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

September 27th, 2026 THE RUN IS 53 out of 53 weeks.
CRITERIA: Waist high or better at least once a week. There were chest high waves on 9-23-26 and overhead waves on 9-24-25-26-26

THE RECORD FOR THE MOST CONSECUTIVE WEEKS IN A ROW FOR WAIST HIGH OR BETTER. January 13th, 2025 was 59 WEEKS!

NEXT BLOG October 11th, 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.



THE LONG DROUGHT IS OVER. WE FINALLY HAVE OVERHEAD SURF AGAIN. A MASSIVE NOR'EASTER HAS GIVEN US MULTIPLE DAYS OF
OVERHEAD SURF.



Seems like forever since we had an overhead swell. And to not have a single Tropical Storm or Hurricane this season? Unheard of. How is that possible? The El Nino weather pattern was not in our cards. So this 5 day NOR'EASTER was just what the doctor ordered.

Finally, we had warm water and overhead surf. The best of early fall conditions. Albeit the swell hit on the weekend, and the crowds now-a-days are completely turned onto every conceivable angle, tide, and wind direction. The surfers today are well educated in knowing when and where to strike. And they showed up in masses. But local knowledge once again paid off. If you know when and where to hit it, that kind local knowledge pays off in huge dividends. Like Richie Sambataro shown (below).



And Kody Grondin (below) who was raised and nurtured in the local surf scene by his legendary father Kevin "DOC" Grondin. Having Kevin as your dad has allowed Kody to skip through the lines of learning and respect.



And if all of the above wasn't welcome enough, I finally broke down and purchased a new Camera and Lens. I bought the NIKON Z 8 with a 200-500mm lens. It's been a while since I had a new rig. How long has it been since I had a new camera? Well put it this way, they no longer repair my current camera the NIKON 7100. And believe it or not I still use the D7100. And still getting good results. Like the photo of Kody above and Courtney Rose. (below)



She paid her dues getting out there but once she found her way into the line-up she was able to pick off a few nice ones. I didn't get any of her rides in the video I posted at the top of the page. But I did get a few stills of her in the 9-26-26 gallery. So be sure to check her out.



THE NIKON Z 8 with a 200-500mm lens
I am embarrassed to say, this is the first big lens I have ever owned. All of my past lens were 300mm and under. So this next year or two should be interesting. I used to call the late Ed O'Connell "Ed BIG LENS O'Connell.

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 27th, 2026



This was taken on September 21st, 2010. Hard to believe that is considered old. But I suppose to some young 20 something grom is sure as hell is. It's funny because I remember this day and this photo when Ed first shot it. I can recall me asking him where did you find water that green? He just laughed. Funny thing is, I don't believe we ever ID'd that guy. So if you know who this is, tip him off. Or tip me off and I'll track him down.
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:

• Strand Books : Available as an online-only order fulfilled in 3–7 business days.
Books-A-Million : Listed in their online catalog.
Magers & Quinn Booksellers : Carried through their online bookstore inventory.
ThriftBooks : Available via their online marketplace platform

Google Books
https://books.google.com › ... › General
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

CLEVE BIGELOW PASSES AT AGE 78.



Local New England surfer/SUP rider Cleve Bigelow passed away recently. I don't know the details of his passing or if I have his correct age. I do know that he was not doing well these last few months.. I can't say that I was very close to Cleve but were were friendly enough in all the years I knew him. And those years date back to the early 70's. We surfed many times together over the years and I believe I wrote about him and his Great White Shark encounter in 2017 when he was attacked by a large Great White on Cape Cod.

Here's a clip from when he was attacked by the shark.



He also said his first thought was to warn kids nearby who were “learning (to surf) for the first time on foam boards” and “get them out of the water.”

Although he was alarmed by the the encounter, Bigelow said it wouldn’t stop him from going back in the water.

“I count my blessings from God because when I’m paddling, if I had been still prone and paddling and it bit there, I probably wouldn’t have an arm,” he said.

After being closed for several hours after the biting incident, Marconi Beach reopened for swimming around 2 p.m. Wednesday August 24th, 2027.

I spoke with him at length about his White Shark encounter. It was pretty hairy. We laughed about our mutual shark encounters and our encounters with the Mouth That Roared from Nahant. We both agreed that it was a toss up as to which was more unnerving. Cleve's White Shark Encounter or my two shark encounters compared to our many encounters with the mouth that roared back in the 70's and 80's at our old surf spot down in Mass.

In the end we both acknowledged that the real shark encounters posed a bigger threat to us than that loudmouth just barking at us.

REST IN PEACE CLEVE. I HOPE YOUR SURFING PERFECT WAVES. With your loved ones who have passed before you on the beach.

"SURFING HEALS ALL WOUNDS."

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! Avery is a beautiful and talented artist. She's the oldest of three of our daughter Gabby's kids. Avery was also the first grandchild to stand up on a surfboard!
We're all so proud of her and we all wish her the best.

We love you Avery!




Every single day there is something new with our POTUS. And it's typically something so trivial and so not worth our time and money, but he just can't seem to help himself. Just imagine if you will, if any of the past presidents had done any of the things that this guy does on a daily basis. Imagine if Bush, Obama, and Biden had wanted to add their name to the John F. Kennedy Center for Performing Arts. Seriously. Their heads would explode. And rightfully so. Because I would be bitching right along with everyone else. But there is NO bottom with this guy. His petty BS is like a bottomless pathetic pit.

Just once I'd like to see him stop contradicting himself and going back on all of his promises and lies. Just once. But as long as they continue to enable him, he and his family will continue to get richer, while the rest of us suffer at the gas pumps and grocery stores and especially our energy bills.

Wake up America before it's too late.




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 New engraving tools at Home Depot this week.

REST IN PEACE CLEVE BIGELOW
HAPPY 39th ANNIVERSARY Cory! October 10th, 2026!
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

FORTY ONE YEARS AGO AT THE WALL OCTOBER 11th, 1985.
This is a classic stance by someone who has been doing this for well over 50 years. And I can tell you with 100% certainty, that he still can do this today. I know this because I have personally been shooting Kevin since the early 70's. This stance in the barrel is his trademark stance. I can't tell you how many barrels I've seen him get over the years. It has to be in the thousands. Perhaps hundreds of thousands. Keep getting those deep barrels Doc. Show these young groms how it's done. Photo by Michael Baytoff
*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 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.

All photos taken this week unless otherwise noted.

Today- THE NO NAME NOR'EASTER DAY IV
SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 26th, 2026
Photos by RALPH



(Above) Kody Grondin surfed this session like a man possessed.
Saturday September 26th, 2026. 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.

Best EAST COAST Coverage on the Internet.

(Above) It was a regular three ring circus out there.
Saturday September 26th, 2026. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery



(Above) If this was a surf comp Kody Grondin would have won hands down.
Saturday September 26th, 2026. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

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.

(Above) Of course if you were a Goofy foot you had a distinct advantage.
Saturday September 26th, 2026. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery



(Above) Courtney Rose joined in on the action and got a couple of nice ones. Kody Grondin surfed this session like a man possessed.
Saturday September 26th, 2026. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

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.

(Above) Shayne Forsley has a great style both frontside and backside.
Saturday September 26th, 2026. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery



(Above) But make no mistake about it. Kody Grondin owned the session.
Saturday September 26th, 2026. 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) This guy's nickname is Maui something. He could surf.
Saturday September 26th, 2026. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) This is actually a VFG (video frame grab) of Kody Grondin.
Saturday September 26th, 2026. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery




(Above) These pretty yellow flowers may be gone tomorrow.
Saturday September 26th, 2026. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

SALTY PAWS DAYCARE NOW OPEN
Click on the Ad above for more info

Today- THE NO NAME NOR'EASTER DAY III
FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 25th, 2026
Photos by RALPH



(Above) Richie Sambataro ended up catching the wave of the day later on.
Friday September 25th, 2026. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) Ben Carboni was flying on this inside runner.
Friday September 25th, 2026. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery




(Above) I'm pretty sure this is Scott Campbell. He caught a bunch.
Friday September 25th, 2026. 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 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

(Above) I just found out this Goofyfoot is River Walker.
Friday September 25th, 2026. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery




(Above) This was the wave of the day. Richie Sambataro
Friday September 25th, 2026. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery




(Above) This is the same wave about 30 seconds later. Richie Sambataro.
Friday September 25th, 2026. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

Joe Carter, Brian Nevins, and Nick Lavecchia

Click on the ad above to visit their website



The art of Donna Ambassadorial

(Above) This guy surfs just like his father (and that is a huge compliment). Gavin O'Hara looks and surfs like his legend dad Stevie O'Hara.
Friday September 25th, 2026. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) This guy popped up and checked everybody out.
Friday September 25th, 2026. 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.

(Above) Even the main beach was showing signs of life.
Friday September 25th, 2026. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery




(Above) This was the last photo I shot this night. In front of our home.
Friday September 25th, 2026. Photo by RALPH
*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

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.

(Above) Kody Grondin carving his way back to the juice bar.
Thursday September 24th, 2026. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery



(Above) Jonah Kirby was all smiles on this beautiful day.
Thursday September 24th, 2026. 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) The sky was on fire. Thursday September 24th, 2026.
Photo by RALPH*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) The Harvest Moon. Thursday September 24th, 2026.
Photo by RALPH*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

Listen to QWILL on the video page.

(Above) I'm not gonna lie. I shot this with my cellphone.
Thursday September 24th, 2026. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

Today- THE NO NAME NOR'EASTER DAY III
FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 25th, 2026
Photos by Bob Costanzo



(Above) I'm pretty sure this is my friend Chris from South Carolina.
Friday September 25th, 2026. Photo by Bob Costanzo
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery




(Above) I'm glad Bob was out shooting too. I can't be everywhere.
Friday September 25th, 2026. Photo by Bob Costanzo
*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.

Click on the image above to see the cool ocean art
from Alex Walsh.

(Above) I'm especially glad Bob was shooting because he got one of my dear friend Johnny "JIM" Meehan Friday September 25th, 2026.
Photo by Bob Costanzo
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) Here's Chris again. Friday September 25th, 2026.
Photo by Bob Costanzo
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) Yup this is definitely Chris from South Carolina.
Friday September 25th, 2026. Photo by Bob Costanzo
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) And speaking of friends. Here's an old friend Johnny Reynolds.
Friday September 25th, 2026. Photo by Bob Costanzo
*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) My longest living surf friend/brother Jeff Crawford shot this on Saturday September 26th, 2026. Photo by Jeff Crawford
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery



(Above) This is me shooting with my new camera on 9-24-26.
Photo by Terence Kirby
*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 # 825 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 all week long and into next week

So, I'm picking Tuesday October 6th, 2026

September 27th, 2026

"So as much as he was dominating the surf session on Saturday. He (Kody) is not immune to eating a little crapola on the inside track. Ouchie wawa!"



(ABOVE) Not a fun place to be in water this shallow with nasty sharp rocks just below the surface. Photo by RALPH



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