Got good surf pics? Send em off to me directly.
(See link below) Just make sure they're NOT huge files.
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

March 27th, 2006

Today was a special for all of us. The Big Spring Swell brought many smiles and a few groans from a lot of New England Surfers..The mini flat spell was over. Actually, we've had surf for 3 days (that's why I'm late with the weekly deal here). But today, was especially meaningful for me. Today was my youngest child's birthday, and it was also my late father's and my late uncle's birthday as well. Little Noelle turned 11 today.What are the chances of having three members of the same family with the same birthday (excluding twins/triplets)? I'd say slim to nil. My dad's been gone for 6 years, my uncle for 4 years.

After all this time, I still miss them both.

I witnessed some intense pent up surfing both yesterday and today. I saw some very deep barrels, both occupied and vacant. They were impressive to say the least (See below). I surfed both days, but never got a single barrel (that I'm aware of). Which really bums me out. I used to seek out the Barrel on virtually every wave (that was hollow enough to produce a barrel). Now-a-days I get barreled by sheer luck or by accident. What happened? Well, truth be told, I am at the crossroads in my surfing. I'm too old to Rock and Roll, but just too young, to really let go.
What am I talking about? I'm talking about the dilemma of riding a short board verses riding a Longboard in the winter
in a 6mil suit...bound and gagged. You know the feeling.

I can catch waves on a Longborad...but I can't really do what I want to do on one. On the other hand, I'm having a difficult time catching waves on my shortboard, although once I'm up and moving, I can put together a series of manuevers that might actually warrant a hoot from a friend or relative...but it's a dilemma. I'm thinking more and more, that I'll be using the Longboard more in the winter than I'll be using that swizzle stick shortboard.

Hey it's all good...and it's all surfing.




Well the Patriots let Vinatieri slip away...to the COLTS of all teams. I know people swear by the logic and knowledge of Bill Belechick but I am now questioning the thinking behind that move. I guess time will tell.

LAST CALL for SURF ARTISTS in the area (and beyond) to submit Surf Related Art Work for a Special SURF ART Column to be Posted April 2nd . The art can be any medium (except photography). Pen and Ink, pencil, charcoal, Oils, acrylics, water color, carvings, sculptures...etc etc. It also needs to be in a digital file format. I'd prefer a JPEG file, but will accept a PDF. I need to know the name of the piece and the artist's name. I would also like to keep the amount of art from each artist to a minimum of 3 to 5 pieces. Please don't send me a dozen pieces. And PLEASE keep each file you send under a meg in size or around 300k. If you have any questions, drop me an email. Ralph Pic Of The Week or send me a CD with your art to:
Ralph Fatello
3 Marston Way
Hampton, NH 03842

Please consider joining the Local Chapter of the ESA. Especially if you have kids who are interested in Surfing. It's great fun for the whole family and it's a great way to spend some fun times at the beach with family and friends. Click here for more NNE-ESA.org

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

Ralph

Yesterday 1976- Empty New England Line-up.
This photo taken in 1976 has a lot in common with today 2006. Why? Because I witnessed several breaks this last swell that were virtually empty. That's empty, as in one or two people out, or no one at all. That's 2006, that my friends. The dream is still alive here in New England. Just stay focussed and use your imagination. That's my Old Dog Caly sniffing some dead fish in the kelp.
Photo by SFOD R. Fatello



 

Today 2006 A Series of Hollow Waves from today...
From today, each one of these barrels are a different wave. Look how hollow these waves are. All you Cali boys who used to live here in NE show these waves to your friends. Here's your proof!
Video Frame Grabs by SFOD








Just How Big and hollow was it????



How big and hollow was it there? Here's Mike Moran with the answer.
(see below for a Close-up of a different Moran Barrel)
Video Frame grabs by SFOD

Believe it or not...Mike Moran is in this wave standing on his Longboard....did he make it?
Video Frame grab by SFOD


Different view of the same spot, but shot with a different camera. Head high and hollow.
Photo by SFOD

 




Todd Ross in a hole at a different New England spot. Like I said, it was hollow all day long....
Video Frame Grab by SFOD



Some may differ with this opinion but...Keven Grondin is ONE of the BEST Barrel Riders in all of New England.
And the proof is in the pudding.
Video Frame Grabs by SFOD


Today 2006 John Carden's March Madness Shizzle
Corey lays into this lefthander like he did all day long during this swell. Corey
only surfed 7 hours on Monday March 27, 2006.
Photo courtesy of John Carden

Click on this wave (above) for more of Johnny C's visual candy...well...whatcha waiting fer? Click this beeatch!
Photo courtesy of John Carden


Today 2006 Some couldn't wait for the Flat Spell to end.
Local boy Max Moody found this Play Negra wave to his liking. Warm and fun. Photo courtesy of Max Moody









Today 2006 Parting Shot -New Hampshire Barrel?
This wave is well...it's the real deal. Nothing comes close to this beast. Chopes in all it's glory and gore.
Photo courtesy of The Phantom










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