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

September 28th, 2025 The RUN is 6 out of 6 Weeks.
CRITERIA: Waist high or better at least once a week.
There were head high waves on 9-22-23-24-2025.
And waist to chest high on 9-19-25


THE RECORD FOR THE MOST CONSECUTIVE WEEKS IN A ROW FOR WAIST HIGH OR BETTER. January 13th, 2025 was 59 WEEKS!

NEXT BLOG October 12th, 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 THIRD NAMED HURRICANE GABRIELLE. PLUS THE KIMMEL FIRING AND HIRING. THE SURFER'S MEMORIAL PADDLE FOR BILLY.




Hurricane Gabrielle did not bring us big, powerful, and hollow surf. She did however bring us three days of fun waist to head high surf. And the water temps were ridiculously warm. I mean it was warm enough for some of the younger guys to trunk it. In other words. No wetsuits! In late September? We will take it all day long.

The pic above is from DAY I 9-23-25. Looks pretty huh? Well, it was. Just that most of us were hoping for the bigger stuff. And for those of you who were around in 1989 when Hurricanes Gabrielle and Felix mated and gave us an amazing run of big overhead tropical surf.

Still, beggars can't be choosers. Right? Damn straight I'm right.



Speaking of beggars. (Now why do I have to be so hurtful?) These guys are clearly not beggars. But they sure could have used some significant surf. Kody, Duffy, and Mackey were at the Wall enjoying whatever Gabrielle was throwing at us. In hindsight, I should have shot video on this day. I kept thinking it was going to come up. But it never did.

This scene? This is Steve and Duffy pretending to be mad at each other after Duffy dropped in on Steve. (See the new BDI). Truth be told, Duff was surfing like the old horse that used to deliver coal to my house in the 1950's. We had an old wagon full of coal that would deliver coal in the neighborhood. The guy would set up a chute and shovel coal into the chute that went into our basement. The horse that pulled that wagon wore blinders. And the way Duffy was surfing this day? It was like he had blinders on. Check the BDI down in the lower part of the Blog to see for yourself. Like he had blinders on.

Joel Feid (below) was surfing like a man possessed on this pre-Gabrielle swell on the 19th. This shot is my favorite of this session. Only a surfer can tell what Joel is doing here. He's in full pump mode. You shortboarders know this. The speed pump. You can almost feel the lift.



In fact, Phil don't surf. And this is a gathering of surfers. Sorry Phil.

This is me, Kevin "Doc" Grondin, and Cliff Pappas. Cliff and his wife Nancy were in town this week. They are celebrating their 30th Wedding Anniversary on September 30th. We have known Cliff and Nancy for many years. Cliff was nursing a rehabbed ankle. But he paddled out and caught a few waves. OK he only caught one, but he surfed Gabrielle. The next session he caught a bunch. And the very next day he caught more than his fair share. But I missed that session.

Apparently the boys forgot to call the photographer. Oh well.

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 September 28th, 2025



This is the photo of me bottom turning at the Wall from September 2008. I was riding my 6'8" MERRICK that was my shortboard at the time. I am no longer able to surf on a shortboard. In fact, I can barely ride a longboard these days. But I do manage to slip out here and there. And I am 100% fine with where I am today. Besides, surf photography and writing about surfing is the next best thing to actually surfing. Some of my favorite pics of me were taken by Ed. And I will be forever grateful that he was around to capture those final days of my shortboard surfing. Photo by Ed O'Connell

*Click the photo above to see a larger version of Ed's Pic.

COMING THE 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 October 2025. 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.



SAM and MATT GEORGE's books are both available on
DAP BOOKS. Click on the image above to purchase a copy.

*As soon as my book is finished I plan on doing a big piece on Sam. Complete with an interview. Like I have said many times before, I don't know a single surfer who has been more stoked on surfing for as long as Sam has. He is that never ending grom who eats sleeps and drinks surfing. And that is true no matter where he is on this planet. Sam knows Surfing better than anyone else I know.

JIMMY KIMMEL FIRED AND HIRED IN LESS THAN A WEEK.

If you recall in the last Blog I used Jimmy Kimmel's quote on the tragic shooting of Charlie Kirk. Here it is again. This is what he posted the day of the shooting. Clearly he was deeply upset over this senseless shooting.



So when Kimmel came on his show on September 15th this is exactly what he said. "We hit some new lows over the weekend with the MAGA gang desperately trying to characterize this kid who murdered Charlie Kirk as anything other than one of them, and doing everything they can to score political points from it." But to hear the MAGA gang's take on it you would have thought it was Kimmel slamming Kirk. He didn't incite any kind of violence. He clearly didn't celebrate Kirk's shooting. He reached out to his widow and family with love and condolences. The president on the other hand blatantly lied about Kimmel's comments. He said "Jimmy said a horrible thing about Kirk." When he clearly didn't.

Well, that set off a firestorm with the MAGAS now on the War Path against the other comics with Trump leading the charge. He had the other late night comics in his sights now. Fallon, Stewart, Myers and anyone else who made fun of him. If you didn't toe the line and praise the Orange King you had a target on your back. And at the very base of this new MAGA movement was the First Amendment. The same First Amendment that Lenny Bruce used. The same First Amendment that George Carlin used. The same First Amendment that Howard Stern used.

And yes, the same First Amendment that Charlie Kirk used and preached.

You people all know that this all happened because the President couldn't take a joke. The man has no humor in his soul. Of all the presidents we have had, this current one has zero humor. And yet, some of the shit he says is hilarious. Albeit, not intentionally. But he is funny. Case in point listen to his rambling speech at the United Nations. My God that was one for the ages. Seriously, watch and listen to it. That's our president. Hello?

Look, all of this shit that keeps happening is all a distraction from the one thing they won't acknowledge. The Epstein Files. RELEASE The Epstein Files. Like you promised. RELEASE THE EPSTEIN FILES. And let the chips fall where they may. Like this whacked out segment last week. "DON'T TAKE TYLENOL!" It's all a distraction people. Pay no attention to that man behind the curtain.

And not for nothing my friends, but please, RFK cannot be trusted. The man had a worm in his brain. A man with a worm in his brain is telling us how to stay healthy? And that's just one of many unbelievable stories about him. Google his name and get ready for some raised eyebrow action. Seriously. How this guy got this highly touted position is a mystery.

Finally, here's a quote from Charlie Kirk himself:
"Hate speech does not exist legally in America. There's ugly speech. There's gross speech. There's evil speech. And ALL of it is protected by the First Amendment."

REST IN PEACE ROBERT REDFORD



I admit, I was a longtime fan. He always seemed like one of the good ones.
What an amazing career he had. Thank you for the wonderful memories.

IF YOU ARE A VETERAN OR KNOW OF ANY VETS ON THE SEACOAST. LET THEM KNOW ABOUT THIS.



"SURFING AND THE 1st AMENDMENT HEALS ALL WOUNDS."

PADDLE FOR BILLY KEOHANE



Although I was not good friends with Billy, a bunch of his friends were there on Friday September 26th, 2025 at The Rocks for this traditional Surfer's Paddle. I learned that it was Billy who turned Brian Nevins onto surfing in 1995. And hearing that made my attendance all worthwhile. I mean that's pretty damn significant. We all remember who turned us onto surfing. For me? It was my dad in 1963.

But to hear Brian speak about Billy? That was really special. Those who know Brian know that he devoted his entire life to surfing. From catching waves to photographing them. Billy ignited that fuse to the fire that still burns hot in Brian's soul.
Check the Paddle gallery down in the photo section.

PATRIOTS BEAT THE PANTHERS 42-13 AT HOME
The Pats are 2-2 this season. After a terrible loss to the Steelers last week they came roaring back to soundly beat the Panthers.

RED SOX ARE IN THE PLAYOFFS!
Congrats to the Boston Red Sox for making it into the post season for the first time in 4 years.



PLEASE KEEP THE PRAYERS COMING FOR SKY ROSA





Aha ha! Now we know who was behind "ESCALATOR GATE!"
You know, I had a funny feeling it might be Ole Khaliddy. I knew he would be there covering the UN story for the GITMO GAZZETTE. Then I thought I wonder if the Sheik had anything to do with the stalled Escalator? Clearly Khaliddy is seen to left of the President and his third wife Melania. Boy. I think they may be putting an end to giving the Sheik these free PRESS Passes.

Khalid Sheik Mohammed is now not only the true mastermind behind 9-11, he's also the mastermind behind ESCALATORGATE. DOH!



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 HOW TO RIDE THE ESCALATOR Books at Home Depot this week.

PLEASE KEEP SKY ROSA in your Thoughts and Prayers.
REST IN PEACE Robert Redford 1960-2025.
GET WELL SOON Kim Grondin!
GET WELL SOON Jon Gozzo!
GET WELL SOON "BEATLE" SOFIE!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY Victor Capozzi September 20th, 2025!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY Jacko Keefe September 21st, 2025!
HAPPY HEAVENLY BIRTHDAY Patch September 23rd, 2025!


HAPPY BIRTHDAY Avery September 25th, 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

38 YEARS AGO. RALPH ON KAUAI OCTOBER 1987.
Our son max and his new bride Jacquie recently returned from their honeymoon in Kauai. This pic is from our honeymoon in Kauai. That same trip I surfed with Joey Cabell at Hanalei Bay. Just me and Joey Cabell. Clearly one of the most memorable surf sessions of my life. Now Max and Jacquie and Cory and I have shared Honeymoon memories.
Photo by Cory 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 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.

All photos taken this week unless otherwise noted.

Today- HURRICANE GABRIELLE DAY I SEPT-22nd-2025
Photos by RALPH




(Above) Crowley Gentile hoping for bigger waves but enjoying what he has. Hurricane Gabrielle Day I September 22nd, 2025. 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.

Best EAST COAST Coverage on the Internet.

(Above) I kept thinking it was going to come up in size. But it did not. Hurricane Gabrielle Day I September 22nd, 2025. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) Barely head high. But it was clean in the morning.
Hurricane Gabrielle Day I September 22nd, 2025. 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.

Welcome Solsticenh.com Melinda is a local NH surfer.
Click on the ad above to visit her site.

(Above) Still, you can't complain about waves like this. Or can you? Hurricane Gabrielle Day I September 22nd, 2025. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery



(Above) Still my favorite view no matter what craft you're riding.
Hurricane Gabrielle Day I September 22nd, 2025. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

NEW Client to the BLOG WELCOME 935 OCEAN
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(Above) Johnny "JIM" Meehan racing down the line. Hurricane Gabrielle Day I September 22nd, 2025. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery





(Above) Pev knee paddling like the famous Ron Stoner photo of Skip Frye knee paddling out at The Ranch in California. Hurricane Gabrielle Day I September 22nd, 2025. 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) Pev in a timeless pose hanging five during Hurricane Gabrielle Day I September 22nd, 2025. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

Today- HURRICANE GABRIELLE DAY II SEPT-23rd-2025
Photos by RALPH

(Above) Unknown in a known timeless stance. Hurricane Gabrielle Day II September 23rd, 2025. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) Brian Joyce. Hurricane Gabrielle Day II September 23rd, 2025. Photo by RALPH *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

SALTY PAWS DAYCARE NOW OPEN
Click on the Ad above for more info

(Above) Unknown taking off on a fun set during Hurricane Gabrielle
Day II September 23rd, 2025. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) Duffy McCarthy actually made this wave. Unknown taking off on a fun set during Hurricane Gabrielle
Day II September 23rd, 2025. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) Kody Grondin slaying this inside section during Hurricane Gabrielle Day II September 23rd, 2025. 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 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

(Above) Mackey V taking a carve out of Hurricane Gabrielle
Day II September 23rd, 2025. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) Jon Kiskinis little hip check on this Gabrielle lip.
Day II September 23rd, 2025. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery


Today- HURRICANE GABRIELLE DAY III SEPT-24th, 2025
Photos by RALPH



(Above) Still waves on the third day. Hurricane Gabrielle
Day III September 24th, 2025. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

Joe Carter, Brian Nevins, and Nick Machiavelli

Click on the ad above to visit their website



The art of Donna Ambassadorial

Today- THE LAST SUMMER SWELL SEPTEMBER 19th, 2025
Photos by RALPH




(Above) The Last Summer Swell. September 19th, 2025.
Photo by RALPH*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) Joel Feid Last Summer Swell. September 19th, 2025.
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
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Peter Stokes is one of the BEST guitar techs in
all of North America. He's the BEST guitar tech
in New England.

(Above) Beckley's first surf at 30yrs young. The Last Summer Swell. September 19th, 2025. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) Shawn Gulla proof of warm water. The Last Summer Swell. September 19th, 2025. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) Tasha at the Wall. The Summer Swell. September 19th, 2025.
Photo by RALPH*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

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

Today- HURRICANE GABRIELLE DAY II SEPT-23rd-2025
Photos by Dina Crawford

(Above) Kyle Linseman in a sweet tube Hurricane Gabrielle Day II September 23rd, 2025. Photo by Dina Crawford
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) Kyle Linseman setting up on a nice left. Hurricane Gabrielle Day II September 23rd, 2025. Photo by Dina Crawford
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) Smooth sailing Hurricane Gabrielle Day II September 23rd, 2025. Photo by Dina Crawford
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) Looked like it was a fun session in DINALAND too.
Hurricane Gabrielle Day II September 23rd, 2025.
Photo by Dina Crawford
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) Johnny Reynolds Hurricane Gabrielle Day II September 23rd, 2025. Photo by Dina Crawford
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

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.

(Above) Britt Swartley Hurricane Gabrielle Day II September 23rd, 2025. Photo by Dina Crawford
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) Never seen one of these suits here in New England. Seen them out west. Hurricane Gabrielle Day II September 23rd, 2025. Photo by Dina Crawford
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

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.

Today- THE PADDLE FOR BILLY SEPTEMBER 26th, 2025
Photos by RALPH



(Above) Billy was not only a surfer, he was a surf artist. This painting used to hang in the old Cinnamon Rainbow's shop. The Surfer's Paddle for Billy Kaneohe September 26th, 2025 Photo by RALPH*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) Friends embracing at the Surfer's Paddle for Billy Kaneohe September 26th, 2025 Photo by RALPH*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

Listen to QWILL on the video page.

(Above) Seems like most Paddles are done here. Surfer's Paddle for Billy Kaneohe September 26th, 2025 Photo by RALPH*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) Brian Nevins speaking at The Surfer's Paddle for Billy Kaneohe September 26th, 2025 Photo by RALPH*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) Having done dozens of these I know how deeply moving and special they are for friends and family of the deceased. The Surfer's Paddle for Billy Kaneohe September 26th, 2025 Photo by RALPH*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.

Click on the image above to see the cool ocean art
from Alex Walsh.

(Above) This tradition has been going since the early 1920's when the Waikiki Beach Boys first started doing paddles. The Surfer's Paddle for Billy Kaneohe September 26th, 2025 Photo by RALPH*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) There were little waves out there. The Surfer's Paddle for Billy Kaneohe September 26th, 2025 Photo by RALPH*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) The hooting and splashing at the Surfer's Paddle for Billy Kaneohe September 26th, 2025 Photo by RALPH*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) Brian Nevins riding one for Billy. The Surfer's Paddle for Billy Kaneohe September 26th, 2025 Photo by RALPH*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) REST IN PEACE Billy. The Surfer's Paddle for Billy Kaneohe September 26th, 2025 Photo by RALPH*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

Today- THE WEST COAST BOYS VISIT NEW HAMPSHIRE
September 25-26-27th, 2025. Photos by RALPH



(Above) Tom and Mike enjoying their short stay in NH.
September 26th, 2025. Photo by RALPH
*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 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

(Above) Hurricane Gabrielle in Maine. September 24th, 2025.
Photo by Stephen Avola
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery



(Above) Two days later. Same place. Hurricane Gabrielle in Maine. September 26th, 2025. Photo by Stephen Avola
*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 # 804 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 something Wednesday and Thursday

I'm picking today Wednesday October 1st, 2025

September 28th, 2025

"Something tells me this is not going to end well."

(ABOVE) You are correct. This did not end well for you. You pearled up to your neck. And subsequently ate shit. Photo by RALPH



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