Ralph 4/28/09

I heard about it, the south shore sucked, but the second bars are ripe for spring. Nevins shots so amazing, great NH coverage in recent surf mag, but where was Ralph’s love? The underground king, it is still all about RPOTW! Hope you are well, the site just stoked me out so I had to email you!
Peace!

Josh W

Marketing/Team Manager

bernunlimited.com

Josh:

Thanks for the kind words. I'm cool with not getting press with the big mags. Nevins is the best. I do know, that I get over 10,000 visitors to my site every week. Must be doing something right. I like the "Underground King" that's pretty cool and there's some truth to it.

I checked out BERN Helmets and I gotta tell you, I like they way they look. Really cool looking headgear. Kind of a modern military looking, assault gear. I love that shit. Strap an M-4 across my back and I'm good to go! Keep up the good work yourself! . I'm just glad you're tuning in.

Thanks again. Keep surfing!

Ralph

Hi Ralph, 4/28/09

Thanks for posting a couple of pics of me. I think I have maybe one or two photos of myself from all the years I've been surfing. Pic # 62 and 66 from 4-23 were me. That was my 3rd time out this season after just snowboarding all winter. Last year I surf maybe 4 times in the fall after a back injury laid me out all summer. It feels good to know that I can still through down in the water a little bit. Any way you could email those pics?

Cheers,
Aaron R

Hey Aaron:

Thanks for the kind words. Glad you liked the photos. Looks like you knew what you were doing out there. It's been a great Spring for surfing, and it was a great winter for Snowboarding. I can email you those photos in a high res for you if you want. I do it all the time. I typically sell them for $25 pr pic.I may have more of you as well. Maybe you should wait and see what I post next week and see if there's anymore you want. Then you can send me a check and I'll mail you a HighRes CD.

Everyone needs a good photo of themselves surfing. A good High Res photo.

Thanks again.
Ralph

RALPH , 4/27/09

I WAS JUST WONDERING HOW LONG TILL YOU GET THE REST OF YOUR WEBSITE ALL DONE. I HAVE BEEN EAGERLY AWAITING. I KNOW THE CONSISTENT SURF WE HAVE HAD THE PAST 10 WEEKS HAS PROBALLY SLOWED THE PROCESS DOWN SOME. NO HURRY JUST WONDERING IF THERE IS A POSSIBLE COMPLETION DATE. I SURFED "JOES REEF" LAST THURSDAY AND IT WAS THE FUNNEST SESSION I HAVE HAD IN A LONG TIME. IM A REGULAR FOOT AND HAVE BEEN RIDING A 9'2" MCTAVISH ORIGINAL (DAVE CROP LET ME USE IT TO SEE IF I LIKE IT). I HAVE TO SAY I LIKE IT BUT I WONDER IF A FLATTER BOARD WOULD BE ANY BETTER SOMETHING WITH A LITTLE LESS ROCKER I KNOW YOU HAVE BEEN RIDING LONGBOARDS SO I THOUGHT I WOULD ASK YOU WHAT YOU THOUGHT. I KNOW WHEN IM ON MY ROBERT AUGUST I CAN GET TO THE NOSE ALOT QUICKER AND I FIND ITS EASIER TO TURN AND PUMP DOWN THE LINE. THERE WAS A SECTION ON THE RIGHT I WAS RIDING AT "JOES REEF " THAT I JUST COULDNT MAKE. I DONT KNOW MAYBE ITS JUST ME. I DID GET COMPLETLY COVERED IN THE BARREL FOR THE FIRST TIME IN A LONG TIME AND THERE JUST HAPPENED TO BE SOMEONE PADDLING OUT WHO SAW THE WHOLE THING. SO I DID WHAT YOU WOULD DO. I PUT HIM IN THE WITTNESS PROTECTION PROGRAM LOL. ANYWAYS HOPE TO SEE YOU IN THE WATER SOMETIME. I DID WATCH YOU SURF THE OTHER DAY AT FOX HILL YOU LOOKED LIKE YOU WERE HAVING FUN ALL BY YOURSELF. I WAS TO TIRED TO PADDLE OUT THERE AND THOUGHT YOU WOULD ENJOY A SESSION BY YOURSELF SO I JUST WATCHED.
TAKE CARE STEVE

I'm working on it. There's not enough time in the day to do it all. Glad you got barreled. Glad to hear that you did do what I would do, if I saw someone surfing those small waves alone...I do appreciate that gesture.

Ralph

Ralph! 4/26/09

Sorry man MASSIVE FILES, i know i suck. No calls from GI Joe yet....still on the look out. These are all shots of me from this past thursday morning. Way past the deadline. Hope your good buddy!

Ross

You're right. With all the photographers sending me pics, I couldn't wait any longer for these.
I'll get them up for next weekend. I have not looked at them yet, but I can't wait.

Ralph

P.S. If that Gas Bag calls, you need to remind him, that Hampton is OFF limits for him, or he faces being arrested. I'm serious. Impersonating a Veteran-is against the law.

Ralph 4/23/09

Thanks, by the way, love the new site and the political commentary. I can’t believe this new administration is considering its own combat veterans to be probable domestic terrorists. Keep up the fight. Some of us appreciate your point of view.

Mike R.

Thanks Mike.

Ralph

Ralph 4/21/09
Good evening. I present a couple of picts for your review. In January, I took my sons out to visit their grandfather (a gunner's mate on a PT boat in WWII) who happens to have a view of Morro Rock from his front yard. We had a week of beautiful weather and good waves. The first shot is of my son Brendan surfing a crowded ( ! ! ) beach break just south of Cayucos; the second shot is view of the Rock looking south from Cayucos on a stunningly beautiful Central Coast winter day.
Thanks
Tim Moore

Cool pics Tim. I've been out there a few times. Really pretty spot.

Ralph

Ralph: 4/21/09

I really like the format now, the photos look great against that grey background. Its easier to see all the photos and read all the captions. I though the Easter Column was great, best so far, so many fantastic photos, great story about Duffy.

I know it’s not a competition, but I am jealous of those great sunrise shots you have been getting, those are very difficult shots, very tricky light. I plan on getting to the beach much earlier in the future. Great shots of Carden and Shipley and Yourself. good to see you guys on the other side of the lens.

The Greek Easter column is great also, even though the swell didn’t match the previous weeks, you got lots of real interesting shots. And I really liked the caption about the “big gas bag with the squeaky voice” bet you will be getting a call from Pirate Jonas soon.

The cloud shots were amazing, again very tricky light and not much contrast, great job. I really liked the UFO clouds. Hopefully some surf comes from this storm and I can contribute some photos this week, Everyone else’s recent photos have been very inspirational. I gotta get over the film mentality and get experimenting, mistakes in digital can be deleted at no cost, I gotta remember that and get shooting.

Hope all is well, great job, I know the transition has been a challenge, but I think the end result is great!

Ed

Thank you Ed.

Ralph

It's Michael here ... the tall guy. You have a good memory! I own a printing business in Hollis and am fortunate to be able to get out whenever I want ... my boys are 8 and 10 so I hope to get 'em started this summer as well ... they have declared that they've had enough of body boarding. Your writing is always an inspiration ... Keep up the good work & I'll see you in the water!

Michael

Thanks for the kind words Michael. Hope your sons get the surfing bug like we all have. My son turned the corner at age 8. Now he's way better than I am out there. Which is a good thing. More waves coming...

Get those printing jobs done!

Ralph

P.S. If you ever want to join the Surfer related businesses on my weekly, let me know. You'd be the ONLY printer.

Ralph 4/20/09
Thanks for the e-mail and the instant entry to your web site. I would sometimes have trouble trying to get into you site through Cinamon Rainbows. I only wish every veteran could go through what I have been through during the last two years with the making of BTL and the talks after the screenings I attended.

It has been a healing process being able to look into the box that I kept the lid on for more than 40 plus years. I encourage everyone to talk to a veteran and listen sincerely to what they have to say whatever it may be. Again much thanks for the e-mail and do keep in touch. I will do the same. We are bonded brothers by the experience.

Ron Sizemore

Hey Ron:

I saw the BTL DVD for the first time last night with my wife. Wow! I really liked it. I thought it was so cool to see all of you guys again. I don't know about my own interview...though. I feel funny seeing myself. But overall I thought it was really well done.

Here's a link to my column this week. www.ralphspic.com Click on the photo of Tom and check him out in my gallery. *There's also some of me surfing taken by John Carden. I'm riding the Yellow and Red Longboard.

Hope all is well with you guys. Again, it was so neat seeing you and Tom in the movie.

Keep surfing!

Ralph

Finally a sniper shot to replace mine from years ago that is still hung up to this day in the guys bathroom at CR's!!!!!

Hours of fun. Outstanding work. As you were.

Johnny

Mahalo my brother. Thank you.

Ralph

Mahalo, my brother. Got back at 2AM his morning. 47 “of snow in 8 days. Rode 21” one day, 18” the next. Some of the steepest and deepest shit I’ve EVER been in. Like pitching into a double overhead ledge only in this case the mountain doesn’t fall on you if you blow it. Out of control. The closest thing to surfing you will ever find. This is a sequence shot the one day the sun came out otherwise it was snowing so hard you couldn’t see 10’

Tony B.

Mahalo my brother. Say what?

Ralph

Same to you Julia. happy easter. We saw your family at church Easter Morning. Keep Surfing!

Ralph

Good to hear from you. Saw your photos on the Web Re: Memorial Paddle Out. Cool.Last September I went to see "Between The Lines" with my son Vic. At the New York Surf Film Festival. It was a great event. We spoke with John Milius.Ty too. I'm doing a project, at the local TV station, with a friend called Poncho Rotation. So far 7-1/2hr tapes. A buddy that served with me in Nam is coming to visit soon. We went In Country together and left together!

I'll call soon.

Semper fi,

Joe

Joe:

I was thinking of you a lot the last two months. Leatherneck had a long series about Dai Do.
I didn't see you or Col. Higgins mentioned after the graveyard fight. But I read all about it.
Hearing your version was something I'll never forget.

Ty Ponder emailed me and said he was mailing a copy of the DVD Between the Lines. He says I'm in the extras...he must mean all of us at the paddle. That is still one of the most memorable events of my life. I see Tom Woods down at the beach a lot. It's still too cold for him. We won't be coming to the NE Regionals this year. I can't afford it. And Max (my son) is not competing. He's into school sports and surfing for fun these days.

I hope life is treating you well. Be good my friend and stay healthy.

Semper Fi,

Ralph

Thanks again for your weekly,
Tony-California

Tony hope the Sox win and you can rub it into the local Oakland fans and then get your ass chased outta there. Kidding. I am stoked that you dig my weekly column. Keep surfing!

Ralph

Ralph 4/13/09

Absolutely! I was able to slow myself down to stay in the lip a bit…By the way, my friend Jason Kingsbury is the one who you said was “tapping into the energy” last week.He rides an orange WRV, looks like he got some good looking waves on your site, so I’m only a little Jealous..I am really happy to be included and love that you keep the website

Going with regularity. I’m actually a Northern California native, raised on Ocean Beach SFand Santa Cruz reefs, who transplanted, due to family commitments, to New England in 2005—part of the newest invasion back East that seems to be in the Media a lot these days—I love surfing on any Coast, and see the ocean as one big playground for us all.

Best,

Mickey L.

Glad you're stoked Micky. Keep surfing!

Ralph

Ralph - 4/13/09

Just wanted to drop a note to say you're doing great things with your new camera! Beautiful sunrise photos this week! I may have to do a painting from one of them (or combine a couple to make a painting). I will of course give HUGE credit to the photographer! Really great images.

I've been reading about all the great surf you've had. Wish I could have made it up there for a few photo sessions from the wall but I have been sick...the kind of flu where you just can't move off the couch....for well over a week. Back in the game today though (sort of) today.

Happy surfing - and good luck keeping those dogs of yours warm. Almost time to shake the booties though so - get psyched!

Hannah

Hannah:

Thank you. Yes the D-90 is a great camera. It's hard not to take so many photos with it.
I might be getting carried away with the sunrise shots, but I personally am blown away by the images. So as an artist you can appreciate that. Those are all "as is" no Photoshopping involved. And by all means paint one or two from those images. Don't worry about crediting me. Hope you guys find what you're looking for thru Cory. There's lots of great deals out there.

Hope you all had a Happy Easter!

Ralph

Ralph: 4/13/09

Hope all is well with you and the family, how’s MVF’s lax season going?

Just to clarify, (you might need reading glasses with extra magnification properties) I’m wearing a 4x3 hooded Excel full suit in those pics. The suit fits so well I may appear naked to those with impared vision.

Douglas S. H. California

Dougie:

Now why ya gotta be so damn hurtful? My brother...I am so sorry...but you are wearing a damn hood with no boots! Come on Dougie! I start shooting the LAX documentary tonight at practice. The season opener is tomorrow. Mackey V is playing both Attack and Defense, and the coaches love him for his intensity.

I'll keep you posted.

R

Ralph, 4/13/09

Thanks a million, just wanted to make sure Mike got a little love too for his input on our Board The Surf Talks To: Dialing The East Coast Quiver feature in that issue...
And THANK YOU as always for all the love you show ESM, Ralph. We wouldn't have near the quality Northeast coverage without you as part of our great community!!!

And man, you guys have made WAY more waves than us the last few weeks! I wouldn't mind slapping on a 6/5/4 at this point just to get wet!

Have a great day,
Nick

Nick McGregor
Associate Editor, Eastern Surf Magazine

Nick:

We're all in 4/3's now...that 6/5/4 shit is for wooses this time of year. The water temp's in the low 40's. It's damn near tropical! And...we have another swell hitting in a day or two...Oooh that's got to hurt.

Come on up. You can stay for FREE with me anytime.

R

Ralph, 4/13/09

Hello, Nick from ESM here, just got done reading your April 12th column, great stuff as usual... it's always nice to get an ear-to-the- ground feel for what's going on in the Northeast.

Just wanted to point out that the Nevins shot of Mike Moran perched on the nose you mentioned actually ran in ESM before Surfer... full-page, with quotes and input directly from Mike on longboarding the East Coast, in our March 2009 issue, which hit the streets a full month before Surfer's issue with the (otherwise excellent) story on Nevins, LaVecchia, and Northern New England. Just wanted to throw that tidbit of info out there for you and your readers...

Hope all is well with you, keep the excellent coverage of your little slice of heaven coming!

Nick

Nick McGregor
Associate Editor, Eastern Surf Magazine

Nick:

You're 100% correct. Here's the updated version. Seeing his shot of Mike Moran perched high on the nose, during last Thanksgiving's swell, is inspiring to all of us. Surfers, photographers, and to those who live here. *That same photo of Mike Moran also ran in ESM last month as a Full Page photo with a cool little story and quotes from Mikey himself. And it's also the cover shot on GROOVEMASTERS my Longboard DVD. His black and white Wall shot taken from his apartment is destined to be a New England classic as well.

I was just commenting on the fact that I wrote a full feature for SURFER in 1989. I hope you saw the little call out I gave you and TSJ on March 22's column. I love ESM always have.

Looking forward to the next ESM issue.

Ralph

Ralph…4/12/09

Just after I spoke with you a few weeks ago about the updated version of RPOTW, I spoke with my son Emlyn about his thoughts with regards to the design, and we talked about what we thought were the drawbacks and advantages of the format as it existed then. Without going in to exactly what we talked about, all I can say is by last week’s posting, you had basically taken care of what we thought were the drawbacks, and ramped up the advantages.

I think you are on the right track, and you may have nearly arrived at RPOTW Nirvana.

If you want to check out what Emlyn has been up to on the web, check him out at www.eastokes.com, or www.surfingstoke.com

Anyway, we both felt that having the big pictures with captions on the main page is better than tiny thumbnails, but now, entering a gallery through the photos is excellent.

Keep it up!

Regards,

Peter

Peter:

Thanks for your valuable input. I respect your opinion. And I'm happy to hear that I have struck a chord with you and your son. And even more happier that I hit the nail on the head (finally). Thanks Peter and I was impressed with your son's websites and projects. Wow. Really neat stuff.

Be good and as always keep surfing!

Ralph

That's funny. Look you're not alone. I've seen my nephew do it to one of my favorite boards. I chased him all the beach that day. I just saw it happen again the other day. And this time I took a photo. I'm posting it. I bet it never happens again though with you.

Have fun Sam...life's too short to get upset about dinged boards. Keep Surfing!

Ralph

I hope you're Mother-in-law keeps doing better. I hate cancer. My own Mother passed of Cancer in Oct 2007. My best friend who was both a great surfer and a War Hero died in 1978 of cancer...I mean the list goes on and on. I guess we all know someone who's life has been altered due to that disease. The good news is it's not a death sentence like it used to be. But I'll say a prayer for your Mother-in-law.

Did TJ make the cut? I hope he did. I was impressed with the NAVY SEALS yesterday in Somalia. You have to love the Special Forces! You should check out my weekly surf blog. www.ralphspic.com I think you'd get a kick out of it. I also have links to our Post website there too. Got to get back to work. Great hearing from you. Hope you get to try that new surf board out in some fun (warm) waves.

Remember, Surfing heals all wounds.

Ralph

Ralph, 4/9/09
I just wanted to let you know how much our visit meant to me. Did you get the letter I sent you? Thank you for all that you do and all that you give of yourself. I will always hold that trip close to my heart.
--
Nicolette M. Wounded Warriors

If you are reading this email, Thank a teacher. If you are reading it in English, Thank a soldier. Support Our Troops

Hey Nicolette:

Great to hear from you. And thank you for the kind words. No I never got your letter. Where did you mail it to? Regardless, I'm so happy that you all got so much out of that day. Believe me, we all did. It was such a wonderful experience for all of us. And what was extra special for me, was seeing some of my friends, who have no military experience what so ever, get a little better understanding of the character of our brave men and women in uniform.

Yes, that day was special in so many ways.

I may have mentioned to you that I write a weekly surf column. After all, I've been surfing since 1964. Damn, I must be old. It was 40 years this Summer that I was in Vietnam...Yikes. Someday you'll be saying the same thing to someone. Whoa...can you imagine that telling someone that you were in Iraq 40 years ago? It's coming kid. And quicker than you think.But honestly you should check out my weekly blog/column. I have all the last 6 years archived and you can go back and see that day you guys were all here. Here's the link. www.ralphspic.com If you forget or lose it just remember Ralph's Pic of The Week and Google it.

It's funny because, long before you guys came up I have ended each column with "Surfing heals all wounds".

Meanwhile here's a few pics of me and my new board. I think you'll get a kick out of it. And some of you from that special day. I hope you and your husband and family have a Happy Easter. Tell your mom I said hello.

Keep Surfing!

Ralph

From: "Ty Ponder" 4/9/09
<purefrustrationproductions@cox.net>
To: "Ralph " <ralph@adlantic.com>
Subject: Re: Between the Lines DVD

Each of you have provided significant and wonderful contributions to Between the Lines, The True Story of Surfers During the Vietnam War. I would like to get you each a finished copy of the film and again offer our sincer gratitude for your contributions.

I do not have your address handy, so please write me back so that I can get you a copy right away. Great to hear from you. It'll be on the way next week. Thanks so much for putting up the Blog! I saw it and it looks great.You'll see yourself in the extras section.

Take care and thanks for everything!

Ty

Ty:

I can't wait to see the DVD as I have not been able to see any of the showings.
Thank you brother. I was with Tom Woods the other day and my other good friend Ed O'Connell who is also a vet/surfer/photographer and contributes to my weekly blog.

Thanks again and I look forward to seeing the DVD.

Ralph

4/9/09
hi ralph, sorry i didn't get back to you yesterday i was in a session. i love all the photos! the qwill folder was there. the site looks great by the way! its so good to see surfers journal up there on the top. who did the surf free or die logo (with the skull)?

jesse

ps: this is such an awesome shot of you. it pretty much wraps up how
i feel about your surfing. always trimming beautifully and getting in the tube on any given day. i still have never been in the tube! ( i've got a lot of practice to do)

Jesse:
Thanks. I'm glad you like the Qwill pics...and the other shots as well.
Where did you find that pic?
Ralph.

Ralph 4/8/09

A friend of mine just forwarded me a few images from my last trip to Nicaragua of the young girl Wendy and I at the beach. Besides a reminder of needing to start a weight loss program... I had a good reminder of those few moments in life that you strive to be a part of.
Wendy was the focus in my Surfers Journal article and has always been the face that drives my work and heart down in Nicaragua. If only you had the opportunity to spend one day with her... you would understand a lot more about what this life is really about.
Regardless... these are photos of us at the beach. The first time she has been outside of the dump, Managua and a life un-explainable. The first time seeing a surfboard and feeling the movement of the waves, the first time smelling salt water and having the sand burn her feet instead of the burning trash. Everything I've done in this life has given no greater perspective on whats real and whats important than to watch Wendy play in the waves for one day.
if only every day could be like this.

Brian Nevins

These are great Brian. Thanks for sharing. Wendy is a little doll. What a smile. You can just see the window to her soul. I bet you made an impression on her life. That little spark can do wonders for a child like Wendy.

Like I said before. You're a good person. And good things happen to good people.

Ralph

Sent by email 4/8/09
Yes come in when ever for what ever! I got you covered. Im open during the week for lunch only and breakfast and lunch on weekends. Im closed mondays untill the kids get out of school.
As for the format, I am not sure what I like the best. Its great that there are so many photos, but there are SO many photos, its not Ralphs Pic its Ralphs PicS. lol
I look forward to reading your column every week. As long as its up there, im happy! Whatever is easiest for you because I know you put a lot of work into it.

Anyway, send me pics of Max when you can.

Jon Secret Spot

Jon:

I plan on coming by to get my Secret Spot wrap one of these days. So...what do you think?
I had a few shots of you up again this week. Pretty cool eh? I'll get you 4 good shots
of Mackey V this week. It was good today.

And so you like this latest format where you can scroll though both the thumb nails
and the larger pics. The best of both worlds.

Ralph

Ralph 4/7/09

I just wanted to drop you a line and let you know that the way you had the photos last month was better and quicker to view. I do like the new website and I think the sponsors you have are really cool and I like checking out their sites. I also thing some type of blog spot under photos or a link of the web page would be awesome and help build a sense of surfing community I just wanted to let you know your site helps me get through the winter. I haven’t gotten a chance to surf since October because I am at college right now, but looking at the pictures on your site keeps me stoked and helps me survive this long time on land. I think the local NH surfing community is building because of your site. When I tell people I surf in New Hampshire, they look at me like I am crazy, but now I can send them a link to your site It makes me proud when I tell people that I surf in New Hampshire. Keep up the good work.

Thanks,
Greg Lafrance

Greg:

Thanks for the feedback. I thought this latest look is the best of both worlds. You can scroll through the thumbs, or the larger pics.

Thanks for the kind words too. It's true about people not getting that we get surf in NH. Hell, I know people who live in Hampton all their lives, and don't know there's surf here. Oh well...I guess that's why Surfing is so special. It's not for everyone.

Keep surfing!

Ralph

Hey there ralphie!! 4/6/09

Didn’t even know you where shooting that afternoon. looks like you got some great shots!! A couple nice barrels, wish I would have made a few!! Haha! Anyway just wanted to say the site looks awesome!

--adam

Hey Adam:

Thanks man, I really do appreciate it. I was hiding up by 8th Street, and saw you catch some great waves. Man you were flying all over the place. Full throttle, balls to the wall, aggressive surfing in some meaty waves in your front yard. Good stuff. I also got a clip of you as well in the viddy of the week.

I'm really glad you like the new format. I figure it's easier for people to scroll thru, and see either the larger pics ,or just the thumbnails. It's been a lot of work. But worth it. Gonna be some Big Surf again tomorrow. Damn this has been a hell of a run...what is it 5 weeks in a row?

Thanks again. See you around the campus.

Ralph\

Ralph, 4/6/09

The only problem with the new style is; my Monday morning ritual is taking so much longer that my production these mornings is weak! Awesome setup! Great pictures! Great new website!

Thanks a lot for the stoke!

Chris Sullivan

Thanks Chris. Sorry about your late Monday starts.

Ralph

Date: Monday, April 6, 2009, 6:40 PM
At 06:18 AM 4/6/2009, you wrote:

Hey my name is cj fisichelli and im pretty sure you dont know me but i know perry reynolds and i hang out with him and surf with him over the summer. I am a local and i live in Methuen but i surf all around new hampshire and salisbury considering i have a house in salisbury. I have a few surf pics that i was just gonna give it a shot and maybe there quality for your site. I dont know if they are tho because the waves r only like thigh to waist but there decent. So i just wanted to send you some to see if i could get em up on your site cuz that would b so sick. your site is wicked good and i just wanted to give it a try. but i do not know how to make the pictures smaller so if you do want to check out the pics can you email me how to do it please. Thanks so much. cj

Hey CJ:

Thanks for writing and thank you for the kind words. I'm stoked to hear that you have an interest in both surfing and surf photography. So why don't we do do this. Try sending me one photo. Just one photo. When I get it, I can write you back and let you know if that worked or not. If it is OK I'll let you know.

Thanks again, I'll be looking for your photo.

Ralph

Hi Ralph! 4/6/09

Just wanted to introduce myself via email until I have the pleasure of shaking your hand. I am the redhead on the magical blue fish you see around! I have been reading your weekly website for a long time and have always looked forward to the articles you write. It is great to read your political views and agree with 99.9% of them, nice and refreshing. I come from a military family that was originally from New England, but as you know we moved all over the place. I came back to my roots and absolutely love the surf scene in NH. (well, the summer can get interesting!)

It is nice to see yourself on your website and the pictures you and your crew take are amazing. Thank you for posting a few of myself.

Thanks for all your great work

Scott C.

Hey Scott:

Thanks for dropping me a line and thank you for the kind words. I figured one of these days, I'd either see you in person, or someone would tell you that I've posted a few pics of you. Glad you like them. This new look of the site is brand new today. I actually launched and posted at 3:00AM...man I'm beat. Surfing, shooting and surfing again is tough at my age. Do you like the new format? I've gotten quite a few emails this morning and they are all very positive about the new look.

Don't know who served in the Military in your family, but please tell them that I said "thank you" for their service.

I will always believe John McCain would of made a better president at this time. But BHO has my support. Not because he's black. Not because he's a Democrat. But because he's an American, and he's our Commander in Chief. The office of the presidency, deserves all of our respect.

Thanks again for writing Scott, and if you see me around the campus, be sure and say hello.

Keep surfing!

Ralph

I am from Haverhill, MA and surf at the wall and other New England areas frequently and read your Pic of the Weeks. I like the new site. I have been in Australia for the last few months and we just got some epic swell from Tropical Cyclone Jasper. Here are a few shots I got with my Canon Powershot SD750 from Burleigh Beach. Most of the waves are empty, the surfers are unknown. I'll send you some of my favorites. I'm not sure if the specs are exactly what you need, I am new to this photography stuff but I'm learning.

Cheers,

Craig Simes Australia

Craig:

Thanks for sending these. They were a little on the large size. But better big than small.
I just got a whole batch from a friend in OZ that was shot on Friday (3-27-09) and Saturday (3-28-09) of last week. The images are amazing. Burleigh and Kirra. Just perfect surf. I'd love to pull into one of those barrels one of these days. We've had good surf back here. But nothing like that. Thanks again for sending these pics and for the kind words.

Keep Surfing!

Ralph

Remember the NFL stands true to this core...Not For Long.....

Hopefully i can see you at Jimmy's show tomorrow night?
MIke

Mike:
I did not know about this. Just like that Big Buffoon in Nahant who told a bunch of kids he was a NAVY SEAL in Nam. It was one of the several times I paddled to the beach to kick his ass only to have him back down again. The coward.

Yes he is a Big Gas Bag Coward. I've called him out of the water so many times in the last 30 plus years, that I've basically given up. That and the fact that he claims he was the Male Model for GI JOE. That's Bullshit. Mitchell Paige a WWII Medal of Honor Recipient, who fought on Guadalcanal with the Marines was the Male Model for GI JOE. Google it.

Cowards and losers are everywhere.

As far as the PATS are concerned...I still have not gotten over the 18-1 season. It's like a bone caught in my throat that I can't dislodge. We had a chance to be the BEST team in NFL history. Assante you couldn't pick one more off for your boys? Don't get me started.

Cassell was a welcome relief from that horrible season and it made watching the PATS fun again. Looks like McDaniels got himself in a tub of hotwater trying to lure Casell to Denver. But the other turncoat Scott Pioli snagged him first. I hate the business of high paying sports. I'm so old school it ain't funny. I liked it when a team had pride and motivation to stay with one another as a team. Not some price tag.

Back in 2001 the Pats were like an old school team for awhile. Don't get me wrong, I am very happy to have witnessed 3 Superbowl Victories. But if they had gone 19-0...I would NEVER EVER open my mouth and say anything bad ever again about the BEST Team in the History of the NFL. Instead, I've become a grumpy old Pats fan again.

Oh well...things could be worse.

Ralph

Hello Ralph 4/1/09

Jeremy asked me to contact you about a couple of things to do with the NH Surfrider chapter.

First though, thank you for the 'ad' on your updated website. I reworked the NH Surfrider site about a month ago and it's great to start getting some links TO it. Hopefully, you've seen that I put a link to Ralph's Pic in our links section. (I moved to the Seacoast from England about 18 months ago and enjoy reading your weekly posting - I like the new layout too).

We've got a meeting tomorrow evening to discuss the details for a number of events planned this year including the monthly beach clean-ups - and Marc Angelillo has helped get some interest from the surf shops. We would be grateful if some of the dates/events could appear on Ralph's Pic. After tomorrow's meeting I'll have a better idea what we're looking for and it may be easier to call you or come and see you rather than using email!

The other subject I wanted to mention is whether we can help you with any of the events you have planned? I'm new to the NH Surfrider group (December) and I believe we should try to get more involved with local activities and not just the 'Surfrider' stuff!

Cheers
Jamie

Jamie McCallum
www.surfrider.org/newhampshire

Jamie:

Thanks for the kind words, and thank you for adding my link to your site. Yes, I'd be happy to include any info you guys might have. I have a community page, that was designed for these sorts of things. Let me know what you have after your meeting, and feel free to email me, or give me a call.

Thanks. Keep surfing!

Ralph

Ralph, 4/1/09

No worries on the delay. If it's any consolation, it definitely looks as though you are spending a lot of time on the column/blog, so keep up the good work. I hope the work mellows out a little for you as far as the workload goes. That morning was a pretty (no pun intended) dang good morning to be a surfer. I am sure you have some good ideas as to what I was thinking, being a surfer yourself. It is pretty amazing that if you want to you can still get the wall basically to yourself, score some waves and be one of the first people in the states to see the sun that day. I hope that everyone gets to experience that a few times, but you can be assured I won't be sending out any evites to join in on my fun for morning sessions. HA!
At any rate, I would like to support all the awesome things you do for the community, so if you could give me an address I can send you a check and amount you would like, I will get it right out. Unbeknownst to me until this weekend, my sister has taken up photography and has the ability to print out photos. If I could get the files for a few of the photos I am more than happy to pay you for them (please let me know how my you would like, $25 each?).

Thank you very much!

Peace,

N8

Thanks Nate. Shooting you that morning will be something I remember the rest of my life. That cold ice coated sand. The blazing Red orange sun globe. And you out there alone in perfect surf. It was like a New England Endless Summer scene.

Ralph