October 11th, 2026 THE RUN IS 53 out of 53 weeks.
CRITERIA: Waist high or better at least once a week. There were head high waves on 9-29-26 and chest high waves on 10-5-26
THE RECORD FOR THE MOST CONSECUTIVE WEEKS IN A ROW FOR WAIST HIGH OR BETTER. January 13th, 2025 was 59 WEEKS! |
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. |
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NEXT BLOG October 25th, 2026.
All future Blogs will be posted on the 1st and 3rd week of every month (give or take a day or two). *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.
39 YEARS A MARRIAGE. TOPSFIELD FAIR. MY LOVE FOR OCTOBER. THE NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS & DRAKE MAYE ARE BACK AGAIN.
Seems like yesterday. October 10th, 1987. But here we are 39 years later. Three adult children, two sons-laws, one daughter-in-law, and six grandchildren. Grandma and Grandpa are still with us. We lost a lot of family members and friends along the way. Not to mention some dear pets as well. But we are still together. Still in love. And still very happy. We know we are truly blessed.
This was taken on Saturday October 10th, 2026. Every wedding anniversary we stop by the Union Chapel in North Hampton, NH and pose for a picture. Our daughter Noelle took this photo. The Chapel looks so much better today that it did 39 years ago. And Cory? Well she still looks beautiful. I know, I am truly blessed.
Of all the months out of the year, I truly love October the most.
I love the surf of October. I love the "Indian Summer" weather.
I love everything about October.
Our dog Zorro on the front steps. Corn stalks and pumpkins and whatever that large flower is. Cory buys one every fall. I love it. Zorro just got back from our annual Northern New England Upland Bird adventure. I love going up there. But like I told Cory, as much as I love heading north, I always look forward to coming home.
October is my favorite month.
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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 October 11th, 2026
This is Tony Berardini and this pic was taken in October of 2008. This was back when Ed was still using "red" for his watermark. I had to convince him that the red was too bright and took away from the actual photo.
And this was back when Tony had two good hips and was able to stand up and surf. I remember this day because I was out there with Tony. I miss those days. Mostly because I miss Ed. But I also miss our ability to surf like everyone else. In 2008 I was still riding a shortboard and would continue to ride one right up until 2016. Like I said, I miss those days.
Photo by Ed O'Connell
*Click the photo above to see a larger version of Ed's Pic.
DON'T EVER BUY A F-ING MONKEY
The autobiography by Ralph G. Fatello
Surfing, Rock and Roll, the Marines, and my everyday life with my family and friends, that has had it's shares of twists and turns in some of the most peculiar ways. And those who wrote on the back cover all know me very well.
I love them all. *Click the book cover below to read the testimonials from some of my dearest friends.
The book is currently available in soft cover, hardcover, and e-book on AMAZON. Just go to AMAZON and type in my name in the search bar or type in the title of the book. The book is also on INGRAM SPARK Books at these locations:
You can purchase Don't Ever Buy a F-Ing Monkey
by Ralph G. Fatello with the Foreword by Tony Berardini at several online bookstores and retailers.
- Strand Books
: Available as an online-only order fulfilled in 3–7 business days.
- ThriftBooks
: Available via their online marketplace platform
Jul 26, 2026 — "Surfing Heals All Wounds." That's one of Ralph Fatello's favorite mantras. And once you read his book, you will know why.
Missing: outlets | Show results with: outlets
The audio book is coming soon. I've had several friends and family members insist that I do the reading myself.
They all say that when I tell my stories with my own voice it adds both cred and impact. I guess, I'm a good story teller. Besides with all my recording experience I should be able to read through my own book. Hell, if I can sing my own lyrics I can certainly read my own stories.
*Click on the image above to buy the book on Amazon
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THE TOPSFIELD FAIR October 2026.
Like so many of you know, I am all about traditions. Whether it be me going to the Chapel of Love each October, 10th to taking the family to one of my lifelong favorites TOPSFIELD FAIR. We never miss a fair.
Here we are with the Rizzo family enjoying the tradition. This is the first photo we take at every Fair. The Sportsmens Show.
The Fatello family. Max and Jacquie and young Vince at the GIANT PUMPKIN Display. Another must stop, see, and photograph.
Here's me and Cory taking the traditional exit photo. We always stop in front of the sign on our way out and take a photo. The tradition lives on in our family. And I dedicated this year's Topsfield Fair visit to Michael and Sky Rosa. Michael would take Sky to the Fair every year. It was the Rosa Tradition. And I have to believe that Sky was there with Michael this year.
Deep in his father's soul. Fly on Sky.
THE NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS ARE BACK AND KICKING ASS!
Holy mackerel Batman! Just when you think they were done, they came back with a vengeance. And it started last week against the Buffalo Bills. Nobody and I do mean NOBODY had them beating the Bulls. Even I who never ever pick against them did on that game. I feel ashamed by turning my back on them. I believed the pundits. I listened to the experts. And I believed them. I did not listen to my own heart. I believed them.
And well, they beat the BILLS in their NEW Stadium and shocked not only Patriots nation and the Bills fans, they shocked the entire NFL. Like I said, NOBODY saw that outcome. Below is a photo of a bunch of local surfers watching the game. Two of these surfers are hardcore Dolphins fans. But we all hung out together and had a blast.
Left to right" Ken Linseman, Ralph, Lenny Nichols, Kevin Grondin, Harry Manzi, Cliff Pappas, and Duffy McCarthy. We've been friends forever.
Photo by Arlene Nichols.
"SURFING, FAMILY, AND FRIENDS HEALS ALL WOUNDS."
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ATTENTION ALL SEACOAST VETERANS
RETIRED USAF Colonel Jeff Barker and current member of AMERICAN LEGION POST 35 has started this new service for local Hampton, Hampton Falls, North Hampton, and Seabrook veterans. Scan this bar code with your phone camera or any QR reader app. Or use major credit cards.
Jeff is a great guy and he and his wife are wanting to do something positive for all the seacoast Veterans. Now you can too. Click on the Bar code to be one of dozens of Seacoast residents to help local veterans.
HAPPY 13th BIRTHDAY AVERY!
Our first teenage grandchild Avery "Sweet Pea" Welch turned 13 on September 25th, 2026!
And yesterday October 11th, 2026 we had a Birthday party for Avery. All six of our grandkids were there. Avery holding Vince, Malia, Brylee, Sofia, and Reighlynn. Again I am so blessed to have what I have. I love them all so much. Happy BIRTHDAY SWEET PEA! We love you!
I'm not sure how you all feel about public executions but I tend to not want to watch them or be part of them in any way shape or form. Now don't get me wrong here. I am all about NIDAL HASAN getting the death penalty. I just don't think it should be televised. He killed 13 US ARMY soldiers in 2009 in cold blood and has been sentenced to death. He is a Terrorist. But the Secretary of Defense (I refuse to call it SECRETARY OF WAR) PETE "HARDON" HEGSETH has decided that a live stream of Hasan being killed by a Firing Squad is a good thing. When did we become The Taliban? Or Iran? Or North Korea? Or Red China? Or Russia? And yes I'm sure the Orange Faced Buffoon is quietly mulling this over. But this?
I can't wait for the Mid-terms. Because I believe this reign of terror in the US will finally be over. And all these people who kissed the BOA (Big Orange Ass) will be gone just like he will. Change is coming people. Just hang in there. And oh yeah, you just knew that Khaliddy would be all over this story for the GITMO Gazette. Hey, I don't blame him. It's front page news.
Allah Ark-bar my ass!
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 pickup a case of used KORANs at Home Depot this week.
HAPPY 39th ANNIVERSARY Cory! October 10th, 2026!
REST IN PEACE Larry "Rubberman" Bertleman 71
GET WELL SOON Jon Gozzo!
GET WELL SOON Local Legend surf Peter Stokes!
KEEP FIGHTING John "HOG" Hannah!
GET WELL SOON Chris Caisey!
KEEP FIGHTING Robert Gerard! You Got This Brother!
REST IN PEACE Sky Rosa 33yrs.
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 21 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
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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
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FIFTY TWO YEARS AGO IN HAMPTON, NH.
This is another classic Movie Frame Grab from my old Super 8mm movie collection. This is Jeff "BERTS" Obst on the inside of a late summer Hurricane Swell in 1974. This was a great swell. I remember Berts, Kevin "Doc" Grondin, Joe Somogyi, Norm Murphy, Jay Hammer, Neddie, Stevie O'Hara, Mike "Zappy" Paugh, Robin Rowell, Steve Clark, Stan Bocko, Paul Hamblet, myself, and a host of others that summer. Those were the days.
Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see a larger image
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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 or two and go through this year long 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.
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All photos taken this week unless otherwise noted.
Today- THE FIRST OCTOBER SWELL
MONDAY OCTOBER 5th, 2026
Photos by RALPH
(Above) Fins out - rotation in order - checking the landing pad.
Monday October 5th, 2026. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
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Click on the ad above to see the Menu and other
important info on their Somerville restaurant and all the
other AMERICAN FLATBREAD locations.
Best EAST COAST Coverage on the Internet.
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(Above) Goofyfoot weighing his options.
Monday October 5th, 2026.
Photo by RALPH *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
(Above) Regular foot doing the same.
Monday October 5th, 2026.
Photo by RALPH *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
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Visit this site to read about the Legends of our coast.
Welcome Solsticenh.com Melinda is a local NH surfer.
Click on the ad above to visit her site.
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(Above) Big ole sun cloud.
Monday October 5th, 2026.
Photo by RALPH *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
(Above) Emmee racing down the line.
Monday October 5th, 2026.
Photo by RALPH *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
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935 OCEAN & THE SURF SHACK is the BEST
Click on the ad to find out where to stay the next time
you're in town.
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(Above) Mikey Moran dealing with the elements.
Monday October 5th, 2026. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
(Above) Eric still dreaming about pronghorns.
Monday October 5th, 2026.
Photo by RALPH *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
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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/
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(Above) Million dollar view for whatever it costs in the meter.
Monday October 5th, 2026.
Photo by RALPH *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
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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) Smooth cutback for Carter Walsh.
Monday October 5th, 2026.
Photo by RALPH *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
(Above) I love this view and this wave.
Monday October 5th, 2026.
Photo by RALPH *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
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SALTY PAWS DAYCARE NOW OPEN
Click on the
Ad above for more info
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(Above) Mikey Moran styling in the hook. Monday October 5th, 2026.
Photo by RALPH *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
(Above) Pete Rizzo working the lefts.
Monday October 5th, 2026.
Photo by RALPH *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
(Above) Another view of my favorite view.
Monday October 5th, 2026.
Photo by RALPH *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
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Produced by David Robinson of the CARS.
Visit our Facebook page
Produced by David Robinson of the CARS.
Visit our Facebook page
Produced by Steve Saddler.
Visit our Facebook page
The VINNY Band was around from 1976 to 1984
July 30th, 1979 headlining the Paradise Club
In Boston, MA
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(Above) Regular foot up on the nose.
Monday October 5th, 2026.
Photo by RALPH *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
(Above) Into the light. Goofy foot finding a good one.
Monday October 5th, 2026.
Photo by RALPH *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
Today- TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 29th, 2026
Photos by RALPH
(Above) Kody Grondin picked off so many tubes in such a short time.
Tuesday September 29th, 2026. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
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Joe Carter, Brian Nevins, and Nick Lavecchia
Click on the ad above to visit their website
The art of Donna Ambassadorial
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(Above) And just as many lip bashes. Mr. Kody Grondin.
Tuesday September 29th, 2026. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
(Above) Another zipper tube for Barrel Hound Kody Grondin.
Tuesday September 29th, 2026. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
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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.
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(Above) Jonny Mac bottom turn.
Tuesday September 29th, 2026.
Photo by RALPH*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
(Above) BMO showed up and joined in the fun.
Tuesday September 29th, 2026. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
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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
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(Above) Just like his dad. He has a nose for the hollow ones.
Kody Grondin.
Tuesday September 29th, 2026.
Photo by RALPH*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
(Above) Jonny Mac was tearing the lefts a new a-hole.
Tuesday September 29th, 2026. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
(Above) Johnny Mac lift off. Tuesday September 29th, 2026.
Photo by RALPH*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
(Above) Kody Grondin hits the lip.
Tuesday September 29th, 2026.
Photo by RALPH*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
(Above) Matt Colby hitting brakes. Tuesday September 29th, 2026.
Photo by RALPH*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
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Visit Jimmy Dunn's website to find out where
else he will be performing. Watch Jimmy on the
new FRASIER Click on Jimmy to find out more.
ALL EPISODES OF SEASON 2 of FRASIER ARE NOW STREAMING ON PARAMOUNT+
Click on the ad above to visit her Facebook page.
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(Above) Colby from a long sequence.
Tuesday September 29th, 2026. Photo by RALPH*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
(Above) Kody in the rabbit hole again.
Tuesday September 29th, 2026. Photo by RALPH*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
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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.
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(Above) Matt Colby.
Tuesday September 29th, 2026.
Photo by RALPH *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
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(Above) Kody Grondin leaning into a nice drawn out turn.
Tuesday September 29th, 2026. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
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Listen to QWILL on the video page.
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(Above) Sea Grass.
Tuesday September 29th, 2026. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
(Above) Flaps out for a smooth common gray gull landing.
Tuesday September 29th, 2026.
Photo by RALPH*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
(Above) Ever look down as your walking out into the water?
Tuesday September 29th, 2026. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
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Click on this image to visit Driftwood Photography
"GIVE YOUR BUSINESS A KICK IN THE ADS"
Since 1985.
Click on the image above to see the cool ocean art
from Alex Walsh.
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Today- SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 27th, 2026
Photos by RALPH
(Above) Entering the no turning back zone.
Sunday September 27th, 2026. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
(Above) Once again Mr. Kody F. Grondin. September 27th, 2026.
Photo by RALPH *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
(Above) Matt Colby's grinding carve. September 27th, 2026.
Photo by RALPH *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
(Above) Kody F. Grondin. September 27th, 2026.
Photo by RALPH *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
(Above) Shayne Forsley . September 27th, 2026.
Photo by RALPH *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
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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
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(Above) Holland Piernik. October 2026. Photo by Jeff Crawford
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
(Above) This is Erica Nardone's last wave at 54.
Photo by Will Powley
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
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He's more than just a good photographer
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(Above) All Rise: The 10th Street District Court Of Surf is Now in Session. The Honorable Judge RALPH presiding. Case # 826 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.
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Click on this image above to buy this book
and more cool KING'S X merchandise and music
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I see waves on Tuesday October 13th
So, I'm picking Wednesday October 14th, 2026
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October 11th, 2026
"There's no easy out and no easy way in."
(ABOVE) Not good. But then again, everyone who paddles out here deals with this. So welcome to the club.
Photo by RALPH
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Click here to read Shaun Tomson's first book.
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