November 9th, 2025 The RUN is 10 out of 10 Weeks.
CRITERIA: Waist high or better at least once a week.
There were overhead and head high 10-31-2025.
And waist high on 11-1-25 and 11'-2-25
THE RECORD FOR THE MOST CONSECUTIVE WEEKS IN A ROW FOR WAIST HIGH OR BETTER. January 13th, 2025 was 59 WEEKS! |
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. |
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NEXT BLOG November 23rd, 2025.
All future Blogs will be posted on the 1st and 3rd week of every month (give or take a day or two). *Also in the event of any significant swell I will post the week of that swell. Although the blog is now bi-weekly, I'm certainly not gonna pass up a decent swell. So while it's basically going to be every other week, I left it open for some wiggle room.
THE 250th BIRTHDAY OF THE UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS.
HAPPY VETERANS DAY ALL VETERANS. PAST-PRESENT-FUTURE.
PLUS INSANE PICS AND CLIPS FROM THE HALLOWEEN SWELL.
THOSE WHO SERVED SATURDAY NOVEMBER 8th, 2025
This past weekend I had the pleasure and distinct honor to be part of a cool dedication to Vietnam Veterans in Cape Ann. This was a project by photographer Jason Grow who took portrait pics of a bunch of local Vietnam Vets and interviewed us at the American Legion in Gloucester.
On Saturday November 8th, 2025 there was a gathering for all the vets and their families as Jason unveiled all the images of the vets.
This is the photo of me that Jason Grow used in the showing.
And this is me with my skateboard in Vietnam in 1970.
*There's a crazy long story behind this photo that you'll have to wait until the book comes out to learn
about the story behind this photo.
Me and Jason. He's a great guy and a super talented photographer.
Oh and he's also a surfer. Yup it's true. The man surfs. And you know what? It just dawned on me to ask him if he's got any surf pics. I bet if he does, they'd be pretty damn good.
Speaking of surfers, my oldest surf buddy of all time Jeff Crawford stopped by to check out the exhibit.
Jeff and I were part of the virgin crew to first surf Nova Scotia. That's a whole other story (actually that story is in my book too).
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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 close and 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 November 9th, 2025
This being Veterans Day weekend I am posting one of my favorite pics of Ed in Vietnam. As I have mentioned in the past, Ed was a crew member on a UH1 Huey (Slick) DUST OFF Chopper. In other words, Ed's job was to fly directly into hostile territory to pick up wounded and dead US soldiers.
Suffice it to say, it was a harrowing job. As it was a constant threat of being shot down and wounded, or worse.
In fact, he was once shot down. But he survived the crash. But not before losing a bunch of his teeth in the crash. Most of his crew was killed in that incident. That day shook Ed to the core. And he was never the same again.
Ed was never one to talk about his war experiences but he would open up to me. We had that rare bond of both being surfers and Vietnam vets. And we shared many personal stories of that war.
And yet again, this is another reason why I miss Ed so much. I miss talking with him about the wear. It's a Nam thing. You guys wouldn't understand. Thinking of you (again) Ed. I miss you brother. Photo c/o Ed O'Connell
*Click the photo above to see a larger version of Ed's Pic.
COMING THE LATE FALL OF 2025
UPDATE: Fingers crossed. This is the NEW COVER and Back cover. CLICK ON THIS IMAGE ABOVE TO SEE THE full cover. The book will be done by November 2025 and available in December.
Click on the image above to see the full cover and back cover endorsements.
And this book will be available in both hard cover and soft cover on AMAZON, BARNES & NOBLE, INGRAM, GOOGLE BOOKS, and KOBO PUBLISHING.
SAM GEORGE'S NEW BOOK IS OUT! I'LL BE WRITING A REVIEW SOON. MEANWHILE CLICK ON THE IMAGE BELOW TO GET YOUR COPY.
Most of you reading this Blog already know who Sam George is. But for those of you who do not. Sam is an Emmy Award-winning documentary filmmaker and former editor of SURFER Magazine and SURFING Magazine.
He's also a dear friend that I have known since 1979. He along with Jeff Chamberlain are two of the most prolific writers of our Surfing lifestyle.
New York Times bestselling author Bill Janovitz delivers the definitive story of The Cars, one of the most popular, beloved, and influential bands to emerge from New Wave—with a foreword by Cars keyboardist Greg Hawkes.
The Cars formed in the late 1970s as an alliance of five journeymen musicians with roots in Maryland, Ohio, New York, and New England. They had each performed in a series of bands before finding one another—along with the right sound at the right time. That sound, soon fortified by their iconic imagery, turned them into Rock and Roll Hall of Famers.
Biographer, critic, and musician Bill Janovitz explores the musical, cultural, and commercial impact of the band with articulate and knowing insights. He draws on his own exclusive new reporting along with the enthusiastic participation of the surviving members of the band, as well as nearly everyone who surrounded them over the years.
The band's unusual providence is fully explored here for the first time, and each of their landmark albums is masterfully chronicled and dissected, as is their profound support of the Boston music scene that has reverberated around the world and throughout the decades.
Yet, with all of the success, there were also significant conflicts within the band, which led to an untimely end. Janovitz reveals the stories of each member, and of the group as a whole, with great care and understanding.
To paraphrase The Car's own lyrics: Hello again, you might think this is just what you needed. It's magic. Let's shake it up and let the good times roll.
PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.
*As soon as my book is finished I plan on doing a review on Sam's book and Bill's book.
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REMEMBERING AND HONORING THE VETERANS IN MY FAMILY.
Lt. Col. John Rastl USAF Retired
I never say enough about John's (Grandpa) service, but, he flew some of the most intense airplanes in the Air Force. From the F-4 Phantoms to the A-10 Warthog (AKA Tank Killers).
This is an actual
photo of John piloting the A-10. Thank you for your service Grandpa John. He's the absolute best Grandpa. The kids and grandkids love him as do Cory and I.
This is Cory's dad and our kids Grampy, Jerry Bunton. Jerry served in the 101st Airborne in the US ARMY. Jerry went on to serve our country in the Intelligence agency having served in Iraq and Afghanistan. He was awarded the Intelligence Star (the highest award).
He was a great father and Grampy to our kids. Unfortunately, he never got to meet any of the great grandkids. But his memory will live on forever in our family.
MY FATHER GUS WWII AND ME ON VETERANS DAY 11-11-98
This has always been my all time favorite Veterans Day photo. The reason being is my son Max took the photo. I had stopped by my parents house after taking Max out in the woods pheasant hunting. We stopped by and I handed my camera to Max and had him take this photo. You can see the joy in me and my father's faces. I love this photo. I miss you dad.
*My two brother-in-laws Brian Brunault and Michael Baldassari are also veterans. Brian was an MP in the marines at the end of the Vietnam War and Michael was an MP in the Army in 1967 in Vietnam.
And this man I miss every single day. SSGT George Masten USMC Korea/Vietnam. George was my favorite Marine. He was responsible for me becoming Commander of Post 35 and was very encouraging in everything I did as Commander.
Today, November 9th is his birthday. He passed away in 2016 and there's not a single member of our Post that knew George who didn't love and respect him. And leave it to George to be born on November 9th, followed by the Marine Corps Birthday on November 10th, and to be followed by Veterans Day on November 11th. George and the Trifecta. Semper Fi George. I miss you.
Happy 250th Birthday Marines. George, Paul, and Bill. Bill is the only one left of these Fox 2/7 Marines. George and Paul are gone way to early.
And when they get to heaven to Saint Peter they will tell "Another Marine Reporting Sir, I've served my time in Hell."
"THANKING VETERANS HEALS ALL WOUNDS."
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BRAYDEN RUDERT'S PIC OF MAX. PHOTO OF THE YEAR?
Look I know I am biased because this is my son. But truth be told, this is a great shot. In fact all the pics in Brayden's gallery are some of the best water shots I've seen in a long while. And I don't say that lightly. Oh hell no.
We have some great water photographers here in Northern New England. Starting with Brian Nevins. Brian has set the bar for all others. And then there's Natty Graham. Natty has been getting some killer shots as of late too.
And then there's Brayden Rudert.
This? This is another stellar pic by Brayden. This is Matt Colby who can't believe his eyes. And not for nothing but this is clearly another great barrel water shot. Nice Brayden.
And this is Mikey Evans. And yes, this too is another great water shot. In fact, I used a bunch of Brayden's pics in the edit that's posted at the top of this page. You should watch the video. It's only 8 minutes long. You should watch it.
PATRIOTS BEAT THE BUCS 28-23. THEY ARE NOW
8-2.
The Patriots are back and they are for real. Holy Mackerel!
KING'S HIGHWAY AT THE PRESS ROOM
They sounded great tonight. And it was a standing room only show. Seriously, it was packed to the gills. And these guys never sounded better. The PRESS ROOM was rocking to KH!
PLEASE KEEP THE PRAYERS COMING FOR SKY ROSA
By now most of you have seen the photo of our King looking like a complete and utter nimrod Dufus as he stands there looking like a lost man-child while a Pharmaceutical rep with his legs up in the air is struggling to breathe.
But who knew that our boy Khaliddy was also there? Not me. I saw old Worm Brain RFK Jr run out of the room. I swear this administration is like a three ring circus. A ship of fools. But this photo? This is downright creepy. That big Red Tie swaying in the breeze. That's some creepy ass shit right there.
And ya have to give credit where credit is due. KSM is Johnny on the spot again. He never misses a photo opportunity. Meanwhile the LONGEST Government Shutdown is closing in on 40 days. Damn, that's almost biblical. 40 days and 40 nights.
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 FIRST AID KITS at Home Depot this week.
PLEASE KEEP SKY ROSA in your Thoughts and Prayers.
GET WELL SOON Kim Grondin!
GET WELL SOON Jon Gozzo!
GET WELL SOON GABBY LaBRECK!
HAPPY 250th BIRTHDAY USMC November 10th, 2025!
HAPPY VETERANS DAY November 11th, 2025!
KEEP FIGHTING Robert Gerard! You Got This Brother!
Please keep LOCAL SURF LEGEND Norm Murphy in your thoughts and prayers.
"SURFING HEALS ALL WOUNDS."
Please
Support ALL The photographers who contribute to
Ralph's Pic Of The Week every week for the last 21 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. Surfing Is Supposed to be Fun.
Ralph
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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
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56 YEARS AGO. I BECAME A MARINE CORPS VIETNAM VETERAN.
I didn't ever think I would be here some 56 years after becoming a Marine. Especially seeing how I was a Grunt (not exactly a pencil pushing occupation). But I'm here, and looking back at it all I'm proud of my service. I'm thankful for having made some of my closest friends in my life. I'm forever respectful and mournful of the friends that I lost. Semper Fidelis.
Photos c/o RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see a larger image
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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 or two and go through this year long 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.
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All photos taken this week unless otherwise noted.
Today- THE HOLLOWEEN SWELL OCTOBER 31st, 2025
Photos by RALPH
(Above) Trick or treat?
October 31st, 2025. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
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Click on the ad above to see the Menu and other
important info on their Somerville restaurant and all the
other AMERICAN FLATBREAD locations.
Best EAST COAST Coverage on the Internet.
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(Above) Gulls and guys.
October 31st, 2025. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
(Above) That's a hollow Holloween barrel.
October 31st, 2025.
Photo by RALPH *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
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Visit this site to read about the Legends of our coast.
Welcome Solsticenh.com Melinda is a local NH surfer.
Click on the ad above to visit her site.
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(Above) Kody Grondin charging on
October 31st, 2025.
Photo by RALPH *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
(Above) Jake Davidson leaning into a a serious hollow section.
October 31st, 2025. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
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NEW Client to the BLOG WELCOME 935 OCEAN
Click on the ad to find out where to stay the next time
you're in town.
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(Above) I can't tell who this is.
Crowley? October 31st, 2025.
Photo by RALPH *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
(Above) There were more empty waves than there were with those being ridden. October 31st, 2025. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
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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/
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(Above) "Look Horace, you used to be able to ride those waves back
in the day." October 31st, 2025. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
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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) Our Japanese Maple comes alive in November.
October 31st, 2025. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
(Above) How many times have you heard me say to look up every now and then? October 31st, 2025. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
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SALTY PAWS DAYCARE NOW OPEN
Click on the
Ad above for more info
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Today- THE HOLLOWEEN SWELL SEQUENCES
OCTOBER 31st, 2025
Photos by RALPH
(Above) Mikel Evans from a very long sequence.
Friday October 31st, 2025. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
(Above) Crowley Gentile setting up for the hollow section.
Friday October 31st, 2025. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
(Above) Matt Colby picked off a nice long sequence.
Friday October 31st, 2025. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
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Produced by David Robinson of the CARS.
Visit our Facebook page
Produced by David Robinson of the CARS.
Visit our Facebook page
Produced by Steve Saddler.
Visit our Facebook page
The VINNY Band was around from 1976 to 1984
July 30th, 1979 headlining the Paradise Club
In Boston, MA
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(Above) It seems like every single swell this guy finds his way in front of my lens. Jon Kiskinis from a very long sequence.
Friday October 31st, 2025. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
(Above) Mikel Evans from the same long sequence.
Friday October 31st, 2025. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
Today- HAPPY HOLLOWEEN SWELL October-31st, 2025
Photos by BRAYDEN RUDERT
(Above) Jake Davidson dropping into a Holloween Wave.
Friday October 31st, 2025. Photo by Brayden Rudert
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
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Joe Carter, Brian Nevins, and Nick Machiavelli
Click on the ad above to visit their website
The art of Donna Ambassadorial
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(Above) Happy Holloween Wave. Friday October 31st, 2025.
Photo by Brayden Rudert
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
(Above) In deep, Mr Crowley Gentile. Friday October 31st, 2025.
Photo by Brayden Rudert
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
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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.
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(Above) Happy Mikey Evans in a Holloween Wave.
Friday October 31st, 2025. Photo by Brayden Rudert
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
(Above) Mackey V Happy Holloween Wave. Friday October 31st, 2025.
Photo by Brayden Rudert
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
(Above) I love this wave. Friday October 31st, 2025.
Photo by Brayden Rudert
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
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Hannah Vokey is one of my favorite surf artists.
Click on the ad above to find out more about
more about local surf artist Stan Chew's art
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(Above) Mikel Evans wondering if his son Ansel will be a regular foot or a Goofyfoot? Friday October 31st, 2025. Photo by Brayden Rudert
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
(Above) Happiest Holloween Wave. Friday October 31st, 2025.
Photo by Brayden Rudert
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
(Above) Happy Holloween Wave in B&W. Friday October 31st, 2025.
Photo by Brayden Rudert
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
(Above) Mr JON KISKINIS . Friday October 31st, 2025.
Photo by Brayden Rudert
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
(Above) Jake Davidson Hollering Holloween Wave.
Friday October 31st, 2025. Photo by Brayden Rudert
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
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Visit Jimmy Dunn's website to find out where
else he will be performing. Watch Jimmy on the
new FRASIER Click on Jimmy to find out more.
ALL EPISODES OF SEASON 2 of FRASIER ARE NOW STREAMING ON PARAMOUNT+
Jimmy Dunn and Kelsey Grammer
Click the image above or below to see more.
Click on the ad above to visit her Facebook page.
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Today- THE HALLOWEEN SWELL UP NORTH.
OCTOBER 31st, 2025 Photos by ED MORAN
(Above) This spot was obviously working. October 31, 2025
Photo by Ed Moran
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
(Above) The wedge effect was the call if you know where to sit.
October 31, 2025 Photo by Ed Moran
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
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I love Erica's whimsical Gull art. So cool and unique.
SECRET SPOT IS NOW OPEN IN HAMPTON.
SECRET SPOT is back in operation on the seacoast.
Thank you.
Jon Gozzo and family.
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(Above) With enough speed he might just make this bottom turn and pull up into the sweet spot. October 31, 2025 Photo by Ed Moran
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
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(Above) The Goofyfoots rule this peak. October 31, 2025
Photo by Ed Moran
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
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Listen to QWILL on the video page.
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(Above) Thankful to surf with the right foot forward. October 31, 2025
Photo by Ed Moran
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
Today- The HALLOWEEN SWELL IN NH October 31st, 2025
Photos by Ed Moran
(Above) The HALLOWEEN Swell in NH was slightly smaller.
October 31st, 2025 Photo by Ed Moran
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
(Above) Jon Kiskinis the HALLOWEEN Swell in NH. October 31st, 2025
Photo by Ed Moran
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
(Above) Still warm enough to go SANS boots and gloves.
The HALLOWEEN Swell in NH. October 31st, 2025
Photo by Ed Moran
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
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Click on this image to visit Driftwood Photography
"GIVE YOUR BUSINESS A KICK IN THE ADS"
Since 1985.
Click on the image above to see the cool ocean art
from Alex Walsh.
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Today- The Halloween Swell October 31st, 2025
Photos by David Manzi
(Above) Two locals enter the arena. October 31st, 2025
Photo by David Manzi
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
(Above) That's a pretty big wave. Trick or Treat? October 31st, 2025
Photo by David Manzi
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
(Above) Messy but still sizable. October 31st, 2025
Photo by David Manzi
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
Today- The Last "Halloween Swell" Gallery October 31st, 2025
Photos by Bob Costanzo
(Above) The morning sickness was still evident throughout the day. October 31st, 2025 Photo by Bob Costanzo
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
(Above) The casual cutback. October 31st, 2025
Photo by Bob Costanzo
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
(Above) The Halloween Swell of October 31st, 2025 won't soon be forgotten. Photo by Bob Costanzo
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
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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 1500 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
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(Above) My dear friend Jeff Crawford took this pic the other night. November 6th, 2025. Photo by Jeff Crawford
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
(Above) Sunrise on November 6th, 2025. Photo Arthur Rice
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
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He's more than just a good photographer
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(Above) All Rise: The 10th Street District Court Of Surf is Now in Session. The Honorable Judge RALPH presiding. Case # 807 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.
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Click on this image above to buy this book
and more cool KING'S X merchandise and music
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I see something Tuesday to next Saturday
I'm picking Monday November 10th, 2025 as the best day of the
next two weeks.
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November 9th, 2025
"Did you just see that shadow?"
(ABOVE) This? This is more than likely FAKE. Hard to tell these days.
But it sure looks fake to me.
Photo by GOOGLE
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Click here to read Shaun Tomson's first book.
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