this is a follow up post to the BLAKE THORNTON WINS O’NEILL COLDWATER CLASSIC SOUTH AFRICA post

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/