Send your SURF Pics to me directly. (See link below) Just make sure they're 800 pixels wide. PLEASE NO smaller. Need photos by each Saturday at 12 noon if possible . In fact if you have any questions about the size, email me first and I'll write back. Start shooting my brothers and sisters!
SEND PICS by clicking here- Ralph's Pic Of The Week To check out Past ( RPOTW) Go to the Archives Page

August 9th, 2009 25 Weeks Of Surf...? (Maybe for some people.)

"Well, I think you go for the surgery. It's not going to get any better." The young Doctor said to me on Friday. And when I say young, I mean young. Hell he looked like he was still in High School. "So, who does the surgery? " I asked, thinking that, you know, maybe his dad would do it or someone a bit older. "I do it. I do all the Ear surgery here at the Hospital." He says. I looked at him, and thought to myself. "What is he 16? How's he going to get time off from school to drill my ear canal? Maybe he gets a note from the teacher, to excuse him from class or Gym, so he can perform surgery, on messed up surfers like me with ear problems. "

I looked over at him, sitting there on his stool, smiling at me, and asked him the big question. "How long will I be out of the water?" "A month and a half anyway." He shot back. "Dammit. That's a long time." I answered. "But there's no rush to get it done right away. You can take your time and schedule the surgery for later." He assured me. "What if I wear plugs?" I asked. He just looked at me, shook his head, and smiled.

And so it begins. Another surgery on one of my ears because of my "Surfers Ear". Or as it is known in the medical profession-"Exostosis". Whatever you call it, I have it. And I suspect, there are many more like me out there who have it as well. And like me, you more than likely, have turned a blind eye to it, or a deaf ear to it. Yes the damn pun was intended. Look, I don't know how many times, I've told my friends and my kids this. Wear the Ear Plugs before you HAVE to wear them. It's not that uncomfortable. And yes you can hear with them in. And if you plan on surfing year round (which everyone and their brother does) the cold winter water surf is the worse for your ears. Trust me. I've had the surgery on my left ear. It's not fun. And what's particularly not fun is staying out of the water when there's surf. That my friends, sucks. In fact, I would say it sucks big time.

Back in the early 90's when I had the first surgery done, I was out of the water for almost 3 months. That's a long time if you're trying to maintain some kind of a relationship with the ocean. Wouldn't it be a whole lot easier to avoid having to go through painful ear surgery and miss surfing for a few months? If you don't have the correct answer to that, I can't help you. But for those who are new to this. Exostosis is some serious shit. What is it exactly? Well, it's nature's way of combating the debris and cold water that gets slammed into your head/ear canal on a typical day surfing. Or more importantly, a typical big day.

The water gets trapped in your ear, and the body's way of protecting you is, to grow a marble like substance (bone) to close off your ear canal, so no other funky shit can get in there. Isn't it ironic? The body is trying to protect you, and ends up messing you up. And yes, loss of hearing is another side affect. The canal shuts down and so does any sound trying to reach your ear drum. Sound like fun? Look don't be a dumb ass. Wear plugs. Save yourselves from your own stubbornness. Live to surf another day, and live to hear what's going on in the world. Like you know...music.

Speaking of music. Paul McCartney was just in town last week. He played Fenway Park. Paul as most of you know, is a Beatle. And not just a Beatle, but one of the two most prolific and historical songwriters of all time. The Lennon McCartney duo were unprecedented in our lifetime. The Beatles had more hits in their short run, then any other group ever. And I don't care how old you are. 16 to 66. The Beatles have affected your life, whether you know it or not. I don't know anyone who does not like them, or at the very least, appreciate them.

Well, that's not true.

There was this old girlfriend of mine, who once yelled at me after I spent the day surfing with my dog (who surfed) and later was listening to the Beatles on my headphones. She was mad that I didn't apply for a job bagging groceries ( I was in between jobs). The record made an awful scratching sound and I looked up, and there she was, with a crazed look on her face. "Did you get that job at the supermarket?" she yelled. "I think you scratched my Beatles Album!" I screamed back. "I HATE The Beatles!" She yelled. "Oh my God, I'm with a woman who actually hates the Beatles! How the hell did that happen? Am I that blind to good looks?" I said to myself. Then she threw this at me. "And I thought you'd stop surfing and listening to Rock and Roll at your age (I was 25 years old at the time) and settle down!" She yelled. "What the...???" I blurted back, before slipping into a state of cold, harsh reality. She hates the Beatles, she hates me surfing, and liking Rock and Roll? I am outta here! And I was. That relationship came to a screeching halt that night in that cozy little beach house.

My point is...if you don't like the Beatles, and I know you? I don't want to know about it. Keep it to yourself. In other words, I have nothing to say to you. We have nothing in common. We could have a semi friendship, but in the back of my mind, I will always be suspect of you. Because you don't like the Beatles. Keep it to yourself. But for the rest of you, I hope you got to see McCartney. He is a treasure to behold. And from what I've heard about the Fenway Show, he can still belt them out. Even at age 67. He's a Great songwriter, singer, player and performer. He's a bona fide World Wide Historical figure. Paul McCartney. A Beatle.

There was a lot of buzz about 24 weeks of surf last week, and coming into this past week of 25 potential weeks. I say potential because, I did not really see waist high or better. I did see a few waist high waves and I shot a few. I guess it's all relevant. Was there a waist high wave this week? Yes. Was it consistent? I don't know. Maybe with some people. I don't know. I did see chest high waves on the Groms out surfing on Thursday. Heck they were in their glory. So is a waist high wave on a Grom considered a wave for the rest of us? Again, it's up to each and every individual. Look, I want to be able to sit here and write about Week 25 and have 100% total conviction in my statement. But I can't. I took some photos, you can see for yourself. I talked with people who surfed on Wednesday and they said it was bigger Wednesday.

So you make the call. But I personally think, the run of 24-25, weeks came to a dribbling stop.

Check out the INSANE Galleries and report from Ben Ginsberg in the West Coast US OPEN Section this week!

Now for some of my weekly Global observances:

40 years ago today Charles Manson and his band of wacked followers committed the infamous murders of Sharon Tate and four others. It was the beginning of the crazy Manson Gang story. Talk about wack jobs. It's kind of related to the Beatles too because, crazy ass Chuck Manson thought the Beatles were communicating through their music to Manson himself. For instance, Helter Skelter (That Paul sang) was a direct link to Manson to kill these poor innocent souls. The story that followed months later and into the next couple of years was beyond bizarre. I saw a photo of Manson today in prison (he's 74) and I have to say, he look's as crazy as ever.
40 years ago today. August 9, 1969.

So how about Bill Clinton getting those two journalists freed from 12 years of hard labor in a prison camp in North Korea. Wouldn't you love to know what went down in that conversation? I mean...is it me, or do you guys think that Bubba and Kim Young ill shared some funky sex stories together? Is that wrong? Hell no. Those women were set free. Who cares how they did it. I say it's a feather in Obama's hat. Sending slick Willy to get them girls outta there.

And I have to admit, that Obama's allowing the use of CIA drones to take out scum bag terrorists in Pakistan is another feather in his cap as well as a nod to President Bush (who implemented the program). In case you didn't hear. Taliban Chief Warlord Baitullah Mehsud was killed by a CIA Drone this week. And finally, one more feather in his cap...Obama is fighting the release of interrogation photos by US Military. I think he's actually "getting it" when it comes to foreign policy. Don't get me wrong people. I still think he's spending us into Oblivion and he's going to bankrupt our country. But at least on the War front, and to some extent on the diplomatic front, he got lucky this week. Cash for clunkers? Healthcare? Stimulus packages? Not so much. But killing Terrorists, and protecting US Military by not releasing those photos? That's a good thing. The freeing of the two reporters in North Korea? Good thing. Be interesting to see what he does about the four hikers who are being held prisoner in IRAN. Who's going to negotiate that release? Hillary? Why the hell not not?

So Big Papi says he didn't know he was taking supplements? Really David? Reminds me of the time I got caught drinking as a teenager. "Ma, Dad, I swear I didn't realize someone had put alcohol in my coke! I didn't know. Ya gotta believe me!" My mother believed me. My dad gave me a cuff off the top of my head. He knew. Just as I suspect, some of you, will believe Ortiz while others like me...will know the real truth. If I was Ortiz I would propose this question. "When I was using enhancing drugs we won the World Series. Ever since I stopped using I've been in a slump. Which would you prefer?"The enhanced David Ortiz or the broken down Big Papi? H-mmm just as I thought. Doctor Juice me up! I'm ready to blast a few outta of the park!"

Speaking of the SOX, it looks like pitcher John Smoltz age 42, has seen better days in a SOX uniform. Although we'd be hard pressed to find any.

Rest in Peace Hollywood Director John Hughes who passed away of a Heart Attack at age 59 while on a walk. Hughes was know for such hits as: "Pretty In Pink", "Sixteen Candles", "The Breakfast Club", "Ferris Bueller's Day Off", "Planes Trains and Automobiles". The Home Alone series, and countless others. A great director who will be missed by many.

Rest in Peace musician Willy DeVille lead singer of MINK DEVILLE a punk band from the 70's. I remember seeing them at the RAT and Cantones.

Also: TUNE into WBCN 104.1 FM Radio for the Final 4 Days of Boston Rock and Roll. Starting Saturday August 8-11th. WBCN was the ROCK OF BOSTON and will be missed by all! ROCK ON BCN!

The WOUNDED WARRIORS are coming back to Hampton Friday August 28th, 2009 at North Beach for the 2nd Annual HIT THE BEACH! Surf event. Stay tuned.

Happy Birthday Kenny Linseman August 11th!


GREAT NEWS from Surfrider New Hampshire Chapter

The NH Chapter of the Surfrider Foundation had the largest volunteer beach cleanup crew with approximately 40 beach cleaners who picked up 215 pounds of trash on Saturday, 08/01/2009. Here's a link to the report on the NH Surfrider August beach cleanup. (The surfboard raffle was won by a woman who lives in Portsmouth).

http://surfridernewhampshire.wordpress.com/2009/08/06/summer-beach-cleanups-a-great-success/

NH Surfrider thanks the follwing businesses for their generous donations:

Cinnamon Rainbows - Surfboard

Ocean Minded - Flip Flops and Shirts

Surfrider - T-shirts, leash and other goodies

Flatbreads- 4 Free Pizzas to 2 winners!

PLEASE HELP THE NH SURFRIDER FOUNDATION.

GO SEE QWILL THIS SATURDAY at The Stone Church.
Click Here.


Molly Paddle Party in 2 weeks!

A Celebration of Molly Rowlee's Life will take place on August 22nd at 8th Street
at The Wall, (North Beach, Hampton, NH.) at 8:00AM for a Surf Paddle. Followed by KB's Bagels and ending with a Block party at 12noon in Hampton on Ring Terrace off of Winnacunnet Road In Hampton.*PLEASE we encourage you park at the Wall and walk to the Block Party that starts at 12noon and or car Poll and park on Winnacunnet Road. Thank you so much.

Please Support ALL The photographers who contribute to Ralph's Pic Of The Week every week for the last 6 years.

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


Ralph



Yesterday- Paul McCartney performing "Yesterday"
at the old Boston Garden in 1976

(Below) This is THE Paul McCartney. A Beatle. One of the Main Beatles. I shot this with my Super 8mm Movie camera that I snuck into the concert under my dungaree jacket. This is the first time anyone has seen this outside of my studio. The film itself is grainy. But it's classic. It was Paul McCartney and Wings including his late wife Linda and late guitarist Jimmy McCulloch. It was the first time I saw him. I saw him a few times after and each time was a special treat. McCartney is great. There can be no denying that. From anyone. His songwriting with Lennon during the Beatles era was unprecedented. Some of you just saw Paul at Fenway and I'm sure it was an unbelievable time and experience. How could it not be. Seeing an hearing McCartney play some of those massive Beatle hits? Come on. I wish John and George were still with us. God Bless their souls.
Video Frame Grab of Super 8mm By RALPH



Today 2009- Empty Waves and Sand Trails August 6, 2009


(Above) "Empty perfection". The small but perfect waves were so neat to watch and photograph. To see more click on the Photo. Click on image to see gallery.
August 6th, 2009 Photo By RALPH Click on the image above to see more.



(Above) "How Big? Not Big enough." To see more click on the Photo. Click on image to see gallery. August 6th, 2009 Photo By RALPH Click on the image above to see more.


(Above) Thursday morning To see more click on the Photo. Click on image to see gallery. August 6th, 2009 Photo By RALPH Click on the image above to see more.


(Above) Self Portrait To see more of the sand trails and empty waves, click on the Photo. Click on image to see the gallery. August 6th, 2009 Photo By RALPH Click on the image above to see more.

Today 2009- Waist High Grom Fest August 6th, 2009

(Above) Griffin Brunette at the Wall Thursday August 6th, 2009. Click on image to see the Grom Gallery. August 6th, 2009 Photo By RALPH Click on the image above to see more.


(Above) James Nash at the Wall Thursday August 6th, 2009. Click on image to see the Grom Gallery. August 6th, 2009 Photo By RALPH Click on the image above to see more.



(Above) Kai Nichols the Wall Thursday August 6th, 2009. Click on image to see the Grom Gallery. August 6th, 2009 Photo By RALPH Click on the image above to see more.




(Above) Now this is a dismount. Unknown at the Wall Thursday August 6th, 2009. Click on image to see the whole Gallery. August 6th, 2009 Photo By RALPH
Click on the image above to see more.





Today 2009- Saco River Gallery Summer, 2009

(Above) Shot this summer on the Saco River. Photo by Lenny Nichols
Click on the image above to see Gallery.


(Above) Shot this summer on the Saco River. Photo by Lenny Nichols
Click on the image above to see Gallery.


RALPH'S VIDEO CLIP OF THE WEEK BELOW.



RALPH'S VIDEO CLIP OF THE WEEK *Ghost Town and H-Boys 1975
CLICK ON THE PHOTO IMAGE BELOW FOR a YOUTUBE or SHORT WINDOWS MEDIA FILE VIDEO CLIP.

(Above) Click on this image For the YouTube Video of GHOST TOWN and H-BOYS from 1975. Local NH Surfer/skaters featuring Joe Somogyi. Shot on super movie film in 1975. Video By RALPH SFOD. Music By Robin Trower

(Above) Click on this image From GHOST TOWN and The H-Boys from circa 1975.
Shot on Super 8mm Movie film featuring Joe Somogyi. Video By RALPH SFOD.
Music By Robin Trower

Today 2009- The BLATANT DROP IN of The Week.
Dr. Mark Vs DR Jack! See The Horror!!!

(Above) This is DR Mark Henschke and DR Jack and what you are about to see is the BLATANT DROP IN Of The WEEK Involving two Doctor buddies. The horror and the complete crime captured on film can be seen by clicking here. Photo by Rene Mallen
Click on the image above to see more.


Today 2009- This is Contemporary Surfing! This is as good as it gets. Slater, Machado, Fanning, Irons and More!
You want to see Hot surfing by the World's Best? This is it. All images shot by Ben Ginsberg. CHECK IT OUT!


(Above) Kelly Slater. US OPEN. FINALS July 2009. The WHOLE STORY complete with Full Gallery by WEST COAST RPOTW man Ben Ginsberg. To see it all click on Photo Click image to see gallery. Photos by Ben Ginsberg


US OPEN. FINALS July 2009. The WHOLE STORY complete with Full Gallery by WEST COAST RPOTW man Ben Ginsberg. To see it all click on Photo Click image to see gallery. Photos by Ben Ginsberg


US OPEN. FINALS July 2009. The WHOLE STORY complete with Full Gallery by WEST COAST RPOTW man Ben Ginsberg. To see it all click on Photo Click image to see gallery. Photos by Ben Ginsberg



ROB MACHADO US OPEN. FINALS July 2009. The WHOLE STORY complete with Full Gallery by WEST COAST RPOTW man Ben Ginsberg. To see it all, click on Photo Click image to see gallery. Photos by Ben Ginsberg

 

 


More Local Madness some insane West Coast stuff and of course your favorite...The Blatant DROP-IN of The Week! All next week!


Today 2009 PARTING SHOT- Rubber Ducky Barrel Ride

(Above) This guy was wearing a Rubber Duck Ring around his waist and paddled out into the madness during the Big South Swell last week in California. I think it's worthy of a Parting shot. Summer, 2009. Photo by Via The Internet
Click on the photo above to see more.

Click on Wave to return to top of page

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

To contact the advertisers below, simply click on the Ad space. Anyone wishing to find out info about advertising here can do so by emailing me directly. Ralph's Email I'll send you a template and other info.

We highly recommend the various businesses and artists listed below. Why? Well simply put, each and every one of them is a Surfer, who lives the Surfing Lifestyle.

 

 


 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 


See QWILL at the STONE CHURCH in Newmarket, NH
on Saturday August 15th, 2009

 


As seen in RPOTW and SURFERMAG.com

 

 

 

 








 


The Rowlee family is still accepting donations to
the Lil Miss Molly Fund to help other families
fighting cancer.


 

WOUNDED WARRIORS are COMING AUGUST 28, 2009 to 10th Street North Beach, Hampton, NH.



 


Click Ad for More Info



Dan Healy was a Surfer from Exeter who was killed
in Afghanistan in 2005. Click on the image above
to see a larger view.


Click on the image above to see a larger view.


Click on the image above to see a larger view.