Got good surf pics?
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

September 9th, 2007

In two days, we will all once again, be reminded of that awful day back in 2001. You know, September 11, 2001 the day everything came to a stop. I'll never forget it, as I'm sure, most of you won't. It's still hard to believe, that it even happened at all. But it did.

From what started out, for most of us in New England, as a perfect day of surf from Hurricane Erin, soon turned into a reality nightmare of almost biblical proportions. That warm September morning, with cloudless blue skies, and a perfect 6' ,well groomed swell, that was manicured by a healthy offshore wind. It had all the markings of a great day of surfing and photographing. I had gathered all my gear the night before and had headed out (rather late) around 7:45AM to surf and shoot. When I pulled up at the first break on my agenda, someone said the water had gotten colder. Not having boots in my vehicle I asked how cold it was.

"Do I need booties?" Yes they answered. Dam, I thought, I've got to now drive back up the road and get my booties. Just as well I thought, I was going to shoot in the water and it's always colder doing that. Not to mention that it's easier on the feet if you're shooting in the water over a rock reef bottom.

No one likes stepping on sharp rocks and barnacles with bare feet. So, I reluctantly headed back home to grab my boots.. When I got home my wife was sitting there in the kitchen with her morning coffee, she had the TV on. She said that some plane had crashed into the World Trade Center. At first I thought she was talking about Boston. Then I saw the TV. It was the twin towers in New York. The first tower was burning pretty bad.

Still, I thought it was a small plane that just happened to lose it while flying over the city. Then I thought, it might be someone committing suicide in a small, one or two seater. At no point, did I think it was a large aircraft loaded with passengers and fuel. Maybe it was a single seater fighter jet, who had somehow veered off course.

It was, for those first few moments, confusing.

Then, the second plane came into view, and slammed into the second tower. "Oh My God, We're At War!" I said out loud.
I looked over at my wife, who was equally in shock and said I needed to go tell the others who were out surfing. When I got back in my vehicle and headed back down to the ocean, I had the radio on, and I don't think I shut it off until midday day after that. The irony of watching the surfers in the water (who were clueless to what was happening ), and talking with the others in their wetsuits near my vehicle, while listening to the radio, was almost surreal.

All of us had our dream surf session shattered.

The rest of that morning was full of numbness and disbelief. We had the radio tuned to WBCN 104.1 as we all sat there and listened to the shocking news. Howard Stern did an amazing job going from shock jock to a bona fide news reporter. One of the most eerily of all the things that happened that morning was, slowly but surely realizing, that there was not another single aircraft in the sky. It was such a strange, sad day.

Then the news started to pour in. Our friend and neighbor Bobby Morgan was onboard a plane at that very moment. Heading for Mexico. He and his wife had been looking forward to this tropical surf trip for sometime now. They had been diverted to the closest airfield in Texas. But we did not that. Nor did we know which airlines he was flying. We all felt sick.

For the better part of the morning, and into mid afternoon, we thought that Bobby had been on one of the ill fated planes. We had no way of knowing. It was intense.

That and watching the beautiful surf going off behind us with the surfers out in the water not knowing. But those that knew the situation, gathered by our vehicles and listened to the radios. I felt the knot in my stomach tighten. Dam Bobby, were you really down there in New York? Then we heard about the Pentagon. We eventually heard about the brave civilians last stand on board Flt 93. My God, all these historical moments happening in real time.

Then we got news about Bob Hayes.

Bob Hayes was married with two small boys. He had surfed the Wall with all of us many times. He was on the first plane. He was gone forever. Suddenly, the day became personal for those of us who knew Bob. A local surfer had died on that day. We had the traditional "Surfer's Paddle" a few days later. But everything had changed for us. We were at war. We're still at war.

And it all started on that
beautiful Tuesday, six years ago September 11, 2001.



On 9-11 the world changed. Our lives have been affected by the events of that day in more ways than we will ever really know. For starters, we've been at war ever since. And this Global War On Terror is not about to go away anytime too soon. We've lost other surfers as well. Dan Healy was from Exeter. He was a Navy Seal. He spent 15 years in the Navy. He was a local kid who hung around these beaches and surfed our waves. Dan died in Afghanistan in 2005. He died trying to save 4 members of his SEAL team.

I know it's hard for those of you who have no military background to grasp all of this, and what it really means. But for those of us who have, it is closer to our soul. The all volunteer military that we have, is the best and the brightest in our country's history. Hands down, they are the best.

And don't think for a moment, that there are no surfers serving in our military. Because there are. Plenty of them. In Iraq and Afghanistan. Fighting Terrorists. The same Terrorists who act and think like those evil sons of bitches who killed Bob Hayes and the other 3,000 Americans that day six years ago. We owe it to them, and to their families, that we will never forget their sacrifices or the sacrifices of their families. Same with the Police and Firefighters. We look at these First Responders in a different light today.

Like I said, everything has changed since that day. Don't forget what happened. Don't forget that we all stood United a few days later, and together we pledged to defeat this common enemy. War is a terrible thing. But when evil brings it to our shores, we MUST Unite to defeat it. We must.

I would rather fight and die on my feet, than to live in shame on my knees.

Speaking of fighting...How about those PATRIOTS! Are you kidding me? Whoa! You know, maybe those experts were right. Maybe our team is that good. I mean Maroney was great today. Morris was great. Welka was catching 99% of all the balls thrown at him. But the real star of the day...? Oh My Word it has to be Randy Moss. I mean Tom Brady has got to be just giggling to himself tonight. Brady's passes to Moss were unbelievable all afternoon. What was it? 6 first downs and a TD! Are you kidding me???

My friends, it is Football season and the boys in Red, White and Blue look good. I know it's early in the season and all but good lord, if this is a sample of things to come, well it's going to be a sweet season.

And I know them Red Sox has got Red Sox nation all in a tizzy as well. I mean, is there a better time of year than right now? People? Talk to me. I mean, we have Hurricanes, Tropical Storms, The Red Sox heading into the Play-Offs and the Patriots are kicking some pigskin ass baby!

I love this time of year!


And if you're looking for something to do this month...well check this out. First up, we have our own JIMMY DUNN performing this Saturday Night Sept 15th at the SEACOAST REP
Go to Jimmy's site for the details.
www.jimmydunn.tv
Jimmy's our resident local Surfer who just so happens to be one of the funniest comics in the United States.

Ed Tekeian will be showing some of his surfboards next week at Boston's South End open studios. It's Saturday, 9/15, 11am-6pm. His studio is 551 Tremont St, Studio 305, Boston. His website is tekeian.blogspot.com.


The following week we have our only chance to see some of the most beautiful traditional Hawaiian songs and music by the World Famous MAKAHA SONS on Saturday September 22nd at the Thomas Meehan Performance Center in Stratham, NH at 7PM Tix are $25 and $30
or Call (603) 205-0784
or go to www.makahasons.com
See Poster below.

Happy Birthday to Hoku Nichols she turns 12 (teen) on The 7th and Happy Birthday to Mackey V Fatello who turns 16 on the the 14th!

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




I

Yesterday 1995 Mackey V at age 5 At The Wall
(Below) This is little MVF at the Wall in 1995. I had been giving him surf lessons all that summer.There was a
Hurricane off the coast that day in late Summer. It's hard for me as his dad, to think that little Mackey can now
surf circles around me, in fact, he was giving surf lessons all summer long at Cinnamon Rainbows. HAPPY 16th
BIRTHDAY Mackey! *Put your cursor over the image to see Mackey Surf today
.
Old Photo by SFOD R. Fatello New Photo courtesy of NESURF.com







Yesterday Princess Hoku at Queens Beach Hawaii
(Above) This was Hoku Nichols first Birthday. She was all of one years old. Living in Hawaii. Now she surfs with
her family here in her new home in New Hampshire. Happy Birthday Hoku!
Photo by Arlene Nichols




Yesterday September 11, 2001



(Above) All video frame grabs from that morning. These are all from the movie "SURFING THE SOUL". This is
Billy Ritchie standing with his board looking back at the waves. I had just told him what had happened in New York.
Video Frame Grab by SFOD R. Fatello




(Above) Looking across the bay at Shane Smith. Bottom turning without any knowledge of what was happening
in the world. From the movie "Surfing The Soul"
Video Frame Grab by SFOD R. Fatello





(Above) Shane hiding in the barrel blocking out the news of the day. From the movie "Surfing The Soul"
Video Frame Grab by SFOD R. Fatello




(Above) Shane Smith. From the movie "Surfing The Soul"
Video Frame Grab by SFOD R. Fatello





(Above) Joe Hurley not knowing what lies ahead. Both in and out of the water. From the movie "Surfing The Soul"
Video Frame Grab by SFOD R. Fatello



(Above) Unknown Goofy on 9-11-01. From the movie "Surfing The Soul"
Video Frame Grab by SFOD R. Fatello




(Above) Empty waves pouring in on September 11, 2001. From the movie "Surfing The Soul"
Video Frame Grab by SFOD R. Fatello




(Above) Dan Healy a SURFER who died fighting the Terrorist in AFGHANISTAN in June 2005

(Left) Bob Hayes. A SURFER
who died on September 11, 2001.

 

 

 





NEW FEATURE. RALPH'S CLIP OF THE WEEK.
CLICK ON IMAGE BELOW FOR SHORT WINDOWS MEDIA FILE VIDEO CLIP.
VIDEO by SFOD R. Fatello



(Above) CLICK ON Video Frame Grab ABOVE FOR a SHORT WINDOWS MEDIA FILE VIDEO CLIP of
"SURFING THE SOUL" The 9-11-01 session
. VIDEO by SFOD R. Fatello


Today 2007 Gary Ritchie and Friend this past week



(Above) Gary and his friend share a moment that they both thought might not happen again. Yes that's a tear in
that eye. Thank God we have Gary back.
Photo by SFOD R. Fatello



Today 2007 More From This Summer




(Above) Mike Casey a New England boy who is currently living in Montanna...wait did you say Montana? Better
be a temporary stay there Mike. Any ways, Mike sent in these next few pics from his brother Matt's INDO score.
Mikey I hope Matt didn't bust on you with these UNREAL photos. Photo by Matt Casey



(Above) More of Matt's BIG INDO score. Photo by Matt Casey



(Above) Mike forget moving back here. You and Matt get your selves back to INDO and set up a camp for
all of us New England boys to come to, This shit is Off The Freaking Hook my brother! Photo by Matt Casey




(Above) DON'T MISS THIS SHOW! CALL 205-0784 for more details



(Above) PLEASE COME AND SHOW YOUR SUPPORT TO THOSE BRAVE AMERICANS FROM NH
WHO LOST THEIR LIVES IN THE GWOT.



Ed Tekeian will be showing some of his surfboards next week at Boston's South End open studios.
It's Saturday, 9/15, 11am-6pm. His studio is 551 Tremont St, Studio 305, Boston.
His website is tekeian.blogspot.com.


Today 2007 The following Images are from The Phantom
*Due to the nature of these photos. I have been sworn to secrecy to the Phantom and his followers as
to the location of these breaks. The Phantom's very life is in danger just getting them to me. This is Top
Secret shit and if word gets out, the Phantom may no longer exist, and he may in fact, be forced to go
deeper underground. We may lose him and his band of SECRET SURFERS for good if these photos fall
into the wrong hands. Please don't ask where and when these photos were taken.
In the name of DORA PLEASE DON'T ASK.
.




(Above) Please DON'T ASK. Photo courtesy of The Phantom's Dangerous Network



(Above) Please DON'T ASK. Photo courtesy of The Phantom's Dangerous Network




(Above) Please DON'T ASK. Photo courtesy of The Phantom's Dangerous Network


(Above) Please DON'T ASK. Photo courtesy of The Phantom's Dangerous Network



(Above) Please DON'T ASK. Photo courtesy of The Phantom's Dangerous Network

(Above) Please DON'T ASK. Photo courtesy of The Phantom's Dangerous Network



(Above) Please DON'T ASK. Photo courtesy of The Phantom's Dangerous Network


(Above) Please DON'T ASK. Photo courtesy of The Phantom's Dangerous Network


(Above) Please DON'T ASK. Photo courtesy of The Phantom's Dangerous Network





(Above) Please DON'T ASK. Photo courtesy of The Phantom's Dangerous Network




(Above) Please DON'T ASK. Photo courtesy of The Phantom's Dangerous Network



(Above) Please DON'T ASK. Photo courtesy of The Phantom's Dangerous Network



(Above) OK these are Not REAL Dolphins. These things are trained to kill Photographers. This is what the
Phantom fears most. These KILLER Dolphins. Please DON'T ASK.
Photo courtesy of The Phantom's Dangerous Network

Today 2007 Parting Shot..."Drifting...On a Sea...Of Forgotten Tear Drops"



(Above) This thing hit me in the head a couple of weeks ago during that last swell. Check it out!
Photo by: SFOD R. Fatello

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 




 

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 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