(Photo: Laurent Chantegros)
I LOVE shaping surfboards and I'm kinda obsessed with this craft. Even though I am about to shape my 243th board I'm still considering myself as a novice but I hope to become a master one day... This blog is a virtual portfolio and a diary of my journey in the shaping world. Feel free to leave comments or contact me directly at valerie@meremadesurfboards.com.

Valerie Duprat
-Shaper of Mère-Made Surfboards

Sunday, March 11, 2012

I met Donald Takayama

Donald Takayama, me and my friend Laure at the Hawaiian Pro Designs factory

10/23/12 Update: Donald Takayama passed away yesterday. We just lost a legend.


Two days ago I did not know I would meet Donald Takayama. It just happened. My friend Laure who is visiting from France had a business meeting set up with him and his associate Noah Shimabukuro this morning. Indeed, she is the store manager of the Oxbow surfshop in Anglet (France) which is a Takayama boards's retailer. She took me with her to her appointment and therefore I had the chance to have an hour long tour of the Hawaiian Pro Designs factory guided by Donald Takayama himself. Like I said: it just happened like that and it made my day.

PS: I was so impressed that I did not told him I was a shaper in training ;(

with team rider and associate, Noah Shimabukuro

10/23/12 Update: Donald Takayama passed away yesterday. We just lost a surf legend.

5 comments:

  1. Lucky you to met Master Takayama !
    I gona go to Anglet on Monday for 1 month to work with Eric Rougé, so may be, I visit the shop of your friend !
    Bise

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    1. Have fun my friend in Anglet! I know how much you appreciate working with Eric Rouge.
      Please do stop by the Oxbow store (which is gorgeaous by the way) and ask for Laure Clament. She's really really cool!

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