The night was jammed packed with so much going on: live music in the coffee bar, live art painting by Robert McDaniel, Eukaretz, Mario Quezada, Patrick Parker, and Clark Takashima, dance performances by the Ulu Pono kids, and over 100 pieces of art to admire.

We were also so blessed by having acclaimed surf photographer, Jim Russi join us for the evening as our guest speaker!

The evening had a global focus, hence the theme Tied Together. “We saw this theme manifest itself on a local scale as the community joined together in support of the youth of Wahiawa and the appreciation of art,” said Ulu Pono director Emily Jones.

All the Ulu Pono groms were amped by the turn out! Thank you to all who came and supported this event!

Surfing the Nations has been blessed with six hand-shaped surfboards sponsered and shaped by the former Californian but now local shaper Dave Odell. It has been the 3rd year in a row that the gifted shaper has sponsored the shortboard divisions of the Freedom Surf Contest.

Dave Odell has been following his dream of shaping his own branded surfboards. The young surfer with a heart for shaping surfboards is alined with what Surfing The Nations stands for – “surfers giving back”. His love for the community and his longing to see young people’s lives be put into the right direction is what drives him the most. Dave Odell uses his passion to inspire the youth to pursue their dreams and to make the best out of what life has in store for them. Shaping surfboards is his way to impact and give back to the community.

Surfing the Nations, is proud to partner with surfboard shapers such as Dave Odell.

Be sure to check out his surfboards at SurfboardsbyDave.com

Today Surfing The Nations said a hui hou (translated from Hawaiian, until we meet again) to our resident big-wave surfer and local Georgian, Matt Rowland. After 4 years of working with Surfing The Nations in Hawaii and overseas in Indonesia, Matt is moving on to bigger and better things. He has been instrumental in Surfing The Nations’ international work and has pioneered our outreach on the island of Lombok, Indonesia, home to the famous world-class surf break Desert Point. Locally he has been a key player in the facelift of our Wahiawa base and has inspired many interns and staff to catch bigger waves and GO!

We are grateful for the years of service and we would like to wish Matt the best of luck as he pursues the next step in his life of selfless service.

Godspeed Matt!

This 3-day camp will be filled with lessons in paddle boarding, kayaking, swimming and surfing! Also in store are guest speakers, beach games, movie nights and of course BBQs! This camp is free of charge for those ages 18 and under who are seeking adventure. So whether you’re new to surfing or charge like a pro, be sure to be there April 13-15!

Get amped!

Intending to learn the Bangla language Kristin left for a three-month school in Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh. She is gaining a grasp for the language to promote a long-term union with the nation of Bangladesh and Surfing The Nations, in order that the longevity of what STN has been helping to support would be strengthened by committed volunteers to that nation.

Ulu Pono, translated as “To Thrive on a Righteous Path,” is our after-school children’s program. We’re passionate about seeing our neighborhood kids reach their full potential while fostering a fun environment where learning, doing homework and growing in character are encouraged.

Ulu Pono is 2 months into our three-month long semester. The semester’s theme is ‘Tied Together’. The kids are currently learning about art and dance from around the world. The theme ‘Tied Together’ has been used to teach the kids that we are all connected, and for this reason, they have responsibility to bring positive change to their community.

Our bi-annual Thriving Arts Program is a course that creates an environment of growth through dance, music and fine arts. The semester ends with the ‘Ohai Ho’ike, an art show where the children can showcase all that they have learned in a community celebration.

Through this program we’ve see the kids open their eyes to the needs of those around them, take an interest in global issues and in the kids around the world who live entirely differently to them. Their world view is expanding beyond the parameters of Wahiawa and is rising up a whole new level of possibilities.

The kids are taking huge steps in preparation for the Ho’ike Art Show, Saturday, April 7th! Encouragement for today feeds hope for tomorrow. Get excited for this event!

TIED TOGETHER – ART SHOW
FEATURING ACCLAIMED HAWAIIAN ARTISTS:
MARK BROWN, KIMI WERNER, CLARK TAKASHIMA, ETC.

PLUS
A NEW BOOK SIGNING BY JIM RUSSI
“FLYING THROUGH THE CLOUDS”

FREE ADMISSION, ALL WELCOME
SATURDAY, APRIL 7TH
6PM-10PM.

55 KAMEHAMEHA HWY, WAHIAWA
(GATEWAY TO THE NORTH SHORE)

Spreading Aloha one shaka at a time.

39 new faces from over 5 countries have arrived in Wahiawa for 3 months to surf and serve in our January 2012 Internship class. Throughout the week they are feeding the hungry, tutoring children, administering surf lessons, as well as surfing and enjoying the beautiful Hawaiian atmosphere.

Join our next Internship beginning May 2012.

Meet the new addition to our STN Ohana, surfers giving back!

The team just got back from a mini adventure trip to the Kealia trail in west O’ahu. They were put to the test to see just how well they could survive off the land with not much else but a flint and a can of soup for dinner. The trip was amazing and the view at the top of the mountain was nothing less than breathtaking.
Whether we were making a music video or trying to untangle a 15 person human knot, this outing was full of laughs and good vibes. This trip set the tone for a year of challenges, adventures and growth for the entire team.

Current SLS Students are Jason Bauer, Anna Costa, Lila Desatoff, Kyle Greenhalgh, Kirsten Jackson, Linda Johansson, Kelly Lind, John Mendonca, Tim Orris, Mike Slagter, Ryley Snyder.