th, 2024. Photo by Dina Crawford
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) Anson Rodgers has been getting better and better with each passing year. He has a serious nose for the barrel. *Note Natty getting the water shot. KIRK Tuesday October 8th, 2024. Photo by Dina Crawford
*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) Stand and deliver. KIRK Tuesday October 8th, 2024.
Photo by Dina Crawford
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery



(Above) Right spot. Right angle. Right color. Dinaland.
KIRK Tuesday October 8th, 2024. Photo by Dina Crawford
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) There's something about grabbing a rail and pig-dogging
a barrel on your backhand. KIRK Tuesday October 8th, 2024.
Photo by Dina Crawford
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) Kody Grondin's casual tube stance at Dinaland.
KIRK Tuesday October 8th, 2024. Photo by Dina Crawford
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

Today- HURRICANE KIRK Tuesday October 8th, 2024.
Photos by David Manzi

(Above) This spot was pretty popular this day. To say the least.
KIRK Tuesday October 8th, 2024. Photo by David Manzi
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) This day was clearly the biggest of all 4 days.
KIRK Tuesday October 8th, 2024. Photo by David Manzi
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) Too bad I already had a BDI for this Blog. Because this
would have been a strong contender. GUILTY AS CHARGED.
KIRK Tuesday October 8th, 2024. Photo by David Manzi
*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.

Today- HURRICANE KIRK Monday October 7th, 2024.
Photos by RALPH



(Above) There was size, but also fog and rain. Monday October 7th, 2024.
Photo by RALPH *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) There was also Ian Dreher carving his initials in the wave faces. Monday October 7th, 2024. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

Listen to QWILL on the video page.

Today- SPEARFISH Saturday October 5th, 2024.
Photos by RALPH



(Above) This was so much fun. An outdoor movie at 935 OCEAN's SURF SHACK. Saturday October 5th, 2024. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) Mikey February and his cool FISH STICKS with the crew from CINNAMON RAiNBOWS. 935 OCEAN's SURF SHACK.
Saturday October 5th, 2024. Photo by RALPH
*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.

Today- Mikey February's SPEARFISH SURF SESSION
Saturday October 5th, 2024. Photos by Chris Carragher

(Above) Mikey February gone Fishing at the Wall.
Saturday October 5th, 2024. Photo by Chris Carragher
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) Dave "Crop" Cropper joining in on the fun. The Wall.
Saturday October 5th, 2024. Photo by Chris Carragher
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) Mikey February is such a stylish surfer. Go get a FISH.
Saturday October 5th, 2024. Photo by Chris Carragher
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

Today- THE FALL COLORS UP NEAR THE CANADIAN BORDER. October 3-4-5, 2024. Photos by RALPH



(Above) One of my favorite places on this planet.
Thursday October 3rd, 2024. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery





(Above) I named this spot Z-LAND after my young Shorthair.
Friday October 4th, 2024. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) The end of the day. Friday October 4th, 2024.
Photo by RALPH *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) Spanning generations. Terence, Michael, Stan, Markey, and Tim.
Tuesday October 8th, 2024. Photo c/o Terence Kirby
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery



(Above) Wave clouds from a non surfer. The Hampton Marsh.
Sunday October 13th, 2024. Photo by Peter Tilton
*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 RALPH
*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 later next week

I'm picking October 25th, 2024 as the best of the 2 weeks!

October 13th, 2024

"Wait is that a hand held remote controller on a motorized Foil?
Oh hell no you didn't."

(ABOVE) If I see this shit go buzzing through the lineup?
I'm gonna have to say something. Photo by JD Durham



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