Directors
Tom Bauer
Founder/DirectorThe concept of integrating surfing and humanitarian work began with the vision of founder Tom Bauer. As a young boy who loved surfing, he found himself caught in the characterization of the surf culture as a one marked by drugs, partying and self-centeredness. After fully grasping the concept that surfing and giving back can actually go hand-in-hand, Tom committed his life to mobilizing surfers to be leaders of change in our community. Tom has more than 40 years of experience in outreach leadership and at 60 years old he says the Surfing The Nations ministry is "just getting started."
tom@surfingthenations.com
Cindy Bauer
Founder/DirectorCindy is the loving wife of Tom Bauer. She lives out her passion every day to challenge and raise up new leaders. Her love for teaching, listening, caring and helping others has taken STN to where it is today. The combination of "Tom and Cindy" and her deep love for her family and the STN Ohana is contagious. You won't go through the Surfing The Nations program without meeting Cindy and you won't leave without her having an impact on your life. Cindy is a happy vegan and won't hesitate to teach you a few things about coagulating soy milk products.
cindy@surfingthenations.com
Charis Bauer
Director of OperationsCharis pronounced like "charismatic," is exactly what she is about Surfing The Nations. With her love, passion, and belief in our organization she loves opening doors and exploring new ideas to serve the STN Ohana. Ideas that lead to change in Hawaii and beyond. Charis is the Hawaii Director and likely to wake up at night with a new favorite song, good news, or just wants to hangout and do a 7-11 run. She graduated from Azusa Pacific University with a degree in Business Administration and an alumni of Moanalua High School. She loves being with people and living Hawaii. She has specific interests in California, Australia, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Philippines and loves surfing, skating, music, and playing guitar.
charis@surfingthenations.comFeeding The Hungry
Taylor Gibler
Feeding The Hungry DirectorTaylor is a one of a kind dude who finds it hard to pinpoint where exactly he is from. He loves playing his guitar in a quiet space, playing drums in a loud space, and when people are doing both he likes dancing all around the place! Friends and relationships are the most important thing to Taylor, and delights in a simple connection with another human being. If he is not painting wild colors on a makeshift canvas you can find him domishraging the gnarnia on O‘ahu’s North Shore. Taylor has a passion for people and has dedicated his life to sharing hope and love with them in any way he can. And holds true to the fact that if he were an animal, he would be a grizzly bear in far North.
taylor.gibler@surfingthenations.com
Catie Costa
Feeding The Hungry StaffCatie is your token Montana chick. She loved hiking and snowboarding at home but traded her snow boots in for "local kine slippahs". Now she is enjoying the sand between her toes and the warm Hawaiian sun on her back. She has a passion for all the "uncles" and "aunties" at STN's Feeding the Hungry and it's her joy to see them leave her better than when they came. Through her joyful, bubbly spirit, it's not hard to see that this happens on a daily basis. Her distinctive laugh will get your attention but that's her point, she lives life by the motto that says "laughing is contagious."
catie.costa@surfingthenations.com
Ulu Pono
Emily Jones
Thriving Arts DirectorThe southern town that ''EmJ'' is from may be small, but her dreams and desires to go have always been big! At age 13 she started traveling internationally and acquired a bad case of wanderlust. After a year working at a private school in England and studying education, that wanderlust eventually led her to Hawaii and STN. She has a passion to see children live life to its fullest and is currently serving as the director of Ulu Pono Kids. EmJ's goal is to have the children of Wahiawa exposed to the opportunities that are before them, providing them with the tools and confidence to go after their dreams, and helping them see that they can make a positive difference in their world no matter how small they are. EmJ loves the children of Wahiawa and will continue to travel the world advocating for children of all countries.
emily.jones@surfingthenations.com
Janelle Cadamia
Ulu Pono StaffJanelle would like to thank her parents for the turtle shaped kiddie pool they bought her at age four. It was those endless hours of swimming and pretending that she too was a tiny turtle, that birthed a love in her for the ocean and Hawaii. Growing up in British Columbia, Canada, Janelle couldn't imagine a world of surfing that didn't involve long road trips and thick neoprene swimming attire. After stumbling upon Surfing The Nations while vacation in 2008, she was immediately drawn into the STN ohana and lived out her childhood dream of surfing in the warm, crystal clear waves of the north shore. When not in the water, Janelle likes to be behind the lens. Her passion for photography and desire to use it to communicate the world around her had always driven her to pursue her career as a freelance photographer. Janelle saw how STN chose to live a lifestyle of reaching out to their surrounding community and not only enjoying life in the islands but also giving back to them. When she discovered that she could combine both surfing and international travel, along with her photography to bring hope to un-reached people, she knew what was next for her. After a quick trip home to say goodbye to her turtle pool, her family and her maple syrup, she soon returned to Hawaii and joined Surfing The Nations. She is now a full-time staff volunteer as media coordinator and local and international photojournalist. Photography and surfing has since evolved from a small childhood dream to a practical vehicle to take her all over the world.
janelle@surfingthenations.com
Emily Gettis
Ulu Pono StaffThis funky, creative, homegrown Washingtonian is a genuine Northwest Sweetheart. Whether you're in need of a good laugh or looking to get one, Emily's got you covered! She's a little bit shy, a little bit sassy and a whole lot of free spirit! She shines in nature, can’t wait to grow a beautiful garden, has great taste in music and a dream list for days. Emily trekked out to Hawaii in January 2011 and found a home in Wahiawa at STN.
emily.gettis@surfingthenations.comInternational
Kristin Flynn
International Outreach DirectorKristin, 28, originally from New Jersey, has served with Surfing The Nations, since 2004 after graduating from Cedarville University with degree in International Studies and TESOL. As one of the pioneering women in the International Department, she has experienced wild adventures in countries such as Papua New Guinea, Morocco, Indonesia, Bangladesh, Iran and Sri Lanka to name a few. Kristin is radically committed to pouring hope, love and purpose into the lives of women and young girls all over the world. Locally you can find Kristin surfing at her favorite breaks, Chuns and White Plains, hosting the occasional dinner party and practicing her new jersey accent which is always a crowd favorite ; )
kristin@surfingthenations.com
Zach Trein
Hailing from the state of Florida, Zach is one of eight children. He graduated from Nyack University studying intercultural studies and uses that knowledge and passion in the international department here at Surfing The Nations. Zach's heart for outreach extends to the poverty-stricken country of Bangladesh, where he wants to share his wisdom of surfboard care. When Zach isn't smiling his huge smile, he is quietly and sneakily being hilarious. He's your man for fixing surfboards and rocking some awesomely short shorts while ripping up the waves, usually at Lani's, his favorite surf spot.
zach@surfingthenations.com
Robert McDaniel
Leaving the Hollywood production industry working on sets like the Hannah Montana Musical, his humble spirit, willingness to work hard no matter what the task and do it with style makes Robert who he is. He can jam on the guitar and while playing the harmonica. He can grow a beard like a lumberjack but at the end of the day if you need him he'll be there. He spends a lot of his days working on the STN property, tearing down walls, fixing the plumbing issues and laying fresh paint. Whether it's locally or international he enjoys getting his hands dirty and making a difference.
robert@surfingthenations.com
Cody Carothers
Sri Lanka TeamCody Carothers has no greater joy then his wife Tiffany and two boys Koda and Kenai. He revels in adventure and loves anything to do with water. He grew up in Arizona on Lake Powell fishing, hunting, wakeboarding, and learning to surf behind boats. These hobbies turned into passions and have taken Cody all over the world to places like Chile, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Maldives, and the Philippines. He has had a bear steal fish from his stringer and a 10’ tiger shark try to do the same, while spear fishing. His sons Koda who is 3 years old and Kenai who is 1, take turns surfing with their dad. When they can find a babysitter Tiffany and Cody have a blast tandem surfing together. Cody is also skilled and licensed in many areas of construction and has 8 years experience keeping a college size facility up and running. Although Cody loves his hobbies and adventures he has found that making true friendships through loving and helping hands with no agendas, is the ultimate in fulfillment. Through his travels he has fallen in love with Sri Lanka and its people and now calls it his home.
go@surfingthenations.com
Tiffany Carothers
Sri Lanka TeamTiffany Carothers is a loving wife to her amazing husband Cody and mommy to two adorable little surfer boys. Tiffany thrives when spending time with her family outdoors. She enjoys surfing, snowboarding, wakeboarding, hiking, camping, family fishing trips, beach volleyball, and playing on playgrounds and at the beach with her sons Koda and Kenai. Tiffany finds serenity in playing her guitar, date nights with her husband, enjoying a cup of coffee with a friend, and spending time with her family. Tiffany has traveled all over the world including Cambodia, Indonesia, Philippines, Thailand, Syria, Sri Lanka, Mexico, and Canada. She loves learning about new cultures and diverse people, foods, and traditions. Tiffany and her family live in Sri Lanka where they run the Surfing The Nations Surf Center there. She loves teaching swimming and surf lessons, playing with the local kids, hanging out with friends and neighbors, humanitarian work, and eating curry.
go@surfingthenations.com
Pontus Engberg
Sri Lanka TeamPontus is a true Swede but you wouldn’t know it since he is seen as a local no matter where in the world he finds himself. It’s this unique ability of his to synchronize into the cultures that surround him – whether its in Hawaii, Australia, Sri Lanka, or any number of the South Pacific nations he’s lived and worked in. Pontus is friendly, easy to get along with, loves surfing, spear fishing, and full of fun facts and knowledge. Pontus’ gift to learn new languages and be contextual has made him a key player in the development of STN’s Sri Lankan Surf Base, of which he has been a part since 2008. He has been shining his light and loving communities around the world since his beginnings with STN in 2007.
pontus.engberg@surfingthenations.com
Andy Lister
Sri Lanka TeamAndy is an Aussie who has been with Surfing the Nations since 2007. Andy Lister is a part of the community. His incarnate living there has integrated him in to the community and allowed him to be impactful with locals and tourists alike. He has seen the good, bad, and ugly of A-bay and still chooses to spend his time pouring into the people there. He can be quiet at times, enjoys alone adventures often, and he truly has a heart to see Arugam Bay changed for Christ. He is full of insight in regards to incarnational living and Sri Lankan culture especially in A-Bay, so ask him questions. He’d be happy to share his insight with you for sure!
andy.lister@surfingthenations.comInternship
Zach Ifland
Internship DirectorZach Ifland is a 26 year old, former Huntington Beach, California local and graduated from Azusa Pacific University with a BA in Organizational Communication. Zach is an all around waterman who loves the outdoors, surfing, and boating. If he's not snowboarding with friends and family, crewing yachts, shaping surf boards for friends, or coordinating charity events for the Action Sports Industry, he is leading mentorship groups and loving on the sphere of influence around him. Zach has traveled and surfed all over the world and aspires to launch an adventure leadership yachting program. He looks forward to changing lives and communities for the better and feels "living outside of the box" is a great fit for anyone willing to risk living life radically.
zach.ifland@surfingthenations.com
Megan Phillips
RegistrarMegan grew up on the sunny coast of Florida and comes from a long line of beach lovers. She is the proud older sister of four brothers and four sisters and hopes they will all move to Wahiawa one day soon! Megan credits any surfing ability she has to her Dad and the sessions spent fighting her brothers for waves at Playalinda Beach. She credits her Mom with instilling in her a desire to help others overcome obstacles and chase their own dreams. When she is not out in the water, dancing to her favorite tunes, jogging, or doing Pilates you might find her daydreaming about the tree-house she would love to live in one day. Megan graduated from the University of Central Florida, and in her former life she worked as a legislative aide in the Florida Senate. A desire to become a servant leader drew her to trade her heels for slippers and join the STN team. She is stoked to be able to use her passion for mentoring and coaching as she works with the interns at STN.
megan.phillips@surfingthenations.com
Rahel Apuna
Internship StaffWith such a love and passion for Hawaii, Rahel should have been born in the Islands. In 2003 she escaped cold Switzerland and made her first journey over the sea to go to school and to get a tan on Waikiki Beach and totally fell in love with this place and the people. While tanning on the beach, Rahel met a volunteer from Surfing The Nations. After feeling inspired and motivated to live her life with greater purpose, Rahel soon returned to Hawaii to become a STN volunteer herself. She has been volunteering for the past 7 years and is excited to see our “hale” being changed one day at a time! And soon her dream will come true to be “partly Hawaiian”.
rahel@surfingthenations.com
Anna Strandberg
Internship StaffAnna Strandberg loves life and people and is happy to share this love with Hawaii as much as she can! She had promised her parents to not fall in love with an American – but fell in love with Hawaii, the people and STN instead. After a quick trip home to Sweden to say goodbye to her family, friends, the snow and Swedish milk, she returned and knew this was the place to be. Anna has a passion for a lot of things, but her last name translated to ”beach-mountain” says it all - adventures, challenges, travelling, skiing and the newest - surfing. The latter has already led to several cuts, bruises, sinus infections and ear infections. At only 19, she hopes to grow as a leader, plan a lot of fun events, adventures and inspire and guide young people. Her favorite things in the world include science, engineering, ministry work and a lots of laughter.
anna.strandberg@surfingthenations.com
Andy Keeffe
Internship Event FacilitatorLike most Aussies Andy absolutely froths on surfing. Brought up on the beautiful beaches of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Andy has an affinity with the ocean, meat pies, and small crappy waves. After doing his internship in 2010, Andy returned home but has recently come back to STN Hawaii to do Surfers Leadership School. During the last year he ventured to STN Sri Lanka and quickly developed a heart for the people of Arugam Bay. To combine his passion for building, people and surfing in over there was a dream come true. If the surf is flat you will probably find this guy with a guitar under his arm jamming to some John Butler tunes or watching an episode of MacGuyver drinking a hot coffee with plenty of sugar and milk.
andy.keeffe@surfingthenations.com
Hanna Efraimsson
Internship Event FacilitatorComing all the way from Sweden, Hanna is a total charger! She learned to surf on the North Shore of Hawaii and might be the best female surfer to come out of Sweden. Her huge heart and absolute thrive for adventure brought her to steps of Surfing The Nations. Hanna absolutely loves kids. The Ulu Pono children love her genuine interest and they are drawn to her because they know she really loves them. Hanna’s love will change lives and in turn change hers.
hanna.efraimsson@surfingthenations.com
Leadership Development / SLS
Jonathan Foster
SLS DirectorDon't be confused by his big smile and gentle nature, Jonathan is fiercely fervent in leading you toward finding your passion and making you feel comfortable in your own skin. He surfed over here on his longboard from San Diego, California after working with the humanitarian based clothing company, Jedidiah. Jonathan believes in identifying each person's creativity and applying it, as shown with his use of videography to document Surfing The Nations' outreaches. He is currently honing in his teaching skills with the Surfers Leadership School (SLS). He embraces his Filipino side in being faithfully involved with the Philippines outreach and cooking chicken adobo (among many other dishes).
jonathan@surfingthenations.com
Whitney Willett
SLS StaffWhitney is the funkified friend you've always wanted. She got a passion for the poor and a hunger for action. You always know when this Taiwan born classic is coming your way from her jingling anklets and contagious laugh. She's serious about serving, serious about social action, and using her life to make a difference. Need inspiration? Want to talk for hours over tea? Want to watch a Bollywood movie? Make a new friend in Whitney. Whitney took her own course in life and finally graduated from Azusa Pacific University in 2010 with a degree in Global Studies. Her journey took her to a semester in the City of Angels where she partook in an inner city immersion program where she learned about the injustices and systems of the world which completely changed her life. She took a year off college and became aware of her Creator’s intimate wonderful love for her and found how incredibly beautiful the faces of the poor and marginalized are. For a year she journeyed to the wild, colorful, historic, absolutely beautiful India where she gained even more children into the international community of her heart. Her heart beats for culture, passions and the poor.
whitney.willett@surfingthenations.com
Chris Rehrer
SLS StaffOnce an avid snowboarder, and duck hunter, Chris turned in his snowboard for a surf board and his duck hunting for wave hunting. When here in Hawaii you can find him where the swell is, his long redish locks swiping in the air as he gets barreled at Pipe. While leading teams internationally you can find him sitting and drinking tea from the most sketchy shacks on the side of the road, or eating the food that his teammates can't/won't eat. Graduating from Azusa Pacific University in 2005 with a degree in Youth Ministry and a minor in Spanish, Chris has served as the International Trip Director for several years and has led numerous trips all around the world. His love for surfing and the surf community have allowed him to surf some of the best waves this world has to offer
chris@surfingthenations.com
Kristof Menor
He's got a willing smile and spare "shaka" for just about anyone so, don't tell this California boy he's not local. He came to Hawaii in his late teens for adventure, left the country for a few years but, eventually made it back here and married Liz, who is on staff at STN. Kristof has a powerful story of redemption and will express it with a paint brush, a spray paint can or a rubber glove and ink on canvas like very few people can. Some of his favorite avenues of "giving back" is when he gets to travel around Hawaii and the world teaching others how the street art of graffiti can be redeemed into something meaningful and positive. Currently, he works outside STN as a tattoo artist and makes his appearance at STN events on occassion.
kristof.menor@surfingthenations.comBusiness Operation
Jeff Canada
You can find him at the Surfers Coffee Bar. Bio coming soon...
jeff@surfingthenations.com
Liz Menor
Development AdministratorEven as a little girl, Liz dreamed of living a life of adventure and purpose. Little did she know that part of that adventure would be had right in her own backyard! That's why she has labeled herself a "homebody missionary". This authentic "Oahu" girl was born and raised just a short car ride away from her current residence in Wahiawa with STN. Liz is passionate about Hawaii and it's people, and hopes to bring the spirit of Aloha with her wherever she serves. When Liz isn't busy researching grants, collecting in-kind donations, or teaching kids on the Waianae coast how to swim, she loves (with a capital "L") collecting quotes and playing "wordsmith" when writing just about anything. Along with her talented husband Kristof, there's no telling what purposeful adventure she'll embark on next.
liz.menor@surfingthenations.com
Renée Arnold
STN Sweden LiasonMeet Renee, a Washingtonian turned Hawaiian. She arrived in Oahu in 2005 and hasn't been able to leave. She has a passion for Grandmas, sewing new creations from thrift shop treasure, and you can find her anywhere by the sound of her laugh. Her M.O. is gypsy headbands of every color, every kind, every size - she has a heart for everything, except shave ice. She found Surfing The Nations while at the University of Hawaii and fell in love when she spent a summer in Sri Lanka. Her dreams include the nations, adventure, and living a life of purpose.
renee.arnold@surfingthenations.com
Sanna Parker
Office AdministratorWith a Swedish mother and an American father, Sanna has always had her heart in two countries. As a kid in middle school she would draw surfers and palm trees all over her notebooks, and now she can finally call Hawaii "home". Her favorite thing to do is laugh and you can count on spontaneous bursts of laughter echoing through the halls of Surfing The Nations (and often several blocks away). Her second love is traveling and she hopes to go on many outreaches with STN in a not so far away future. Since moving to Hawaii she has fallen in love with surfing, wearing crazy one-pieces, the neighborhood kids, and walking everywhere barefoot. There is no place she'd rather be than right here, learning how to be a better leader, meeting amazing people everyday, and impacting Wahiawa in a positive way.
sanna.parker@surfingthenations.comCommunity Impact Wahiawa
Emily Clark
Wahiawa Team LeaderWashingtonian born and raised, took a 6 hour flight in June of 2009 to the island of Oahu, where Emily fell in love with the Surfing the Nations Ohana and Wahiawa community. Emily is passionate about serving the locals of Hawaii. If she is not cruising around on a skateboard, you'll find her jammin' on the guitar or drums. After trading her basketball for a surfboard she is amped to now call Wahiawa home.
emily.clark@surfingthenations.com
Steven Buse
Wahiawa TeamSteven Buse is 18 years old, and was raised on the Hawaiian island of Molokai. Steven met STN for the first time on one of their outreaches to Molokai, and then 3 years later he is now on staff working on the Community Impact Wahiawa team well as Internship Staff. Steven is an all around local boy who has a passion to body board, skate, and hunt on land and sea.
steven.buse@surfingthenations.com
Brendon Johnson
Wahiawa TeamBrendon Johnson has been fully absorbed into STN and Hawaii ever since he landed on Oahu 3 years ago. Having grown up in the Philippines with his missionary parents, Brendon just can't seem to leave the ocean life. Hmmm, no wonder the thought of any schooling led him to join the U.S. Coast Guard for four years instead! With a love for anything water such as surfing, sailing and spearfishing, Brendon wants to share this passion to anyone who is willing to take a chance to try something out of their comfort zone. If there is anything He has set for the future, it is travel. And that is travel with a purpose, to show others what it means to be absorbed in other people's cultures, struggles, and experiences in an effort to spread hope.
brendon@surfingthenations.comProperty Operations
Andy Baumgartner
Property MaintenanceComing from a long story of ridiculousness, Andy grew up in a little place called Honey Creek, Wisconsin and met STN while backpacking on the island of Kaua‘i. Crazy misadventures, dressing up as a super hero, playing with toy guns, play dough, coloring books, and Crayola crayons are things that excite him on a regular basis. He has a huge heart for making others laugh and will do anything ridiculous and absurd to make someone smile. He is committed to changing the world through the power of having fun with any situation in life. On his spare time Andy enjoys doing art projects, spinning in circles, somersaulting into massive shore breaks, and making new friends.
andrew.baumgartner@surfingthenations.com
Venessa Rude
Hospitality CoordinatorVenessa may hail from the central valley of California, but her soul clearly sprung from the heart of the Pacific Ocean. Whether nestled in the Redwood forests or sprawled across the beach, it's common to find her simultaneously engrossed in theological literature and fully engaged in passionate heart-related conversations. Her years of experience working with children of all ages have enabled her to connect instantaneously with society's most open and hungry, regardless of cultural barriers. Her deeply creative heart allowed her to fund a variety of personal service trips to Africa and India by making and selling uniquely delicate jewelry.
venessa.rude@surfingthenations.com
Carson Myers
Campus Life CoordinatorThis local boy from Kauai first heard of Surfing The Nations at the age of 7. He later had the opportunity to live at STN while finishing his senior year of high school and soon moved out to O‘ahu in July 2010. You will usually find Carson ripping the waves on the North Shore! But if he's not out in the water, you can find him pushing down the street on his skateboard. He loves to travel and the feeling of adventure excites him. With the commitment to become a positive influence within the surf and skate community to the younger generation, Carson is being blessed by blessing others.
carson.myers@surfingthenations.com
Matt Rowland
When Matt isn't taking off late at 20ft Waimea you can find him on the operating table in Queens Orthopedic! If he is not placing his fate in the hands of God he is in the hands of a skillful surgeon. Applying for a staff position at Surfing The Nations was a risky decision that has richly rewarded him a life lived to the full. Going "all in" on pioneering a new location for short term and long term outreach on the radical island of Lombok has been the realization of a long sought after dream. Matt's love of the Indonesian people has grown exponentially through STN. After coming to Hawaii ten years ago as a freshmen at the University of Hawaii, his network of surf buddies and business professionals plays an integral role as director of the Freedom Surf Contest in Waikiki. Before joining the STN team Matt was an entrepreneur and real estate professional. When recently asked he said "I couldn't be more stoked on the heart and vision of STN today and today is short, lets live."
matt.rowland@surfingthenations.comPublic Relations
Sam Apuna
Public Relations DirectorEx-dolphin trainer, veterinary assistant, photographer, musician and aspiring surfboard shaper, local boy Sam Apuna joined Surfing The Nations ready to use his skills and passions. Owner of the Pidgen Bible and known to sneak a quick "spam and eggs" on the weekends, Sam is willing to help, connect with youth and fully commit to everything he does.
sam.apuna@surfingthenations.com
Gisele Pitot
Staff Writer/Copy EditorGisele hails from the sunny shores of South Africa, where she was born and raised on a small vegetable farm. She graduated from the University of Cape Town in 2005 and worked in the local magazine industry as a writer for nearly 3 years. She’s adventured to through Africa, taught English in Korea, looked after kids in France and Australia and is now continuing her adventure in Hawaii. Gisele will continue to put her journalism skills to good use as she attempts to document the history of Surfing The Nations.
gisele@surfingthenations.com
Aquila David
Aquila Hezekiah David was born and raised on the tropical paradise island of Kauai. Growing up the youngest of seven children, Aquila enjoyed playing soccer, going on adventures with friends and eventually skateboarding.You can easily spot him by his loud laugh and colorful dreads. Aquila loves excitement and creativity and is stoked to be apart of Surfing the Nations.
aquila@surfingthenations.com
Jason Bauer
Events Coordinator (SLS)Jason Bauer came from the far Netherlands. He was drawn to STN to explore new opportunities in life. His big smile has the magical power to bring a smile on anybody's face. You can find him cruising around on his skateboard hanging out with his friends.
jason.bauer@surfingthenations.com