Out in the quaint little town of Kalaheo, something big is about to erupt that’s hot and new and it’s all being started up by Waimea High School alum Curt Smith, the Editor-in-Chief and Publisher of Nalu Underground magazine. This
Out in the quaint little town of Kalaheo, something big is about to erupt that’s hot and new and it’s all being started up by Waimea High School alum Curt Smith, the Editor-in-Chief and Publisher of Nalu Underground magazine.
This new and unique magazine is straight to the point in what it plans to accomplish. With its mission statement being to promote the betterment of amateur surfing in Hawai‘i and on the mainland, it’s no secret that Smith and his staff want to completely focus on the amatuer surfer.
“The bottom line is that local kids want to see themselves in magazines and we want to give them an outlet so they can realize their dreams,” Smith said.
Born and raised in Kekaha, Smith went to UH-Manoa and garnered a degree in business, which led him to manage TS Restaurants (Duke’s and Keoki’s on Kaua‘i) for 12 years.
After his 12 years in the restaurant business, Smith knew that he had to go back to his passion of surfing, so just about six months ago, Smith and a buddy, Mark Anderson came up with the concept of starting up an amateur magazine.
With the help of Associate publisher Jeanne Jackson, the quarterly magazine became a reality and will be in stores throughout the state and the west coast in October.
“We offer a one-of-a kind type of magazine with top-quality production and we put a lot of hard work into this (magazine) and it will show,” Smith said.
One of the main goals for Nalu Underground magazine is to be globally successful, as there are plans to distribute the magazine to places like Japan, South America, and Mexico.
Nalu Underground will also feature and interview top professionals who will share their life skills and the necessary tools and advice needed to become a better surfer and competitor. In addition, the magazine will have stories of true watermen, top amateurs, and people who contribute to the surfing community.
Nalu Underground’s staff include: Curt Smith (Publisher), Mike Smith (Talent Coordinator), Jeanne Jackson (Associate Publisher), Tammi Andersland (Senior Editor), Todd Johansen (Art Director), Jacque Ramirez (Assistant Art Director, Event Coordinator), Tara Baratono (Staff Writer), Shane Courtner (Advertising/Marketing), Randall Jackson (Marketing/Promotions), and Sarah Fields (Executive Assistant).
