October 2009

October 30, 2009

Ralph!

I'm from canada and i would like to get some movies from the web site surf free or die. A guy from cinnamon rainbow tell me that you Could tell me how to get them.

very appraciate!
Hassan

Hey Hassan just go to the website and pick out a movie and place an order.
www.surffreeordie.com
Ralph

October 27, 2009

Ralph,

Surf was great this weekend as you know. Got in the water with John M Saturday night and Sunday morning. Also got in with others Sunday evening. Will miss the upcoming swell this week but will be just north of West Palm where there is some good surf there predicted as well.

I meant to ask you if you have your "Surf Free or Die" skull logo in sticker form and for sale? I would like to put one on my car in Florida.

Mark

All the shops up here should have em. Otherwise email me your address and I'll send you a couple. Represent down in Florida!
Ralph

October 26, 2009

Hey Ralph,

I'm really interested in something you said this week on your page.

"But are you like me and just a tad curious, as to what most surfers seem to do for work?"

I have been wondering about this a lot recently. It seems there are a lot of surfers whose work day will depend on tides, swells, and winds, and like you said they drop all responsibility to enjoy the surf. If there are good jobs that allow flexibility for surf, it would be nice to know what they were. There are a few things that make sense, like night shift jobs, or artists/photography may be a little flexible, but I bet there are some really interesting or unique jobs held by surfers. I am an outside sales rep, so 90% of the time I make my own schedule, I can go out in the morning to work, take a surf break then head back to work in the afternoon, or make extra calls one day and be able to take some time the next day to enjoy the waves. If you do hear from other surfers about their jobs I would really like to see that in one of the weekly posts.

Thanks for all the great surf pics
Fernando

Fernando-That is one of life's biggest mysteries. What surfers do for work.
However, I will say that 90% of the surfers I know have respectable jobs and family lifestyles. It's that other 10% that has me baffled. Thanks for the props. Keep working and surfing!
Ralph



October 26, 2009

Ralph-
Took another trip to Palos Verdes this weekend. Got a little more
adventerous, too, and wandered down some of the cliff sides into what is
supposed to be one of the more territorial surf areas in CA. The crew
around PV Cove were incredibly nice and friendly, even offering up
knowledge on swell windows and tides! Definitely not the stereotype.
Stopped off at Indicator, and a cliff top between Indicator and L-
Bay, where though I wasn't hasseled, people certainly weren't offering up
any insider info. I even braved the cliff path down into L-Bay.
WOW. What a steep, sketchy path! Sandals are definitely not the
appropriate footwear. Attached are some images from the day trip.
Cheers,
Ben

Ben-Once again you came through with some beautiful pics. No worries. We won't name any of em. Keep up the great work and I hope you're getting in the water as well.
Ralph

October 26, 2009

Hey Ralph,

Was checking your website as I do every week and saw a photo of me taken by Ed OConnell. (Unknown in the Sweet Zone, and a couple others as well.) Stoked to see it!

I also saw the video you posted. I was curious if you had a contact email for whoever filmed it. I'd like to ask him/her if he had any clips of me.


Thanks for the updates every week,

Dan H.

Dan -the videographer is Michael Sander. He's one of the Best around.
And Thanks for the kudos.
Ralph


October 26, 2009

Ok Ralph,
Yeah I saw the wave. Ed and I were watching you after I got one of my best Wall waves ever..so good I just came in to end the day on a high.

When you finished your wave I knew you would be coming in since you worked it all the way to the beach.

Fun, Fun, Fun - the essence of Surfing. So pure it's Divine.

Felipe just sent me 2 more Pics of the biggest lefts he has ever ridden, in his Life (look smaller since it from the cliffs) this June at ULU.
You may have a story in the works about a historical Surfing figure ?
A very young 65 still riding giant waves By paddeling...not tow in.
Feel free to drop him a line if so inclined.

Aloha, Tom

My last wave was so much fun. Felipe Pomar has some Big Brass Balls to be surfing waves that big at his age. Wow.
Ralph


October 25, 2009

Ralph,
I love it. That was me getting dropped in on by "Pat" from Canada! He's
a friend of a friend, now i have it on film!

Thx

Jon

You gonna press charges?
Ralph

October 23, 2009

Hello

I read your weekly post at least once a week, sometimes more if there are more pictures I like to browse them. I love surfing the east coast. I just started surfing about four years ago now. I don’t get to go out as much as I want to because I live in boston. I was hoping you could let me know about some good surfing spots around Hampton, maybe some other east coast spots. Because I look through your photos and I noticed that not all of them are from the wall. So I was just wondering on some of those locations. Anyways keep up the article I look forward to it every Monday. Take it easy man.

Cheers,

Benjamin

Thanks for the kind words Benjamin. But I can't tell you where the other good surf spots are...Good Lord, that flies in the face of our Local Surf laws. I would risk being chastised, maybe even tarred and feathered, and then be cast away as a spy. The horror.

You see my friend Benjamin...Surfing is all about Adventure. The thrill of discovery. The Ocean is a vast expanse of beaches, points, and reefs. Go out and discover it on your own. You will be a better man for having done so.

Ralph

October 23, 2009

Ralph,

Thanks for your website - I just stumbled across it yesterday and it
is a great tribute to surfing in New England. I recently moved out to
Connecticut from Redondo Beach, CA and have spent the last few years
exploring breaks in Rhode Island and Mass. I found a clip form
Groovemasters but I can't seem to find the DVD so I can buy it; can
you please point me in the right direction as I would love to pick
that up?

Kind regards,
Sam P.

Thanks Sam. All my movies are available through two sources. My other site Surf Free Or Die www.surffreeordie.com or thru Cinnamon Rainbows. www.cinnamonrainbows.com
Is there surf in CT? If you find any any send me a pic or two.

Ralph

October 19, 2009

I am convinced of a few things now...
There are always empty lineups, I never want to hear the word hurricane again, and I love Nor'easters more than a good sandwich.
Heres to the fall.

Brian

I hear that...I just wrote my weekly column all about the Nor'easter.

October 16, -2009

Guys,

Is a 3-2 with 3mm gloves and booties appropriate for this time of year or do I need to start putting on some heavier rubber? Unfortunately I have to go to Baltimore today and tomorrow but hope to get in the water on Sunday or Monday.

Mark

Didn't you ask this same question last year?
Yes, it's time for the 4/3 with a hood.

Ralph

October 13, 2009

.Dear Ralph,
"Jason from Boston" here... I just wanted to say that I truly enjoyed seeing your gallery of water photography this week, and thanks for posting the two pics of me sliding through your "studio." While it is always great to see action shots of oneself, I concur with you that the Mon evening session was all about the soft fading light and the clean empty LB waves rolling in at the Wall. As an assistant chemistry Professor at B.C. trying to make tenure, my life is mostly hard work but surfing NE is the respite. The photos are great, allowing me to commit that session to memory and once archived, revisit at any time. Thanks again, and sorry for not recognizing you with the hooded wetsuit!
Cheers,
Jason

Jason. Glad you liked the water shots. The color that night was surreal. I didn't recognize myself in my hooded 4/3 when I saw the pic. See you out there.
Keep surfing.

Ralph

October 13, 2009

Ralph,

Ross at C.R. told me my picture was among your Pic of the Week photos, so I looked. . . and sure enough, there it was. Thanks. I got out there a little too high-tide'ish because of work, but it was fun that day. Looks like it was better earlier.

I commend your pointing out blatant drop-ins. A couple of weeks ago I was coming down the line on a waist+ wave when a guy on a shortboard began paddling on the shoulder. I yelled at him that I was coming down. He looked right at me, and kept on paddling. When he caught the wave I had to immediately straighten out, which shows you how close we were. Now, if he had been a beginner I might have forgiven him. But he was a decent surfer (from south of the border, I'm guessing). Afterwards, when we were paddling out parallel to one another, I decided I couldn't let it go--especially when I saw him pull up beside his friend and began talking about what had happened with a smile on his face. I paddled over and told him that I never would have dropped in on him in similar circumstances, especially when I had looked over and seen him coming. He said, "My bad," as though that excused all. I repeated my remark, letting him know that I didn't take it lightly, and paddled away. He didn't do it again the rest of the session, but I have his face in my memory bank for the future.

Thanks again for all you do for surfing and the ocean.

Jack
P.S. One of the neat things about your Pic of the Weeks is that I'm able to identify surfers that I always see in the water and talk to. For instance, Tim O'Shea in the October 5 grouping. We also wave and acknowledge one another out there, but until now I've never known his name.

Jack. The Blatant Drop In has been a popular feature. I just hope I haven't created a monster with it. Although, it seems like it's been few and far between to actually catch these culprits in the act. My fear is they see me and pay attention to what they are doing. Good for the surfers but bad for me and my readers who get a kick out it every week.
Oh well damned if I do and damned if I don't.

I'm happy to hear that my weekly has helped your socialization of surfing with familiar faces.
Keep surfing.

Ralph

October 12, 2009

Hey Ralph,

That's Lynn Bailey! She claims to be a Hampton local, (but really a Mass. transplant) and didn't like 'unknown'... It really made her day to see a good pic on your site, sort of a milestone for a surfer!!


I'm getting the pic from Ed. Thanks for the great site.


Best,

Dan

I 'm happy to hear that pic made her day. Also happy to hear that you purchased a photo from Ed. Thanks for the kudos and Keep surfing!

Ralph

October 11, 2009

Ralph- Both you and Ed caught me on camera during the Monday swell on Sept 28th. Funny thing is that I was expecting a dying swell so I only grabbed my single fin noserider that day. I was pleasantly surprised to see the size and hollow sections. I made the best of the board selection and really enjoyed the session.

You and Ed must have been standing together as he caught the still below while you grabbed the video of the same wave. I have already been in contact with Ed and have already purchased the picture off SmugMug.

Is there any chance I can get a copy of the "Big Mo" video that you took? I am the unknown longboarder (yellow board) at 2:24, slow motion at 2:37 and again at 3:21. Having young kids these photos and video help explain why I disappear from time to time. I would be willing to cover any costs associated with the request, just let me know.

ps. great solo on Jet Stream!

Regards,

Michael

Michael it's been a never ending stream of swells. As far as getting the video clips, I don't really sell individual clips, but I might in the future. The good news is that clip will be in the NEW Surf Free Or Die Movie that will be out Thanksgiving week. Thank you for the guitar nod we're playing at Rudi's in Portsmouth Oct 22-09.
Keep surfing!

Ralph

October 6, 2009

Dear Ralph,

I want to thank you for showing me the error of my ways in the Blatant Drop-in sequence this week. I thought the circumstances were a little different at the time, but the camera doesn't lie. The main thing I learned (not the only thing) is something I already know, that the last wave of the session is no excuse for bad behavior. If I am not mistaken I was overcome by the same sin on that wave last summer. I apologize for that, and I ask you to forgive me. I wish I had apologized sooner. I thought the name-calling was a little hurtful, but I accept that as part of the sentence for my guilt. I choose to be your friend, and not your enemy, if you will give me a second chance.

Kevin D

I choose to accept your apology and sentence you to 20 hours of community service with the local Surf Rider Foundation. I expect to see you at the next Beach Clean up. Dismissed.
All kidding aside. Just look both ways before taking off. Pretty simple. Keep surfing!

Ralph

October 6, 2009

Hey Ralph, great stuff in Pic of the Week this week....you know it's not summer when the waves are unpopulated, not swarming...
Did you get over to Linky's at around 11-1 that Monday 9/28? It was brilliant. Only about 3 of us for at least an hour...clean, LONG rights that jacked higher as the tide dropped (chest/head high with a few bigger). What a day.

cheers
another Ralph (not many of us around)

No doubt that was a fun day all around. And tolerable crowds. Gotta love Fall. Maybe we should start a "My Name Is Ralph" club.

Ralph

October 5, 2009

I tried my hardest not to surf today, I'm sick as hell... but if I had to hear one more person tell me how fun it was I was going to hang myself. 2 of the best waves I have ever had at the wall today... the cover up will be worth the pneumonia. Heres a few after the waves went small and the clouds got cool.

Brian

Look at you. Sick as a dog and getting two great waves and unreal photos.

Ralph

October 5, 2009

Hi Ralph,

STOKED to see some pics of me from last Monday. That was a blast. I haven't lived here that long but that was the best I've seen the Wall.

I'm the unknown in your pics #117, 120,121 and probably 112. Also Ed's #10 and 11.

Thanks for posting these! See you out there again soon I hope.

Cheers
Tom

Glad you got to see yourself. Those were really nice waves. You were surfing good too.

Ralph

October 4, 2009

Ralph,
HUGE swell today! Aaron Cormican is still in town, as is Ausi Chippa
Wilson, and local pro Josh Hoyer joined the show too. Attached are
pictures from the day. Tomorrow could be even bigger!
Cheers,
Ben

Big and chunky 54th Street. Those guys just throw caution to the wind huh?

Ralph

October 2, 2009

Ralph-
Lots and lots of pictures over the past week. But wanted to give you the
heads up on a session in particular: I'm sizing some photos of Gorkin from
a session out here yesterday with the Lost film crew! Lost is interested
in a couple of the photos too! I should have them out to you in the next
hour.
Ben

Ben this stuff is insane! Keep em coming! We love that west coast crazy ass action!

Ralph

October 2, 2009

My Nephew Jon lost his daughter in the tsunami in Samoa. Check out the email below......you can feel the density of this event.

While this is a crushing blow to his family (and the entire Chew family) - it is just one more degree of how we are all related on earth.

Terence and I spent time there and the camp at Salani which is now wiped off the face of the earth. The camp management sounded the alarm and virtually saved the entire village along with the surfers at the camp. My memories, beyond the surf were of a culture still grounded in tradition, kids singing in dug out canoes Samoan songs, everybody living in open Fale houses with gardens around them, people that loved the Samoan way of life. Just a beautiful place that is now so sad.

Fa'a Samoa.

Stan

Stan our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Be strong brother. We will all be together again in a better world.

Ralph

October 1, 2009

Was in cabo for 5 days with Sanuk guys, Wingnut and PT.
Here's some pics.
I'll send more.
Watched Pats on Satellite.....

Crop

Looks like you scored (again). Go Patriots.

Ralph

October 1, 2009

My apologies for being hard to reach this week. Between faulty phones and my computer crashing things have been a bit rocky. I just recieved my new computer and of course loaded photoshop up immediately... so I could start my images from Monday's swell.
Here's a few moments from this week. I can't be thankful enough for fall to be here.

Brian Nevins

No worries...how the hell did we get by without computers and cellphones for so long? These pics are great. Thanks. I've said it a million times...Fall is my favorite time of year.

Ralph

October 1, 2009

Ralph - Thanks for the kudos! I really liked that wave.
Seriously on Brian Nevis - you are absolutely, positively correct! I think he is the best surf photographer out there. In fact, as a working pro for 10 years in a previous life, I came across a copy of Surfer's Journal where Brian was featured in a surf profile of Ireland. The work was so staggeringly beautiful that it inspired me to see things in a different way, and I have been behind a lens since I was 8 years old. I love his work, flat simple.

Also love the shot of my bud Tim O'Shea on the pink nose of his Donald Takayama! One of the things I hate about being a surfer AND a surf photog is that I do not have ONE photo of ME surfing! I guess those are the breaks!

Anyway, love how you have restructured your blog & page. Very cool!

Hope you are well,

Bob

Thanks Bob...your empty wave shot of Hurricane Bob was my favorite empty wave shot of the whole BILL swell. As far as Nevins goes...well, he's in a league of his own.

Ralph

October 1, 2009

I appreciate the pics and I always look forward to reading your blog on Sundays. Keep up the great work. Hope to see you around now that the crowds have thinned!

Scott

Thanks Scott...and thinned they have.

Ralph

October 1, 2009

I know you are too busy for idle talk but how are you? after all remember now 20 years ago at this time of year when I met you Jacko introduced us and told me you were not taking applications for new friends. (glad you ended finally giving me a shot). Good column this week. The reason I am writing you is to thank you . I used some of your columns this week(with a bit of filtering) to teach lessons on using voice in your writing. You are an excellent model of that lots of emotion pride excitement ETC. You have a gift and you have fine tuned your craft I appreciate that and so did the kids!
hope all is well.
Skip

Hey 20 years ago, the quota was filled for new friends. But then we had a few openings. Glad to have been able fit you in. Don't abuse that position. But whoa...Wait...you're teaching the kids at your school, using my weekly babble? Are their parents aware of this? Do you actaully have a degree in teaching? I'm kidding...thanks man.

Ralph

P.S. Those kids better not take up surfing!