JULY 5th, 2026 THE RUN IS 43 out of 43 weeks.
CRITERIA: Waist high or better at least once a week. There were waist high waves on 6-23-26 and waist to chest on June 25th, 2026.
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 JULY 19th, 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.
MY LONG AWAITED BOOK IS NOW ON AMAZON. BOOK SIGNING LAUNCH DATE 7-26-26. FIRST SWS OF THE 2026 SEASON. PARKING BAN IN RYE HAS BEEN SHOT DOWN BY THE GOVERNOR. 250 the ANNIVERSARY OF THE DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE.
Click on the image above to read some of the testimonials from some of my longest and dearest friends from the many worlds I have lived in. Surfing, Rock and Roll, the Marines, and my everyday life 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.
My longtime friend and brother Tony Berardini (who looks a lot like Joe Satriani in this pic) wrote the Foreword. But more than that Tony has had to talk me off the ledge on several occasions throughout this long process. It hasn't been the easiest of journeys that's for sure. If it wasn't for Tony I might have bailed several times along the road. But, with Tony's constant steady voice of reason I was able to persevere and get through the long and winding road. And three years later it is here.
As my oldest daughter Gabby shows off her copy. My wife and kids all had to deal with my stress and highs and lows of getting this book out. But so far those who have started reading it have all had positive feedback. I know it's early, but it's still very positive.
And my beautiful wife who celebrated a birthday last week has also been a positive voice in my life when I needed it the most. It's no surprise that I dedicated the book to her and our family.
Last Saturday night I played for Kevin Grondin's 70th birthday party.
And my two granddaughters were right up front singing and dancing to some of my songs. I have said it before, but I'll say it again. Playing for the kids are some of the best shows
of my life. I love playing for the kids. And especially when I sing the song about my dog "Patch" who I lost in January of 2025. The kids love the PATCHY SONG. Especially when I do the barking and howling. The kids love it. They howl and bark right along with me when I'm singing it. Too cute.
"OH PATCHY OH PATCHY WHY ARE YOU CRYING? YOU SHOULD BE LAUGHING AND YOU SHOULD BE SMILING. OH PATCHY OH PATCHY WHY ARE YA CRYING!"
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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 July 5th, 2026
This is one of my favorite pics that Ed shot during our friendship. He was a stickler for early morning sunrise shots. We just passed the 12th year of his passing last week. July 1st, 2014.
Still hard for me to believe he'[s been gone that long.
Rest easy Big Man. I wrote about you in my new book.
And I chatted with your widow Kathy
last week. She just came back from a month in Vietnam. Can you believe that? Wow.
One of these days, I plan on going back. And this time I am going to surf. Happy 250th brother.
Photo by Ed O'Connell
*Click the photo above to see a larger version of Ed's Pic.
BOOK SIGNING DATE IS JULY 26th, 2026.
Look over in the facing column for the latest news.
The good news is the longer version will be available Online in it's entirety. We are doing a AUDIO version of the book with me doing the reading.
The book is done and is available on AMAZON. And we will have copies to purchase on July 26th, 2026 at 935 OCEAN BLVD in Hampton, NH. I personally can't believe it myself.
CLICK ON THE IMAGE BELOW TO READ SOME OF THE
TESTIMONIALS FROM SOME OF MY DEAR FRIENDS.
The book is currently available in soft cover on AMAZON. Just go to AMAZON and type in my name in the search bar or type in the title of the book. The hardcover version will be available later this week, followed by the Online version, and finally the audio book. Which several friends and family members are insisting 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.
All in all it's pretty exciting news for my close friends and family who have been waiting as long as I have. But, it's out there and people have been buying it. It's all so strange to me now. I mean the book is in my hands. I have actually held it. That in of itself has been an amazing experience. For so long I have dreamed of holding the book in my hands.
MY FRIEND AND SUPER TALENTED AND RIDICUOUSLY HILARIOUS BILLY WEST, HAS A NEW BOOK OUT.
I've known Billy since the days of WBCN. We even played on the same record CHRISTMAS PRESENCE OF MIND. He is an amazing guitarist and one of the funniest people I know. And he's a genuinely nice guy.
I plan on writing a review of his book. Meanwhile, if you are somehow not familiar with his name, Google Billy West and then buy this book. I LOVE the title. It's perfect.
*Click on the image above to buy his book on Amazon
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HAPPY 250th BIRTHDAY AMERICA!
Because I'm old and tired these days, I like staying in on July 4th. This year we watched the Fireworks in NYC and at home in Boston. And they were both so good. And Boston's Fireworks show was enhanced by the coolest ever Drone Show.
THESE MOVING DRONES WERE AMAZING!
They looked so incredibly well synchronized that it literally blew my mind. It was all based on the signing of the Declaration and the Revolutionary War.
It also got me thinking about the UAP/UFO stuff again. There's gotta be life on other planets and galaxies.
THE 17th ANNUAL SURFING WITH SMILES 6-25-26
Hard to believe we have been doing this for 17 years.
Kevin, Taylor, and Lindsey. Three of the TOP three SWS players.
The man behind the scenes Dave "CROP" Cropper. He's the best.
IT AIN'T REALLY SUMMER UNTIL THE ANNUAL HBCF COMES TO TOWN. AUGUST 18th-23rd, 2026 at McGUIRKS OCEAN VIEW.
THIS JUST IN. THE 18th ANNUAL HIT THE BEACH!
"SURFING HEALS ALL WOUNDS."
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PLEASE KEEP THE PRAYERS COMING FOR SKY ROSA.
I took this selfie of me, Sky, and Sky a few weeks ago. Sky is also in the video at the top of the page. And...he's in my new book. He's currently in the fight of his life.
As I said in the last Blog. If you know anything about the Rosa family, you know that the whole family are a legit family of fighters. Well, Sky is a Rosa and he's fighting just like one.
But he can't do it alone. I know the power of prayer and positive vibes. And I'm asking that you keep Sky and the whole Rosa family in your thoughts and prayers. So please keep praying for Sky. Peace and Love.
KEEP FIGHTING SKY! WE ALL LOVE YOU BROTHER!
ATTENTION DAWGS FANS
We are looking for any old photos you might have of the DAWGS. We are currently working on a tribute CD in memory of Phil Haynen of the DAWGS. If you have any pics please get in touch with me.
ATTENTION ALL SEACOAST RESIDENTS
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.
So I heard that the GREAT AMERICAN STATE FAIR in Washington DC was lacking in crowds. So some of the geniuses in the 47th Cabinet came up with this crowd pleaser. Once the word was out that the Orange Menace himself was going to be the DUNK THE CLOWN or rather DUNK THE DON the crowds swelled. And boy did they ever come in droves.
Well as you can imagine once the GITMO GAZZETTE'S ace reporter Old Sheiky caught wind of this he was all over it. To quote Khaliddy himself "I'm gonna be stink on shit" with this story. And not only was the Sheik all over this hot scoop. He even threw a few balls and dunked the Orange Menace himself.
Can you believe it? Damn Sheiky you better be careful around the OM (Orange Menace) ain't no telling what he's capable of doing. You don't want to be on the bad side of this guy. Even though we all are on the bad side.
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 box of baseballs at Home Depot this week.
HAPPY
2nd BIRTHDAY SOFIE "BEATLE!" July 6th, 2026!
HAPPY 70th BIRTHDAY Kevin "DOC" Grondin 6-23-26!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY Cory June 30th, 2026!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY Dave "CROP" Cropper June 30th, 2026!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY Kyle Linseman June 30th, 2026!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY John Rastl July 12th, 2026!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY Judith Rastl July 23rd, 2026!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY Tami Heide July 23rd, 2026!
GET WELL SOON Jon Gozzo!
KEEP FIGHTING John "HOG" Hannah!
KEEP FIGHTING Robert Gerard! You Got This Brother!
PLEASE KEEP SKY ROSA in your Thoughts and Prayers.
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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ON JULY 26th, 2000 I STARTED MY CATCH A WAVE FOR GUS.
I had no real idea on what I was about to embark upon. But I would soon find out. I was to catch and surf a wave every single day for one year. From July 26th 2000 to July 26th, 2001. All in memory of late father father Gus, I was calling it "CATCH A WAVE FOR GUS" it's all in my new book.
I completed my mission but it came with a price. Again, it's all in my book.
Photo by Tim Cook
*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 1st SURFING WITH SMILES of 2026.
June 25th, 2026 Photos by RALPH
(Above) I love Ryan McGill's positive stoke with each kid that he works with. Ryan's a great guy and he loves kids. Thursday June 25th, 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) Nate is another positive force at the SURFING WITH SMILES nights. Thursday June 25th, 2026. Photo by RALPH *
Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
(Above) Shayne Forsely guiding one of the kids into the smile zone. Thursday June 25th, 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) It's called SURFING WITH SMILES for a good reason.
Thursday June 25th, 2026. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
(Above) I love Grace. She is one of best friends at SWS. Look at her here. She's rocking this wave. Thursday June 25th, 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) This kid was the epitome of cool. Thursday June 25th, 2026. Photo by RALPH *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
(Above) Pev navigating through the volunteers. Pev's one of our longtime volunteers. Thursday June 25th, 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) The thing about this night? There were actually waves and the water was warm. Thursday June 25th, 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) See what I mean? Look at those waves. SWS June 25th, 2026.
Photo by RALPH *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
(Above) Michael and Sky Rosa. Love these two.
Thursday June 25th, 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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Today- More SURFING WITH SMILES of 2026.
June 25th, 2026 Photos by ED MORAN
(Above) There's a lot of blue in this pic.
Thursday June 25th, 2026.
Photo by Ed Moran
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
(Above) Love this photo. Me, Erica, Grace, and Crop. This was Ed's first ever SWS and he got some great shots.
Thursday June 25th, 2026.
Photo by Ed Moran
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
(Above) Dave Cropper with their new Surf Ski. We will be using them
at the HIT THE BEACH in August. Thursday June 25th, 2026.
Photo by Ed Moran
*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) Taylor showing the kids how to "pop up".
Thursday June 25th, 2026. Photo by Ed Moran
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
(Above) Ryan McGill providing laughs, smiles, and hoots with every
kid he worked with.
Thursday June 25th, 2026. Photo by Ed Moran
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
(Above) Chris Grippo taking in the full stoke of this happy surfer.
Thursday June 25th, 2026. Photo by Ed Moran
*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) This is SURFING WITH SMILES.
Thursday June 25th, 2026. Photo by Ed Moran
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
(Above) Shayne smiling his way through another wonderful night at SWS.
Thursday June 25th, 2026. Photo by Ed Moran
*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) Pev is having as much fun as the surfers.
Thursday June 25th, 2026. Photo by Ed Moran
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
(Above) Stevie O'Hara is a local legend. I've known Stevie for a very longtime. He is one of the best both in and out of the water.
Thursday June 25th, 2026. Photo by Ed Moran
*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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Today- THE 70th BIRTHDAY SESSION
June 23rd, 2026 Photos by RALPH
(Above) Kevin "DOC" Grondin turned 70 on this day and as luck would have it, there was a little swell running. Father and son heading out for a fun sesh at 10th street. June 23rd, 2026. PHOTO BY RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
(Above) Kody hanging five. June 23rd, 2026. PHOTO BY RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
(Above) Welcome to the 7th decade Kevin "DOC" Grondin.
June 23rd, 2026. PHOTO BY RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
(Above) Kevin "DOC" Grondin turning 70 on this wave.
June 23rd, 2026. PHOTO BY RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
(Above) Kody Grondin turning and leaning into a down the line track.
June 23rd, 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) Kody Grondin looking for a place to stick his head in.
June 23rd, 2026. PHOTO BY RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
(Above) Kody Grondin Fin First
June 23rd, 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) The waves were so glassy and fun on the boards of length.
June 23rd, 2026. PHOTO BY RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
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(Above) Shayne Forsely joined the G men. June 23rd, 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) Shayne Forsely in B&W June 23rd, 2026.
PHOTO BY RALPH *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
Today- BOAT MISSION NO: 62326 CENTRAL COAST
June 23rd, 2026 Photos by Captain Chambo
(Above) Have Boat Will Travel. Mission 62326 June 23rd, 2026.
Photo by Captain Chambo
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
(Above) "Wally" easing his way into the juice bar.
Mission 62326 June 23rd, 2026. Photo by Captain Chambo
*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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(Above) Whatever floats your boat works with Capn Chambo.
Mission 62326 June 23rd, 2026. Photo by Captain Chambo
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
(Above) One that got away.
Mission 62326 June 23rd, 2026.
Photo by Captain Chambo
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
(Above) "Rocky" preparing to mount. READY MOUNT!
Mission 62326 June 23rd, 2026. Photo by Captain Chambo
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
(Above) That is a nice looking set up.
Mission 62326 June 23rd, 2026. Photo by Captain Chambo
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
(Above) That's a nice carve. Mission 62326 June 23rd, 2026.
Photo by Captain Chambo
*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) YAY! THE TOWN OF RYE IS FORCED TO TAKE DOWN THE NO PARKING SLOTS. July, 2026.
Photo by Erica Nardone
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
(Above) The Lensmen. Ed Moran, Chris Carragher, Ralph Fatello, John Adams, and Stu Horne. June 25th, 2026. Photo by Michael Rubino
*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. Cold Case # 821 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 Tuesday & Wednesday July 7th & 8th, 2026
I'm picking Wednesday July 8th, 2026 as the best day
of the next two weeks.
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July 5th, 2026
"It's my party and I'll do what!"
(ABOVE) You sure can Doc. Kevin Grondin used to pull these off in his sleep. Now he does in his dreams. Nah he can still do 'em. 6-23-26
Photo by RALPH
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Click here to read Shaun Tomson's first book.
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