In the previous post we discussed the Sci-Fi model — let’s look at the Banana now. This is the board Kelly surfed at his famous pool wave session.
Like all the Slater Designs models in our Firewire partnership, the Banana doesn’t use a conventional stringer. Instead, it has a 0.75-inch wide aerospace composite strip running down the centerline — part of Firewire’s Linear Flex Technology (LFT). As Stabmag noted, the construction combines EPS blanks with entropy bio-resins, making them certified “Ecoboards” by SustainableSurf.org. The practical upside at Kalon: these boards are incredibly durable. They hardly break, which matters when you’re running 60+ boards through daily sessions.
When the Kelly Slater Designs line first came to Kalon, we were among the first in Costa Rica to have them available for guests. That’s still one of the things we like about this partnership — our guests get to ride boards most surfers only see in magazines.
The Banana
From Kelly Slater Designs: “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. 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 result is an extremely high performance surfboard that can be pushed hard through turns while holding its own in deep barrels.”
Stabmag added: “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.”
At Kalon
The Banana is one of several Slater Designs models available to our intermediate and advanced guests. It’s a board built for performance in quality conditions — not your everyday small-wave board. Our coaches will put you on it when the conditions and your level match. To learn more about how we select boards for guests and why volume matters more than shape, check out our board selection guide.
Explore the rest of the Slater Designs lineup we carry: Sci-Fi · Omni · Helium Gamma · Eco Traction Pads
