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

 
 

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SURFING WITH SMILES 7-18-24 from SURF FREE OR DIE on Vimeo.

Surfing With Smiles Thursday July 18th, 2024. North Beach in Hampton, NH.
Thanks again to SURFING WITH SMILES and CINNAMON RAINBOWS.
And a big thank you to all the wonderful volunteers. You young adults and teenagers
who take the time to make a difference in these kids lives does not go by unnoticed.
I see it every single time. You all need to know that you all are doing something special.
Putting a smile on someone's face is one of the best things you can do in this life.
You should all feel good about yourselves. Music is by WOOD & BONE.

surfingwithsmiles.com
cinnamonrainbows.com
woodandbone.com
ralphspic.com

WATCH in 1080

July 21st, 2024 The RUN is 35 out of 35 Weeks.
Waist high or better at least once a week.

There were waist high waves on July 18th, 2024

THE RECORD FOR THE MOST CONSECUTIVE WEEKS IN A ROW FOR WAIST HIGH OR BETTER. August 8th, 2021 was 53 WEEKS! TOPPING THE 43 CONSECUTIVE WEEKS SET IN 2009!

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.

NEXT BLOG August 4th, 2024.
All future Blogs will be posted on the 1st and 3rd week of every month (give or take a day). *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.



WHOA! WHAT A DIFFERENCE TWO WEEKS MAKE.
TRUMP SHOT. BIDEN DROPS OUT. HARRIS DROPS IN.
TAMAYO PERRY'S MASSIVE PADDLE OUT.
NEW SURFING WITH SMILES VIDEO AND GALLERY.



On Saturday July 13th, 2024 Donald J. Trump was shot in the ear by an assassin's bullet. The bullet grazed his ear (thank God). Unfortunately the assassin also killed an innocent bystander (Firefighter Corey Comperatore) and two others who were badly injured. It was both shocking and sickening. Nobody wants to see this kind of insanity. Trump narrowly missed being the first president/candidate killed since John F. Kennedy was shot on November 22nd, 1963. I remember that day like it was yesterday. Just the darkest of days in the 1960's.

If Trump didn't turn his head at the last second, there's a damn good chance that he would not be here today. And that would have lit the fuse to start the pending Civil War that everybody keeps talking about. Nobody should be condoning assassinations. You don't want your candidate to win by the opposing candidate being assassinated do you? I hope not.

Less than a week later, Trump was to speak at the RNC convention.



I had given him the benefit of doubt. I believed the insiders. I believed the media. When they all said “Expect a more reserved and humbled DJT.”
He came out like the big showman that he is. Bandaged ear. The uniform of the dead firefighter propped up on stage. He walked over and patted the jacket and leaned in and kissed the empty helmet. And then he spoke.

He should have stopped at, “I’m running for President for all of America, not just half.” Instead, he went off script and in typical Trump fashion, opened his mouth and inserted his foot. Over and over again. An hour and 30 minutes of rambling nonsense. Nothing about the LONGEST ever speech at any convention, made any kind of reference, to unifying our divided country. Instead, he resorted back to his negative and nasty lunacy.

He is like a small child. A spoiled little toddler who needs to be the center of attention. And when he spoke off script? It was a rambling diatribe about whatever popped into in his little tiny brain. The whole time gesturing with his undersized hands in that weird accordion style way he speaks. He looks more like one of those 1930's type organ grinders with the monkey holding a cup for change on a street corner in New York.

When he finally ended his speech (most of us had drifted off) he brought the family (his young tall muted son Barron was not present) out and paraded them around on stage while a million MAGA balloons filled the stadium. They were all in a great mood. They had Biden on the ropes now. The calls were deafening from deep within the DNC for Joe to step down. And earlier in the week Judge Aileen Cannon had dismissed the entire classified document indictment against Trump. When it rains it pours.

Suddenly the Teflon Don looked unstoppable. He was a shoe in winner.

And then...BIDEN DROPS OUT OF THE RACE.



And before we could all catch our collective breaths? HARRIS DROPS IN.



Say what? Yup. Kamala Harris is now in position to deal with the OLDEST person to ever run for office. No not Joe Biden. He's not running. Donald J. Trump is now officially the OLDEST man to ever run for office. Personally? I think he's too old. He should step down. Plus that whole convicted felon thing does not look good on the resume. But hey, that's just my opinion. And you all know what they say about opinions right?
(Don't make me write that down.)

One thing's for certain my friends, in 100 days we will know if our 47th President is a convicted felon? Or a African/Indian woman? I really hope it's the latter. "GAHA" GIVE AMERICA HOPE AGAIN.




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 July 21st, 2024



That's Lenny Nichols back when he had no physical ailments that kept him out of the water. That's a steep drop and I have no doubt that he was heading for the sweet spot on this wave. This had to be from a Tropical storm or a Hurricane. Summer 2010.
Photo
by Ed O'Connell

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

CALL FOR SURF ART. The 20th Annual SURF ART BLOG



CLICK ON THE IMAGE ABOVE TO SEE THE LARGER VERSION OF THIS POSTER.

THE DOORS HAVE OPENED FOR SECRET SPOT TWO YEARS AFTER THE DEVASTATING FIRE. REPEAT:
SECRET SPOT IS OPEN BABY!

Thank you to all who donated to the GO FUND ME page, and to all who volunteered to help out while the shop was down and owner Jon Gozzo was dealing with his health issues. STOP by and see everyone at 560 High Street in Hampton. Just a few buildings up the road from the old location. Jon and the girls are truly humbled by your love and support.



The new sign is up and the SURF FOOD that we have all been missing is being served daily. Just a few yards up the road from the old location. Stop and get your fix on the BEST Surf FOOD on the Beach!


Jon Gozzo and Dave "CROP" Cropper are saying "DROP IN AND GET YOUR FILL OF THE BEST SURF FOOD AROUND!"

Also: The 16th Annual HIT THE BEACH is on August 23rd, 2024
Click on the image above right to see a larger version of the poster.
Volunteers need to email me directly ralph@adlantic.com or PM me on Facebook. All wounded vets from all the wars and conflicts as well as vets injured anywhere in the world. You are all welcome.

This day is for everyone. And please BRING YOUR FAMILIES.



CLICK ON THE IMAGE ABOVE TO SEE A LARGER VERSION.

The book that I have been writing the last 100 years or so. The book will be out long after I hit my 20th Year Anniversary of this Blog. And that will be double the reason to celebrate. BOOK and BLOG.

And YES, there will be a book signing. And I will let you all know in advance, where and when. The book will be available in both hard cover and soft cover on AMAZON, BARNES & NOBLE, INGRAM, GOOGLE BOOKS, and KOBO PUBLISHING.

Most of my close friends have heard some of these stories first hand. But trust me, with over 100 stories, there's a handful that none of you have ever heard. It's true. Be patient my friends.

It's all coming in September/October of 2024.

THE NICHOLS AND PERRY OHANA



TAMAYO PERRY SURFER'S MEMORIAL PADDLE
PIPELINE Oahu, HI.
SUNDAY JULY 14th, 2014.
Julia, Thomas (Tamayo's father), Lenny, and Kainalu at the paddle. We all want to be the hero of our own story, one of the redeeming characteristics of humanity is our desire to follow our convictions always and without fear. Few of us are able to truly be that hero, Tamayo Perry was is and will be forever. He was everyone’s big brother, stern and uncompromising with an infectious and kolohe smile.

He was your rescuer in time of need, your safety when all things fell apart. He was a knight forged in the fires of the North Shore in the 90’s, his faith in Christ the rock upon which he stood. Few are those who truly follow in the footsteps of Jesus, Tamayo never took his eyes off the path. Tragic though his passing may be, he left this world doing what he loved where he loved to do it. We find strength in knowing he is in heaven with our Lord Jesus Christ, trading barrels at Pipeline with his friends that have gone before him.

Tamayo’s Celebration of Life took place at Ehukai Beach Park on Sunday, July 14th at 3pm.

Thank you for everyone’s outpouring of love and support.

CHECK THE PHOTO GALLERY DOWN IN THE PHOTO SECTION. THERE'S SOME AMAZING PHOTOS.




One of my favorite times of the year is the HBCF. Look for a future LOCAL LEGENDS Story on Jimmy in the near future. He's currently in LA working on the 2nd season of FRASIER with Kelsey Grammer. I suggest you get your tickets early for the HBCF because they sell out pretty quickly. *Click on the graphic above to get the details and tickets

“SURFING HEALS ALL WOUNDS.” 

 




SCAN THE BAR CODE TO SEE WHERE YOU CAN SEE THIS AWESOME DOCUMENTARY ON A TRUE LEGEND OF NEW ENGLAND SURFING and SKATEBOARDING



So, like some of you I watched the RNC convention. How could I not? Trump was almost killed a few days prior. This had the makings of a pretty significant gathering. And as always with these large gatherings of Political loony birds (and I am talking about both sides) there's bound to be something to make you turn your head. And well, the good folks from Wisconsin didn't let us down. Nor did they keep the Roving Reporter from the GITMO GAZETTE Ole Khaliddy De Sheiky Mohummed. It looks like the Sheik got just what he was looking for when they donned their Cheese heads. MWCA "MAKE WISCONSIN CHEESEY AGAIN." I see what you see Sheiky. Damn.

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 Wisconsin Cheese at Home Depot this week.



PLEASE KEEP Karen Evans
in your thoughts and prayers. Karen and her immediate family at the beach. Karen is currently battling FTD (Frontotemporal Dementia) a result of damage to neurons in the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain. She's doing remarkably well in dealing with this condition. The Evans have been local icons here for as long as I can remember. All the Surf Families are in full support of Rick, Karen, Matt, Megan and Nick and baby Luka, and of course Mikel. Sending your positive thoughts and prayers to Karen and the family are welcome.



HAPPY BIRTHDAY Judith "Grandma" Rastl July 23rd, 2024!
HAPPY 35th Anniversary Kevin & Kim Grondin 7-23-24
HAPPY BIRTHDAY Tami Heide July 23rd, 2024!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY Janelle Donahue July 2rd, 2024!
REST IN PEACE Tamayo Perry 1975-2024

REST IN PEACE SANDRA "SANDY" FULLER BOCKO.



Sister of local surf family Mindy and Stan Bocko lost their beloved sister Sandy Bocko. She passed on 7-13-24 from cancer. Sandy was married to John Bocko (Stan's brother) and she was Mindy's sister. What a lovely love story this is. The Fuller girls and the Bocko boys becoming one large family.
Rest In Peace Sandy.

REST IN PEACE BOB NEWHART
REST IN PEACE Richard Simmons.
REST IN PEACE Shannon Doherty.
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 19 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. Surf
ing Is Supposed to be Fun.

Ralph

 

 

 



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




THE DAY WE ROCKED THE HOUSE. WITH SID, MYSELF, TOMMY CURREN, and GAIL GREENWOOD From BELLY. 1994.

I have to say if you have not seen Sid's movie WATER BROTHER, you NEED to check it out. Especially if you're from New England. But long before the Kinanne Brothers made WATER BROTHER, Sid and I did an impromptu jam with legendary soul surfer Tom Curren at the JOBLESS party. My boy Geoff Haeen and crew had this wild skate/party where we all jammed and rocked the joint. Video Frame grab from Kevin Grondin
*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 and go through the 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-
SURFING WITH SMILES JULY 18th, 2024

Photos by RALPH




(Above) Hello? There were actually waves at the SWS event.
Thursday July 18th, 2024. 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.

 



(Above) At least there was no threat of rain or thunder.
Surfing With Smiles Thursday July 18th, 2024. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery



(Above) Clara got promoted to Captain. HAND SALUTE!
Surfing With Smiles Thursday July 18th, 2024. 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) The smiling families were stoked to be there.
Surfing With Smiles Thursday July 18th, 2024. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery





(Above) Love these guys. Surfing With Smiles
Thursday July 18th, 2024. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

Best EAST COAST Coverage on the Internet.




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.




(Above) Two of the most stoked participants every summer.
Surfing With Smiles Thursday July 18th, 2024. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery




(Above) Kody Grondin providing that stoke right here.
Thursday July 18th, 2024. 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) Helping hands. Surfing With Smiles
Thursday July 18th, 2024. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery




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) The CINNAMON RAINBOWS Crew. Surfing With Smiles
Thursday July 18th, 2024. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery




(Above) It's customary to pose for a pic after your session.
Surfing With Smiles Thursday July 18th, 2024. 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
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.


Produced by David Robinson of the CARS.
Visit our Facebook page







(Above) Dave Cropper providing the stoke on so many levels.
Surfing With Smiles Thursday July 18th, 2024. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery




(Above) The Hampton Lifeguards are the best. Surfing With Smiles
Thursday July 18th, 2024. 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 Steve Sadler.
Visit our Facebook page



The VINNY Band was around from 1976 to 1984




July 30th, 1979 headlining the Paradise Club
In Boston, MA






(Above) Sharing the love and the stoke. Surfing With Smiles
Thursday July 18th, 2024. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery


Joe Carter, Brian Nevins, and Nick Lavecchia
   









(Above) Hello? That's a real wave. Kody is all over this wave.
He knows just what to do. Surfing With Smiles
Thursday July 18th, 2024. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery




(Above) Love this woman. Lindsey Mercer is one of the co-founders of SURFING WITH SMILES. God gives some angels wings, he gave this angel a surfboard. Surfing With Smiles Thursday July 18th, 2024.
Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery



The art of Donna Baldassari




Hannah Vokey is one of my favorite surf artists.

Today- THE WAVES AND RIDERS
Thursday July 18th, 2024
Photos by RALPH



(Above) Do you see what I see? Thursday July 18th, 2024.
Photo by RALPH *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery





(Above) Yes, it was super glassy. Thursday July 18th, 2024.
Photo by RALPH *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

 



(Above) Waist to stomach high and kind of hollow.
Thursday July 18th, 2024. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery






Visit Jimmy Dunn's website to find out where and
when he will be performing.



Click on the ad above to find out more about
more about local surf artist Stan Chew's art



Clark Little's new book Click on the ad for more info.







(Above) Come on people. Look at that oily glassy peeler.
Thursday July 18th, 2024. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery




(Above) Jon Kiskinis proof of waist high.
Thursday July 18th, 2024. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery



I love Erica's whimsical Gull art. So cool and unique.



ONLY THE DURHAM STORE IS OPEN.
Due to the massive fire back in August the
Hampton store is closed. We will let you all
know when SECRET SPOT is back in
operation on the seacoast.
Thank you.
Jon Gozzo and family.









(Above) Wish I knew who this body surfer was.
Thursday July 18th, 2024. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery




(Above) Look at that empty right hander. Whoa.
Thursday July 18th, 2024. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

 



(Above) More proof of waist to stomach high. Jon Kiskinis.
Thursday July 18th, 2024. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery



(Above) Big John Toes On The Nose.
Thursday July 18th, 2024. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery






Listen to QWILL on the new video at the top of this page.





(Above) Unknown messing around in the fun waist high surf.
Thursday July 18th, 2024. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery



THE 2024 BEST OF RPOTW CALENDARS
Featuring pics from the Last 20 Years!
Email me directly at ralph@adlantic.com or pick one up
at CINNAMON RAINBOWS in North Hampton, NH

Today- PADDLE FOR TAMYO PERRY July 14th, 2024.
Pipeline Oahu, HI
Photos by various photographers




(Above) The man was a TRUE North Shore legend. July 14th, 2024.
Photo c/o Various Photographers

*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery


(Above) This paddle was one for the ages. July 14th, 2024.
Photo c/o Various Photographers

*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery




(Above) LIFEGUARDS. They came in groups and teams to pay their respect to a true Hawaiian waterman. July 14th, 2024.
Photo c/o Various Photographers

*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.


Everybody has a story to tell

(Above) Jack Johnson was a very good friend of Tamayo.
July 14th, 2024.
Photo c/o Various Photographers

*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

 



(Above) The man had a smile that would light up the beach on a dark day. July 14th, 2024. Photo c/o Various Photographers
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery




(Above) The coveted Hokulea was there with Tamayo's widow Emilia on board. July 14th, 2024.Photo c/o Various Photographers
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery


(Above) The paddle for Tomayo was so big they could not form a circle.
July 14th, 2024. Photo c/o Various Photographers
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

 




(Above) Hawaiian royalty all over the beach. July 14th, 2024.
Photo c/o Various Photographers

*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

 

(Above) Lenny Nichols may live here in NH but his heart belongs to Hawaii. July 14th, 2024. Photo c/o Various Photographers
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery





(Above) The man was given a true legendary send off Hawaiian style.
July 14th, 2024. Photo c/o Various Photographers
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery



(Above) The sun set on what had to be one of the most memorable paddles for this North Shore legend. JESUS LOVES YOU.

Remember that people. JESUS LOVES YOU. Stop the hate.
July 14th, 2024. Photo c/o Various Photographers
*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) One lucky rider enjoying the fruits and labor of one Capn' Chambo and his craft ODYSSEY. July, 2024.
Photo by Chambo

*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery




(Above) The mouth that roared. Sam George is one of the Best Surfers I have ever seen surf in person. And he is one of the BEST writers on Surfing that has ever typed a single word. But more than that, he is the MOST stoked individual living on this planet today. He and the Captain have been friends for life. And I am always so stoked to see them still going on these surf adventures together.
ODYSSEY Mission #531. July, 2024. Photo by Chambo
*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 # 777 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 tiny waves all week long



I'm picking Friday August 2nd, 2024 as the best of the 2 weeks!



 

 

July 21st, 2024

"That's it E! You got it baby! You look just like you're surfing! Dig it baby, the girls are gonna be swooning over seeing you like this. You're gonna get laid tonight!"



(ABOVE) Leave it to Elvis to get on the fake board and waves. Hollywood and Elvis. Who knows what movie this is from?
Photo c/o GOOGLE



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Click here to read Shaun Tomson's first book.