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Send em off to me directly.
(See link below) Just make sure
they're 650 pixels wide.
NO bigger NO smaller.
In fact if you have any questions about the
size, email me first and I'll write back.
Start shooting crackie!!

Ralph Pic Of The Week


If you want to access the Pic of the
week from past weeks click here.
Archives

June 17th, 2007 Fathers Day

You know, last week I mentioned the difficulty of predicting what a Tropical Storm or Tropical Depression would do for us here in Northern New England. Well, I have to say, that what happened here this week was the opposite end of that spectrum and quite frankly, the good side of the unpredictability (is that a real word?) of predicting storms and swells. If you are reading this column, you are obviously caught up in the current world of technology, and are tuned into the many ways of checking the wave cams, reading the buoys, and a number of different websites that will let you know where and when the swell is happening.

If you don't know about this vast amount of FREE swell information...well, I'm sorry, I can't help you. And if you missed this week's worth of waves because you didn't know about it...well, YOU REALLY MISSED IT. Slap yourself across the lips and call yourself a dumb ass. If you had other commitment's, such as work, school or otherwise, I hope you at least snuck out and got some after work. Was it that good? You know what? I think it was. I mean the water temps were reasonable. The air temps were good, and the swell was good size, and it hung around for days. The only problem was the wind. It was not that good as far as keeping it clean. But the winds were favorable for keeping the swell around.

Really, from Tuesday thru Saturday, you couldn't ask for a better warm up summer session. Well, you could, but you'd be greedy and unreasonable.

This swell, which we should call, the Fathers Day Swell of 2007 or the Father's Day-High School Graduation Swell of 2007 will be looked upon favorably, as perhaps the beginning of the (dare I say this?) Best Summer Since 05. I mean...things are looking good. Real good.

If this summer does not pan out to be one of the best in recent years, I will accept full responsibility, and I will step down from my position here at the website as your weekly web journalist, and retire (hey I hear a few of you cheering...now why ya gotta be so hurtful?).

Seriously...there's rumblings of yet another sneaky swell entering into our friendly Northern New England window. Can you handle another few days of surf?

Do yourselves a favor and start getting your projects done now. We get another week long swell, and some of you will be looking for work and for love.

So this week, some of the young groms of yesterday actually graduated from High School. Dougie Fresh and Mattie Evans are just two of another bumper crop of surfers who have made through the academic 12 step program. 12 years of school. Some of you will be going off to college. Some will be entering the work force. Some will be joining the military. Some of you will do nothing, and just go surfing. You should do something with your life besides surf and live off your mom and dad though.

Don't be a slacker. Keep your heads on straight. You all know what's good and what's bad out there. You don't need people like me pointing the way for you. You have parents and teachers who have spent the better part of your life trying to guide you. Most of you also have spiritual guidance. There's nothing better than to have your parents, your teachers, your family and friends and your God be in your camp.

That's a lot of positive energy to tap into.

And of course, you have surfing. But truth be told here. You can surf with any of the options I listed above. Including the military. Surfers have always figured out a way to get into water. Don't know how some of them do it. I just know they do it.

How else can you explain the year round crowds?

So today is Fathers Day. I hope you all either got to see your dad, or called your dad today. Or if your dad has passed even recently, I hope you get to spend some time with your Mom and or siblings. I know how hard it is today for some of you. Just like Mothers Day a few weeks ago. It's hard. You want to pick up the phone to call them, but you can't. It's hard.

But some of you who have recently lost your dad or someone close to you who is a dad, you need to remember that your own children need you today. Seriously, if you're a father who has children, and I mean children of any age you need to focus on them. It's OK to be sad today, but you need to be there for your children. Besides what would your dad say if he were here right now? He'd probably tell you that it's OK, but you need to go to your own children. This is the cycle of life. I know that sometimes things don't go as we plan them, but we're not the ones calling the shots.
There is a higher being doing all of that. We're just here for the ride.

If your dad were still around he'd probably tell you to "Listen to that guy Ralph and get your shit together this week...there's more waves coming!"

 

So to all you surf dads out there, I hope you get to spend time with your kids today, at or near the beach. What kid does NOT like the beach? Seriously. What kid on this planet hates going to the beach? The fact that you're a surfer already puts you in the "My Dad's Cool" Department.
You kidding me? Your kids think you're the coolest dad.

You're the cats meow. You're the man. You're a Surfer.

Same with you guys who have no kids. Maybe you're an uncle or friend of a surf pop. You too can enjoy this day. You're a surf Poppy or Surf Uncle today. We acknowledge you today as well. In Hawaii everyone is an uncle or an aunt. That's kind of the way we look at it all here on the beach. We are one big family...a dysfunctional family, but a family none the less.

So dig it...enjoy the day all my fellow Surf Pops.

Say, speaking of pops, what did you all think of the ending of the Sopranos last week? I know some of you don't get HBO and a good number of you don't watch the show period. But, I also know that a good bunch of you Good Fellas and Good Gals watch it. Or rather, used to watch. It's over now. If you don't mind me saying, I thought the ending was pure genius. It was the perfect ending for that series. Why? Well, for the obvious reasons. First and foremost, now the show is open to a number of options. They could come back with either a new series, or a full length movie.

The other reason is, by having the screen go black with sans music, they left it up to you the viewer to decide if Tony and his family got whacked or not. Are you kidding me...? That was a great ending to an amazing series. I for one feel good about it. I like the feeling of hope being an option. I don't care if there's only a sliver of hope. I have a hard time giving up on anything. I want to believe that there will be something else. Just like in life. I believe there is something else beyond this world. I believe.

Faith, Hope and Love.

Besides what kind of a Fathers Day would Carmela, Meadow and AJ have if Tony got whacked? Mardone...it would of been terrible. Awful. Instead we can imagine the family Sopranos all celebrating Tony and his ilk as a glorious day in New Jersey.

Congrats to the local ESA-NNE District for pulling off their first contest of the summer with good surf. Hell, it was great surf for a contest. The people who surf in these contests have so much more fun when the surf's going off. Lenny, Arlene and Bob can feel good about this one.
Next contest is on call for June 30th at Long Sands Beach in York Maine.

This column this week is NOT all candy and roses. Hardly.

There were a couple of heated exchanges this week in the water that caused some of us to take note. I will say that they never went beyond some yelling, and carrying on. However, we need to quell this now, before it gets to the next level. Everyone needs to just calm down, and try and get some kind of order out there in the water.

What do I mean?

Well, for starters, no one likes it when one or two people seem to get all the waves. No matter if they are on a LB, or a short board. You need to be aware of what you're doing out there. What may be fun for you can get on someone else's nerves. I know, I've been on both sides of that coin.

Now I'm not saying that you need to give waves to beginners, or anything like that. Beginners need to learn on their own out there. They should all be aware of that. If you're a beginner you can't possibly expect to get a set wave when the first swell of the summer hits. You need to earn that slot in the pecking order. I'm talking about those who should know better.

Bottom line.You can't take all the set waves, and you can't be swearing and yelling at older respected Surfers in front of their kids. We need to share the surf and be calm. We are one step away at having the whole thing shut down if things get out of hand. So lets work together and please show respect to those who came before you.

No matter what their skill level.

Don't forget. The Fund for the Late Surfer Danny Miller's young son can be made to The Landon Miller Fund through ANY Citizen Bank.
Or send your donation to:
The Landon Miller Foundation
83 South Road
North Hampton, NH 03862

Click below to see Danny Tribute or see Danny Surfing
Tribute to
Danny. North By Northeast

Remember my friends...Surfing heals all wounds....
Pray for Surf. Pray for Peace. Surf For Fun.


Ralph



 





Yesterday 1983 Jesse Ciarmataro at a tender young age at The Wall
Don't know Jesse? He's my nephew. I turned him onto surfing and music at a very young age. On one hand, I feel
terrible about exposing him to two lifestyles, that have no financial guarantees, while on the other hand, they are
both equally satisfying in so many ways. Jesse's dad was not around during his early years. So I stepped in when
I had the time. If Jesse was going to hang with Uncle Ralph, he was going to have to spend time at the beach and
he was going to have to listen to Rock and Roll at a very high volume. Jesse still surfs today. He is a father and he's
going to be teaching his young son Jaiden how to surf one day as well. And of course, he still plays music.
He plays at 931 Ocean every Thursday night. You really need to check him out there. Seriously. Check him out
931 Ocean in Hampton, NH. Tell him that "Your Uncle Ralph" sent you
.
Photo H. Lashay





Today 2007 This past week...Friday, Saturday and today June 15-16-17th





(Above) Jesse Ciarmataro at the Wall yesterday checking his cousin Mackey V out during the ESA Contest.
You can see and hear Jesse play every Thursday nite at 931 Ocean Ocean in Hampton.
Or you can go to his
website JesseCMuisc or
buy one of my last 5 movies to hear his songs on the soundtracks.
Photo by SFOD R. Fatello


(Above) Saturday June 16th, Jesse's cousin Mackey V during one of his many heats.
Video Frame grab by SFOD R. Fatello




(Above) This morning Sunday, June 17th Fathers Day. Father and son early morning session.
Photo by SFOD R. Fatello


(Above) This morning Sunday, June 17th Fathers Day. Billy and Bill a couple of Surf dads.
Photo by SFOD R. Fatello



(Above) Soul Daddy Arch. Bill Morrissey on his lightweight LB. This morning Sunday, June 17th Fathers Day.
Photo by SFOD R. Fatello



(Above) Surf Dads. Shazami, Marky J and Gary Ritchie. This morning Sunday, June 17th Fathers Day.
Photo by SFOD Max Fatello


(Above) Super Surf Dad Kevin Grondin late Friday Night. *Kevin got so BARRELED on this wave. I saw it with my
own eyes. It was a full on (No PIG dogging) stand up barrel. June 15th.

Photo by SFOD R. Fatello



(Above) Surf Dad Kevin and son Kody Grondin June 16th at the contest site.
Photo by SFOD R. Fatello



(Above) Surf Dad Brent & Xander Reinheimer at the Saturday June 16th Contest site.
Photo by SFOD R. Fatello



(Above) Surf Dad Matt Williams Friday June 15th at the Wall.
Photo by SFOD R. Fatello



(Above) Young Kai Nichols bottom turning at the Saturday June 16th ESA-NNE Contest.
Photo by SFOD R. Fatello




(Above) Really Super Surf Daddy Lenny Nichols holding court at the Saturday June 16th ESA-NNE Contest.
Photo by SFOD R. Fatello



(Above) The GL1, the Canon Daddy of all the three chip Video Cameras. Saturday June 16th ESA-NNE Contest.
Photo by SFOD R. Fatello





(Above) Doctor D bottom turning Friday nite June 15th.
Photo by SFOD R. Fatello





(Above) Young "Cole" a 4 month old German Short Hair Pointer. His owner (daddy) is Mike Mallon a surfer and
snowboarder. This pup loved the waves on Friday.
Photo by SFOD R. Fatello



(Above) Surf Daddy Larry Giles and future surfer girl daughter Taylor at the Saturday June 16th ESA-NNE Contest.
Photo by SFOD R. Fatello



(Above) Empty glassy waves on Friday June 15th.
Photo by SFOD R. Fatello



(Above) Steve and Sam Franson Saturday June 16th ESA-NNE Contest.
Photo by SFOD R. Fatello



(Above) The Boys Saturday June 16th ESA-NNE Contest.*Look closely at the dude bottom turning in the upper
right
corner. That's a fun looking wave.
Photo by SFOD R. Fatello


(Above) Saturday June 16th ESA-NNE Contest.
Photo by SFOD R. Fatello



(Above) Team Surf dad and sons. Jay and Jesse. Max and Ralph. Photo by SFOD R. Fatello



(Above) NEW FEATURE. RALPH'S CLIP OF THE WEEK.
CLICK ON IMAGES BELOW FOR SHORT WINDOWS MEDIA FILE VIDEO CLIPS.

VIDEO by SFOD R. Fatello



(Above) Mackey V. Saturday June 16th 2007. Click on Image above to see a short video clip.
Frame grab and Video clip by SFOD R. Fatello



(Above) Jesse Gould. Saturday June 16th 2007. Click on Image above to see a short video clip.
Frame grab and Video clip by SFOD R. Fatello




(Above) Mike Stanek . Saturday June 16th 2007. Click on Image above to see a short video clip.
Frame grab and Video clip by SFOD R. Fatello




(Above) Nohea Nichols. Saturday June 16th 2007. Click on Image above to see a short video clip.
Frame grab and Video clip by SFOD R. Fatello




(Above) Kevin "Doc" Grondin. Friday June 15th 2007.Click on Image above to see a short video clip.
Frame grab and Video clip by SFOD R. Fatello




(Above) Play all clips Mike Stanek Saturday June 16th. . June 15th-16th 2007.Click on Image above to see a short video clip.
Frame grab and Video clip by SFOD R. Fatello



Today 2007 A Few Shots from an FOP (friend of the Phantom).




(Above) The Phantom was busy this week cuz he's a dad too! But his peeps were out working for us and gave us
some eye candy to drool over...looks like the dam friends of the Phantom are just as hurtful as the man himself.
J-Bay first look.
Photo by FOP





(Above) Are you kidding me? J-Bay 2nd look. Photo by FOP




(Above) One of these days...I'm gonna surf this place. J-Bay third and final look. Photo by FOP



Today 2007 Parting Shot....Sign of the Times, New Look at the Wall



(Above) Read it and weep. New sign put up on Saturday June 16th ESA-NNE Contest.
Photo by SFOD R. Fatello

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 




 

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 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