Oceanside Blvd- Takayama's Shop

While in Oceanside Ca, I had the great pleasure of meeting Mr. Donald Takayama. I was very impressed with his sense of humor and relaxed manner. I hear he still slides quite well down at the harbor. I also was fortunate enough to get a peak into his shaping bay. The light was pretty low and i was shooting 100asa slide film at the time, so the above shot is the only salvaged photo of the lot. If only I was loaded up with my trusty tmax 400 i could have pushed the film further (800 or 1600 ASA). My other regret of the visit was not having the nerve to ask to photograph him. To have a crappy snap of DT would have been classic.

Donald seems quite into shaping wood surfboards these days and his work is truly artful. I was also diggin on the classic takayama model that he shaped in the 60's for Hap Jacobs. The rails and outline on these boards are so insane. True to the original template. The guys running the shop were awesome, helpful and open to discussing his shapes.