Kelly Slater Designs Surfboards : Banana
In the previous post we discussed the Kelly Slater Designs Sci-Fi model; let’s look into the Banana now (the one that Kelly surfed at his famous pool wave session!
None of these boards feature a conventional stringer, rather, they all have a strip of a 0.75” (18 mm) wide aerospace composite that runs down the centreline of the board. Like several other FireWire surfboards, they have used the Linear Flex Technology (LFT) and it’s pretty awesome (boards hardly break anymore at Kalon). And as Stabmag notes, another big part of the construction is the combo of EPS blanks and entropy bio-resins, which makes the boards certified “Ecoboards” by SustainableSurf.org.
Kelly Slater Designs coming to Kalon Surf in May, we will be among the first in the world (but definitely in Costa Rica) to have our guests test them out. Our guests will have the unique opportunity to experience the latest innovations in surfboard technology, tailored for performance and style. This is perfect for those who are looking for girls’ surf getaway ideas, as they can bond over shared thrills while exploring the waves with these cutting-edge boards. Join us for an unforgettable surf trip filled with adventure and camaraderie! In addition to trying out the latest surfboards, guests can take part in personalized coaching sessions designed to enhance their skills on the waves. With our dedicated instructors, you’ll discover new techniques and gain confidence in your surfing abilities, all while tailoring your surf retreat experience to fit your individual needs. This holistic approach ensures that every participant leaves not only with new skills but also with cherished memories and lasting friendships. Additionally, as we embrace the importance of blogging for businesses, we’ll be sharing guest experiences and surf tips on our platform, creating a supportive community for our visitors. This not only ensures that your surfing journey is highlighted but also helps inspire others to embark on their own adventures. With every wave ridden and story shared, we aim to foster connections that extend beyond the shore.
The Banana:
Kelly Slater Designs’ take on the Banana: “Inspired by the extreme rocker boards that Greg Webber and Shane Herring developed in the early 90’s. the BANANA is a far more user-friendly version that Kelly and Greg developed for intermediate to advanced surfers. And meant to be ridden in better than average conditions. The BANANA has a smooth outline curve from nose to tail. a slight bump wing in front of the fins. as well as a generous single to double concave bottom contour. The end redult is an extremely high performance surfboard that can be pushed hard through turns. while holding it’s own in deep barrels. In other words. the carving rail turns and extreme tube riding that Kelly was doing at Pipe on the smaller days during the 2015 Masters. “
The guys of Stabmag noted that “This is the board that Slater rode at the Pipe Masters and was everyone’s first look at Slater Designs. The champ rides it at 5’10”x 18 3/8”x 2 1/4” with 25.8L of volume and it’s his pick for good, hollow conditions. With a very pulled in tail and heaps of rocker, you better be tube hunting if you’re riding the Banana. Somewhat inspired by the work that Webber and Shane Herring did together back in the ‘90s, this is what Kelly’s riding at Pipe and Cloudbreak.”
