Makaha means… “Fierce” …fierce ocean, fierce waves… and fierce people.Waveriding’s most timeless discipline, longboarding, had returned to the home of surfing’s most fabled event - the Makaha International Surfing Championships. Choosing Makaha as the venue for the Oxbow 1997 World Longboard Championships counted on the blessings of Buffalo Keaulana, leader and shepherd of the ‘Aloha’ spirit since the late 40s. Buffalo obliged, as did the wave gods; the critical days of the event took place during jacking 10+ foot point surf. Competing for the world title were Rusty Keaulana, Bonga Perkins, Dino Miranda, Joel Tudor, Duane DeSoto, Josh Baxter, Josh Ferris, and the best longboarders from around the globe. Blueshock lays out the background and the documents the drama of George Downing’s 1954 First International victory to Dino Miranda’s winning tube ride.