June 21st, 2009 Fathers Day -Count 'em kids-18 Weeks Of Surf.

So today is Father's Day. I'd like to take a moment here, and say Happy Father's Day to all the dads out there. Those still with us. Those who have since passed on. And all those NEW dads and expecting dads. Hope you have a great day today.

I know a few of you have lost your dads in the past year, and this is the first Father's Day without him. This is a tough day for those Surfers who lost your dad this year. This is another one of those "First Days". And it's a hard one for sure. All I can say is, that once this day is behind you, next year will be easier. And the year after that, and so on and so on. You never really get over it. But at least, the sadness and pain is lessened with each passing year. It's OK to be sad and melancholy today, if your dad is no longer with you. I know this sounds cliché, but try thinking about all the good times you shared with him. Those memories of
your late father, should last your entire lifetime, if you share them with friends and family.
Talk about your dad. It's OK. You are not alone.

I miss my dad. And I miss Cory's dad. And there is not a single day that goes by, that I don't think about the two of them. Not a single day. So Happy Father's Day Dad and Jerry. We
all love you and miss you. Especially on this day.

I know so many Surf dads. Good lord, there's just so many surfing dads, that it's hard to remember them all. Introducing your children to the ocean, and teaching them about surfing is one of the most rewarding experiences, you can do as a parent. I mean, there is no greater pleasure (for surfers) than to share a surf session with one of your kids. Playing ball, horseback riding, dance recitals, golfing etc. etc, are all good outside activities you can share with your kids, but trust me, there is nothing that compares with paddling out with your kids. Especially, if they are really into it. I know all kids don't buy into the surf scene. And that should be cool with you. After all, can you imagine if everyone did surf? Talk about nightmares.

On second thought, maybe you new dads should not turn your kids onto surfing.

Maybe Golf is where you want to spend that quality outdoor time with the kids. Yea, that's it. Take your kids golfing. I don't Golf, but I imagine that those of you who do, would welcome
the little tikes out there with you. Chasing that little white ball around the green golf courses, getting bit by skeeters, and stung by bees. And wearing those offensive bright clothes. Turn your kids onto the art of Golfing. Who knows, maybe they'll get good enough to go pro, and make some real cake. Like I said. Forget Surfing. Take those kids Golfing.

Damn, I'm getting weepy thinking about you Golfing dads with your kids.

Look I'm kidding. I was trying to be funny. I don't really want your kids becoming golfers.
I want them to join our surf community. It's just that, it was pretty freaking crowded out there yesterday at that Cement Pond. Damn was it ever crowded. So many different languages
being spoken. However, there were many universal hand signals were being used and accepted. The flipping of the bird for instance. People seem to understand that gesture quite well. And it was used several times throughout the day. Usually to show one's displeasure,
for trying to share a wave that was not meant to be shared. But there were no real problems
per se.

I was personally frustrated at my own performance (or lack of). My magic board was not so magical yesterday . Or rather, I was not so magical. In fact, I was less than magical, way less. Maybe riding a shortboard is not in the cards for me. Or maybe, I should ride it more, instead
of every now and then.

I guess there's a reason why (most) old guys ride longboards. I'm not saying this to be hurtful. It's just the truth. The same reason why other athletes, in other sports, have to step down and get away from the pack. It is, what it is. There's only a handful of guys who can enter the Middle age bracket, and continue with the contemporary surfing and equipment. With each passing year, I'm realizing that I'm not one of them. Not exactly what I want to write on
Father's Day, but it's true. Of course, the dilemma of riding a Longboard (for me any ways) in all conditions, is not conducive to a fun future session either. I'm sorry, but when the surf gets bigger, the last thing I want under my ass, is a board that's 9' or bigger. I still want to be able
to ride a shorter board.

Is there anything wrong with that?

I think not. So before I throw in the towel on contemporary surfing, I should at the very least, try and get back into some sort of surfing condition that adheres to this style of riding ability. And I've said this in the past, and I'll say it again. All the working out and other forms of training are good for some things, but honestly? The only good exercise for surfing is...SURFING. All the running, lifting, whatever else you do is fine and dandy, for just staying in shape. But surfing, is the only real training, you need to get better at surfing. Look, I'm not saying that the other programs are not good. I'm just saying that to get better at surfing (long or short), you need to surf. Period. Plain and simple. You need to surf. Can I get an Amen please.

So I'll try one more summer to get back into Surf Fighting shape. If I fail, expect to see me in the future, riding a board of length, and I hope when you see me, I'll be having fun. Because
the bottom line is, surfing is supposed to be Fun. Having fun surfing. What a concept. It was anything but fun (for me) out there yesterday morning. Although, I must say without any reservations, that shooting the surf, is almost as good as surfing itself. Well it is for me. I
love surf photography. I always have. Thank God for that.

Speaking of surf. Can we get a little acknowledgment on this week being week 18? Hello? Are you kidding me kids? Come on now my brothers and sisters. This is the 18th week where we've had something to surf. Waist high or better. This is it. And today, Sunday June 21st the actual Summer Solstice we are smack down in the middle of a damn Nor'easter. Or the first cousin of one. According to the wind and rain beating against my office window right now, I'd say the surf is only going to get bigger. And when it does later today and into tomorrow. This will be week 19. Oh hell yea it will. Week 19. If you don't believe me, then simply go to the archives page and slowly work your way back, counting each week as you go along. I'm pretty sure, you'll see that the proof is in the pudding. I've shot every week. The photos don't lie.

My vote for Surf father of the year has to go, without question to, Buck Rowlee.
Buck's role as a father has been tested many times over since early winter. For those who don't know, Buck is the father of Lil Miss Molly. The little local 5yr old girl who has cancer. Buck's positive, upbeat outlook, on his little girl's situation, has spilled over into the surf community and beyond. He has single handily caused a lot of surfers and non-surfers,
to take a good hard look at their own families, while directing attention to his own.

And, he has done it with dignity, courage, and an undying love and devotion to his wife Meghan, son Kieran, and of course Molly herself. I don't know anyone, who knows Buck, that would not agree with me on this. Buck is the Local Surfer Father of the Year. And the only real award, that any of us want, is for Lil Miss Molly coming back home, and playing on the beach this summer. So keep the positive vibes coming. Keep saying your prayers.
Happy Fathers Day Buck.

I've added a few more RULES & TIPS on this site. Of course, I'll be adding more as we progress. Including visual aids. *My own personal sketches. But check it out. Just click the hot link here. And please drop me an email in the DROPPING IN section. Say something nice or say something not so nice. I'm allowing for anonymous users to vent if you want. I don't want to embarrass anyone. But check it out. People have been writing and I'm writing back. Wait...is that a blog? Holy crap it is. That's a damn blog I've got going. The beauty of the DROPPING IN section is, I post it as it I get them. So hell yea that's a blog. I've got me a dang bloggy!

So Drop in on me. Just don't do it in the water.

Now for some of my weekly Global observances:

The trouble in Tehran, IRAN is getting pretty interesting. The hundreds of thousands of protesters are in the streets, calling for justice in the massive voting fraud. Of course, none of it really matters as long as the Supreme leader is still calling the shots. Besides, the opposition leader Mousavi is almost as bad as nutcase Mahmoud Ahmadinjad. They both want Nuclear weapons. That's not good. But still, it's interesting to see the people stand up and revolt like they are. But I'd be very wary of the crack Republican Guard getting mobilized. Could be a Beijing all over again.

Meanwhile, that crazy woman in North Korea, Kim Young iLL is threatening to shoot a missile towards Hawaii on July 4th. WTF? Why don't we just plant a few operatives in each of those wacked out countries, and dispatch those wack jobs.

Speaking of dispatching. Did anyone see Obama dispatch that fly on national TV last week? How about the wacko PETA gang, protesting the President of The United States, for killing a pesky fly! Are you freaking kidding me? My guess is, if it was "W" that killed the fly, they would of called for his impeachment. I was personally amused at his quick reflexes in killing that fly. Maybe he can visit New England in July and kill off all of our pesky Greenheads. Come on Baracky, let's see what you got against our Greenheads!

On the Oh Hell No department. The reports of that flight from Brazil to Paris a few weeks ago sounded pretty freaking scary. The plane broke apart in mid air? Oh man. That had to be the absolute worst last moments ever. My heart goes out to the families and friends of those who were lost.

David Letterman has apologized to the world. Albeit a week later. But those involved have accepted his apology. I guess I have as well. Although, I'll still watch Conan O'brien over Letterman. Heck I'll watch Jimmy Kimmel over Dave.

The SOX celebrated their 500th consecutive sell-out last week. 500 freaking games! Wow! That's amazing. Last night saw the return of Derek Lowe, and while the fans gave him a standing O, he was shut out (3-0) while Beckett threw and entire game. It was fun to see.

Speaking of Baseball. It now appears that Sammy Sousa has joined the ranks of those who have tested positive for Steroids. Well I guess Conan was right. Mark McGuire, Manny, Barry Bonds and the rest who have used Roids...I guess it just goes to show...they work!

Rest in Peace Bob Bogle, 75 yr old founder of the band The Ventures. They played the original Surf Guitar Sound in the late 50's and early 60's. I loved the Ventures. They had those cool Mosrite guitars after playing Fender Strats.

Speaking of untimely passings. The poor bloke who drowned in Hampton last last week. He and his fishing buddy fell into the water at the main beach after a wave hit their boat. Too bad. They had Life Preservers, but were not wearing them. And I've heard people say things about that. But honestly? How many of you surfers, would of had them on, just a hundred yards off the coast? I bet not many. You'd put em on the kids and elderly, but would you wear them? That close to the beach? My guess is, no you would not.

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.

Big Handsome Daddy is playing at RUDI'S in Portsmouth on Thursday, July 9th.
Show starts at 8PM (early show and nite). Todo Bien is playing the Stone Church Friday June 26th at the Stone Church. *See ads on right.

We are STILL calling on all able bodies and souls to pray for Lil Miss Molly's recovery.
Please send your prayers and positive vibes to the Rowlee family. Thank you.

Don't forget All the shops are STILL collecting cards, gifts, and other provisions for the Rowlee family. PIONEERS , CINNAMON RAINBOWS, BRICKHOUSE, ZAPSTIX and many more shops are drop off points of interest for Miss Molly. Skip Brunette has opened a Little Miss Molly account at the SEACOAST CREDIT UNION on 887 Lafayette Rd, Hampton NH. (see poster below for info). There are several more fund raisers in the making as well. There's still plenty of things going on for Lil Miss Molly and you can find out most of it on the Ralph's Community Page. Little Miss Molly Fund Auction

Check out the Classified and the DROPPING IN ON RALPH Pages.
Check out the new RULES & TIPS page.
Check out. Cinnamon Rainbows SurfLine.

Happy Birthday to Antonio Fatello 12 yrs old June 22nd.
Congrats to Kyle Howard 2008 High School Graduate!
Congrats to Hoku Nichols and Noelle Fatello graduating Junior High School.
Congrats to Kevin & Natasha Rafferty as they celebrated their Marriage on Saturday morning June 20th 2009.

Finally Rest In Peace Jeff Kelly's Mother who passed away last Night.

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

Today 2009- The Father's Day Weekend Swell. Saturday June 20th, 2009

(Above) Kody Grondin. Surf Dad's son. In the barrel on Saturday June 20th, 2009. OK he may not get as many as his father, but he's starting to catch up. Saturday June 20, 2009. To see more click on Photo. Photo by RALPH Click on the image above to see more. (Above) Kai Nichols zipping by his father Lenny on .Saturday June 20, 2009. To see more click on Photo. Photo by RALPH Click on the image above to see more. (Above) Mackey V blasting this lip on Saturday June 20, 2009. To see more click on Photo. Photo by RALPH Click on the image above to see more. (Above) Surf Dad Billy Ritchie encouraging the Boogieboarder to paddle faster. Saturday June 20, 2009. To see more Click on pic. Photo by Ed O'Connell Click on the image above to see more. (Above) Surf Mom Erica on a glassy hollow wave. This mother of three was out for hours and killing it! Wait why a Mom on Father's Day? Hell, there would be no Father's without Mothers. Saturday June 20, 2009. To see more Click on pic. Photo by Ed O'Connell Click on the image above to see more. (Above) Surf Dad RALPH. Going surfing with my kids is the most fun I've ever had in my life. Saturday June 20, 2009. To see more Click on pic. Photo by Ed O'Connell Click on the image above to see more. (Above) Mackey V stand up death barrel on Saturday June 20, 2009. To see more click on Photo. Photo by RALPH Click on the image above to see more. (Above) Josh Walker having himself one hell of a time down in the Bay State. Saturday June 20, 2009. To see a larger image click on Photo. Photo courtesy of Josh Walker Click on the image above to see lager pic Saturday June 20th, 2009. This guy rolled up in front of Brian Nevin's apartment. Check the board rack on the back of this cab. Photo by Brian Nevins What's the gas milage on this baby? Saturday June 20th, 2009. Photo by Brian Nevins Today 2009- Thursday June 18th, 2009 (Above) Dougie Fresh having yet another fun sesh at his home break on Thursday June 18, 2009. To see more click on Photo. Photo by RALPH Click on the image above to see more.

(Above) Unknown on Thursday June 18, 2009. To see more click on Photo.
Photo by RALPH
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(Above) Thom Blackwell cuts back for Day two of a 4 day swell. Thursday June 18, 2009.
To see more click on Photo. Photo by RALPH
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RALPH'S VIDEO CLIP OF THE WEEK BELOW.

RALPH'S VIDEO CLIP OF THE WEEK *SHOT in 1975!
CLICK ON THE PHOTO IMAGE BELOW FOR SHORT WINDOWS MEDIA FILE VIDEO CLIP.

(Above) Click on this image of Jason Hammer Footage shot in 1975 at the WALL Video Frame Grab by Ed O'Connell.

Today 2009- Wednesday June 17th, 2009 Blatant DROP-IN

(Above) This Week's Blatant Drop-In. Wednesday June 17, 2009 brought to you by Yukon Cornelius or Dugg "The Man That Time Forgot"
To see more of this Blatant Dropin . Click on Crime Scene Photo.
Photo by RALPH
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Today 2009- Wednesday June 17th, 2009 Bunker Hill Day

(Above) Wednesday June 17th, 2009. The Bunker Hill Day Swell.
To see more of this fun day- click on image. Photo by RALPH
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(Above) Bill Stecchi -Wednesday June 17th, 2009. The Bunker Hill Day Swell.
To see more of this fun day- click on image. Photo by RALPH
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(Above) Prancing Steve Franson- Wednesday June 17th, 2009. The Bunker Hill Day Swell. To see more of this fun day- click on image. Photo by RALPH
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(Above) Don't tell me the surf was no good this past Wednesday. Just ask this guy how good it was. June 17th, 2009. To see more- click on image. Photo by Ed O'Connell
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(Above) Kevin Rafferty flying around the early morning glass. June 17th, 2009. To see more- click on image. Photo by Ed O'Connell
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(Above) Jon Gozzo leaning into a nice hollow section. June 17th, 2009.
To see more- click on image. Photo by Ed O'Connell
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(Above) Josh Walker-sent these in this week. Somewhere in the BAY STATE.
June 17th, 2009. To see more- click on image. Photo courtesy of Josh Walker
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Today 2009- Monday June 15th, 2009

(Above) Noelle and Hoku graduated from 8th grade and head into High School next year. Monday June 15th, 2009. Photo by RALPH

Today 2009- June 20th, 2009 Kevin & Natasha Rafferty

(Above) Fueled By The Fallen- USMC vehicle. Photo by Ed O'Connell

(Above) Fueled By The Fallen- USMC vehicle. Photo by Ed O'Connell

Today 2009 PARTING SHOT- "Dude I got so barreled on
that wave!" Wednesday June 17th, 2009

(Above) You have to wonder what this guy was thinking. I've heard of Duck Diving...but what is this? Wednesday June 17, 2009 . Photo by RALPH