Donald Takayama Surfboards Scorpion 2
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The Takayama Scorpion 2: A Board You Pick Up and Never Put Down
Donald Takayama built his reputation on shapes that feel immediately right the moment you paddle out, and the Scorpion 2 is one of the clearest expressions of that gift. This is a modified evolution of the original hot-selling Scorpion, refined directly at Donald's request for his friends surfing the south shore of Oahu. The goal was a more rounded-out template with a wider tail and a narrower nose, and the result is a board that rewards surfers across a wide range of conditions and quiver slots.
Outline and Template: Why the Scorpion 2 Works
The wider tail is the defining feature of the Scorpion 2's design. It packs meaningful volume into the tail block, which does two things: it gives the surfer easy access to speed and early planning in weaker, mushier surf, and it allows a shorter overall length than you might expect for the amount of flotation on offer. The narrower nose keeps the outline from feeling bloated up front, channeling water flow cleanly through the entry rocker and into the mid-section. The overall silhouette is oval and rounded rather than pulled-in or pintail, which translates to forgiving turns and a stable platform underfoot.
The rocker profile sits in the relaxed-to-moderate range, which is exactly what you want for the wave types this board targets. A flatter entry rocker keeps paddling fast and effortless; a touch of tail rocker through the back third gives you tail control when the wave steepens. That combination means the Scorpion 2 works when the surf is knee-to-waist and mushy just as well as when it stands up overhead and throws.
Fin Configuration: Endless Versatility
The wide tail block of the Scorpion 2 is laid out with multiple fin box placements to support single, 2+1, and quad setups. This flexibility is not an afterthought; Donald specifically cited it as a reason for the wider tail design. Running it as a single gives the board a classic, flowing feel with long, drawn-out arcs. The 2+1 adds bite and direction. The quad configuration unlocks the board's speed-generating potential in the pocket, making it a genuinely fast option in hollow or punchy surf. Check the variant selector on this page for the configuration that ships with your chosen build.
Wave Range and Who It Suits
The Scorpion 2 is built for the full spectrum of everyday surf. In small, California-style conditions where the wave face is soft and the push is weak, the wide tail volume and relaxed rocker let the board find speed on its own. As the surf builds toward well-overhead island-style barrels, the outline's curves and the tail's responsiveness keep the rider in control and connected to the wave face. This is not a board that has a narrow window; it is genuinely at home across a wide range of conditions.
Intermediates will find the Scorpion 2 approachable because it paddles exceptionally well and rewards small weight shifts. Advanced surfers will appreciate how the wider tail volume lets them size down without giving up flotation or paddle power. It fits naturally into a quiver as a go-to small-to-medium day shape or as a performance funboard for surfers who want more wave count and more fun on the days that are not perfect.
Tuflite Construction: Built Lighter, Built to Last
Island Water Sports carries the Scorpion 2 in Surftech's Tuflite and Tuflite 2 constructions. Both builds use a composite sandwich construction process that produces a board noticeably lighter than a conventional polyurethane blank while delivering a livelier, more responsive feel off the tail. The exterior is impact-resistant and water-tight, meaning dents and dings that would sideline a traditional glass board often flex back or simply don't penetrate. The result is a board that stays in your quiver and in the water longer, without the weight penalty of a traditional glass-over-foam build. See the variant selector on this page to choose between Tuflite and Tuflite 2 builds.
Donald Takayama Surfboards: The Legacy Behind the Shape
Donald Takayama shaped boards for decades out of his Hawaii Surfboard shop in Huntington Beach, producing designs that bridged California longboard tradition with performance shortboard thinking. The Scorpion series represents some of his most enduring shortboard-adjacent work: shapes that are accessible enough for a wide range of surfers yet refined enough to satisfy experienced riders who know what a well-designed board feels like. Every Scorpion 2 that leaves the factory carries that lineage in its outline, its rocker, and its fin setup.
Questions about fit, sizing, or which construction is right for your surfing? Call our team at 954-427-4929 or visit one of our South Florida stores. We surf what we sell.
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Specifications
- Brand
- Donald Takayama Surfboards
- Model
- Scorpion 2
- Board Type
- Shortboard / Funboard
- Construction
- Tuflite / Tuflite 2 (Surftech composite sandwich)
- Fin Setup
- Single / 2+1 / Quad (multiple fin box options)
- Skill Level
- Intermediate to Advanced
- Wave Range
- Small beach break to well-overhead
- Gender
- Unisex
Size & Dimensions
| Length | Width | Thickness | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5'10" | 21.0" | 2.6" | 38.0 L |
| 6'4" | 21.4" | 2.7" | 43.0 L |
| 6'10" | 22.0" | 2.8" | 49.0 L |
| 7'4" | 22.25" | 2.9" | 57.5 L |
Full manufacturer size chart. Sizes available to order are shown in the selector above.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the difference between the Donald Takayama Scorpion and the Scorpion 2?
- The Scorpion 2 is a modified version of the original Scorpion, designed by Donald Takayama specifically for south shore Oahu surfers. The key changes are a wider tail and a narrower nose, producing a more rounded-out template. The wider tail adds volume in the back of the board, which allows surfers to ride a shorter overall length and also opens up more fin combination options, including single, 2+1, and quad setups. The original Scorpion had a different tail and nose balance. If you liked the Scorpion but wanted more fin versatility or the ability to size down, the Scorpion 2 is the natural next step.
- What wave types is the Takayama Scorpion 2 designed for?
- The Scorpion 2 excels across a wide range of conditions. Donald Takayama designed it to handle small, soft California-style surf just as well as well-overhead island-style barrels. The relaxed entry rocker and wide tail volume generate speed in weak, mushy surf, while the outline's curves and tail control give confident performance when conditions get hollow and powerful. It is one of the more versatile shapes in the Donald Takayama lineup.
- Is the Takayama Scorpion 2 good for intermediate surfers?
- Yes. The Scorpion 2 is an excellent choice for intermediate surfers ready to move beyond a longboard or funboard. The wide tail and rounded outline make it forgiving and easy to paddle, while the multiple fin options mean the board can grow with your surfing. Advanced surfers who want a higher-volume daily driver or a travel board for inconsistent surf also reach for the Scorpion 2. Check the size guide on this page and use the variant selector to choose the right length for your weight and experience level.
- What fin setup does the Scorpion 2 use?
- The Scorpion 2 is set up to run a single fin, a 2+1 (single center with two side bites), or a quad. The wider tail design specifically accommodates this range of configurations, which was one of Donald's goals for the model. A single fin gives long, flowing arcs; the 2+1 adds hold and direction; the quad unlocks the most speed and drive in the pocket. The specific boxes included depend on the construction variant, so check the variant selector on this page for details.
- What is Tuflite construction and how does it affect the Scorpion 2?
- Tuflite is Surftech's composite sandwich construction process. It produces a board that is lighter than a traditional polyurethane and fiberglass build, with a livelier, more responsive feel. The surface is impact-resistant, meaning everyday dents and pressure dings are less likely to compromise the board or let water in. For a shape like the Scorpion 2 that is meant to be a workhorse across many conditions, the durability and weight savings of Tuflite are real practical advantages.
- How do I choose the right Scorpion 2 size?
- The size guide on this page lists every length the Scorpion 2 is produced in, along with the width, thickness, and volume for each. For most surfers, volume is the clearest guide: match the volume to your body weight and fitness level using your preferred volume-per-kilogram ratio, then cross-reference the width and thickness to see how the board will feel under your feet. The variant selector on this page shows which sizes are currently available. If you want a personal recommendation, call our team at 954-427-4929.
- Can the Scorpion 2 handle overhead surf or is it only for small waves?
- The Scorpion 2 handles both. Donald Takayama described its range as running from small California-style beach break all the way to well-overhead island-style barrels. The outline and rocker are designed so the board does not become nervous or unpredictable as conditions build. The tail responds cleanly to weight shifts in steeper surf, and the overall design stays composed in powerful, hollow waves.