Takayama Surfboards 2025 Preview

Retail Buyers Guide: Surfboards 2025 Retail Buyer’s Guide
Brand: Takayama
Interviewee: Nigel Gibb. Head of Sales

The good news in the surfboard market is that sales are quite evenly spread between very different designs (perf shortboards, summer boards, midlengths, longboards, beginner funboards), unlike other activities which rely on a single design. Did you adapt your range to offer a mixed bag of boards or do you rather specialize in one segment?

Donald Takayama Surftech Models bring the heart and soul of Hawaiian surf culture to life. From classic noseriders to smooth mid-lengths and unique alternative shapes, each board carries the mana of Donald’s legacy—blending timeless Hawaiian style with performance and grace. A true master shaper and waterman, Takayama’s designs honor the old-school roots while embracing modern flow.

In the past, beginners had go through the walk of shame, forced to aim for “fugly” looking shapes. In 2025, a novice board can be sexy as well: what do you have in stock for the newbies?

Surftech’s Donald Takayama shapes are a great choice for beginners, offering a smooth blend of stability, performance, and timeless design. With added volume and easy paddle power, these boards help new surfers catch waves more easily and build confidence in the lineup. Crafted with Tuflite construction, they’re durable enough to handle the everyday bumps and dings that often happen on land, without sacrificing the glide and flow Takayama’s boards are known for. It’s a beginner-friendly board with roots in classic surf tradition—built to support your progression from day one

Mid-lengths are everywhere as well. Which are the latest developments in this design within your range?

Surftech’s Donald Takayama models are shaped with a classic mindset, drawing inspiration from his legendary designs. Both the Egg and Scorpion 2 are modern interpretations of legacy models, blending timeless outlines with updated construction to honor Takayama’s original vision while meeting the needs of today’s surfers.

The longboard reach is unprecedented in surfing history, as even die-hard shortboard brands do propose classic Logs. If you are new to the category, how did you position yourself? If you have been a long-time promoter of 9’+ boards, do you think “the more the merrier

Longboards are deeply tied to tradition, with their identity shaped as much by history as by outline and design. In a market where classic templates and timeless style dominate, it can be difficult for performance-oriented shapers to make a lasting impact. That’s why Donald Takayama’s influence stands out so profoundly. As both a champion surfer and a master craftsman, Takayama didn’t just break into the world of longboarding—he helped define it. His boards blend high-performance innovation with classic Hawaiian and Californian styling, bridging generations of surfers. Having his legacy preserved through Surftech models is not only fitting—it’s essential to honoring the heritage, progression, and soulful spirit of longboarding.

While the alternative constructions/materials towards the eco-friendly surfboard have never been so plentiful, we are far from a massive adoption (whether from manufacturers or end-users). Any solutions out there that seem viable to you?

At Surftech, we’re committed to making surfboards that are better for the planet. We incorporate bio-based resins like GreenPoxy®, specially molded EPS cores, and recyclable materials to reduce our environmental footprint. Our Tufliteand Tuflite Pro technologies add durability without compromising weight, ensuring boards are tough yet lightweight. Plus, we build our boards to last longer, minimizing waste from broken or worn-out gear. These eco-friendly and performance-driven features are proudly featured in our Donald Takayama models, blending sustainability with timeless design and ride quality.

Key Products:

1_ Takayama – In the Pink – Tufflite Pro

Takayama_InThePink_TuflitePro

The In The Pink is Donald Takayama’s iconic noserider, perfect for all conditions and skill levels. Blending traditional craftsmanship with innovation, Takayama’s boards are revered worldwide. For over 20 years, Surftech partnered with him to craft quality boards that honor his vision—continuing his legacy with timeless, high-performance designs.

2_ Takayama – Scorpion 2– Tufflite Pro

Takayama_EGG_Tuflite_Pro_

The Scorpion 2 by Donald Takayama features a wider tail, narrower nose, and rounded shape for a shorter, more versatile ride. It excels in small California surf and overhead island barrels. Fast paddling and easy tail control make it user-friendly, while Tuflite construction ensures unmatched durability for a board built to perform and last..

3 _ Takayama – Humu Fish– Tufflite Pro

Takayama_Humu_TuflitePro

This reworked classic Takayama fish surfboard features sharper fin angles and a thinner, bladed tail for unmatched speed and tight turns. It excels in quick vertical snaps and cutbacks, performing brilliantly in both small, mushy waves and big, barreling conditions. This board is the fastest fish you’ll ever ride, delivering exceptional maneuverability and a thrilling surfing experience.