August 16th, 2026 THE RUN IS 48 out of 48 weeks.
CRITERIA: Waist high or better at least once a week. There were waist high waves on 8-3-26
THE RECORD FOR THE MOST CONSECUTIVE WEEKS IN A ROW FOR WAIST HIGH OR BETTER. January 13th, 2025 was 59 WEEKS! |
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 1300 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. |
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NEXT BLOG August 30th, 2026.
All future Blogs will be posted on the 1st and 3rd week of every month (give or take a day or two). *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.
THE 22nd SURF ART BLOG. THE LAST SURFING WITH SMILES.
AND THE SAD PASSING OF SKY "WIPEOUT" ROSA.
*Click the photo above to see a larger version
First and foremost please accept my apologies for being 3 days late on the annual SURF ART BLOG. Sometimes the best laid plans of mice and men often go awry. And this was the case for the 22nd annual SURF ART BLOG. The reason is we lost one of the most loved individuals on the entire seacoast. Sky Rosa passed.
I will write more about Sky below. But first here's a few pieces of art from some of super talented Surf Artists. Including the art in the poster by Daniella Tabor. I love her work.
This is a cool painting of the Wall by James Schubert. Oil on canvas.
I bought one of his many Wall paintings back in the 90's. I have it hanging in my living room. I love all of James Schubert's work.
Another favorite Surf Artist friend of mine is Stan Chew. He calls this one SMALL ISLANDS. Like Jim Schubert I have a beautiful painting that Stan gifted me that also hangs in my living room.
And this is one of mine that I recently touched up for my youngest daughter. I use only acrylic on canvas. This is 16 x 20.
"Catching air" acrylic on re purposed wood panel by Cindy Marsh
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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 August 16th, 2026
My son Max Fatello was out surfing this day by himself. And the reason why is because of the massive snowfall we had the night before and that morning. I was down south shooting the empty large surf because nobody was out. Max sent me a text and told me he was going to paddle out alone at the Rocks. I remember feeling both excited and nervous for him. But I knew I could not get back up north in time to shoot him.
So, I called Ed (who lived close enough by) and told him that Max was headed out. I knew that Ed would go.
Ed got in his vehicle and drove down to the Rocks and shot a few pics of Max. It ended up being one Max's most memorable sessions of his life. Thank you for that Ed.
Photo by Ed O'Connell
*Click the photo above to see a larger version of Ed's Pic.
DON'T EVER BUY A F-ING MONKEY
The autobiography by Ralph G. Fatello
Surfing, Rock and Roll, the Marines, and my everyday life with my family and friends, that has had it's shares of twists and turns in some of the most peculiar ways. And those who wrote on the back cover all know me very well.
I love them all. *Click the book cover below to read the testimonials from some of my dearest friends.
The book is currently available in soft cover, hardcover, and e-book on AMAZON. Just go to AMAZON and type in my name in the search bar or type in the title of the book. The book is also on INGRAHM SPARK Books
The audio book is coming soon. I've had several friends and family members insist that I do the reading myself.
They all say that when I tell my stories with my own voice it adds both cred and impact. I guess, I'm a good story teller. Besides with all my recording experience I should be able to read through my own book. Hell, if I can sing my own lyrics I can certainly read my own stories.
*Click on the image above to buy the book on Amazon
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THE PADDLE FOR SKY ROSA AUGUST 16th, 2026.
August 5, 1993 - August 9, 2026
ON AUGUST 9th, 2026 SKY ROSA PASSED AWAY
Sky Rosa has left his earthly coil and is now paddling out into the lineup on his own power. The Seacoast of New Hampshire has lost a true soul of surfing. His father Michael wanted to personally thank all of my followers for their prayers and positive thoughts during these last few months. Please continue to keep the Rosa family in your thoughts during this difficult time. Long live Sky Rosa!
ATTENTION ALL SEACOAST SURFERS and Friends of Sky Rosa and the Rosa family. Please join us for a traditional Surfer's Paddle for SKY ROSA on Sunday August 16th, 2026, from 4-6PM at The ROCKS in Rye, NH. Let's give Sky a proper SURFER'S PADDLE Send Off.
Photo by Martha Lardent
(Below is a copy of what I wrote and read at Sky's paddle.
We are here to honor and celebrate Sky Rosa. And we’re doing it here at our church. Our place of worship. The wide open sea.
Surfer’s paddles are typically for surfers. And just what exactly is a surfer? Someone who has ridden waves. Someone who loves surfing. Well Sky is both. He has felt the sensation of riding waves. And lord knows he loves surfing. Nobody was more stoked than Sky at the beach. Nobody.
Photo by Cory Fatello
I have spent many hours over many years talking with Sky as we both watched the surfers catch waves along this seacoast while I was taking photos. His dad Michael would set him up with a great view of the action and he would paddle out and surf.
Sky would watch his dad and pick out the sets when they appeared on the horizon. And as most of you surfers who know Sky will attest: Sky had a deep appreciation of the WIPEOUT. He would joyously call out those of you who would eat shit out there.
His laughter was infectious. Many times, I found myself partaking in his honest enjoyment of watching some of you wiping out while capturing those humiliating (but funny) moments on my cameras.
There were times when his dad Michael would eat it out there and Sky would yell out “WIPEOUT!” And I would look over and say, “You know that was your dad, right?” And he would laugh and say “Yeah.” And then he laughed even harder. And I laughed right along with him.
Photo by Ed Moran
Hanging with Sky and laughing with him when his dad and my own son would be eating shit out gave me a feeling of You know, life is short. Why not laugh more? Laugh at wipeouts. Laugh at life. Don’t take things so seriously. Lighten up. So, thank you Sky for opening my eyes.
Now I’m not sure how many of you believe in something beyond this earth. I’m guessing most of you do. I certainly do. I have had times in my life when I have had proof of something else beyond this world. So having said that, I can easily envision Sky being free of confinement. Walking, running, and doing everything that we get to do. And yes, I can see him surfing.
Imagine if you will, Sky paddling out into a perfect 4-6’ glassy swell. No wetsuit. Wearing just trunks. His face, arms, legs, and body tanned and muscled like the typical Rosa physical shape. A handsome young man.
I can see him taking off behind the peak of a solid overhead wave and pulling into a deep, wide open, clean, dry barrel, and he comes shooting out of the barrel with the spit hitting him in the back. And then he slams into a cutback, sending spray everywhere. He pumps his board down the line and into the inside section, and jams off the bottom, and launches into a huge full air.
Not holding onto the rails. Just his feet holding on, as he lands it.
The hoots and cheers out in the water and on the beach are deafening. Sky with a big smile on his face as he starts to paddle back out. As he is paddling back out, one of our departed friends (John "JT" Taylor) is taking off on a wave out the back. And as he drops in, he pearls up to his neck and eats shit badly. Sky stops paddling, and sits up on his board and yells, “WIPEOUT!”
Keep paddling Sky. Watch over your family and your friends. Until we meet again. Keep laughing. Keep smiling. We Love you Sky. We love you.
IT AIN'T REALLY SUMMER UNTIL THE ANNUAL HBCF COMES TO TOWN. AUGUST 18th-23rd, 2026 at McGUIRKS OCEAN VIEW.
THIS JUST IN. THE 18th ANNUAL HIT THE BEACH!
"SURFING HEALS ALL WOUNDS."
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TWENTY FIVE YEARS AGO, AMERICA WAS ATTACKED.
TWENTY YEARS AGO, THE FIRST GWOT MONUMENT IN AMERICA WAS UNVEILED IN HAMPTON, NH.
I am the guest speaker this year. With this being the 20th anniversary of the unveiling of the monument I spearheaded
Commander Bennett asked me to speak. So much has happened since 9-11-01 and so much has happened since the unveiling. I remember after the ceremony on that first night, I was asked by a local reporter. "What are you going to do when the Global War on Terrorism is over Ralph?"
My answer is the same answer I would give today.
"There are terrorists that haven't been born yet, that our grandchildren will be fighting in the future. The Global on Terrorism is forever."
(Above) The first night. September 11th, 2006. The first unveiling. It was one of the biggest moments of my life.
Left to right" John Barvenik, the late George Masten, and me.
*The current Monument has three stones.
It's that time of the year again. The 34th SURF FAMILY ROBINSON gathering of local Surf Families.
Click on the poster above to see the larger version.
ATTENTION ALL SEACOAST RESIDENTS
RETIRED USAF Colonel Jeff Barker and current member of AMERICAN LEGION POST 35 has started this new service for local Hampton, Hampton Falls, North Hampton, and Seabrook veterans. Scan this bar code with your phone camera or any QR reader app. Or use major credit cards.
Jeff is a great guy and he and his wife are wanting to do something positive for all the seacoast Veterans. Now you can too. Click on the Bar code to be one of dozens of Seacoast residents to help local veterans.
With all the images of surf and surfing in this current Blog I was reminded of the time Ole Khaliddy went for a body surf in Hawaii. And in typical Sheiky form, he ignored all the warning signs and lifeguard advice as to not stand too close to the ocean and to NEVER turn your back on the ocean.
Well you can imagine what happened after this photo was taken.
Yup. He got his ass flattened on the hard coral lava rock. In fact it took several lifeguards to haul him out of the treacherous Hawaiian surf. One would think that KSM had learned another valuable lesson in life. But The Sheik is a terrorist. He will never learn. Damn you Sheiky why you gotta be so stubborn.
This photo appears courtesy of the GITMO GAZZETTE.
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 pickup a case of DANGERS OF HAWAIIAN WAVES Books at Home Depot this week.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY Jacquie Fatello July 29th, 2026!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY Johnny Fatello August
25th, 2026!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY Pete Rizzo August 29th, 2026!
GET WELL SOON Jon Gozzo!
KEEP FIGHTING John "HOG" Hannah!
KEEP FIGHTING Robert Gerard! You Got This Brother!
PLEASE KEEP SKY ROSA in your Thoughts and Prayers.
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 21 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
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Everybody loves seeing the old pics of surfing. Especially here in Northern New England. If you have any old pics please send them off to me via email or social media. My email is ralph@adlantic.com
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FLY ON SKY. FLY ON BROTHER.
This is my son Max and Sky Rosa. Max spoke about this day at Sky's paddle. It was pretty emotional and inspiring. This is proof that Sky knew what the sensation of riding a wave was all about. Keep paddling Sky.
Photo c/o The Rosa Family.
*Click on the photo above to see a larger image
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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 or two and go through this year long 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.
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All photos taken this week unless otherwise noted.
Today- THE 22nd RPOTW SURF ART GALLERY
(Above) "Outside Wave" by Amelia Castellano - Paint on ceder shed
Size
- 12' by 8' - contact noogai_surf@yahoo
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
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Click on the ad above to see the Menu and other
important info on their Somerville restaurant and all the
other AMERICAN FLATBREAD locations.
Best EAST COAST Coverage on the Internet.
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(Above) "Caught inside" acrylic on re purposed wood panel
by Cindy Marsh. *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
(Above) GOING LEFT watercolor 5 x 7" by Kim Bennett
Instagram: Lobstah_paws
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
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Visit this site to read about the Legends of our coast.
Welcome Solsticenh.com Melinda is a local NH surfer.
Click on the ad above to visit her site.
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(Above) GO FETCH Mixed media on canvas
Size 16 x 20" by Julie Ward
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
(Above) Deep Water Right acrylic on canvas size 16 x 20"
Ralph Fatello
12-25-1995.
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
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935 OCEAN & THE SURF SHACK is the BEST
Click on the ad to find out where to stay the next time
you're in town.
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(Above) This is by James Schubert. I love Jim's work. Jim sent in 8 pieces. So I gave him his own gallery. *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
(Above) ON THE NOSE 16 x 21 stoneware clay by James Schubert.
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
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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/
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THE SKY ROSA PADDLE GALLERIES
(Above) The drone shot of the gathering on the beach.
Sunday August 16th, 2026. Photo by Martha Lardent
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
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Click on the ad above to find out more about owner
and creator Ryan Jackson and
NH2o's cool selection
of surf related products. |
(Above) I see the shape of a heart here. Drone shot of the beach.
Sunday August 16th, 2026. Photo by Martha Lardent
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
(Above) The drone shot of Sky's Paddle.
Sunday August 16th, 2026. Photo by Martha Lardent
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
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SALTY PAWS DAYCARE NOW OPEN
Click on the
Ad above for more info
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(Above) Michael and Bella embracing. Sunday August 16th, 2026.
Photo by Chris Carragher
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
(Above) Johnny "JIM" Meehan Sunday August 16th, 2026.
Photo by Chris Carragher
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
(Above) Kevin "DOC" Grondin Sunday August 16th, 2026.
Photo by Chris Carragher
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
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Produced by David Robinson of the CARS.
Visit our Facebook page
Produced by David Robinson of the CARS.
Visit our Facebook page
Produced by Steve Saddler.
Visit our Facebook page
The VINNY Band was around from 1976 to 1984
July 30th, 1979 headlining the Paradise Club
In Boston, MA
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(Above) Ralph addressing the gathering. Sunday August 16th, 2026.
Photo by Brian Nevins
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
(Above) Me singing and playing the song (SKY BLUE) that I wrote with lyrics from Sky's brother Chase. Sunday August 16th, 2026.
Photo by Brian Nevins
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
(Above) Buck Rowlee and Marky Jowett . Sunday August 16th, 2026.
Photo by Brian Nevins
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
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Joe Carter, Brian Nevins, and Nick Lavecchia
Click on the ad above to visit their website
The art of Donna Ambassadorial
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(Above) Michael Rosa should get "father of the year" I know he wishes he could have done more. But anyone who knows Michael already knows that he was 1000% committed to his son Sky. Sunday August 16th, 2026.
Photo by Ed Moran
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
(Above) The words that Chase wrote about his brother Sky were part of the motivation behind me writing that song about Sky. Just beautiful. Sunday August 16th, 2026. Photo by Ed Moran
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
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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.
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(Above) The Paddle for Sky was the biggest paddle we have ever conducted at the Rocks. Sunday August 16th, 2026. Photo by Ed Moran
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
(Above) Flowers in the lineup. The Paddle for Sky. Such a beautiful day.
Sunday August 16th, 2026. Photo by Erica Nardone
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
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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
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(Above)The Paddle for Sky.
Sunday August 16th, 2026.
Photo by Erica Nardone
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
(Above) Friends and surfers doing what they do when we lose one of the tribe. Sunday August 16th, 2026. Photo by Erica Nardone
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
(Above) Michael speaking to the gathering with his daughter Bella.
Sunday August 16th, 2026. Photo by Tony Berardini
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
(Above) Max Fatello speaking to the gathering.
Sunday August 16th, 2026. Photo by Tony Berardini
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
(Above) Me and Michael Rosa PADDLE FOR SKY ROSA.
Sunday August 16th, 2026. Photo by Tony Berardini
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
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Visit Jimmy Dunn's website to find out where
else he will be performing. Watch Jimmy on the
new FRASIER Click on Jimmy to find out more.
ALL EPISODES OF SEASON 2 of FRASIER ARE NOW STREAMING ON PARAMOUNT+
Click on the ad above to visit her Facebook page.
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Today- The Last SURFING WITH SMILES of the Summer August 13th, 2026. Photos by RALPH
(Above) Yes it was one of the best ones yet. Erica Nardone making dreams come true. SURFING WITH SMILES
August 13th, 2026.
Photo by RALPH *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
(Above) Such a great night. SURFING WITH SMILES
August 13th, 2026.
Photo by RALPH *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
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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.
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(Above) That right there is a surf stance. SURFING WITH SMILES
August 13th, 2026. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
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Today- SURFING WITH SMILES August 13th, 2026.
Photos by Chris Carragher
(Above) This is why they call it SURFING WITH SMILES
August 13th, 2026. Photo by Chris Carragher
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
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Listen to QWILL on the video page.
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(Above) Oh I LOVE this photo. SURFING WITH SMILES
August 13th, 2026. Photo by Chris Carragher
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
(Above) And this! Look at those faces. SURFING WITH SMILES
August 13th, 2026. Photo by Chris Carragher
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
Today- THE AUGUST SESSIONS August 3rd 2026
Photos by RALPH
(Above) There were waist high waves the night of the Rainbow.
August 3rd, 2026. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
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Click on this image to visit Driftwood Photography
"GIVE YOUR BUSINESS A KICK IN THE ADS"
Since 1985.
Click on the image above to see the cool ocean art
from Alex Walsh.
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(Above) The Rainbow. August 3rd, 2026. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
(Above) The whitetail deer.
August 3rd, 2026. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
Today- THE AUGUST SESSIONS August 3rd 2026
Photos by Ed Moran
(Above) KD Durham.
August 3rd, 2026. Photo by Ed Moran
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
(Above) Pretty. August 3rd, 2026. Photo by Ed Moran
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
(Above) This too is surfing. August 3rd, 2026. Photo by Ed Moran
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
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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
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(Above) The Paddle for Sky Rosa. August 16th, 2026.
Photo by Mindy Bocko
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
(Above) The quiet man who does so much for so many people.
Dave Cropper from Cinnamon Rainbows. He brought 12 soft tops
to Sky's Paddle. August 16th, 2026. Photo by GAF
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
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He's more than just a good photographer
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(Above) All Rise: The 10th Street District Court Of Surf is Now in Session. The Honorable Judge RALPH presiding. Cold Case # 822 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 GOOGLE
*Click on the photo above to see the outcome
This is what happens if you are found GUILTY.
You become invisible.
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Click on this image above to buy this book
and more cool KING'S X merchandise and music
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I only see waves Friday August 28th, 2026
So, I'm picking Friday August 28th, 2026 as the best day
of the next two weeks. HIT THE BEACH!
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August 16th, 2026
"Just don't look to your left Tony and you'll be fine!!"
(ABOVE) This is was a drawing I did of my friend Tony Berardini during the week of the infamous Halloween swell. He survived the drop and the wave. And in doing so he has a memory of one of the craziest swells in the history of service.
Drawing by RALPH
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Click here to read Shaun Tomson's first book.
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