STAFF
TOM BAUER
The 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."
Practicale jokes never end with Tom. You never know when you will find a rubber cockroach in your popcorn or a snack in your suit case.
CINDY BAUER
Cindy is a fearless leader and loving wife of Tom Bauer. She dreams big and will not stop until these dreams become a reality. With her unique and powerful, yet loving style 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.
CHRIS REHRER
Chris, the 'bearded wonder' originally from the High Desert of California, has been with Surfing The Nations for over four years. Once 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 wiping in the air as he gets barreled at Pipe.
While aboard 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. He has served as the International Trip Director for several years and has led numerous trips to Bali, Indonesia, the Middle East, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. His love for surfing and the surf community have allowed him to surf some of the worlds best waves and introduce surfing to nations such as Bangladesh. Chris graduated from Azusa Pacific University in 2005 with a degree in Youth Ministry and a minor in Spanish.
CHARIS BAUER
Charis 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.
KRISTIN FLYNN
Kristin, 27, is originally from the sweetest little town in New Jersey (M&M's are made in her town!). After graduating from Cedarville University in 2004 with a degree in International Studies and TESOL, she came onto staff with Surfing The Nations.
Being one of the pioneering woman on the international side of STN, she has experienced wild adventures in countries such as Papua New Guinea, Morocco, Indonesia, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka to name a few. She has served on the STN Leadership for the past several years as well as Internship staff. Kristin is radically committed to pouring hope, love and purpose into the lives of woman and young girls all over the world. On any day you can find her performing her favorite Broadway show tune for her roommates, playing guitar on her balcony or dreaming up new ways to get people ‘out of the pew and into the gutter’.
/// Kristin is also the owner of Kona 'the blind dog'.
She is a community favorite around STN. Only being with us for 1 year Kona has brought much joy and laughter to all who have spent time with her. Whether she is bumping into walls, being taught to 'jump' off the couch, or sleeping on Kristin's lap, Kona knows how to brings the aloha. Adopted by Kristin a year ago, Kona has added that special little spice that everyone needs. Beep-boppn' through her daily activities of sleeping, eating and following Kristin or Catrin around the apartment, Kona is a priceless asset to the STN community.
STEFAN ERIKSSON
Stefan born and raised in Sweden is a true Viking! He has a passion for the extreme! You can always count on Stefan to take you on an adventure. Be careful his last adventure with the boys put him in the hospital.
Stefan joined STN in 1999, when it was time for him to leave he ended up ripping his return ticket back to Sweden. Hence starting his journey, he is the longest full time STNer. While working with STN he has gone to over 30 plus countries. He is also an active member on the board of directors and has played a key role in pioneering STN. Stefan spreads butter on bread like no one around; ask him to make you a cup of tea - its divine!
CHRISTY ERIKSSON
Born and raised in Hawaii, she joined STN fulltime in 2007 to work along side her husband. Christy is always coming up with ideas and always trying to think out of the box! You can find Christy assisting the director, helping with photography and walking her two Yorkie puppies; Hugo and Parker.
Christy started a race! It’s filled with laughter, tears, joy and desire to finish the race well. She is out and about on a mission to make a difference. She has devoted her life to seeing lives changed, and a passion and desire to see young people fully alive.
CATRIN GUSTAVSSON
Catrin, from Sweden, was absolutely sure that Hawaii and Surfing The Nations was not for her, but after a month long mission trip to Indonesia over 4 years ago she was convinced otherwise. She came to Hawaii and has been working as full-time staff with STN since 2006.
Catrin is working as staff for the Internship program and she is also the head of Housing. Her job is to make sure everybody feels welcome, they have what they need, keep their house clean, but also to inspire and guide young people. She also works with planning of teams, organizing, cleaning, yard work etc. Her big passion in life is flowers and gardening. And as one of "her girls" said: "Cleaning is one of Catrins love-languages...If you want to make her happy you clean."
LISA MOALA
Lisa was born on the Big Island of Hawaii, raised by missionary parents and has travelled most of Pacific and Asia having lived in some of them, the longest...Japan for six years. Lisa has her bachelors in Business Administration and a masters in Counseling Psychology. Lisa has one child, Rachel (8), that was raised amongst her second family, STN.
While pregnant with Rachel, Lisa had time on her hands visit STN on a day when they were Feeding The Hungry over eight years ago and has never left. Lisa continues as Operations Director for Feeding The Hungry and has worked as Registrar, grant writer, and a go to person. She firmly believes that if we give even a little of our time, money, and heart to help the poor, needy and lost, God takes care of the rest. After all, we are His children. She is passionate about learning and growing and is challenged to continuously pursue God and all He has to offer. She considers the task of raising and leaving Rachel with a legacy of Godly character and a joyful spirit her biggest job. Lisa is currently looking for employment and is focused on working in the local community.
NIKLAS ERIKSSON
Niklas is originally from the stylish country of Sweden. He has served with STN practically from its conception in 1999. He has shared his talents in building, design, photography and leadership consistently for the past 10 years. Nick has traveled the world with Surfing The Nations and through his passion of photography has captured countless shots of the beauty, colors and culture of this captivating world.
Niklas has led numerous teams to countries such as; Sri Lanka, and Indonesia. His faithfulness to return to these countries over the years has strengthened his relationships with the local surfing community, and has fostered life long friendships. His heart is to see the young men of these surf communities come alive with a greater passion for surfing and serving their communities. Niklas currently serves on the leadership of STN as well as the Media Director. His vision is to see the power of media arts communicate the extraordinary world we live in through the lens of STN.
BELEN DEL CANTO
Belen is originally from Chile and is been in the United States for about 6 years. She graduated from High School 2006 and joined Surfing The Nations almost 3 years ago. Since joining she has traveled around the world to Bali, Bangladesh, Egypt, Israel, Jordan, and throughout the Hawaiian islands. Belen has a burning passion to make International mission a lifestyle.
Character building and life lessons have been a growing process for her spiritually and mentally within. She is the office secretary working hard to keep things organized and under control on a day-to-day basis, she also works closely as an assistant for Cindy Bauer; co-founder of Surfing The Nations. Belen is also involved with the young adult bible study every week. Loves dancing and traveling. One of her future dreams is to live in a 3rd world country to love and serve others. You will find Belen in the weekends most in her bedroom sleeping and watching movies,is her perfect way to relaxation she enjoy it a lot. Her favorite hobby is to collect movies......
NICOLE KITCHEN
Nicole was raised on the Big Island of Hawaii. With a love for youth of Hawaii and for traveling she has been involved with Surfing The Nations for over two years. Nicole does a few different things here, from cooking meals for over 300 people, leading inter-island trips, making you laugh to watering the plants.
With Nicole's unique way of making people laugh and her loud voice and her enthusiasm for life, she hopes to share hope and to inspire the people of Hawaii. Nicole loves life, music, singing, playing the guitar, painting and sometimes a dance or two. Her last name being Kitchen isn't only a funny name but very commonly her job title, or description of what she is commonly known for doing. For she has been known to know a thing or two about how to cook. With Nicole constantly adding to her list of dreams and passion it's always interesting to hear what's she up to next. Make sure if you stop by to ask her for one of her famous cups of coffee, or a bowl of curry.
ROBERT MCDANIEL
Robert won't admit to this but he is the sexiest man alive. 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.
LUKE WALDON
Luke, the Big Island Kahuna, has recently joined the internship staff. He charged it big time during his internship, going on his first international outreach to Arugam Bay, Sri Lanka. While there Luke played a big part in rebuilding the property fence as well as the roof of the house.
Luke is a joy to have around, with his laid back island style and willingness to serve, makes him a great addition to the STN staff. Luke also spends his time working with the service team, which is a help to all of STN community.
BRENDON JOHNSON
Brendon is the Internship Director here at Surfing The Nations. You can count on him wake you up in the morning if you sleep through your alarm - but we he's not much of a morning person so if your a full time intern here, just set your alarm...
Brendon hails from the great state of Washington where you'll find him in his 4/3 wetsuit, booties and hood searching for big north western swells. He'll probably make you laugh everyday and will be there if you're down. His leadership and passion to reach out to those around him is what makes Brendon Johnson the perfect man for the job.
JANELLE CADAMIA
Janelle 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.
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."
SUZANNE JOY ARTLEY
Suzanne is full of passion and adventure. Originally from Florida, she calls Hawaii her home. She lives out her personal mission with STN to reach the unreached people of the world encouraging them to discover and embrace their unique purpose. Suzanne’s history with STN trails back to the summer of 2008, when her heart exploded for missions during a trip to Bingin, Indonesia.
Suzanne is exploring new ventures in Business as Missions for STN, accessing individual giftings for the organization, and helping to pioneer the new Surfers Leadership School. You'll find her drinking organic coconut juice beverages to keep hydrated and she loves to rock her Toms Shoes. Suzanne graduated from Southeastern University with a degree in Business Leadership and Missions, with a minor in Bible.
MIKE SLAGTER
Mike "Jersey" Slagter, the green, organic, gentle, yogo student, bodyboarder, vegetarian, photographer joined Surfing The Nations in 2008 with a passion to capture the beautiful moments that happen at STN locally and all over the world. When in Hawaii you will find Mike on the North Shore shooting Pipeline with his 400mm.
Mike is a Nikon and Mac fanboy till the end and subtly tries to convert the Cannon/PC users that linger here in the office. When abroad you will find Mike shooting childrens smiles from Indonesia to Egypt. Late night you'll find Mike watching episodes of House, and will never stop seeking "The Road Less Traveled."
JAZMINN YURI KAMILA YAMAMOTO
Brought up in the humble green town of Kaneohe, near big mountains, beach living, sunshine BBQing, sushi eating and luscious banana patching. Dusting sand from her toes, you can catch Jazminn living love in Wahiawa town with Surfing The Nations.
She enjoys quality time with family, friends, neighbors, clay works and Pandora Radio. She is also involved with STN’s Ulupono Kids Program in Wahiawa and Waianae, reaching communities’ one keiki at a time. Roots and culture. International exploring. Friendship making. Living the dream ... "The Keiki reap what we sow".
MALIN GARPHAMMAR
Malin jumped right into a crazy adventure when she became staff with Surfing the Nations by joining the team for the annual month long outreach to Bangladesh. Since returning, she joined the brand new Kids Ministry team and is very excited to help and lead this program.
She is also co-leading a dance group. Malin is from Sweden but spent 7 years of her childhood in the Middle East. She studied to become an Elementary School Teacher and graduated from University College of Borås last year with a degree in education. Besides missions, traveling and kids, she loves music and singing, hanging out with the Ohana and Swedish fika.
EMILY CLARK
Washingtonian born and raised, took a 6 hour flight this past June to the island of Oahu, where Emily fell in love with the Surfing the Nations Ohana and has no intentions of leaving any time soon. Only 19 years old and heading up the Feeding the Hungry team she has developed a deep love for people who need a friend and some grinds.
Feeding the Hungry is based all over the island from Kalihi to Barbers Point, Haliewa to Wahiawa. Whether it's feeding close to 500 people in Kalihi or just eating lunch with a few at the park in Wahiawa, Emily is passionate about serving the locals of Hawaii. If she is not cruising around skateboarding, you'll find her jammin' on the guitar or drums. She is stoked to be a part of Surfing the Nations staff and is ready to charge life with the career choice of a 24/7 missionary.
SAM APUNA
Dolphin instructor, Vetinary assistant, Photographer, Guitarist, Harmonicist and aspiring Surfboard Shaper. Local boy Sam Apuna joins the STN staff willing and able to use his many skills and passions to hold STN together. Sam is the "make-it-happen" guy around here.
He is humble and able to help, connect with youth and fully commit to everything he does. Owner of the Pidgon Bible and known to sneak a quick "spam and eggs" on the weekends - Sam is your man.
ÅSA TORELUND
Åsa Torelund, which you pronounce Osa, is one of our amazing Swedes! Asa is always smiling, genuine, and looking for the good things in everything and everyone. She was born and raised on the west coast of Sweden in the lovely Gothenburg. She graduated from high school a year ago and came out to STN to do her internship. Åsa knew after her internship that she had to come back on staff and that she did!
A woman with a huge heart for the youth, she has changed many lives through the love and joy she brings. She loves serving and surfing with kids in Waianae and working in our youth program. Åsa loves adventure, challenges, traveling, surfing, snowboard, dancing, meeting new people, and Hawaii Swedish fika. She is a faithful friend to all and a woman you want to work with! Åsa brightens your day!
RAHEL MUELLER
Rahel is 27, Swiss and a “want to be Hawaiian”. In 2003, while tanning on the beach in Waikiki, Rahel met a volunteer from Surfing The Nations. After feeling inspired and motivated to live her life with more purpose, Rahel soon returned to Hawaii to become a STN volunteer herself. Since then she has been volunteering for the past 5 years!
To LOVE the land, to LOVE the people and to LOVE your calling is how she would describe her life now. Rahel loves to work with the poor and forgotten in Hawaii as well as in Sri Lanka and Egypt.
HANNA SUNDSTRÖM
Hanna graduated as a registred nurse in 2006 and is specialized in cardiology (hearts). Which, has proven to be useful knowledge for this loving, huge hearted, passionate Swede. She loves nursing and is dreaming about studying anestiesia sometime in the future. In the meantime, she is stoked to be in Hawaii volunteering with Surfing the Nations.
Hanna is trying to learn how to surf, with both painful and succesful results (including reef cuts and minor drownings). Despite small set backs she is falling in love with the sport of surfing and now dreams of owning her own 7,2 funboard. If you don't find her in the water you can probably find her sniffing her favourite awesome smelling purple Surf Wax.
Hanna loves outdoor sports or especially all sports that include a ball. She has played and coached soccer for many years and dreams about being a soccer pro from time to time.
Hanna is joyful, drinks way too much coffee, laughs loudly, is often seen dancing as a result of coffee. She loves Swedish hip hop and wears big hoop earings every day. Hanna loves to talk with her strong swedish accent and sometimes uses words that she doesnt really know.. "It felt like the word I was looking for"...
She is having the time of her life in Hawaii and is excited to travel internationally with STN in the future.
VIKTOR HJÄLMEBY
Victor likes when the adrenaline is pumping. In the search for adrenaline rushes he'll choose anything from a surfboard, snowboard, street bike or skateboard.
Only two months after graduating from the internship in November 2009 and returning home to Sweden, he soon returned to join STN as a fulltime staff volunteer. At STN he helps out by doing everything from Carpentry and maintenance to playing sports with and mentoring youth in Wahiawa.
