April 2010

April 30, 2010

That was strange having a clip of him and then finding out he had passed away the week before. Life is short...another surfer has left the line-up.

April 29, 2010

Cool, thanks Ralph! I just read your blog from the 25th about the sad case of the ‘Unknown surfer,’ so before I fall to this unfortunate fate – that is me in the photo. What’s ironic is that you shot my husband this same week last year, at Hampton during the rainbow swell! The photo is titled “Unknown red board at C-land. Earth day rainbow swell 4/23/09. 

Also, we just watched the Run and thought it rocked !

-Christina

That's funny. I'll make sure you don't suffer the same fate. That was a beautiful rainbow. If you have the RUN that will be a collector's item because we are re-releasing the UPDATED version 50 out of 52 weeks. It will be called The RUN Redux.

Got some new QWILL songs that are so good.

Keep surfing.

Ralph


April 28, 2010

You're welcome Peter.

April 28, 2010

I really like the 70's films of late.Brings back a lot of fond memories.I like to see the yellow swallowtail again.I think I paid you 100 for it .It was a great Cove board

I especially like the footage of Kevin as he was the best surfer in the area and I only started surfing in 1972 so he had a great style to borrow from . I have been trying to explain to my son Matt how he was able to casually un weight at the top of a wave and effortlessly drop down and make the next section or decide to switch feet and deal with things front  side. Nice to see Calley in action again as well.

Mike

Thanks Mike. Lot's of fond memories for sure.

April 27, 2010

Hi Ralph – I realize this is a little late, but I thought I’d forward this photo along anyway.  The shot was taken by my husband, Joel on April 19, 2010. It was a gem of a night!

Be Well,

Christina K

That's a cool shot.

April 26, 2010

Wow. You got some great shots this week. All the turbulence pics, the Hanon pic and the shoals stuff and the air refueling tanker. Really great and I know you are loving that camera. Very versatile and suits your shoot-from-the-hip style. Right on!

April 25, 2010

If I didn't shoot that footage it would all just be faded memories today...

April 22, 2010

Hi Ralph. How are you doing?

Its been since thanksgiving weekend since I made it down to New Hampshire for a surf. As you can well imagine, far far too long a time, missing too many of the weeks of 'The Run' as there was always always something, from crazy snow in between Montreal and NH when the systems brought waves, or just work to do. But I finally made the first trip of 2010 this week. Monday and Tuesday, while not big, were certainly a lot of fun, and definitely waist high or bigger on the sets. It being my first time out in such a while, its probably best that it wasn't all that big.

I had myself some great sessions on the longboard I made myself as one of my winter projects, catching some nice rides, getting some sun, talking with some of the local folks and enjoying what seemed like unusually warm spring water.

I have a couple of pics here of some unknown surfers taken at the wall on monday evening. Probably around 6-7pm. Not amazing, as they are shot with a point and shoot, but some proof that it was waist or better.
I'll attach a pic of the longboard I did. One of a few boards that I did over the winter for myself for some locals here in Montreal.

I hope that all is well with you. See you in the water sometime!

April 16, 2010

RE: Ralph's pic of the day: The wave is definitely bigger than waist high! I would call days like that waist with the occasional chest high set or waist high with chest drops. The problem with those shots is that it looks great in the one shot at take off but in the next frame the wave is considerably smaller. I found that as I get older it is always better to be positive though! As long as it isn't flat I'll call it fun!

Trevor

Amen to that brother.


April 16, 2010
Ralph-

I didn't need the photoshopped shot. I believed you had it right with the original. 8 for 8.
By the way, is it just my sunburned,old eyes or is it tough to read the blue links against the green background on the blog home page?

Thanks for the daydreams. I read your blog sitting in a windowless cubicle. It's a field trip to the frontal lobes.

-Joe

You are right Joe. It's waist high. And yes it's hard to see the blue over the green. But that's why I change the background color from week to week. Don't get caught reading the blog at work. Hate to see anyone get in trouble because of surfing.

April 14, 2010


Ralph,

What you are doing in your "Ralphs Pics " is something which I am very grateful for every week I log in to check the happenings at our beach community. I'm not sure I can put my finger on it but you have helped us to define ourselves as a community. Ken Burns recently did the same when he simply gave attention to our national parks. He was the conduit to help others access the miracle happening all around from east to west....north to south.......You are helping us to define who we are as a people within the context of our Hampton community. Your thumbprint is there with your news, views and interesting takes on events.......but at the same time you let the community be the heros.......

So my friend......hats off to Ralph.......you have helped us to treasure who we are as a people.... enjoying our activities.....reminding us of that which is important....

Chip (PA)

I said this many times in the past. It's the Surfers like you who used to live here and have since moved on to other places in the world, who really seem to make the connection to this beach community, thru my weekly column and photos. I'm truly happy, and humbly thankful, that I am able to provide you with a spiritual link to our life back home.

April 11, 2010

Ralph

Is this long time 10 year surfer/Kayaker Bipolar ???? Because that would explain pretty much everything he said..

Mike N.H.

You might be right Mike.


April 11, 2010

In response to your Yacker segment. Don’t cast all kayakers into the drink because of one moron. That had to be the most blatant drop in and the best example of what not to do. This guy has not excuse at all. From the other set of photos the kayaker got a karma ass kicking that he deserved and solidified my opinion that he had no business being out there.

We see examples of poor surf etiquette every time out that stem from inexperience or arrogance that are provided by kayakers and boarders alike.

We all need to get along and there isn’t any reason why we can’t.

Peace out!

I couldn't agree more.


April 8, 2010

Wow. Too busy. I am stealing money from myself to read your column! Gotta relax sometime. Oh no, he didn't call you a terrorist. This is gonna be good... All real surfers believe in... (now he is the authority on what "real" surfers are...(I watched a kayaker drop in on Chris S. the day we got back from the mountains and it was plain ignorance...).. you "wear a skirt"?????? I don't think you would get Ned's vote...or should I say "Neddie"!

The choppers were scouring for "terrorists" who create drama over ignorant kayakers listening to Kenny G while cluelessly running over "real surfers' with good Karma.

Yakker dropin is so funny. As the Bible says, "ye reap what ye shall sow". Or as Eddie Murphy said,"You brought that shit on yo'self muthafucka!"

Bless you my son.

Shalom.

JC

This is getting funnier by the hour...


April 8, 2010

Hey Ralph,

Kayaks are on sale down here if you are interested in buying one!!

Hope you are well,

Chip (PA)

That's funny...

April 7, 2010

That (The Yakker Story) was one of the funniest photo-stories I read in a long, long time.

Greg

Thanks Greg that was my intention, but not everyone feels like we do, check out Ned's
reply to that story.

April 6, 2010

Ralph, I just wanted to thank you for all the great pictures you have been sharing! It really helps me get through the grind at work! I know the swell has been unreal this year and I have only been making it out about 20% of the time during the week. Your pictures keep me pumped! Thank you for keeping my life sane!!!

Eric J

Red Harbor long boarder!

April 5, 2010

Ralph:

You yap about your new found Christianity but still feel you own the beach and rule Hampton from this pulpit. Fostering this surfer/kayaker bull shit, and bad feelings. You’re nothing but a name dropping community terrorist on this issue.

I’ve been both surfing and kayaking North Beach and surrounding breaks for the last tens years with no problems. There is no need for this bullshit crap. All real surfers believe in Karma and don’t mess with bad vibes. Stop trying to create something. If you want to bitch for the reason that you wear a skirt then bitch about how much more room the kayakers would have if the Massholes or Canadians weren’t there.

I like your site, and what it brings to our Hampton surf community but you opinions make you a TOTAL ASSHOLE. Funny part is I know your not, you donate your time around town and run the Surf Family Robinson Day (which I brought my family to last summer –Thank You) but this crusade of yours is stupid.

Local Surf-kayaker and surfer

NED

(BELOW IS MY RESPONSE in yellow high lite)

Ralph: *Ned

You yap about your new found Christianity but still feel you own the beach and rule Hampton from this pulpit.*It's not New found Ned. I've always been a Christian. Own the beach and Rule Hampton? You got to be kidding me. Although, if there were such a position open, I'd like to run for that office. Can I count on your vote?

Fostering this surfer/kayaker bull shit, and bad feelings. You’re nothing but a name dropping community terrorist on this issue. *Ned that hurt...calling me a Terrorist...that's harsh. Osama Bin Laden, Timothy McVeigh and Ralph Fatello?

I’ve been both surfing and kayaking North Beach and surrounding breaks for the last tens years with no problems. There is no need for this bullshit crap. *You do know that "bullshit and crap" are the same right? Look that guy ran a woman over and another surfer. I watched it and actually spoke with him about it. He was clueless, and not very remorseful about it. Plus he was wearing earphones and listening to music. That's crazy. I guess we wish all YAKKERS were like you then. All real surfers believe in Karma and don’t mess with bad vibes. *Huh? Believe in Karma? And wait these are not bad vibes towards me? Stop trying to create something. *Ned you gotta be kidding me. You can't see the tongue and cheek fun I was having here? If you want to bitch for the reason that you wear a skirt then bitch about how much more room the kayakers would have if the Massholes or Canadians weren’t there.*Wear a skirt? Neddie...again with being hurtful. And what a f-ing hypocrite you are. Guys from Massachusetts have no rights? Canadians have no rights? Tell that to the local surf shops and restaurants who depend on them. What kind of Karma is that Ned?

I like your site, and what it brings to our Hampton surf community but you opinions make you a TOTAL ASSHOLE. *Ned you know the old saying... opinions are like assholes...everyone has one. Even you. Funny part is I know your not, you donate your time around town and run the Surf Family Robinson Day (which I brought my family to last summer –Thank You) but this crusade of yours is stupid.*Ned make up your mind. Am I an asshole or not? Am I a Terrorist or not? Am I stupid or not? Do I wear a skirt or not?

Local Surf-kayaker and surfer *and Anti-Masshole and Anti-Canadian and now RALPH Hater.

NED*RALPH

P.S. I'll see you at the 2010 Surf Family Robinson party in the YAKKERS ONLY section on the beach

April 5, 2010

Ralph,

I read your column this morning. Very good Easter message.
Attached is the spring edition of the newsletter that I write quarterly. I sure wouldn’t want to write something weekly like you do or even monthly.

Judith (Maine)

Thanks Judith that was well written newsletter. Great job.

April 5, 2010

Hey Ralph...really liked what you had to say about Jesus/Easter/ and who we are as people..basically carbon specs created by Him because He loves us. I, like you try my best daily..and yes I screw up daily, but I truly believe that my desire to please God does in fact please Him. Like you I also never am afraid to stand up for what I believe...many things, mostly harsh life lessons deepen my faith...and a beautiful sunrise at north beach doesn't hurt either- it was awesome..look forward to meeting ya someday at the wall...
Stevo (new old guy)

Thanks Stevo...sounds like you are on the right path.

April 5, 2010

Hey Ralph,

Just read your Easter column and I appreciate your sensitivity to all your readers. But you know, the name of Jesus is just going to be offensive to some. Jesus told us not to be surprised at that, they hated me, they'll hate you because of my name. We should count it all joy to be ridiculed for the sake of The Name. We can talk about God all we want, but If we're lifting up Jesus as "the way, the truth and the life" and "the only way to the Father" in heaven, Jesus told us to expect persecution (mild as it is in this country). I wanted to share a couple of verses that have helped me to see our condition before God and our only solution.OK, more than a couple of verses. Ralph, I don't want you (or anyone) to just hope, think or believe they're saved. I don't want you to think salvation has anything to do with your good works. I want you to know that if you were to stand before God and he asked you "why should I let you into my kingdom" you'll say because Jesus died for my sins and he has given me his righteousness. He's the narrow way, bro, and not all will find it.

Norm.

Thanks Norm...I'm getting it. I know what we have to do.

April 5, 2010

Hi Ralph,

You might not remember me, but in 2007 through May 2009 I was a (semi) regular up at the Wall. I bought and traded a number of boards at Crop's shop during that time and got to be quite friendly with Ross.

From time-to-time I check your blog. Sometimes I check it because feel homesick for New England since I now live in San Jose, Costa Rica. What am I doing here? I teach New Testament at a Christian Seminary. What was I doing in MA? From 2006-2009 I was working on a Master's in Theology from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary so I could return to Costa Rica and teach. My wife and I have been serving with the Latin America Mission since 2001.

Your latest blog prompted me to write you. I personally think it is great that you wrote what you did. You came off as an honest human humbly acknowledging the reality of your life and the reality of Christ as well. Especially good was how you wrote how unbelievable the resurrection really is. That isn't often highlighted when people talk about the Gospel. The resurrection is the centerpiece and also the most unbelievable portion of the Gospel. I would love to hear how Christ reached you. What do your family members think about your becoming a Christian?

Lastly, I have a brother-in-law who is serving with the Special Forces, based at Ft. Bragg. He is a medic and currently in Afghanistan. He, too is a surfer (we surfed Witch's Rock and some other breaks down here together) and a Christian as well. So thanks, for your years of service to our country.

If I can ever be of service to you either as a Christian brother or as a reference for CR surf info, let me know and I'll do what I can. I'll try to look you up next time I'm in your area.

I'd appreciate your prayers not only that I serve Christ well here as I teach and serve my family, but that I'd get the right board as I am currently searching for a good one. I'm on the fence between a larger quad fish or an all around longboard. I was planning to take both with me when I returned last year, but it didn't work out since shipping was so expensive.

Peace to you,
Jason (Costa Rica)

Thank you so much for the kind words. Sounds like you and your wife are doing wonderful work. I'll keep you both in my prayers. And I'll say a prayer for your brother-in-law who's a medic w/SF in Afghanistan. Medics do great things for our military. As far as the board dilemma, I'd say stick with the Longboard...you can't go wrong.

April 4, 2010

Hello Ralph,
I've been scanning a bunch of stuff and came across this shot from
yesteryear. A hurricane swell whose name I can not remember but II
think it was the first time I met Cliff and Greg was in town. Kevin,
Cliff and I surfed Compton and Wishing Well. Maybe you can put it
together if you have an interest in posting it. I shot it by remote at
the Grondins. (l to r) Rick Aho, Kevin Grondin, Cliff Pappas, Kim
Grondin, Ralph Fatello, Greg Smith, Alan Bigsby.

Thumbs up and best regards,

Rick (Florida)

Thanks Rick...but there was nothing there. You sure you didn't dream this?

April 3, 2010

Hey Ralph, thanks for publishing those last photos, it was really cool to see them on your page! Here's a couple more if you think they're worthy..sorry, I think they're smaller than you need, my photo editor is a little funky..but I thought I'd share anyway.

The last shot is one I took when I was living back there of big Rye Rocks! That one's from the vault, it's gotta be from around 1999 or 2000..it's a pretty big wave too, if you look closely you can see the black dot of a winter suit going over the shoulder near the lip..I remember surfing that day..heavy!

Hope all is well with you and things are drying out..I heard it's supposed to be in the 70's or something in the next day or so.

All is well here, just surfing and doin' the deal, one day at a time!

Peace
Steve (Southern Cal)

These were fine...great stuff thanks for sending them.

April 2, 2010

Hi Ralph,

Arlene and I are celebrating our 25th wedding aniversary Sat. 3rd . I would like to give a shout out and my aloha for the ultimate surf mom . Six surfers to deal with and a warm water only surfer , and a ESA co-director . In the dictionary her picture is next to the definition of surf mom, in my mind anyway.

Thank you

Aloha

Lenny

That's both amazing and wonderful...congrats you Silver Anniversary couple!


April 1, 2010

Why?
Cause I'm 56 yrs old. and still do this. go ahead and blog the easties with this.
The waist leash is for intravenous feeding so I never have to come in. ankle leashes mess up my back ( because of an injury). I look like a total freak but the good news is everyone avoids an old man wearing gloves and an waist leash. you should try it.

Here are my favorite shots of this season. I kind of got inspired and paddled out on some fairly good sized days. I really don't want to surf anything bigger these days but still got the mojo.

There is a guy that stands on shore for hours then post on his web site for you to buy.
Pretty cool.

Rock (Northern Cal)


Rock you got Big Brass ones...waist leash or not.