Takayama DT Flex Fin (9" - 10")

The Donald Takayama Flex Fin gives you what most single fins can't: the quick pivot response you need for direction changes and the hold and drive you want for committed nose rides. This isn't a compromise between two styles—it's a template Donald designed to deliver both.

What makes the Flex Fin different? The bottom two-thirds of the fin uses an upright pivot-style template for quick turns. The top third rakes back significantly, creating resistance that holds your board steady when you walk to the nose. You get maneuverability without sacrificing control.

Handcrafted Construction

Every Takayama Flex Fin is handcrafted by Larry Allison in California. Larry has been making Donald Takayama's fin templates for over 30 years, using techniques he's been perfecting since 1971.

Construction specifications:

• 29 layers of 7.5-ounce fiberglass — not the 4 oz or 6 oz cloth used in mass-produced fins
• Spine positioned at 25% from the leading edge — creates lift and improves water release
• Hand-foiled trailing edge and tip — a craft Larry describes as "almost a dying art"

The result is a fin with controlled flex dynamics that feels responsive without being loose. Due to the flex characteristics, a 9.5" Flex Fin will feel more like a 9" conventional fin in the water—you can run slightly more depth without feeling over-finned.

Size Selection Guide

Tail width matters: Wider tails (15"+) benefit from staying at the larger end of the range for better control. Heavier surfers (200+ lbs) should also size up.

Reference: Noah Shimabukuro at Hawaiian Pro Designs rides a 10" Flex Fin on his 9'6" boards at 5'8" and 180 lbs.

Fin Box Setup

Start with the fin in the middle of the box. Move it forward for a looser feel, or back for more hold and drive.

Important: Position your plate and screw at the back of the fin box, not the front. The Flex Fin's dramatic rake puts significant load on the trailing edge during flex and recoil. Front-positioned hardware can lead to tongue cracking over time.

Design Heritage

The Flex Fin template dates back to the 1990s, originally available only as a glass-on option for custom boards. About ten years ago, it returned to production as a removable fin when the resurgence of traditional logging created renewed demand for quality longboard fins.

Donald Takayama (1943–2012) created several fin templates still in active production today, including the Halo system, the RLB, and the Finger Fin. The Flex Fin represents his solution for surfers who refused to choose between nose riding and performance turning.

Production is now overseen by Noah Shimabukuro at Hawaiian Pro Designs, who worked alongside Donald for nearly 20 years.

Specifications

• Designer: Donald Takayama
• Craftsman: Larry Allison (30+ years with Takayama)
• Construction: 29 layers of 7.5 oz fiberglass, hand-foiled
• Fin Box: Standard longboard box
• Available Sizes: 8", 8.5", 9", 9.5", 10", 10.5"
• Best For: Longboards, eggs, mid-lengths; nose riding and pivot turning

Hawaiian South Shore Expertise

Hawaiian South Shore has carried Takayama fins for over 20 years. Our team can help you select the right size and setup for your board. Contact us at (808) 597-9055 or sales@hawaiiansouthshore.com.

Ships from: 320 Ward Avenue, Honolulu, HI 96814

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📞 Questions? We're Here to Help!

• Call/Text: (808) 597-9055
• Email: sales@hawaiiansouthshore.com