Who is Donald Takayama?

April 2, 2020

Donald Takayama: Icon of Surfing Innovation

Find out what's inside:

Donald Takayama was a renowned Hawaiian surfer and shaper who made significant contributions to the sport of surfing.

Legendary Hawaiian surfboard shaper and longboard surfing icon

Pioneer in surfboard design and innovation

Inspiring life story and legacy in the surfing world

Contributions to Hawaiian surfing culture and community

Enduring impact on the sport of surfing

Early Life and Surfing Career

Born on January 19, 1943, in Honolulu, Hawaii, Donald Takayama grew up surrounded by the ocean. He began surfing at a young age and quickly became one of the most promising surfers of his time. Takayama's surfing career spanned over four decades, during which he won numerous competitions, including the prestigious Makaha International Surfing Championships.

Master Surfboard Shaper

Takayama's passion for surfing led him to become an innovative surfboard shaper. He founded his own surfboard company, Takayama Surfboards, and created iconic board designs that are still sought after today. His dedication to craftsmanship and performance earned him the respect of surfers worldwide.

The Takayama Halo fin, named after it's designer, the legendary board shaper Donald Takayama.

The Halo Fin are designed so you can turn the board from the center and give you more speed. It's been our #1 Selling for over 20 years now.

Awards and Recognition

Donald Takayama received numerous accolades for his contributions to surfing. He was inducted into the Huntington Beach Surfing Walk of Fame, the Surfers' Hall of Fame, and the Hawaii Sports Hall of Fame. Takayama's legacy extends beyond his impressive list of achievements, as he inspired generations of surfers with his humility, kindness, and love for the sport.

Impact on the Surfing Community

Takayama was known for his unique surfing style, which blended traditional Hawaiian techniques with modern maneuvers.
He was a pioneer in the development of longboard surfing and is credited with helping to popularize the sport worldwide.
Takayama's surfboards were highly sought after, and he was renowned for his innovative designs and exceptional craftsmanship.

Legacy

Takayama continued to shape surfboards and surf until his passing on October 22, 2012.
His legacy lives on through the Donald Takayama Foundation, which provides surf lessons and education to underprivileged youth.
Takayama's contributions to surfing have inspired generations of surfers, and he remains one of the most beloved and respected figures in the sport.

Donald Takayama on the Halo Fin

Donald Takayama, the originator of the Halo Fin, explains its design and purpose. The fin, which means "fin" in Hawaiian, aims to:

Increase pivoting on boards
Shorten turning radius
Act like a hydrofoil, creating lift and reducing drag

Commonly asked questions:

What are the dimensions of the Donald Takayama Prince Kūhiō DT Glider 11'1" surfboard?

The Donald Takayama Prince Kūhiō DT Glider surfboard measures 11 feet 1 inch in length. Its width comes in at 24 ¼ inches and it has a thickness of 3 ⅗ inches

What are the dimensions of the Donald Takayama Scorpion II 6'4" surfboard?

The dimensions of the Donald Takayama Scorpion II; surfboard are as follows:

Length: 6 feet 4 inches
Width: 21 and 2/5 inches
Thickness: 2 and 3/4 inches

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