Aloha from Surfing The Nations! Or should I say A Salaam Aleikum (Arabic greeting), or Shalom (‘Peace'” Hebrew) After returning from the latest STN international trip it’s hard to make one general greeting to sum up a trip that has taken place in an assortment of countries.

From Egypt to Jordan and then on to Israel, the 2008 Middle East trip has taken 19 surfers on a journey to reach out to and experience various people groups in a unique way.

Our first leg of the journey began in Egypt. Busy streets and smog filled horizons and surrounded us as we toured through Cairo, meeting locals in tea shops and talking it up with busy market vendors. The Egyptians are truly warm, engaging us as their new foreign friends with the same hospitality as if we were family.

Along with visiting the ancient Egyptian pyramids another highlight of our time in Egypt was visiting an orphanage in a community that relies on garbage recycling for it’s livelihood. We couldn’t help but feel compassion as toddlers and children with disabilities yearned for loving attention from us.

learn more at http://www.surfingthenations.com/

read more at surfingvillage

Deal calls for McNamara to design signature line of SUP surfboards

Malibu, Ca — Surf champion Garrett McNamara (G-Mac), one of the world’s most decorated big wave tow surfers, is proud to announce his agreement with Isle Surfboards to design and sell G-Mac branded stand-up paddle (SUP) surfboards.

Three styles of boards are being manufactured: Da Monstah for family fun and beginners, Da Cruiser for flat water and small surf, and Da Annihlator for experienced riders. G-Mac is one of the pioneers of the sport and has been a key motivator for the global explosion in popularity of SUP surfing and riding.

“I’ve always felt the current generation of SUP boards didn’t allow surfers to fully appreciate this inspiring experience” said G-Mac. “Isle Surfboards approached me with their vision, and combined with what I thought SUP boards could evolve to, I knew this would be perfect fit to help create a paddle board that is accessible to riders of all skill levels.”

Da Monstah, designed and shaped by G-Mac, is now currently available through Isle Surfboard’s Web site. The other boards designed and shaped by G-Mac are slated for July 2009 releases.

http://www.garrettmcnamara.com/

http://www.islesurfboards.com/

We bumped into WCT rookie Tim Boal the other day checking the dap down at Cavaliers, Anglet. There looked like there were a few fun ones out there. He was stoked to be back home for a couple of days to rest up before the next ‘CT leg in Brazil. Said he’s just been non-stop travelling the last few months. And going from the press release below penning new contracts too. With the Hang Loose Santa Catarina Pro starting this weekend, we’ll be keeping an eye out on how he goes. See the press release below.

ASP World Tour surfer Tim Boal (Anglet, FRA), 25, recently signed contracts with Casio G-Shock and Ville d’Anglet following new deals brokered by Agency Sports International (ASI) Management.

The reigning ASP European Men’s Champion commented: “I’m really stoked to sign with G-Shock and super excited about the prospect of joining their team of talented action sports riders. It’s also a real pleasure for me to start working with Anglet as part of my hometown’s ongoing promotion as an international surf destination.”

Only three events into his maiden year on the ASP World Tour, Boal currently finds himself tied in equal 25th place in the overall ratings. After two solid performances in Australia earlier this year, Boal most recently scored his third successive 17th equal finish of the year at the Billabong Pro in Tahiti.

read more at surf europe