February 1st, 2026 The RUN is 21 out of 21 Weeks.
CRITERIA: Waist high or better at least once a week.
There were overhead waves on 1-26-26 and shoulder high on 1-27-26
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 February 15th, 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.
PATRIOTS WIN AFC CHAMPIONSHIP GAME. GOING TO SUPER BOWL LI! BIG SNOW STORM HITS WITH DECENT SURF. ANOTHER TOTALLY UNNECESSARY ICE SHOOTING. 3 MILLION PAGES FROM THE 6 MILLION PAGE EPSTEIN FILES RELEASED. DJT's NAME APPEARS OVER 1,000 TIMES.
THIS IS ALEX PRETTI. HE WAS A VA NURSE WHO CARED FOR SICK VETERANS. HE WAS SHOT 10 TIMES IN THE BACK BY ICE AGENTS ON JANUARY 24th, 2026. HIS DEATH, LIKE RENEE GOOD WAS TOTALLY UNNESSCESSARY.
I watched the video a dozen times. My wife was with me when we saw it. So it's not just me saying this. He was unarmed when he was shot. Yes he had a loaded gun with with him prior to the shooting, but there's a legal right to carry law in Minnesota. Even though The United States Secretary of Homeland Security (Dog Killer) Kristi Noem made some outrageous claim that he was there to inflict mass casualties and kill as many ICE agents as possible. As we all now know, this was 100% untrue.
And to make matters worse the President posted this.
And yet, the 2nd Amendment Warriors were tight lipped on this. Their King had just shot down what they all stand for and none of them uttered a single word to defend their right to carry. This is cowardice at the highest level. Alex Pretti was not some paid agitator that some have stated. He was a protester. In fact just watch the last video that shows exactly what happened the last day. NOT the video of him 11 days prior where he was getting into physical confrontations with ICE agents. Watch the last video of his life. And see the truth. See what your own eyes and ears tell you. Not some Orange faced Gasbag feeding you a line of bullshit.
Look, this was an unnecessary shooting. Just like Renne Good's shooting two weeks before. Believe your own eyes and ears. I know what I saw. And I know what I heard. Pretti's last words of his life was to the woman he was protecting. "Are you OK?" And two weeks prior Renee Good's last words were to the ICE agent who ended up killing her "That's fine dude, dude. I'm not mad at you." Chilling last words from both.
THE TRUTH OF THE EPSTEIN FILES WILL SET YOU FREE
Our president is a known liar. It's been documented many times over. He's a liar. I know what I heard when he was interviewed by Billy Bush on Hollywood Access. I heard him loud and clear how he bragged about meeting women and "Grabbing them by the p***y." You all heard it too.
And I know what he said on the Howard Stern show when he bragged about going backstage at the Miss Teen America pageant
as these young teens were naked and getting dressed. "Because I was the owner and allowed to inspect them." Disgusting. These were young girls 16 and under. Can you imagine? He said it on the Howard Stern show. Google it.
So his denial about being mentioned in the Epstein Files is BULLSHIT.
Of the 3 million pages that were released on January 30th, 2026 there were hundreds, perhaps thousands of pages that were completely REDACTED. In other words, just pages and pages of BLACK INK. What are they hiding? Who are they protecting?
Clinton? Trump? All of them.
Look I'm the father of two women, and grandfather of 5 granddaughters. The thought of
some older married man sexually abusing any young girl sickens me. And any of you MAGAMEN with young daughters and granddaughters should feel the same. There's no shame in standing up against this kind of crime. Just because you voted for him doesn't mean you have to stand by him once these allegations come to light. You made a mistake. We all make mistakes. There's no shame in admitting that.
The real shame is turning a blind eye to the women who were brave enough to stand up to them and speak up. I believe them. I stand with the women who have stood up to these men especially the orange one. And all you men out there who voted for him should do the same. BE A MAN and do the right thing. Be a REAL man and speak up for our wives, sisters, daughters, and granddaughters. Do the right thing.
"The forest was shrinking, but the trees kept voting for the axe, for the axe was clever and convinced the trees, that because his handle was made of wood, he was one of them."
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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 February 18th, 2026
This is a photo that Ed took of me during my year long surf campaign CATCH A WAVE FOR MOLLY. January 28th, 2011. Ed would always just show up on most days to help me document my mission. He was a loyal friend, and I miss him every single day. Photo c/o Ed O'Connell
*Click the photo above to see a larger version of Ed's Pic.
GOOD NEWS BAD NEWS. I WAS A BIT PREMATURE ON MY BOOK BEING RELEASED. PRE-ORDERS WILL BE AVAILABLE THE END OF FEBRUARY OF 2026.
I am so sorry for being such a failure at this book writing project. Hopefully once the book is out and those of you who actually purchase a copy and read it, that you will get a laugh or two out of my many misfortunes in life.
The book is in the hands of the publisher. Thanks for being so patient with me.
UPDATE: The book will be be available for pre-ordering in mid-February. The Online version will have all the stories and images. The printed version will only have the stories that I feel will be the most entertaining. I will post all the ordering info here on the Blog.
And this book will be available in both hard cover and soft cover on AMAZON, BARNES & NOBLE, INGRAM, GOOGLE BOOKS, and KOBO PUBLISHING.
SIGN THE PETITION TO KEEP OUR BEACHES FREE.
CLICK ON THE IMAGE ABOVE TO SIGN THE PETITION
The song in the video at the top of the page is by Rory Gallagher. I mentioned that we
THE NOR'EASTERS opened up for Rory at the Paradise. This is the poster from that show.
I remember looking over to stage left and seeing Rory watching me and my brother Johnny play. He smiled and gave us the thumbs up. I never forgot that.
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THE NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS BEAT THE DENVER BRONCOS IN THE AFC CHAMPIONSHIP GAME IN DENVER! FINAL SCORE 10-7.
THEY ARE ON THEIR WAY TO SUPER BOWL Ll
!
OK as hard as this is to believe, the NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS are on their way to the Super Bowl. They beat the Denver Broncos 10-7 in Denver in the AFC Championship game. Holy Crap Batman! I'm still in a semi state of shock. The Patriots beat the Broncos in Denver! In the AFC Championship game (sorry I had to repeat that again.) Mile High Stadium has always been a nightmare for all of the Patriots teams. Always. And granted their starting QB Bo Nix broke his ankle in the Divisional game against The Buffalo Bills.
Who by the way was my pick to win the Super Bowl this year.
It's true back in September I wanted the Bills to win. I figured the Patriots to win maybe 6-7 games under new coach Mike Vrabel. And I thought Drake Maye would have a better year than he did last year with the addition of getting Josh McDaniels back as the Offensive coordinator. But I honestly did not see any of this coming.
I really did want the Bills to take it all. Look nobody has suffered more than Buffalo in the playoffs. But once The Pats started doing so good throughout the season? Well, I was all in with the home team. Now here we are on the verge of possibly winning title number 7. Unbelievable.
 
The Seattle Seahawks vs The New England Patriots. Drake Maye of the Patriots vs Sam Darnold of the Seahawks. Darnold was once a JETS QB and we smoked him. So we are kind of familiar with him. But that was not this team or their team. And look nobody can forget what happened the last time The Patriots played the Seahawks in the Super Bowl. The final minute of the game the Hawks were down by 4 points. Pete Carroll had the league's BEST running back with Marshawn Lynch.
The Hawks had the ball on the Pats 1 yard line. All he had to do was give Lynch the ball four times (if needed) and they win. And not only win but win "back to back" Super Bowl victories. So what did Pete do? He called a pass play. And well, Russell Wilson threw that pass and Malcolm Butler
became a hero that day by intercepting the pass. Game over Patriots win.
And Pete Carroll along with half of Seattle went on suicide watch.
It was that bad. But to be fair, this is not the same Seattle team nor is this the same
Patriots team. Nope. Both teams are here for a reason. And by the end of the day next Sunday February 8th, 2026 one of these two teams will be Super Bowl Champions.
I like our chances, I think the Patriots win another nail biter.
LET'S GO PATRIOTS!
REST IN PEACE TO THE SEVEN SOULS ON THE LILY JEAN
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There's nothing sadder in the fishing industry than to lose one of your local boats with a local crew on-board. These men and women who venture out into the unforgiving cold, and biting wind, with frigid cold water temps to find fish for those of us who love fish, face these kinds of dangers every time they shove off. The tragedy of this sinking really hit home in Gloucester MA over the weekend, when seven souls on-board the Lily Ann were lost. A father and son were among the list of the missing.
As a longtime winter surfer, I know how cold the ocean can be in the dead of winter. It can be unforgiving. I pray that they were at peace at the end when the cold took over. And that they were welcomed into heaven by the loving hands of God.
"HAVING A DEEP FAITH HEALS ALL WOUNDS."
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PLEASE KEEP THE PRAYERS COMING FOR SKY ROSA.
He's doing great. I recently saw him and he looks as good as he has ever looked. Defying the experts at every turn. His passion for life and surfing is still strong. And I really noticed his blue eyes the last time I saw them. I even said to him "Your eyes are Sky Blue." He laughed. But it's true. Sky Blue Eyes.
MEANWHILE BACK ON GRAMP'S AND MIMI'S FARM
As most of my friends and family know, I don't play out that much anymore. I mean who wants to hear an old man singing songs he wrote in the 70's and 80's? Nobody that's who.
However, when the grandkids come by? Well that's a whole other story. They love it when I make up songs about them and our pets. And you know what? I love playing for them. So granted, I'm not out there rocking like the days of my youth, but I am still playing and still making them dance and sing. And really that's what playing music is all about for me. Having fun and making people happy.
Our boy Khaliddy could not pass up the opening night of the long awaited documentary of our beloved First Lady Melania. Most of us know that Khaliddy is not one for the arts in general. And to be honest here, he didn't know much about this film other than the director was Brett Ratner and well, if you Google his name you will find out that Brett Ratner has been accused of sexual assault by a number of women in Hollywood. Yup.
So I guess Melania was in familiar territory with Brett. I swear you can't make this shit up. From what I hear, MELANIA the movie, is not doing well at the box office nor are the reviews. But hey, Amazon paid her $40 million to do the film. Damn. Those Trumps are beyond filthy rich. With a strong emphasis on filthy.
KSM did write a review, albeit a short one:
"Melania is a waste of time. I'd rather be waterboarded a dozen times over again than have to sit through that bullshit. I give it One star out of five." The GITMO GAZETTE.
Nice work Sheiky.
And so my friends, please take advantage of this weekly photo shop of the mastermind who planned 9-11 and resulted in the deaths of 3,000 innocent civilians by KSM (Khalid Sheik Mohammed). *Note to self -must pick up a case of MELANIA Popcorn boxes at Home Depot this week.
PLEASE KEEP SKY ROSA in your Thoughts and Prayers.
REST IN EVERLASTING PEACE Kim Grondin 1957-2025
REST IN PEACE Ivan Stanek 1953-2026
GET WELL SOON Jon Gozzo!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY Jesse Ciarmataro February 17th!
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY Judith and John Rastl February 23rd
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 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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15 YEARS AGO. ME WALKING THROUGH THE KNEE DEEP SNOW DURING MY CATCH A WAVE FOR MOLLY SURF CAMPAIGN.
This photo by Ed O'Connell at the "Area" in Rye, NH was a memorable day. I had to d some serious shoveling and snow blowing to get out of my driveway this day. But alas my dear friends, I cleared the driveways and caught my wave this day and Ed was there to capture it all.
Photo by Ed O'Connell
*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- FIRST BIG SNOW SWELL OF 2026 1-26-26
Photos by RALPH
(Above) The waves in the morning were impressive.
January 26th, 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) But because there was no parking, nobody was out.
January 26th, 2026. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
(Above) However down the road a piece it was wide open.
January 26th, 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) I count three separate hollow sections. How about you?
January 26th, 2026. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
(Above) My son-in-law Pete checking the possibilities.
January 26th, 2026. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
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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.
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(Above) Paddler's perspective.
January 26th, 2026. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
(Above) When I asked this guy what his name was he asked, "Why did you take my photo or something?" I answered "Yeah, something like that."
January 26th, 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) I never saw him before, but he said his name was Josh Wink.
January 26th, 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) So if any of you know Josh Wink, let him know about these photos.
January 26th, 2026. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
(Above) Two Pileated Woodpeckers in our backyard.
January 26th, 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- The NEXT DAY January 27th, 2026
Photos by RALPH
(Above) Who is that lying in the snow in front of Matt Colby?
January 27th, 2026. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
(Above) The waves were smaller but a lot cleaner. And colder.
January 27th, 2026. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
(Above) Colby, Max, and a couple of other guys had it to themselves.
January 27th, 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) This is a winter scene in New Hampshire.
January 27th, 2026. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
(Above) "Your my blue sky your my sunny day."
January 27th, 2026. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
(Above) This line-up looks enticing but trust me, it was freaking cold. i
January 27th, 2026. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
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Joe Carter, Brian Nevins, and Nick Machiavelli
Click on the ad above to visit their website
The art of Donna Ambassadorial
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(Above) The snow tracks lead to cold peaks.
January 27th, 2026. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
(Above) unknown Goofy foot. New Hampshire.
January 27th, 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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Today- ED MORAN GALLERY January 26th & 27th, 2026
Photos by Ed Moran
(Above) Nice backside carve on a freezing cold day.
January 26th-27th, 2026. Photo by Ed Moran
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
(Above) This might be the same Goofyfoot as above.
January 26th-27th, 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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(Above) This drone shot might rub some folks the wrong way.
January 26th-27th, 2026. Photo by Ed Moran
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
(Above) That's a nice wave.
January 26th-27th, 2026.
Photo by Ed Moran
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
(Above) The wind was just right for this spot.
January 26th-27th, 2026. Photo by Ed Moran
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
(Above) This looks like Ryan McGill.
But I might be mistaken.
January 26th-27th, 2026. Photo by Ed Moran
*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+
Jimmy Dunn and Kelsey Grammer
Click the image above or below to see more.
Click on the ad above to visit her Facebook page.
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(Above) Goofyfoot leaning into a windswept section.
January 26th-27th, 2026. Photo by Ed Moran
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
(Above) Good bottom turn on a really nice looking wave.
January 26th-27th, 2026. Photo by Ed Moran
*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) Exit Stage right.
January 26th-27th, 2026.
Photo by Ed Moran
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
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Today- THE AFC CHAMPIONSHIP GAME
January 25th, 2026. Photos by RALPH
(Above) The run by Drake Maye that broke the Broncos back.
Late in the 4th qtr.
January 25th, 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) My favorite play of the game. The Victory formation.
January 25th, 2026. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
(Above) The presenting of the AFC Championship trophy by Adam Vinateri to owner Bob Kraft.
January 25th, 2026. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
(Above) The presenting of the 50th Anniversary of the End of the Vietnam War by Bob Kraft to me in 2018 at Gillette.
November 2018.
Photo by Cory Fatello
*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- SNOW DAY WITH ZORRO January 25th, 2026
Photos by RALPH
(Above) Zorro in the snow. January 25th, 2025. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
(Above) 8 degrees from zero. January 25th, 2025. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
(Above) Zorro pointing in the snow. January 25th, 2025.
Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
(Above) The marsh. January 25th, 2025. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
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SID ABRUZZI'S AMAZING DOCUMENTARY IS NOW STREAMING ON AMAZON, APPLE TV, and iTUNES.
CLICK ON THE IMAGE ABOVE TO SEE WHERE YOU CAN WATCH THE MOVIE.
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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) Speaking of backyards. Photo by Cap'n Chambo
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
(Above) And more backyard shots. Steve Ray Vaughan at Winter Island played in Salem MA back in the day Photo by Jeff Crawford
*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 # 812 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 February 2nd, 2026....
I'm picking Monday February 2nd, 2026 as the best day of the
next two weeks.
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February 1st, 2026
"I suppose I could still practice my 3 point shots. But no way I can do any layups."
(ABOVE) This is pretty big snow bank. Damn is it ever.
Photo by RALPH
Click here to return to TOP of the page
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Click here to read Shaun Tomson's first book.
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