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

FIRST SURFING WITH SMILES OF 2023!
KAINALU NICHOLS IN BALI.
CHACHI LOPRETTE'S COME TOGETHER
PAUL McCARTNEY BEATLES SHOW.



SURFING WITH SMILES June 20th, 2023 12th Street The WALL North Beach, Hampton, NH

This year is the 15th year for HIT THE BEACH program where we take the Wounded Warriors from Iraq, Afghanistan, and Vietnam surfing. I believe that SURFING WITH SMILES is now 14 years old. I have been to every single one except the very first one. I think I was the only photographer there at that time. And there were maybe 20 volunteers and about the same amount of participants. The other night? I would guess that there were well over a 100 volunteers and somewhere in the neighborhood of 75 plus participants.



Like the Wounded Warriors HIT THE BEACH this event SURFING WITH SMILES draws out the best in everyone. From the parents of the kids, to the kids themselves, to the many volunteers.  I saw a lot of first timers on Tuesday. I’m always stoked to see those who witness this event for the first time. Just like the Wounded Warriors HIT THE BEACH they are usually blown away. Behind their sunglasses are tears of joy and compassion. If you ever walk up on this event at the beach and you don’t smile? Go check yourself into the nearest hospital.  You are without feelings. Your heart is cold. You must be suffering from something. Because this event evokes nothing but positivity and smiles.



If I’ve said this once I’ve said it a million times. They don’t call it surfing with smiles for nothing.

The brainchild of Lindsey Mercer and Taylor Thomas along with the help from Dave Cropper and Cinnamon Rainbows along with local legend Kevin Grondin, this event has grown every summer with more participants and volunteers than any of us thought possible. There were over a dozen photographers there as well. Not to mention the dozens upon dozens of cellphones. This event has become one of the most documented events of the entire seacoast. Nobody leaves a SWS surf event without feeling good about themselves, and their fellow man. It is hands down one of the most uplifting events that you will witness in your life.



My mantra of SURFING HEALS ALL WOUNDS is never more evident than at one of these amazing nights.



I can’t tell you how many people have told me over the years how much they love SURFING WITH SMILES. Just like the WOUNDED WARRIORS HIT THE BEACH event, SURFING WITH SMILES stays with you long after the actual event is over. That good feeling has a positive lingering affect that can carry you through the toughest of times. Children with special needs having that much fun can’t help but make you feel good.



So thank you all who helped out. Whether you were in the water with the kids, or helping out on the beach just know this. You made a difference in some child’s life this day. You helped put a smile on their faces, and their parents faces too. So feel good about yourselves. You did something good.

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 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 June 25th, 2023



This pic was shot on this exact day June 25th, only in 2011. Ryan Reed is a fun surfer to watch. He does a lot on any particular wave he's riding and usually pulls off a couple of mini air hops. He's got a great cutback and he's a good guy. Photo by Ed O'Connell
*Click the photo above to see a larger version of Ed's Pic.


Check out the RETURN of the 2023 HAMPTON BEACH COMEDY FESTIVAL . Now there's 5 days in August you need to put down on your calendars.

The HIT THE BEACH DAY is on Friday August 25th, 2023.

Hard to believe it's been 15 years of HIT THE BEACH. Like SURFING WITH SMILES this day is one you will never forget.


I guess I'm just too damn old fashioned. I hate it when Boston Sports teams trade key players away. I mean this guy actually dyed his hair Green! What player ever did something like that? Nobody.

I wish him the best of luck in Memphis playing for the Grizzlies.
And I secretly hopes he kicks the Celtics ass when they play each other. Oh yeah I do.

COME TOGETHER Sunday June 18th, 2023 Celebrating Paul McCartney’s 81st Birthday!

It was father’s day, and I'm not gonna lie. I had some reservations about heading into Boston at 10:30 in the morning. But, I’m a huge Beatles fan and it’s no secret that Paul McCartney is my favorite Beatle. Plus we were going into town with our dear friends Shelly and Tony Berardini. And most folks know that Tony is the ex GM of WBCN Radio in Boston. And the host of the show was none other than perhaps the biggest Beatle fan on the planet, ChaChi Loprette.  I’ve known Chachi for many years, ever since his days at BCN, and I’ve known Tony  for even longer. In fact, this day was going to be an old WBCN alumni of sorts. Oedipus and his wife Amy were there, as were Ken Shelton, Carter Alan, Tom Sandman, and Bradley J.  I’ve known them all since the early days of WBCN’S reign in Boston. Especially in the 70’s, 80’s, and 90’s.

And whenever I found out that Tony was a surfer from California, I talked him into climbing into a winter wetsuit and surfing our waves here in New England. We’ve been best of friends ever since.

I never worked at BCN per’se, but I did do a lot of work for Tony and Chachi with my graphic design skills when ChaChi was doing promotions. And there was that one summer when Tony hired me to do the beach reports in 1993. I was Captain Vince Shazam with the “Beat On The Beach.” Doing beach and surf reports every single day (twice a day) all summer long. And then of course my music was played on WBCN since 1978 with all three of my bands. The VINNY BAND, SEMPER FI, and THE NOR’EASTERS. And DJ Tami Heide was my wife Cory’s Maid Of Honor at our wedding in 1987. So my connection to BCN runs deep in our family.

And with this being Paul McCartney’s 81st Birthday, I knew I had to be there.

Not Tony, nor Shelly or Cory, or myself for that matter had any idea on what this show was going to be about. I had been in contact with Chachi  via email and he was explaining to me what John Logan was all about. “He’s a younger Beatles fan who also does magic.” He wrote.  OK, magic? Beatles magic? I wondered  just what the hell would that be like? Well, I’ll tell you. It was a great show all around. First of all, The Winery  was sold out. It was at full capacity. Bradley Jay mc’ing was great, and Chachi? He was his usual energetic and spot on Beatles expert self, with his own unique humor and charisma. The guy is just full of Beatles information and cool fun facts. And he’s entertaining. Everybody loves him.

And what about the magician? John Logan? He was everything that Chachi said he was and more.

The two of them together worked that stage perfectly. And I have to admit (as will everyone else who was there) his magic tricks were mind blowing. He reminded me a little of David Blaine. Not so much in his mannerisms, but more in the magic he performed. Making the impossible seem possible. And the whole time weaving in Beatles logic and history. He was a genuine Beatles fan and it was obvious to me, that he really enjoys Chachi’s company.



Chachi kept the show moving with his beautiful bride out in the  audience fielding answers to some of the Beatles trivia questions. The questionnaire was fun to fill out. There was a short break from the Chachi and John show when Jay Buckley came out and performed a short Beatles set on the piano. He was great. He asked the audience to sing-along with some of the Paul songs and I was singling harmonies to his Beatles selections. That was fun. Though I might have sung too loud on a couple of those songs. But hey, I’m a Beatles fan. I eat, sleep, and drink the Beatles. They changed my life forever.



The show ended with the raffle drawing to win a Paul McCartney Hofner bass. I’m not gonna lie, I prayed so hard to have the winning ticket. Hirsh Gardner from Guitar Center donated the bass. But alas, I was not holding the lucky ticket. But I’m happy to say that a bona fide Beatle fan did win. Though, she was not a player of the bass, or the guitar. She said she was going to give it to her husband. Who was not only not there, but, was also not a player. Curses!  The lucky lady was kind enough to let me stand next to her with the bass while my wife took a photo. Can you imagine if I had won a Paul McCartney bass on his 81st birthday and on father’s day? In hindsight, it’s probably better that I didn’t win.  I’m pretty damn  sure I would have broken down and cried.



The good news is Chachi and John Logan have booked the Winery every month from now until December of 2024. I know that I speak for Tony, Shelly, and Cory when I say, that we will all be back again. Thanks for a Great time Chachi and John. Oh and Happy Birthday Macca!

“SURFING WITH SMILES AND THE BEATLES HEALS ALL WOUNDS.” 

Warnings over the safety of OceanGate's Titan submersible were repeatedly dismissed by the CEO of the company, email exchanges with a leading deep sea exploration specialist show.
In messages seen by the BBC, Rob McCallum told OceanGate CEO Stockton Rush that he was potentially putting his clients at risk and urged him to stop using the sub until it had been certified by an independent agency.

Mr Rush responded that he was "tired of industry players who try to use a safety argument to stop innovation".
The tense exchange ended after OceanGate's lawyers threatened legal action, Mr McCallum said.

"I think you are potentially placing yourself and your clients in a dangerous dynamic," he wrote to the OceanGate boss in March 2018. "In your race to Titanic you are mirroring that famous catch cry: 'She is unsinkable'".

In the messages, Mr Rush, who was among five passengers who died when the Titan experienced what officials believe was a "catastrophic implosion" on Sunday, expresses frustration with the criticism of Titan's safety measures.

"We have heard the baseless cries of 'you are going to kill someone' way too often," he wrote. "I take this as a serious personal insult."

Mr McCallum told the BBC that he repeatedly urged the company to seek certification for the Titan before using it for commercial tours. The vessel was never certified or classed.

And honestly? The most tragic of all things was the young 19yr old who wanted NOTHING to do with this dive. He was terrified. He only did it to please his father on Father's day. What a senseless tragic Father's Day Outing. And the cost of this ill fated dive was $250,000 per person. Can you imagine paying that kind of money to visit the graveyard of 1,500 lost souls in the wreckage of the TITANIC. Only to end up resting with them for all of eternity.

THE OCEAN GATE TITAN SUBMERSIVE SUB STORY WAS ON 24-7 until this happened.

Nobody saw this coming. Especially PUTIN.



This? This is funny. Sorry Putin...

Well, you had to figure that I was gonna somehow work our boy Khaliddy into this Sub story. The Sheik is no fool though. No way he's going down that deep without taking some safety precautions. The mask and snorkel might not be the smartest item to take. But hey, I'm not gonna argue with KSM. Like I said, he's no fool. He may be an asshole, but he's no dummy when it comes to safety. BOTTOMS UP SHEIKY!



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 TITANIC VHS tapes at Home Depot this week.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY Dave Cropper June 30th, 2023!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY Cory Fatello June 30th, 2023!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY Kyle Linseman June 30th, 2023!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY Mike Sidebottom June 30th, 2023!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY Mike Tyson June 30th, 2023!
HAPPY 50th WEDDING ANNIVERSARY Stan & Mindy Bocko!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY Kevin "DOC" Grondin June 23rd, 2023!
KEEP FIGHTING Robert Gerard! You Got This Brother!
Please keep LOCAL LEGEND Surfer Norm Murphy in your thoughts and prayers.

Finally, I'm calling this a special request.
LOCAL SURFER/MUSICIAN PETE KOWALSKI NEEDS A KIDNEY. A TYPE A KIDNEY. PLEASE if you know anyone with a Type A Kidney please contact me at ralph@adlantic.com

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. Surfing Is Supposed to be Fun.

Ralph

UNKNOWN REGULAR FOOT STLYING AT THE WALL. Circa 1970's
I have a bunch of old B&W pics from David Manzi and I've only been able to ID a handful of the riders. Unfortunately, this is not one of them. If anyone knows who this is, please get in touch with me.
Photo by David Manzi
*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- THE FIRST SURFING WITH SMILES JUNE 20th, 2023
Photos by RALPH



(Above) I miss this man. Curtis was a good friend who loved surfing.
SWS June 20th, 2023. 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) These two play a major role in every one of these events. Tony Berardini and Kevin Grondin. SWS June 20th, 2023. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) The GIRLS ON CURLS made it to their very first SURFING WITH SMILES. They later said how great it was. SWS June 20th, 2023.
Photo by RALPH *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) Another first timer. Mr Phil Manzi. SWS June 20th, 2023.
Photo by RALPH *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

Best EAST COAST Coverage on the Internet.

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) The kids all ride soft tops. SWS June 20th, 2023.
Photo by RALPH *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery



(Above) Erica Nardone was still nursing an injury so she opted to join me on the beach to shoot photos. SWS June 20th, 2023.
Photo by RALPH *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

The SURFER'S JOURNAL is in a league all of their own.

DIPG THE CURE STARTS NOW
To learn more about Evan and his journey click here  https://thecurestartsnow.org/sup.../view-heroes/evan-austin/

(Above) The kids love feeling the sensation of riding a wave.
SWS June 20th, 2023. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) Rob and the girls showed up to take it all in. SWS June 20th, 2023.
Photo by RALPH *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) Surfing is riding a wave. You can be lying down, sitting, kneeling, or standing. This kid is surfing. SWS June 20th, 2023.
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) This kid was so stoked. SWS June 20th, 2023.
Photo by RALPH *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery




(Above) This kid wanted to stand up the whole time. SWS June 20th, 2023.
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) He has kind of a cool stance here. SWS June 20th, 2023.
Photo by RALPH *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) This is one of the GIRLS ON CURLS. Ava Young had a great time. SWS June 20th, 2023. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) This is what stoked looks like SWS June 20th, 2023.
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.

(Above) The kids will typically pose for photos with their team.
SWS June 20th, 2023. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery



(Above) This kid actually came out of this pearl with all smiles.
SWS June 20th, 2023. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) Kevin runs up and down the beach the whole two hours directing the volunteers. SWS June 20th, 2023. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) Preston has become the Go To guy for the kids with the need for the most help. He loves it and the kids love him. SWS June 20th, 2023.
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) She's smiling. And that's all that matters. SWS June 20th, 2023.
Photo by RALPH *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery



(Above) Steve O'Hara is there every year. His role in CINNAMON RAINBOW'S still being here after the fire, can not be underestimated.
SWS June 20th, 2023. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) The Curro boys were there for their first time too.
SWS June 20th, 2023. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) Stevie O'Hara. SURFING WITH SMILES. June 20th, 2023.
Photo by RALPH *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

Today- KAI IN BALI June 2023.
Photos courtesy of Jason Mclean and Radigjuliana



(Above) That's a smoking wave in Bali for Kainalu Nichols who is clearly living the surf dream. June, 2023.
Photos courtesy of Jason Mclean and Radigjuliana
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) Kainalu Nichols in BALI. June, 2023.
Photos courtesy of Jason Mclean and Radigjuliana
*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) Kainalu Nichols has been getting better and better with each passing year. BALI. June, 2023. Photos courtesy of Jason Mclean and Radigjuliana *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery



(Above) Contemporary surfing in ancient Bali waters.
Kainalu Nichols BALI. June, 2023.
Photos courtesy of Jason Mclean and Radigjuliana
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) Kainalu Nichols BALI. June, 2023.
Photos courtesy of Jason Mclean and Radigjuliana
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery



(Above) Ain't no telling where Kai will end up in the surf world.
But it's pretty obvious he has the talent to compete with the pros.
Kainalu Nichols BALI. June, 2023.
Photos courtesy of Jason Mclean and Radigjuliana
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

Today- THE COME TOGTHER Paul McCartney Show with Chachi and John Logan June 18th, 2023
Photos by RALPH and Cory Fatello

(Above) This was a fun brunch two hours spent with good friends and experiencing fun Beatle facts, a legit magic show, and a great piano player doing Beatles songs. June 18th, 2023.
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery




(Above) This is Bradley Jay and John Logan. June 18th, 2023.
Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery




(Above) This was such a great time. Can't wait to go back again. John Logan and Chachi Loprette are a great team. June 18th, 2023.
Photo by RALPH
*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 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.

My friend Rick McAvoy from Maine is the creator
behind this unique Surf Company

(Above) Paul McCartney May 22nd, 1976.
Photo c/o RGF
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery



(Above) The concert that lasted 20 minutes before the Police used Tear Gas on the crowds. Photo c/o Google
*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 # 729 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 Grant Sholtz
*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 little waves on Wednesday and Thursday

I'm picking Thursday June 29th, 2023 as the best of the week!

June 25th, 2023
"Like last week's PARTING shot, I'll never understand what makes a person want to surf something like this. "

(ABOVE) Looks like turbulence up ahead.
Photo by Uncle Google.



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