The Russ K. Mākaha Point Challenge Presented by Roark will make its debut this winter at Mākaha Beach on Oahu’s Westside, bringing together 32 of the world’s top big-wave surfers for a one-day competition held when waves reach a minimum of 20 feet. The competition window will run from Nov. 15, 2026, through March 31, 2027. An opening ceremony was held Nov. 7.
Founded by Mākaha waterman Russ Keaulana, a three-time world longboard champion and fifth-place finisher in the 1999 Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational, along with longtime family friend Clint Moncata, the invitation-only event was created to celebrate Mākaha’s legacy in surfing while bringing renewed attention to the community that has played a defining role in the sport. Mākaha was the site of the world’s first international surfing event and is considered one of the founding grounds of big-wave surfing.
“Mākaha is sacred,” said Keaulana. “We were born and raised on this beach. It’s my backyard, and I’m proud to be from Mākaha.”
The event builds on the history of competitive big-wave surfing at Mākaha, where George Downing served as contest director of the first Mākaha big-wave competition in the 1990s. Downing co-founded the competition with Buffalo Keaulana and Glenn Moncata. A multiple-time winner of the Mākaha International Surfing Championships, Downing was among the early surfers to ride Mākaha’s big waves, alongside Wally Froiseth and Woody Brown. The current event continues that competitive legacy, with descendants of the original organizers among those involved, including Downing’s grandson, who will compete in the challenge.
Beyond the competition, the event will support the Westside community through donations to the Waiʻanae High School surf team. The initiative is part of the event’s broader commitment to giving back to the community surrounding Mākaha and supporting its next generation.
The Russ K. Mākaha Point Challenge Presented by Roark held its opening ceremony on the morning of Nov. 7. If conditions meet the minimum wave-height requirement, the competition will take place during the event window, Nov. 15, 2026, through March 31, 2027. The event will be livestreamed on Roark’s YouTube channel, @RoarkRevival, with updates shared on Instagram at @MakahaPointChallenge.The contest was made possible by Roark and PVT, along with Chris Hinojosa and The Beal ‘Ohana. Official sponsors also include OluKai, Turtlebox and Blakbear. Ocean Paddler TV will provide livestream production and a recap show.
“It’s a privilege for Roark to support Oahu’s Westside community,” said Ryan Hitzel, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Roark. “We are honored to help promote the next generation of competition at Mākaha with Russ K., Clint Moncata, and the broader ohana.”
Roark also serves as the official apparel sponsor and will release a limited-edition Russ K. Mākaha Point Challenge capsule collection. The collection will be available at select Hawaii retailers, including HIC, T&C, Hi-Tech, Oshima Surf and Skate, BackDoor Surf, Poipu Surf, M-Muira Store, Aloha Exchange, Climb Works and Santo Loco, as well as at Roark.com.
About Russ K. Mākaha Point Challenge
The Russ K. Mākaha Point Challenge Presented by Roark is an invitation-only contest held at Mākaha Beach on Oahu’s Westside. Featuring 32 invited competitors, the event will run only when waves reach 20 feet or more during a selected competition window. The event celebrates Mākaha’s legacy as the site of the world’s first international surfing event and one of the founding grounds of big-wave surfing, while looking toward the next generation of surfers carrying that legacy forward. More info at www.Makahapointchallenge.com.
About Roark
Roark is a travel-inspired brand rooted in surf, adventure and storytelling. Built for the journey, Roark creates versatile apparel designed for the modern traveler to move effortlessly between the trail, the ocean and everyday life. For more information, visit roark.com and follow @roark.
