Donald Takayama: World-famous Surfer and Shaper
Donald Takayama’s name is synonymous with surfing excellence. A world-renowned surfer and surfboard shaper, Takayama’s influence spans decades, from his early days riding waves in Hawaii to his becoming a driving force in the resurgence of longboarding. Known for his precision craftsmanship and innovative designs, Takayama has shaped boards for generations of surfers, leaving an indelible mark on the surf industry.
Early Days in Hawaii
Born and raised in Hawaii, Donald Takayama discovered his love for surfing at a young age. His first surfboard was a homemade redwood plank salvaged from discarded railroad ties. “They were changing the railroad ties and had all these old ones on the side of the road,” Takayama recalled. “So I went over there and helped myself to it.”
By the late 1940s, he was riding waves and immersing himself in the local surf scene. Working for John Price and Surfboards Hawaii, Takayama honed his skills in shaping and surfing and learned the intricacies of board design. These formative years laid the foundation for a lifelong career at the forefront of the surfboard industry.
Journey to California
In the mid-1950s, Takayama took a leap of faith, leaving Hawaii with a one-way ticket to California on a Trans Continental Airlines “cattle plane.” With just $10 in his pocket, he landed in Los Angeles at Burbank Airport, ready to carve out a new chapter in his life.
Once in California, Takayama quickly established himself in the burgeoning surf scene. Working with legendary shapers like Dale Velzy, Hap Jacobs, Renny Yater, and Mike Diffenderfer, he expanded his expertise and began building a reputation as one of the most skilled shapers of his time.
Shaping Legacy
Takayama’s dedication to shaping surfboards has been relentless. Since the mid-1950s, he has been crafting boards almost nonstop, creating designs that cater to surfers of all styles and skill levels. His contributions to the art of shaping are unparalleled, and countless boards bear his signature touch.
In the early 1990s, Takayama was instrumental in the longboard renaissance, promoting the resurgence of classic surfing alongside legends like Joel Tudor and Nat Young. Collaborating with Oxbow, Takayama helped organize the World Championships in France, an event that brought together surfers from around the globe. “It was enlightening to see everyone so excited,” he said. “From there, it just kept escalating.”
Hawaiian Pro Designs
To meet the growing demand for his boards, Takayama established Hawaiian Pro Designs, initially located in Encinitas, California. Overwhelmed by the constant stream of visitors to his shop, he relocated to Oceanside, where Hawaiian Pro Designs continues to thrive.
Takayama’s boards are sought after worldwide, with licenses in Australia, Japan, and France. His partnership with SurfTech allowed him to scale production and meet the demand he couldn’t fulfill by hand. “I make boards for California, but the demand is amazing. I had no idea surfing would be as large as it is today,” he reflected.
A Lifelong Commitment
Donald Takayama has spent nearly seven decades shaping surfboards and contributing to the evolution of surfing. His designs, from traditional longboards to performance-focused models, have become staples in the quivers of surfers around the world.
Beyond shaping, Takayama’s impact extends to surfing culture itself. From his iconic appearance in SURFER magazine’s first pullout poster in 1960 to mentoring the next generation of surfers, he has remained a central figure in the sport.
Legacy of a Legend
Donald Takayama’s contributions to surfing are immeasurable. As both a surfer and a shaper, he bridged the gap between the sport’s past and future, ensuring that the art of longboarding and the craft of shaping endure. His boards, created with care and precision, continue to inspire surfers and celebrate the timeless connection between rider and wave.
Whether crafting a custom board by hand or collaborating with global manufacturers to meet worldwide demand, Takayama’s legacy remains alive in every wave ridden on a board bearing his name.
