The TEMPORARY Home at 62 Lafayette Rd in North Hampton, NH Tel. (603) 929-7467

 
 

All materials contained in this blog are protected by copyright laws, and may not be reproduced, republished, distributed, transmitted, displayed, broadcast
or otherwise exploited in any manner without the express prior written permission of the owner, the author, authors or sources of said materials.


THE CHRISTMAS MIRACLE SWELL December 19th & 20th, 2023
from SURF FREE OR DIE on Vimeo.

Seriously? I did not see this coming, or rather, I did not see it the way others like SURFLINE saw it.
I mean the day before December 18th, 2023 in New Jersey was the BIGGEST surf ever recorded in Jersey.
Hell even Florida had some big surf. I mean it was going off down south. but even with that, I was not expecting the size we got.
That was a complete surprise. There's a few waves in tgis edit that might rival the biggest surf I've ever documented up here in NH.

There's one wave that Lars Hamilton gets that will rival any other wave ever shot up here.

But I'm not going to be the judge of that. You can form your own opinions. But the naked eye doies not lie.
There's no photoshop or AI bullshit in this edit. It's all real. Put it this way, it's as big as the Hurricane LEE footage I shot in September,
and it might be a little bigger. But again you tell me. This edit is dedicated to the TRUE Christmas Miracle of 2023.
Abby Jowett came home for Christmas. And that my friends is the best news of all. HAPPY HOLIDAYS!
Music is by myself, Barrence Whitfield, Gary Hoey, and Mike Zito.

WATCH IN 1080  

DECEMBER 17th, 2023 The RUN is 6 out of 6 Weeks.
Waist high or better at least once a week.

There were chest to head high waves 12-11-12-23 this week.

THE RECORD FOR THE MOST CONSECUTIVE WEEKS IN A ROW FOR WAIST HIGH OR BETTER. August 8th, 2021 was 53 WEEKS! TOPPING THE 43 CONSECUTIVE WEEKS SET IN 2009!
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.

MERRY CHRISTMAS! HAPPY HOLIDAYS!
WREATHS ACROSS AMERICA 2023!
NEW RPOTW CALENDARS SPANNING
20 YEARS 2004-2024 COMING SOON.



BEHOLD THE GIANT COLLOSAL SANTA!
This 35' tall inflatable Santa is the BIGGEST Santa in town. Perhaps the BIGGEST on the entire seacoast. In fact, it might be the BIGGEST in the the entire state! The Colossal Santa is located here in Hampton NH. If you're in the area you should swing by. Though with these high winds that are forecast for Monday December 18th, 2023, I would expect the handlers of this massive Santa to batten down the hatches.

Can you imagine if that thing got loose?

Hurtling through the neighborhoods, knocking down trees and power-lines, while small children with their bulging eyes pointing to their parents as Ole Saint Nick goes tumbling through their backyards. I'm not sure how you'd stop it in this wind. I'm afraid they'd have to call in the Military to shoot it down. With Pease Air Base right up the road, they'd probably be scrambling jets as I write this to take St Nick down. I'm sorry kids, but there's just no other way.

But then again, they probably just let the air out of the Giant Inflatable.

So, forget about all of what I just wrote. There's nothing to see here. Just move it along. And once this wind slows down, I'm sure he will be back. Praying that we have not seen the last of the BIGGEST EVER inflatable Santa. Ho Ho Ho.



WREATHS ACROSS AMERICA December 16th, 2023



Like a lot of Americans, I first became aware of the WREATHS ACROSS AMERICA in 2005 when a photo circulated around the Internet of thousands of Wreaths covered in snow, placed on the graves of the fallen in Arlington National Cemetery. The photo was so powerful, it went viral. I’m sure many of you here today saw the same photo. I read all about the man behind this incredible gesture. Morrill Worcester from Harrington, Maine. Morrill Worcester owned WORCESTER WREATH COMPANY.

When Morrill was a12 yr old paperboy, he won a trip to Washington DC. Visiting the nation’s capital it was a trip that he would never forget. And his visit to ARLINGTON NATIONAL CEMETERY left a lifelong impression on the young boy. That experience followed him throughout his life, and successful career in business, reminding him that his good fortune was due, in large part, to the values of his nation and the veterans who made the ultimate sacrifice.

The story goes that in 1992, he had a significant surplus of wreaths nearing the end of the holiday season. Remembering his boyhood experience at ARLINGTON Worcester realized he had an opportunity to honor our country’s veterans. With the help of Maine senator Olympia Snow, arrangements were made for the wreaths to be placed at Arlington in one of the older sections of the cemetery-a section which had been receiving fewer visitors with each passing year.

As plans were underway, a number of volunteers and organizations stepped up to help. The AMERICAN LEGION, The VFW, and a local trucking company BLUE BIRD RANCH owned by James Prout who generously provided transportation from Maine to DC. This act of generosity became an annual tribute that went on quietly for years until 2005, when the photo I previously mentioned appeared on the Internet. Well, that opened the floodgates.

Morrill Worcester became an overnight hero by his kind act of honoring the fallen in Arlington.

Thousands upon thousands of requests came in from all over the country. This unique act of honoring veterans by placing wreaths on the graves, had touched the hearts of so many Americans all over the country. It was a wonderful heartfelt story that we all desperately needed.

In 2006 (the year after the famous photo surfaced) I had the distinct pleasure of meeting Morrill Worcester and his family and his Army of volunteers, when we arranged for them to stop at AMERICAN LEGION Post 35 on their way to Washington that December of 2006. He was a quiet and humble man. And as I looked into his eyes, I could see the true passion and honor he had for not only the fallen Veterans, but for those who have served, and are still serving. I’ll never forget that first meeting.

We were lucky to have them stop by for many years following that first meeting.

But they got bigger and bigger each year and it became what it is today. Towns and cities all across the nation now participate like we are today here in North Hampton by lying wreaths on the graves of local veterans. It has become bigger than anything Morrill Worcester could have imagined. Right now at this very moment in cemeteries all across this nation there are similar services being conducted. And it all started 32 Decembers ago in 1992.  
Morrill Worcester and his volunteers place over 400,000 wreaths on the graves of all the veterans buried at Arlington National Cemetery. Think about that, 400,000 graves. There are currently over 2 million wreaths placed on veterans graves all across America. It is a humbling and wonderful experience to partake in this ceremony.



REMEMBER-HONOR-TEACH
. That’s the mantra of the WORCESTER WREATH COMPANY.
REMEMBER The Fallen. HONOR those who serve and their families. TEACH the next generation the value of Freedom.



John Barvenik and I placed a wreath on the grave of our dear departed friend and comrade. George Masten. George was a Korean War vet and a Vietnam war vet. George was wounded in Vietnam in 1967, and John was wounded in Vietnam in 1969. John and I both agree, that of all the members of Post 35 that we have lost in the last 20 years, we all miss George the most.
Merry Christmas George.











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 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 December 17th, 2023



This pic was shot by Ed on December 13th, 2012. I originally had this ID's as an unknown. But looking at it today, it kind of looks like Perry Reynolds. Perry would have been around 20 or 21. And he clearly was ripping at that age. Hell he's ripping at his current age. So, unless someone comes forward and tells me differently, I'm saying this is Perry Reynolds. photo by Ed O'Connell
*Click the photo above to see a larger version of Ed's Pic.

COMING THIS WINTER of 2024 (January-February). My book that I have been writing the last 10 years or so. Yes, there will be a book signing. And I will let you all know in advance, where and when. The book will be available in both hard cover and soft cover on AMAZON, BARNES & NOBLE, INGRAM, GOOGLE BOOKS, and KOBO PUBLISHING.

I'm pretty stoked about this project. 72 years in the making. So please be patient with me and stay tuned. The book is coming. It's just taking longer than I had originally anticipated. But it's coming.



Most of my close friends have heard some of these stories first hand. But trust me, with over 100 stories, there's a handful that none of you have ever heard. It's true. Be patient my friends.
It's all coming in the winter of 2024.



THOSE WE LOST IN 2023. THOUGH THERE'S STILL ANOTHER WEEK TO TEN DAYS LEFT IN 2023.
Each year they make these collages of the famous celebs that have passed away. Pee Wee and Jeff Beck are two that I will really miss. CLICK ON THE IMAGE TO SEE TO SEE THEM ALL..

PLEASE HELP HAMPTON'S SECRET SPOT REBUILD FOR THE SUMMER OF 2024!




CLICK ON THE GRAPHIC ABOVE TO HELP SECRET SPOT.

HELP HAMPTON'/S POPULAR SECRET SPOT
REBUILD FOR THE SUMMER OF 2024!

I’ve known Jon Gozzo for about 20 years. We surfed together and have shared a common bond with pointing dogs. But more importantly, I’ve watched Jon establish himself here on the seacoast and become part of this great community. I was there when he met and fell in love with Sarah. I was there when he became a father of his beautiful twin girls Maeve and Lyona. And I was there when he launched SECRET SPOT. He’s been on my weekly Blog every week since day one.

Back in August of 2022, the seacoast community suffered a major loss when we lost, CINNAMON RAINBOWS, The NORTH BEACH Bar & Grille, and SECRET SPOT due to a devastating fire. Jon and Sarah lost everything. I mean everything. It was a gut wrenching loss for their family.



I started a Go Fund Me page for CINNAMON RAINBOWS (which was quite successful thanks to all of you who donated.) At that same time I asked Jon if we could do the same for SECRET SPOT. They were not ready at the time due to a number of reasons to ask for help.

This is the season of giving. And I truly hope that you will join me in helping SECRET SPOT get back on their feet, and provide the seacoast community with the best and healthiest food on the coast.

Surfing Heals All Wounds (and so does a Acai’ bowl at Secret Spot).

Below is a letter from Sarah and Jon Gozzo.

40 YEARS AGO THIS WEEK

December 23rd, 1983. I was to play at Barry Marshall's and Beth Harrington's 1st Annual Christmas Party at SPIT on Lansdown Street in Boston. Myself, along with David Robinson and Anne Marie Foley went there thinking it was going to be a fun night. I mean it was two days before Christmas, it was a perfect time to hang with friends and play music. I was going to do a slightly different version of The Little Drummer Boy, that I hoped was going to blow the socks off any version ever heard before. It was going to be a guitar laden and drum heavy variation the way I envisioned Hendrix would have played it.
I was giddy about playing it as I knew it would turn a few heads.

  

We had rehearsed it a couple of times prior to the show, and it sounded pretty damn good. Of course the rumor mill was in full affect. The rumor being that "Ralph Fatello was going to wear his jungle fatigues on stage." That was not true. I ended up dressing up for the show. But rumors being what they were, was kind of the reason why a young 22 year old Cory Bunton, who lived on Beacon Hill on the other side of town, was going to attend the show. Her friends Andy and Scott told her that their friend Ralph was going to create this political scene by dressing up like that. That's funny.

The real truth was, I was adding additional lyrics and bridges to that Christmas classic that had to do with me being in Vietnam. So while I wasn't dressing up in my combat jungle fatigues, I was singing about it. Hence, Andy and Scott talking Cory into going. Unbeknown to me, Cory (who I had never met) had read my journal piece in BOSTON ROCK that summer of 1983. When my band VINNY toured through South America and had all kinds of wild experiences. She thought I sounded interesting. So she reluctantly went along. I suppose more out of curiosity than anything else.

The night was electric and full of Holiday cheer (wait did I just write that?), as none of us had ever done anything like this. Playing Christmas songs and all. Barry was in his glory. He was not only performing throughout the night, but he was also MC'ing the whole gig. He was hilarious and very entertaining.

My dear friends Beth Harrington and Ellie Marshall sang "Santa's Boogie" that I also played lead guitar on. Everyone was having fun. I mean it was really a lot of fun. My song The Little Drummer Boy went over well. Beth and Ellie sang back up, Lee Harrington played bass, and Barry and Tim Jackson playing dual drums, while Peter Hoffman (who's a great guitar player) and I traded Hendrix licks, and just took that song into a whole new level.

It was both exciting and intense.

I will never forget as long as I live, after my song was over, I was back stage getting ready to jump back out into the audience to hang with my friends, when I heard Barry say, "Ladies and gentlemen, Ralph Fatello has left the building!" I swear I spit my drink out of my mouth when I heard that. It was an obvious reference to "Elvis has left the building!" Barry just cracked me up.

So look, it's important to know, that I was not looking for Love that night.

Hardly. I mean I was still stinging from the last relationship I was in. No sir, Little Ralphie was in a good place in my life. In fact, "love" was the last thing on my mind. I was single and happy. And I was just enjoying being with my friends and playing music.

I spotted Scott McLean and went over to say hello. Standing next to Scott was this young woman who was facing the other way when I walked up. Scott turned to the woman and said, "Cory I want you to meet Ralph Fatello." And when she turned to look at me, she smiled. And I swear, her smile hit me like a lightening bolt.

I don't even remember what I said, I was so blinded by her smile. But I do know that I was like a puppy. Following her every word, and trying to act somewhat sophisticated, and if possible somewhat handsome. I'm sure I was sounding like an idiot, but I do know how to make people laugh, and when Cory laughed? My heart sank. I swear, I was falling in love right there at SPIT.

Long story short, we talked and talked and talked some more.

I somehow ended up buying this 45 single 007. And was holding onto to it when she said she had to leave, she was flying to Vegas the next day to visit her mom for Christmas. I managed to ask her if it was Ok if I called her when she got back to Boston. And much to my surprise, she said "that would be nice." So I quickly wrote her name down on a piece of paper, and stuck it into the record sleeve.

And then I did something, that surprised not only Cory, but me. I leaned in, and gave her a kiss. A deep kiss. That was it. She smiled at me with that beautiful smile and walked out of the club with Scott, Andy, and their friends. And I stood there staring at her. I remember babbling to Anne Marie and David "I think I'm in love." They both laughed. But I was serious. I had fallen in love. When I least expected it. And isn't that the way love happens? When you least expect it.

Fast forward to January 1984. I went looking for her phone number and could not find it. I simply couldn't remember where I put that number. Keep in mind, I was still 5 years from being sober. So I had a few drinks that night and lost track of where I put her number. Well, one day while going through my records, I saw that single and lo and behold out fell Cory's phone number.

I called her and apologized over and over again. We talked for many hours on the phone. We really had so much in common. One thing lead to another, and we went out on a date, and had the best time. That date followed other dates, and, you know where this is going. We ended up being lovers and best friends.

She moved in with me within that first year. And from that moment on we were inseparable. Fast forward to December 23rd, 1986. Flying over our nation's capital, we were on our way to Virginia to meet her Mom and her step dad John and spend Christmas. I had met her dad in Boston earlier that year, and we got along great. I told him of my intentions. And he was good with it.

So right when we were at 33,000 feet. I asked her to marry me. She said yes.

So now you know the story, of how Cory and Ralph become husband and wife, mother and father to three adult children, and grandparents to four beautiful grandchildren. It all started on this day. December 23rd, 1983. Oh and "The Little Drummer Boy" became our song.

Now that's classic.

Whoa...whoa! whoa! Now just hold on a minute...this story does not end here. This date has a way deeper meaning in our family than just for Cory and I. Our youngest daughter Noelle, also got engaged on this very same day. Peter Rizzo, asked for her hand in marriage (after asking me) on December 23rd, 2018. They were married on September 12th, 2020. How's that for a feel good story during the Christmas season. To think it all started 40 years ago this week.

Happy anniversary Noelle and Pete. And Happy Anniversary to my baby Cory. I love you as much today, as I did back on that cold night in Boston 12-23-83.

MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY HOLIDAYS!


Click on the image above to see the larger version.

This calendar might become a collectors item. Twenty years of Ralph's Pic from 2004 to 2024. It was cool going through the years and picking out pics from the last 20 years. Not only will there be pics of mine but also from some of the other photographers who have submitted pics to this weekly Blog. The late Ed O'Connell, Brian Nevins, Martha Lardent, Dina Crawford, Erica Nardone and many more. They should be in the shops the week after Xmas.


Another reminder to help out SECRET SPOT. No donation is too small.
Click on the image below to make a donation. Thank you Merry Christmas and a very Happy Holiday seasons!




CLICK ON THE GRAPHIC ABOVE TO HELP SECRET SPOT.

“HELPING FRIENDS IN NEED HEALS ALL WOUNDS.” 

 

Dear Ralph and loving Seacoast community,

You’ve been asking and we’ve been waiting and now it’s finally time to rebuild the Secret Spot! It’s difficult for us to ask but we need your help! 

On August 19, 2022 a fire infiltrated our restaurant through the ceiling rafters and completely consumed our Secret Spot, obliterating everything inside. In a matter of hours, everything we had worked for, built from the ground up, our family business of 15 years was a total loss. Fortunately no one was hurt but our family was grief stricken and our community was devastated. At that time we did not start a GoFundMe because we wanted to focus efforts on helping our friends at Cinnamon Rainbows get into a clean space asap. We are so happy they were able to find a perfect temporary home! 

Finally, we are happy to announce that we’ve found a new spot but it needs a ton of work! The small building at 560 High Street, to the west of where Secret Spot once was, will be our new home for a few years:) We (Jon and Sarah) plan to do much of the work along with friends, family and community members. Of course our 10yr twins Maeve and Lyona will help too! 

The physical labor poses a real issue with Jon’s declining health. Jon’s health issues have been kept private but if you’ve known The Gozzo’s for a while, you know we live cautiously. Jon was diagnosed with SLL, CVID and GLILD many years ago which is how he came to be the first to bring Acaí to New England, for its health benefits. In order for Jon to live, he must do weekly plasma infusions, take daily antibiotics and antivirals and avoid germs in general as the common cold could cause hospitalization. The Gozzo family does our best to normalize this for our children but it’s been exceedingly stressful and difficult after the loss of our family business. If you see the twins, they are always happy to get extra hugs:) 

Looking forward! The Gozzo family feels a new sense of hope for the future! Finding the space so close to the old space, near Hampton’s iconic corner, in the same beach community that we love so dearly, is our dream realized. Even though we have high hopes for a rebuild in the original space, the plan is to be OPEN Spring 2024 at 560 High Street, in Hampton, NH and we can all finally get acaí to the face! 

We need to raise $35,000 to go directly toward the build-out and necessary equipment. All help is welcome! Thank you so much for your continued support. It means the world to our family and our beach community! 



Click on the pic above to help SECRET SPOT.

With Love, 
Sarah Gozzo
(Jon, Lyona and Maeve)



TAYLOR SWIFT REACTS TO KELCE FALLING DOWN.

This was one of the highlights of the game. The Patriots lost 27-17 to the Chiefs. So much for that game being our SUPER BOWL. It all seems so strange and unreal, to be at the bottom of the AFC EAST pack. I don't believe that we will ever see another Super Bowl banner hanging at Gillette Stadium. That run is over. But one thing is for sure, for 20 years the NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS were a legitimate dynasty.

With the GOAT (Tom Brady) who took us to 9 Super Bowls and winning 6 of them. Nobody can take that away from us. Just like the 72 Dolphins. They own the perfect season. And we own those 20 years. So while these last three years have been a major disappointment, we should never forget the 20 years of glory.



This week a federal jury ordered Rudy Giuliani, Donald Trump's campaign lawyer a $148 million to two Georgia election workers for falsely accusing them of election fraud. Ruby Freeman and her daughter Shaye Moss hit the JACKPOT. And once again GITMO let the Sheik out for this newsworthy trial. Khaliddy who freelances for the GITMO GAZZETTE was there covering the trial. Khaliddy hates Rudy because of his 9-11 fame and he couldn't wait to ask Rudy if he had the money to pay off these two defamed workers.
And of course Rudy G. had no comment. Though his new office aide had the crowd buzzing with that wild new hairdo. WTF was that all about?



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 pick up a case of LOTTERY TICKETS at Home Depot this week.

LOCAL SURFER/COMIC/ACTOR LANDS NEW ROLE ON THE BRAND NEW FRASIER SITCOM. CONGRATS JIMMY!Jimmy Dunn as Moose - Stand-up comedian and actor Jimmy Dunn plays firefighter Moose, a colleague of Freddy who appears to be slow-witted. Dunn is best known for playing Sean McCarthy on the CBS sitcom, The McCarthys.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS EVERYONE 2023!
WELCOME HOME VEDA CROPPER!
WELCOME HOME ABBEY JOWETT.
A TRUE CHRISTMAS MIRACLE!

HAPPY 40th ANNIVERSARY Cory December 23rd, 2023!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY David Fatello December 23rd, 2023!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY Tony Berardini December 24th, 2023!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY BABY JESUS December 25th, 2023!
KEEP FIGHTING Robert Gerard! You Got This Brother!
Please keep LOCAL LEGEND Surfer Norm Murphy in your thoughts and prayers.

Finally, I'm calling this a special request.
LOCAL SURFER/MUSICIAN PETE KOWALSKI NEEDS A KIDNEY. A TYPE A KIDNEY. PLEASE if you know anyone with a Type A Kidney please contact me at ralph@adlantic.com


SURFING HEALS ALL WOUNDS!
Please Support ALL The photographers who contribute to
Ralph's Pic Of The Week every
week for the last 19 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
ing Is Supposed to be Fun.

Ralph

 



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




MY VERY FIRST VAN. SUMMER 1972.

I remember pulling up to my parents house in Beverly, Mass when I was on my lunch break from the Beverly Golf and Country Club was everything to me back in the day. My surf van and my Rock and Roll van. And so many of my friends who I have surfed with and played music with will remember those days in the 70's when the old Blue Dodge Tradesman was an iconic vehicle. I think of my friends who have passed away that rode in this van. Joe Somogyi, Robin Rowell, John JT Taylor, and all the Rock and Rollers too. * I'm wearing my jungle boots (from Vietnam). Photo by Gus Fatello
*Click on the photo above to see a larger image

 

 

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 and go through the 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.

 


All photos taken this week unless otherwise noted.

Today-
THE 2nd DECEMBER SWELL 12-11-23
Photos by RALPH




(Above) I was happy to see another weekly swell in the neighborhood.
Monday December 11th, 2023. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

Click on the ad above to see the Menu and other
important info on their Somerville restaurant
and all the
other AMERICAN FLATBREAD locations.

 



(Above) It was overcast in the morning with hints of color.
Monday December 11th, 2023. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery



The Haffenreffer family have been helping seacoast families
with their holistic health and optimal wellness for decades.

 

(Above) I caught Johnny "JIM" Meehan snagging the wave of the set.
Monday December 11th, 2023. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery




(Above) I appreciate marshes more these days now that I live on one.
Monday December 11th, 2023. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

Best EAST COAST Coverage on the Internet.


Click on the ad above to find out more about
more about local surf artist Stan Chew's art



Clark Little's new book
Click on the ad for more info.



(Above) Often overlooked by surfers but not by the photographers.
Monday December 11th, 2023. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery




(Above) I never tire of watching those peaks march in from across the bay and the offshore winds blow the tops off in the waning sun.
Monday December 11th, 2023. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

 

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/




(Above) It's obvious that the wave before this one was bigger. Do you know why that is true? Monday December 11th, 2023. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery



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 lucked out by showing up when Crowley, Ian, and Beckley were out. Crowley Gentile sweeping casual turns. *Watch the video at the top of the page. Monday December 11th, 2023. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery




(Above) Is there a better feeling, paddling out at the end the day in that golden December light? Monday December 11th, 2023. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery



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.


Produced by David Robinson of the CARS.
Visit our Facebook page







(Above) This is why I called the latest video A DECEMBER SUNSET.
Monday December 11th, 2023. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery




(Above) I suppose I could have named it DECEMBER REFLECTIONS.
Monday December 11th, 2023. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery



Produced by David Robinson of the CARS.
Visit our Facebook page



Produced by Steve Sadler.
Visit our Facebook page



The VINNY Band was around from 1976 to 1984




July 30th, 1979 headlining the Paradise Club
In Boston, MA







(Above) Riding with style, Crowley Gentile. Monday December 11th, 2023.
Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery


Joe Carter, Brian Nevins, and Nick Lavecchia
   





(Above) Crowley Gentile's sunset slice. Monday December 11th, 2023.
Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery




(Above) With maybe 20 minutes of light left. Monday December 11th, 2023.
Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery



The art of Donna Baldassari




Hannah Vokey is one of my favorite surf artists.



(Above) The last peak. Monday December 11th, 2023.
Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery


Today- THE NEXT DAY. December 12th, 2023.
Photos by RALPH




(Above) It was sunnier and the waves were just as good. Brian Avante. Tuesday December 12th, 2023. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery



(Above) I'm guessing this is Lars Hamilton. Tuesday December 12th, 2023. Photo by RALPH *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery






Visit Jimmy Dunn's website to find out where and
when he will be performing.







(Above) Brian Avante got about 4-5 good turns on this wave.
Tuesday December 12th, 2023. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery




(Above) This is the same wave as above. Brian Avante.
Tuesday December 12th, 2023. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery



I love Erica's whimsical Gull art. So cool and unique.



ONLY THE DURHAM STORE IS OPEN.
Due to the massive fire back in August the
Hampton store is closed. We will let you all
know when SECRET SPOT is back in
operation on the seacoast.
Thank you.
Jon Gozzo and family.






(Above) Meanwhile, 15-20 minutes away this was going on.
Tuesday December 12th, 2023. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery


Today- The DINALAND GALLERY 12-11-23
Photos by Dina Crawford




(Above) The waves always seem greener and blue-er down there.
December 11th, 2023. Photo by Dina Crawford
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

 










(Above) The water was still in the low 50's/high 40's.
December 11th, 2023. Photo by Dina Crawford
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery





(Above) This looks almost tropical. But I know better.
December 11th, 2023. Photo by Dina Crawford
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery






Listen to QWILL on the new video at the top of this page.







(Above) There were some head high to slightly overhead waves there.
December 11th, 2023. Photo by Dina Crawford
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery



THE 2024 BEST OF RPOTW CALENDARS
ARE COMING
Featuring pics from the Last 20 Years!
Email me directly at ralph@adlantic.com or pick one up
the week after Christmas at CINNAMON RAINBOWS in
North Hampton, NH





(Above) As always, the waves were punchier. Way punchier.
December 11th, 2023. Photo by Dina Crawford
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery




(Above) Almost everyone has the same approach to these waves when going backside. Grab a rail and go. December 11th, 2023.
Photo by Dina Crawford

*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

Click on this image to visit Driftwood Photography

"GIVE YOUR BUSINESS A KICK IN THE ADS"
Since 1985.


Everybody has a story to tell



(Above) I hope this guy knows that Dina got a bunch of pics of him.
December 11th, 2023. Photo by Dina Crawford
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery




(Above) The waves here are some of the most hollow ones around. .
December 11th, 2023. Photo by Dina Crawford
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery





(Above) The waves are always worth paddling out.
December 11th, 2023. Photo by Dina Crawford
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery





(Above) The waves and Dina wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy Holiday Season! December 11th, 2023. Photo by Dina Crawford
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

Today- ANOTHER 12-11-23 GALLERY
Photos by KD DURHAM




(Above) This is Crowley Gentile. December 11th, 2023.
Photo by KD Durham

*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) Crowley Gentile again on Monday December 11th, 2023.
Photo by KD Durham

*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
.




(Above) It's good to see Ryan Jackson starting to show up on everyone's radar again. In fact, I even got a short clip of him in the video at the top of the page. Monday December 11th, 2023.
Photo by KD Durham

*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
.


Today- AND ONE LAST 12-11-23 GALLERY
Photos by Bob Costanzo




(Above) Another shot of Crowley Gentile. Monday December 11th, 2023. Photo by Bob Costanzo
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

 

 



(Above) This looks like Ian Dreher. The surfer not the paddler. Hope I'm right. Monday December 11th, 2023. Photo by Bob Costanzo
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery






















 

 

 




 

 




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.

My friend Rick McAvoy from Maine is the creator
behind this unique Surf Company

 




(Above) This guy is one of the best to ever come out of the Cape.
Brendan McCray. October 28th, 2023. Photo by Eddie Devereaux
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery




(Above) This is a beautiful and serene New Hampshire beach scene.
Photo by Cindy Marsch

*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery


He's more than just a good photographer

 



(Above) All Rise: The 10th Street District Court Of Surf is Now in Session. The Honorable Judge RALPH presiding. Case # 752 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 RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the outcome

 





This is what happens if you are found GUILTY. You become invisible.


Click on this image above to buy this book
and more cool KING'S X merchandise and music

 



I see waves ALL WEEK LONG.



I'm picking Tuesday December 12th, 2023 as the best of the week!



 

December 17th, 2023

Kook: "Hey I was in a rush OK. I didn't realize I left my undies on the road until I got home. Say, you didn't happen to pick those up did you? Those were a gift from my mother."



(ABOVE) This was the first thing I saw when I pulled up on Monday afternoon. Photo by RALPH



Click here to return to TOP of the page

 



Click here to read Shaun Tomson's first book.