I am not one for giving out the "hero status" to some athlete, but I have no problem calling them legends. Because quite frankly, they are. I'm surprised at how many Surfing Legends come to Hampton. We've seen, Robert August, Wingnut, Tom Curran, Shaun Tomson, Occy, Shane Dorian, and the list goes on and on. And this last Sunday we all got to meet and greet 4 x world champ Mark Richards from Australia and Quiksilver founder Bob McKnight.

It was in short, a star studded affair. For two of surfing's biggest icons.



For all of us. As you can see MR was so taken by the large crowd and response that he had to switch roles and become a fan of NH. Thanks to Dave Cropper from Cinnamon Rainbows for getting MR and McKnight to come to Hampton and Flatbread. It was pretty fricken cool.



And if you don't believe me, look at the shocked faces of these fans. Here they show off their autographed posters of MR. Then they stuffed their faces with Flatbread. I mean, c'mon, talk about a fun Sunday night. Damn.



Both MR and Bob McKnight told stories after we all watched a couple of short movies of MR. I have to say, I was impressed with both men. It is rare that you find someone as humble and nice as these two. But honestly? MR was a nice guy. Humble, quiet, excited to be here, and he signed every poster and board that was placed in front of him. He was like many of his ilk, an ambassador to the sport. And those guys had it rough back in the late 70's and early 80's.



This little incident came up a few times during the night.

This was after all, the MOST FAMOUS BLATANT DROP IN OF MODERN TIME. MR snaking Shaun Tomson at Off The Wall. He admitted he intentionally dropped in on Shaun because Shaun had snaked him earlier in the day. What MR was not expecting, was Shaun pulling into the barrel behind MR and making it out. I'm sure you all have seen this. But if you haven't, Google it, or YOU TUBE it and watch it. It's worth every second.



Now let's talk about Heroes. Like Jerry above. This Brian Nevins photo says it all. Wounded Warriors surfing at the Wall. By now, you all are aware of our annual HIT THE BEACH DAY. This was our 9th year. And like all the others, it was incredible. The Veterans and their families having a day in the surf is for so many of us "the Best Day Of The Summer."


Teaching these wounded vets and their families how to surf is "Gods Work."

That might be a bit too strong, but really? The volunteers and the sponsors are some of the best human beings walking the face of the earth today. I can't thank them enough. From the four Surf Shops Cinnamon Rainbows, Pioneers, Zapstix, and Summer Sessions who provide the boards and wetsuits. To the American Legion and Fresh Valley Foods. To Flatbread Pizza. We had enough food and water to feed an Army. And this was one ARMY that so many of us were proud to be a part of.



Fathers and sons, mothers and daughters, and every volunteer of every age and gender all helping make this day . A day of giving back to those who gave so much of themselves and their families.

The man on the left was a US ARMY combat photographer in Afghanistan, his wife is a journalist. They brought their 3 kids with them. Here they are talking with Kevin Grondin one of my captains. He and his family had a great time. They drove up from Connecticut.



Lots of high fives this day. The stoke was infectious, even in the small surf. I was really taken by the amount of women veterans. There really are a lot of women veterans out there. And these women vets were wounded in action.



Next year will be our 10th year, and we can't wait. We're planning something special, so mark the date. The last Friday in August of 2017.

"Surfing with Wounded Warriors Heals All Wounds"

This is from 2012. Ed was always there shooting at every one of these HIT THE BEACH DAYS. Ed as most of you remember was an ARMY MEDIC in Vietnam. He saved a lot of kid's lives over there. So this day had some deep meanings for Ed. I'm sure he could relate to the Vietnam vets.



To see more of Ed's pics just scroll through the archives. He has shot so many pics for the blog. Be sure and pick up a copy of the COLD COAST and check out Ed's own gallery.
Each week I will feature one of Ed's great pics from this blog. Photo by Ed O'Connell
*Click the photo above to see a larger version of Ed's Pic.




The 24th annual SURF FAMILY ROBINSON is this coming Saturday. September 3rd, 2016 at Bicentennial park in Hampton. *Next year will be the LAST SFR.



I have not not seen or heard of a paid purse for a surfing contest in these waters for as long as I can remember. But Sid and the crew at Water Brothers are doing just that.
See above and get that $100 entry fee in.

Another Surfer's Paddle 9-10-16



Then later that night in Newburyport.



Now for Some More Of My Weekly Global Observances
The news about San Francisco's Colin Kaepernick refusing to stand for the National Anthem really pissed off a lot of people. This guy makes $19 million a year. NINETEEN MILLION.
And he's not standing during the National Anthem because he will not stand for a country who treats people of color poorly.

Give me a break. In the name of god when will this self righteous bullshit end? I swear, I wish I was a defensive end in the NFL playing against this piece of shit, so I could destroy him in a vicious sack. God please have some Defensive player ring his clock. Please.

KSM Photoshop of the Week
I can see this happening. KSM talking dumb ass Colin Kaepernick into sitting down during the anthem.



As always... take advantage of this weekly photo shop of the mastermind who planned 9-11 and resulted in the deaths of 3,000 innocent civilians by KSM (Khalid Sheik Mohammed).

*Note to self -must pick up a case of Dumb Ass at
Home Depot this week.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY Jaiden Ciarmataro September 4th, 2016
HAPPY BIRTHDAY Max Fatello September 14th, 2016

Please Pray for local Hampton surfer Terry Morrison and his family. Also please pray for Marine SSGT George Masten.
A combat Marine who served in Korea and Vietnam. He was awarded the purple heart for wounds received in Vietnam in 1967. George is battling cancer.
PLEASE say a prayer for him.

Please Support ALL The photographers who contribute to
Ralph's Pic Of The Week every week for the last 11 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. Surf For Fun.

Ralph

*Click on the photo above to see a larger version

(Above) The photo says it, but I'll back it up..."lending a helpful hand.
August 26th, 2016 Photo by Brian Nevins
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery


(Above) This might be my favorite pic of the day. Jerry is standing in the perfect position here. August 26th, 2016 Photo by Brian Nevins
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

Today- HIT THE BEACH IX August 26, 2016.
Photos by Martha Lardent



(Above) This was a common scene all day long. August 26th, 2016
Photo by Martha Lardent *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery



(Above) So many women veterans this day. August 26th, 2016
Photo by Martha Lardent *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) This Iraqi vet Michael was getting so comfortable surfing, that he developed his own style. August 26th, 2016 Photo by Martha Lardent
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery



(Above) These three kids were awesome. So was Dave Cropper who had them all day long. His surfing with smiles training came natural to him. That's Kyle on the left, another great human being. August 26th, 2016
Photo by Martha Lardent *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

Today- HIT THE BEACH IX August 26, 2016.
Photos by Cory Fatello



(Above) The gentle guiding hands of the volunteers. August 26th, 2016
Photo by Cory Fatello *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery




(Above) First time surfing in his life for this Iraqi war vet.
August 26th, 2016 Photo by Cory Fatello
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) Michael and Nate have been there since the first one. Michael was
the one who planted the seed for this day. August 26th, 2016
Photo by Cory Fatello *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

Today- Mark Richards and Bob McKnight
August 21, 2016. Photos by Max Fatello



(Above) Two happy MR fans. Mike and Skye Rosa. August 21, 2016
Photo by Max Fatello *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

Today- The MR and Bob McKnight Pics at Flatbread
August 21, 2016. Photos by RALPH




(Above) MR signing an MR twin fin. August 21, 2016 Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) MR addressing the crowd while Jimmy Dunn looks on.
August 21, 2016 Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) Such a fun night. August 21, 2016 Photo by Joe Morse
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

Today- The PERFECT Empty waves from So Cal.
August 21, 2016. Photos by Steve Dillon



(Above) This right...oh how we could all use this right now.
Check out Steve's amazing gallery.
August 21, 2016 Photo by Steve Dillon
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery