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

September 29th, 2024 The RUN is 44 out of 44 Weeks.
CRITERIA: Waist high or better at least once a week.
There were Head high to OH waves waves for 11 straight days
starting from September 17th to September 28th, 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!

NEXT BLOG September 29th, 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.



11 DAYS OF OVERHEAD SURF. HURRICANE HELENE.
KING'S X. RIP CHECK DREYER. F**K HEZBOLLAH and HAMAS.




11 Days of overhead waves. Damn if that wasn’t a good long run of solid surf. We’ve had only ONE hurricane. Ernesto. The rest were all localized Nor’easters. But those same nor’easters provided us all with the best surf of the season. I was there for all of them. I shot both video and stills. And each swell from one of the multiple Nor’easters we had were better than Ernesto.



What a difference from last year. 2023 had back to back hurricanes. We could barely keep up with them. I made a video about them last year SUMMERCAINES. It was great. And the way NOAA was forecasting this season to be the biggest and best EVER had us all giddy with excitement. But as we all waited and waited and then realized, that not only was this NOT the most active hurricane season on record, it turned out to be the worse season for Hurricanes.

Now look I don’t mean to downplay what just happened down south with Hurricane Helene.

And if any of you saw the waves in Alabama before she made landfall, you would have been very impressed. There were some double overhead barrels down in the Gulf. So the southern surfers scored from Helene, while on the other hand the south suffered catastrophic damage with over 120 people dead and there are millions more without power. That’s pretty heavy stuff. And in hindsight, I don’t know any surfer alive today who would rather surf than have someone lose their life or their home. We (surfers) are always feeling guilty about wanting to be able to surf from the same hurricanes that have caused so much damage and heartache.

It really is a dilemma. Surfing and hurricane damage.

Thank God the Nor’easters we all surfed didn’t kill a single person. Especially this last one that lasted an incredible 11 days.  Everybody was getting their fair share. It was great seeing Markey J back out there on Friday September 27th, 2024. Hell even I got a handful of waves. Including a shameful BDI when I dropped in on Kenny Linseman. We both ate shit. With me free falling into the pit with Kenny coming around the corner. It could have been really bad. But thank God we never made physical contact. He did however say he wished someone had it on film so I could put it on the Blog in the Blatant Drop In of the week section. I told him if someone did have a pic of that? I would 100% post that and sentence myself to the Invisible Surfer Box. Hey, I’m man enough to admit when I am wrong. And I was wrong.

I was also very lucky because my last wave of the session I got a sweet little tube ride. And not only did I get a tube, I had an eyewitness. Yup. Ole Markey J was standing on the beach when I pulled in and sat right in the pocket of a clean little barrel. I came out and did a quick turn on the inside and then felt my fin hit a rock. Bam. Knocked my fin out of the finbox and damaged the finbox itself. It’s off to the LORD OF THE DINGS for me.

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 September 29th, 2024




This is Mike Stanek on June 20th, 2009. Mike loves to punt a few when the opportunity presents itself. I've seen him launch a few on way bigger waves and land them on the open face. Which is the preferred way to complete the AIR. But then again, what the hell do I know, I've never intentionally tried one. Ed loved to shoot the attempted and the failed AIRS.
Photo by Ed O'Connell
*Click the photo above to see a larger version of Ed's Pic.

REST IN PEACE CHUCK DREYER

Kim Grondin’s father Chuck Dreyer passed away on Tuesday September 24th, 2024. He was 94 years old.  He had been sick for a while now, and even though he was 94 it’s still hard to lose a parent.  I know only too well about losing parents. As does her husband Kevin. Bottom line it’s never easy. I do know that Kim adored her father. He taught her so much when they were growing up. I personally knew Chuck and always found him pleasant and engaging whenever I spoke with him over the years.

He loved his wife Bobbie of 69 years, and his three daughters, Barbara, Kim, and Lisa and their spouses and his 12 grandchildren and many great grandchildren. Chuck was in the Air Force and served during both the Korean War and the Vietnam War. He loved living near the ocean and he absolutely loved his camp in Maine. The Grondins were always heading north to the camp. I know I speak for all the surfers and locals who know Kim and her family just how truly sorry we are for her and the Grondin’s family in the lost of their father and “Grampy.”

His service is on Tuesday October 1st, 2024 at the Immaculate Conception Church on 98 Summer Street in Portsmouth, NH. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery, 990 Middle Rd in Portsmouth. A reception will follow for family and friends at the Old Salt Restaurant at Lamies Inn in Hampton, NH.

Rest In Peace it was an honor and a privilege to know you.

KING’S X at the Tupelo Hall in Derry, NH 9-19-24

The OVER MY HEAD video that turned my head in 1989. I remember the first time. I was rushing out the door to head down to “Grovers” do a sound check with my band The NOR’EASTERS, when their video was playing on MTV and I stopped to watch it. That distinct Ty Tabor guitar riff was what first caught my attention. And make no mistake about it, Ty Tabor is an absolute monster on the guitar.

He is clearly one of my TOP 5 guitarists in the world. And that is saying a lot. As a guitar player, I feel I have some merit when it comes to making that claim. Ty is one of the best. And can he ever sing. Oh my God can he sing. And write and produce. You would be hard pressed to find a more all around talented three piece than these guys. There's a reason why they are still touring since 1980. Their fans LOVE them.

In that same video I was seeing Doug spinning around playing a left-handed bass? He looked a little like Hendrix. Only younger. Way younger.

But his voice? That voice was unlike any other voice I had ever heard. To this day, I've never heard a more soulful voice with a scream that is literally out of this world. What a set of pipes on Doug Pinnick. His screams on OVER MY HEAD and other KING'S X songs are just mind blowing. And watching him play his 8 string basses that sound like thunder are all part of their act. I'm telling you, for a three piece band, there's nobody like them. Nobody.

And seeing Jerry playing drums wearing a Bolero hat? And his drumming? I've often said that John Bonham from Led Zeppelin was the best Rock drummer of all time. And Ringo is still my favorite all around drummer. But Jerry Gaskill is a solid number three behind those two. Bonham, Starr, and Gaskill. What? It's true. Oh and did I mention that Jerry can also sing his ass off? It's true, they all play the shit out of their instruments and they all can sing like songbirds. Picture The BEATLES singing beautiful harmonies. Now throw in a killer rock band. That's King's X.

But since that first day? I've been a huge fan ever since.



Last night was my 35th year seeing them live. My wife and I were huge fans since “Gretchen Goes To Nebraska.” We immediately bought their first LP “Out Of The Silent Planet” and when “Faith, Hope, and Love” came out we had our first child.



Suffice it to say, all three of our kids were raised on King’s X. At full volume. We have every record they ever recorded, and all of their solo work too. Yup. We’re that serious. *That's Gabby and Max at their first KING'S X concert in July of 2000.

24 years later. Here's Gabby and Jerry last year at the Tupelo.



Cory and I at our 35th year of seeing this band 9-19-24.



Here's Cory, Gabby, Brent, Max, Jerry, Doug, me, and Max's fiance Jacquie at last year's show. Suffice it to say we LOVE this band and their music. Once you see them and hear them for the first time you either love them to death or you just miss it. Most people love them.

And all my friends became aware of them too because I shoved their music down their throats. Like my longtime musician friends, Rich, Dave "CROP" Cropper and this year we took Tony Berardini to see them. In my eyes? They are the BEST Rock band still playing live today. 44 years and counting. Think about that. 44 years.

We love them and they love us. And as long as they keep playing out and recording new material, we will be at their shows and we will buy their music. Long live King’s X!

“SURFING AND THE CHURCH OF ROCK HEALS ALL WOUNDS.” 

THE SOURCE IS THE PENTAGON.
Nobody has lied more than this man. Ain't no telling what he will do if he loses. My guess is he'd do something along the lines of January 6th only way worse. He has become more and more unhinged as of late. He's just too old and quite frankly, he's not mentally fit to be president.

We are ready for someone new. Someone young. Someone fresh. Someone who will actually try to bring us together. It's time for "DonOLD" to be put out to pasture. The Lying King will be dethroned.

The Orange King is going to get KO'd by a woman. And not just any woman. An African/Indian/American woman. He will be down for the 8-count. 1-2-3-4-5-6-7-8. It's over, you're out!
Say Goodbye DonOLD.

IN OTHER NEWS
LET ME START AND FINISH BY SAYING:
F**K HEZBOLLAH and F**K HAMAS.
Also while we’re at it F**K Sean P-Diddy Combs!



CLICK 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 should be out in November of 2024.




I'm not sure of how many of you are paying attention. But doesn't it seem that a lot of DonOLD's friends seem to be getting in trouble every other day? I mean they seem to be happening more and more. And of course DonOLD keeps pretending that he does not know them. We know the pic below is photoshopped. I mean I did put Khaliddy in this photo, But everything else is real.

This is P-Diddy with DonOLD and his wife Melania. Again, why do I have to be so hurtful to Khaliddy? You know damn well why. Because the truth needs to be told. And like JD Vance, if we have to make up stuff to get you to pay attention, then that's what I'm gonna do. Read it here before you see it in the GITMO GAZETTE. "WHO'S YOUR DADDY?"

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 "HOW TO HAVE A FREAK OFF PARTY" Books By DIDDY COMBS 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.

WELCOME HOME Kim Grondin!

REST IN PEACE Chuck Dreyer.

REST IN PEACE Nancy Hassell.

PATRIOTS WIN ONE and LOSE two 1-2

HAPPY 14th BIRTHDAY Patch September 23rd, 2024!

HAPPY 11th BIRTHDAY Avery Marina September 25th, 2024!

HAPPY 37th Anniversary To my Beautiful Wife Cory!
October 10th, 2024!

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. Surfing Is Supposed to be Fun.

Ralph

JOHN FATELLO, CORY FATELLO, GABBY FATELLO, TY TABOR, RALPH FATELLO, and MAX FATELLO. JULY 30th, 2000.
I remember this day. 24 years ago. The first time the kids saw KING'S X. The band was blown away by it all. They couldn't believe that these kids knew every word to every song. Cory and I have played KING'S X since they were babies. They literally grew up on their music. And to have seen them again 24 years later was pretty special.
Photo c/o RALPH
*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- 11 DAYS OF OVERHEAD SURF.
Friday September 27th, 2024. Photos by RALPH



(Above) The Best Day of the 11 Days. Friday September 27th, 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) This little back-door attempt is by Ian Dreher. Friday September 27th, 2024.
Photo by RALPH *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) Regular foot taking advantage of the summer like conditions. Friday September 27th, 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 lefts were being completely torched by the two Goofy Foot friends Ian Dreher and Beckley Stearns. Friday September 27th, 2024. Photo by RALPH *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery



(Above) There were a few regular foots who joined in on the slicing and dicing of these green emerald waves. Friday September 27th, 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) This is Ian Dreher perfectly slotted on the best day.
Friday September 27th, 2024. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery



(Above) It was waves like this that made me claim that this day was The Best Day of the 11 Days. Friday September 27th, 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) Later in the day the show moved down to Cementlandland. The Best Day of the 11 Days. Friday September 27th, 2024.
Photo by RALPH *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) There was Kody Grondin on the Best Day of the 11 Days.
Friday September 27th, 2024. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

Today- 11 DAYS OF OVERHEAD SURF.
Tuesday September 24th, 2024. Photos by RALPH



(Above) There was size all eleven days. Tuesday September 24th, 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) There were moments when you had to "Pump It Up!"
Tuesday September 24th, 2024. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) Then the sun popped out. Tuesday September 24th, 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) There I finally got him on a decent wave. JoJo Kirby.
Tuesday September 24th, 2024. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery



(Above) I've been shooting here for 60 years and I have never seen an accident. Until this day. Tuesday September 24th, 2024. Photo by RALPH *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

Joe Carter, Brian Nevins, and Nick Lavecchia

The art of Donna Baldassari

Today- DINALAND Friday September 27th, 2024.
Photos by Dina Crawford

(Above) Always thick and hollow at Dinaland.
Friday September 27th, 2024. Photo by Dina Crawford
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) I had a feeling Colby was down there. Dinaland.
Friday September 27th, 2024. Photo by Dina Crawford
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

Hannah Vokey is one of my favorite surf artists.

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

(Above) Dropping in at Dinaland. It's always a thrill.
Friday September 27th, 2024. Photo by Dina Crawford
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery



(Above) Leaning into a golden back drop. Dinaland.
Friday September 27th, 2024. Photo by Dina Crawford
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) Not familiar with the deck of this board. Dinaland Airport.
Friday September 27th, 2024. Photo by Dina Crawford
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) Pulling in and under the pitching lip at Dinaland.
Friday September 27th, 2024. Photo by Dina Crawford
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) Feeling the drift and flow at Dinaland.
Friday September 27th, 2024. Photo by Dina Crawford
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

Today- 11 DAYS OF OVERHEAD SURF.
Saturday September 21st, 2024. Photos by RALPH

(Above) Unknown Goofy foot. Saturday September 21st, 2024.
Photo by RALPH *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) Lili and Finn talking about Kody's last wave.
Saturday September 21st, 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.

SECRET SPOT IS NOW OPEN IN HAMPTON.
SECRET SPOT is back in operation on the seacoast.
Thank you.
Jon Gozzo and family.

(Above) Perry Reynolds, Saturday September 21st, 2024.
Photo by RALPH *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

Today- 11 DAYS OF OVERHEAD SURF.
Monday September 23rd, 2024. Photos by RALPH



(Above) Ryan McGill early morning carve. Monday September 23rd, 2024.
Photo by RALPH *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

Listen to QWILL on the video page.

(Above) Michael Kirby's deep gouge. Monday September 23rd, 2024.
Photo by RALPH *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) Hello. Monday September 23rd, 2024.
Photo by RALPH *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.

(Above) I love this angle. ED'S CORNER. Monday September 23rd, 2024.
Photo by RALPH *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) Kody Grondin weaving through the clueless section.
Monday September 23rd, 2024. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

Today- THE CHURCH OF ROCK KING'S X Tupelo, Derry NH
Thursday September 19th, 2024. Photos by RALPH

(Above) The BEST continuous LIVE Rock Band in America KING'S X.
Thursday September 19th, 2024. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery





(Above) This is Doug Pinnick the most soulful vocalist still playing out. KING'S X. Thursday September 19th, 2024. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) My daughter Gabby and her husband Brent, My son Max and his fiance Jacquie. Gabby and Max first saw them in 2000. See those photos in this gallery. KING'S X. Thursday September 19th, 2024.
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 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) Jimbo Kelly little head dip. Friday September 27th, 2024.
Photo by JD Durham
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery



(Above) Natty Graham launching one somewhere in Maine during
the 11 DAY SWELL. Photo by Jamie Hosker
*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 # 779 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 waves later next week

I'm picking October 7th, 2024 as the best of the 2 weeks!

September 29th, 2024

"Hey whoa what? wait? Ahh Forget about it!"

(ABOVE) I saw a few of these moments while I was there. There were over 20 guys out there on this date 9-27-24. Photo by RALPH



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