Keeping Score
By Cindy Luis
Wednesday, April 17, 1996
"Hawaii Paddler" magazine hits the newsstands and surf shop counters within the next few weeks, a labor of love, time and money by married paddlers Kevin and Suzy Thompson of Kailua.
The 48-page full-color magazine has an inaugural printing run of 10,000 issues, with every canoe club in Hawaii expected to receive a copy.
"It's one of those things that a number of people have wanted to do but never have," said Kevin Thompson. "We're finding out why. It's the money and time involved."
The investment has been both emotional and monetary - in the five figures - for the Thompsons. Suzy quit her job at a bookstore to become the full-time editor; Kevin, who works in radio operations, is the president and the advertising department.
The two Koolau Canoe Club paddlers are also the main writers and photographers. The art department consists of Brigitte Rarangol and Alison Chang.
The Home Office is literally the Thompson's home. There will also be a home page on the worldwide web courtesy of computer specialist Everett Peacock.
"There was a lot of stress, putting this together, getting it to be exactly how I wanted it to be," said Suzy Thompson. "I've learned that I can be very controlling, very nit-picky. It's feels like our baby and I'm very protective, excited and proud.
"I've always wished I could have a career in one or the other (writing or paddling). And paddling doesn't pay."
This venture might not pay off for a while in terms of recouping the couple's expenses. But the two have received enough positive feedback from the paddling community to feel they've already turned a profit.
"Everyone we've talked to can't wait for it to come out," said Kevin Thompson. "WE can't wait for it to come out. We're happy to be part of the sport and glad we can contribute in some way to promote what is so unique to Hawaii."
Thompson said he felt encouraged to test the waters by a friend's success. Damon Duhaylonsod started Hawaii Skin Diving magazine recently.
"I was kind of leery at first, was wondering how we were going to do it," said Thompson, who began laying the groundwork last fall. "But we decided to go for it."
The format will go beyond the basic calendar and race results, and cover all aspects of paddling - outriggers, one-man, sailing and surfing canoes. The focus is on the history, culture and people behind the sport.
The inaugural issue includes interviews with old-timer Wally Froiseth, builders Kalai Handley and Walter Guild, and John Puakea, coach of the Hawaii Canoe/Kayak Team. There's also a section for club histories - the first one is on Lanikai, written by its president, Mauli Olds - and one called, "One Time vxxx "
"We want our readers to be contributors to the magazine," said Suzy Thompson. "The 'One Time' is exactly what it says. It starts out, 'One time vxxx ' and goes from there.
"You find that no two people remember the same event the same way and this is a chance for one person to write the way they remember something.
"Of course, we've put a disclaimer at the end saying that the stories are subject to the writers' embellishments and memories and not the magazine's responsibility for the accuracy."
The single-copy price is $3.50 with a discount for paddlers. The Thompsons hope to offer a subscription drive that can double as a canoe club fund-raiser.
With paddling season just around the corner, the couple hopes the magazine will sell itself.
The Thompsons won't reveal what the inaugural cover looks like. But, like any proud parents, they promise their "baby" is beautiful.
Call them at 263-9654 for more information.