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Who We Are

Surfing The Nations is a missional community built on the belief that faith, adventure, and service can transform lives and cities. We exist to see individuals discover purpose, grow in character, and live boldly for others through action sports, creative outreach, and local and global missions.

We believe life is meant to be lived fully—and that means stepping into the unknown with courage, choosing community over comfort, and growing in every area of life. From the streets of Wahiawa to nations around the world, our heart is to develop young people who live selflessly and love radically.

We envision a generation that adventures together to change the world—not just with words, but with action. By training and equipping leaders, serving communities, and leaning into the unexpected, we aim to see transformation ripple outward from the lives we invest in.

Our Core Values

Adventure: Doing things and going to places that are exciting, unusual, and risky.
Selfless Community: Doing life together while putting the needs of others above our own.
Growth: Pursuing spiritual, relational, emotional, financial, and character development in every season of life.

The Movement

Surfing The Nations was founded in 1997 at the back of the rainy Kalihi Valley, Oahu. Commissioned by their church to “color outside the lines,” Tom and Cindy Bauer launched something that became much more than an organization—it was a movement. Their mission was simple but bold: to change surf culture, one nation and one heart at a time. They taught surfers that a life of purpose meant serving, giving back, and loving God with everything.

INTERNSHIP AND IMPACT

As momentum grew, young people began showing up from around the world. In response, STN launched a formal internship program designed to help them dig roots into their faith and step into leadership. Through community living, local outreach, and immersive teaching, interns were equipped to live boldly for Christ and impact culture from the inside out. Staff and students alike were trained to become world-changing leaders in every sphere of influence.

Wahiawa HI

The growth continued—and so did the vision. STN outgrew Kalihi and prayed for a new home. The answer came in Wahiawa, a town overwhelmed by prostitution, addiction, and homelessness. It was the last place most people wanted to be, but the perfect place to bring light. Within a year, a 24-hour porn shop, liquor store, and strip club all shut down. Those buildings were redeemed and repurposed into life-giving, community-focused spaces that sparked hope in the heart of the city.

THE MISSION MOVES FORWARD

Now in its third decade, Surfing The Nations is more alive than ever. Our team is committed to raising up the next generation and passing the torch of faith, service, and bold living. We run international trips, local outreaches like our feeding program, and continue to build a global community centered on love and action. The story isn’t over—it’s just getting started. Join the movement and change the nations with us.

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