Day in the life on a G.O.A.T trip
What is GOAT? G.O.A.T. stands for Global Outreach Adventure Training. GOAT is a trip for students in our Leadership Training Program (LTP) here at...
5 min read
You’re just about to graduate high school or college and you're juuuuuuuuuust not quite ready to leap into the world of job searching, shifts, and paying taxes… Taking a gap year has become pretty standard—but finding the right one matters. If you’re looking for a Christian gap year program in Hawaii, a missionary training experience, or a faith-based gap year with purpose, Surfing The Nations (STN) might be exactly what you’re looking for. Why? well, read on...
- Well, let’s start strong: it's HAWAII
Oahu is personally my favorite island because it has the best of all the islands: huge, towering mountains, glorious waterfalls, incredible hikes, the best surf, beautiful white-sand beaches, and for those who want it - restaurants and Costco :) No, but for real, Hawaii is a place like no other, and a sought-after destination for a reason. You can really lose yourself as you find yourself in a place like this! It’s not just a dream destination - it’s one of the most unique places to experience a gap year with purpose.
- Deepen Your Faith Through Discipleship & Missionary Training
Maybe you grew up with just a sprinkle of Christianity, maybe a little more. Wherever you are on your faith journey, this could be the moment that you, the main character of your story thus far, realize that there’s a bigger “character” who’s been shaping, leading, and creating your life. STN is a radical community of Jesus-following people who love to worship, go deep into faith, and have their own personal transformation stories. Maybe it's time to write yours. This isn’t just a random part of your gap year - it’s a hands-on Christian missionary training program designed to help you grow spiritually and personally.
- Community Living During Your Gap Year - Make a Friend For Life
Imagine this: you can hear the sounds of someone strumming on a guitar, while someone’s cooking a delicious dish from their home country, laughter explodes from one of the rooms, and your roommates are in a deep convo on the balcony. This is the vibrant, loud, joyful, thoughtful, creative environment of Surfing The Nations. Community is at the heart of the best Christian gap year programs, and STN is built around doing life together. STN owns a 15-unit apartment block, and we all live “Friends-style” like neighbors. It's a super fun vibe. (And if you’re an introvert like me, you can huddle on your bunk for some recharging because the fomo is going to win over, trust me!)
- Adventure-Filled Gap Year in Hawaii
With all this natural beauty and cultural history, adventure is around every corner. Hikes, paddles, surfs, dives, boat rides, runs, bikes, bonfires, POG tournaments (I can't even believe I just wrote that, what is this 1999?) - fun and adventure are around every corner. STN takes interns on weekly adventures, and since we know all the local spots, you’re going to find places the normie tourists won't. And remember, the weekend just means there’s more to discover! If you’re looking for a gap year with surfing, adventure, and missions, this is hard to beat.
- History Worth Knowing
The history of the Hawaiian Islands - from early settling by Polynesian explorers to the attacks on Pearl Harbor - is fascinating even if you’re not a history buff. There’s so much to discover in person, including World War 2 bunkers scattered around the island that you can hike to and explore. The only royal palace in the USA - the Iolani Palace - is located on Oahu, and it's one big, beautiful, tragic tale. Ever wondered why Hawaii has cowboys (paniolo)? And a huge Filipino population? And a strong Korean presence? The world has converged on Hawaii, and finding out why is so interesting! It’s all part of a deeper culturally immersive experience during your gap year in Hawaii.
- Learn to Surf During Your Gap Year in Hawaii
Whether you shred them or dread them, there’s a wave for you. Come summer or winter, a quick drive to a different part of the island means you can find the waves you need to improve or even just learn not to be a complete kook! Need boards? Need lessons? No problem, we got you. STN’s interns get hands-on, one-on-one training by our absolutely frothing surf guys, who are stacked with experience and overflowing with stoke! Few gap year options in the USA offer this kind of hands-on surf experience alongside personal growth.
- Leadership & Character Development
Our founder, Tom Bauer, is famous for saying that many will spend years and years becoming qualified for their careers, but won’t spend 3 months working on their character. This is where STN stands out from other faith-based internships for young adults. Our internship program is HARD WORK, and you go to bed each day physically and spiritually tired in the best possible way. Let your gap year transform you into the person you've always wanted to be. Learn to be someone who prioritizes integrity, hard work, positivity, and flexibility, and see what a difference it makes to the rest of your life.
- Serve Through Local Missions & Outreach
So yes, Hawaii is a place of incredible beauty and general splendor - but not everywhere on this island is postcard-perfect. Our little city reveals the darker side of paradise: addiction, homelessness, poverty, and criminal activity. It’s in this dark place that we’re called to bring the light - that's why we do what we do here. Aiming to impact the lives of everyone: from the young kids needing mentorship and guidance, to the old “Kupuna” needing food weekly. You’ll be actively involved in missions work in Hawaii, serving and helping us meet the real physical needs in the community.
- Get Out Of Your Comfort Zone
If you’ve ever watched a TED talk, you know the “comfort zone” isn't the place you want to be - not if you want a radical, growth-filled gap year. Sure, you could pick up random shifts, binge-watch another season of something semi-entertaining, and scroll while you're watching it…ORRRRR hear me out, you could leave it all behind for a season and dive into the growth zone. Do something you’ve never done, meet people from all over the world, go deep with Jesus, try local food, and share the whole adventure with your new best friends! The best gap year programs with purpose push you into growth - and that’s exactly what happens here.
- A Purpose-Driven Experience
Gap years are notorious for being totally self-indulgent, reckless, and possibly even a bit of an opportunity to make bad decisions - not that you would ever do that! Instead of a typical gap year, make yours a purpose-driven Christian year focused on impact and service. Your time with STN will be well-spent pouring into a local community that needs it, building something that lasts, and really making a difference.
If you're looking for a purpose-driven, life-changing Christian gap year program in Hawaii, Surfing The Nations offers a unique combination of missionary training, community living, surfing, and outreach. Thousands of young adults have experienced this transformative gap year - will you be next?
Click the button below to explore our internship page!
FAQ's About Gap Year Programs & STN
What is a Christian gap year program?
A Christian gap year program is a faith-based experience focused on spiritual growth, community, and often missionary training or outreach.
Does STN offer a full-year Christian “gap year” program?
No, STN offers a Christian missionary training program (open to you even if you’re not wanting to be a forever, full-time missionary!) that is 3 months long. If you are taking a gap year, we highly encourage spending 3 months with us to kick it off! Check out our “Internship” page to find out more regarding dates!
What do you do in your “Internship”, the missionary training program?
At Surfing The Nations, interns participate in a lot of Bible-school-type teachings, outreach, discipleship, community living, and hands-on service projects. We also have a very active worship, prayer, and corporate spiritual lifestyle.
Why choose Hawaii to spend your gap year?
Hawaii is absolutely gorgeous and offers a unique mix of adventure, cultural immersion, and opportunities to serve local communities.
Ready to apply?! Click the button below to get to our application.
