Takayama Opihi 8'6 review: the most-ridden board in the entire register
Updated 2026-09-19
| Length | 8'6" |
|---|---|
| Width | 22 1/2 in |
| Thickness | 2 7/8 in |
| Volume | 56? L |
| Fin config | Thruster |
| Wave range | 2 to 4 ft |
The Takayama Opihi is an 8'6 noserider, and it holds the record for the most-ridden board in the entire register, current or sold, of 150 boards.
What it is and why I bought it
I bought the Opihi stock in March 2013, a board with a medium rocker and 60/40 rails, running a flat-to-slight-vee bottom, built specifically as a noserider longboard. At 22 1/2 inches wide over 8'6, the register calls it a very good board overall, with only a slightly wide nose noted as a minor quibble.
It came in a baby blue gold colourway.
How it surfed
Its best wave came at Novotel, and it earned its place as the most-used board on record. No maker's fin is logged against it, in keeping with an older-style, glassed-in single fin setup typical of a dedicated noserider from this era. The logged wave range is 2 to 4 ft, ideal at 2.5 ft.
Who it suits and who it does not
A dedicated noserider like this suits someone who wants to walk the board and trim classic, longboard-style waves rather than perform rail-to-rail turns. It is not built for anyone chasing a modern, performance-oriented ride; a noserider's whole appeal is in its stability and nose-riding ability, not turning.
What happened to it
It sold on 29 May 2016 for $1,000, against a $1,550 purchase cost.
Questions people ask
Why does the Takayama Opihi see more use than any other board?
It is simply the most-ridden board in the entire register of 150 boards, a reflection of how often it was reached for as a dependable noserider over several years.
What was the one criticism of this board?
A slightly wide nose was the only quibble noted, against an otherwise very good overall verdict.
What conditions suited the Opihi?
The logged range is 2 to 4 ft with 2.5 ft as the ideal, classic longboard and noserider conditions.
For the full spec sheet, see the sold boards list. For other single fins in the log, see the Keyo Cheetah still in the current rack. For the full numbers behind every board's sessions, see the current quiver and sold boards lists.