The Banana Leaf is a modern performance mini-longboard designed primarily around turns, control & performance and therefore should be under the surfer's feet whose top priority in a longboard is turns - yet still trims from the middle and can cheat 5 (or beyond for the talented longboarder). The rocker selection however tailors the board into two different categories:

The Hybrid Performance [HY] rocker keeps a moderate nose rocker, providing enough to still keep the board in the performance-forward category, but low enough to provide healthy paddle power and easy wave catching. The moderately aggressive tail rocker however turns and responds like a champ. Along with that comes more inherent speed and the ability to still have fun in smaller summery surf that has a little push or hollower shape to it. The Hybrid rocker really makes the Banana Leaf into a swiss army knife of a mini-longboard that can handle a good variety of conditions.

The High Performance [HP] rocker pairs both a modern aggressive nose & tail rocker together which increases the board's natural wave range a bit, making it less versatile for smaller waves, but transforms it into a medium-to-big wave machine handling more wave power & pitch. This is the options for thw surfer looking to get the most performance possible out of their longboard, and always surfs a longboard even in bigger surf. However, going into the mini-longboard range (approximately 8' to 9') offers better control & handling in bigger surf than 9'+.

While my favorite length range for the Banana Leaf is that 8'-8'11 mini-longboard range, I have developed dimensions both above and below that range. Below 8'0 for very lightweight surfers or groms, and above 9'0 for heavier surfer or simply the surfer wanting the extra paddle power and wave catching, particularly for smaller waves in the Banana Leaf platform.

Squash Tail


The most classic performance longboard tail shape. Your board will "bounce" or "pop" from rail-to-rail the quickest with the squash tail and maintain the most lift to the tip of the tail for extra speed in smaller, softer conditions. The original tail shape for the Banana Leaf, and the best option for those looking for the most agility and turning performance with a hint of looseness.

Diamond Tail


Similar to the squash tail, but with slightly reduced surface area. Provides a good chunk of the rail-to-rail bounce/pop and lift that the squash tail offers, but with enhanced grip and a slightly smoother rail-to-rail transition. An excellent choice for those who mainly plan on surfing their Banana Leaf in small/medium surf, but would like a little extra grip in some more sizeable/punchy/pitchy conditions.

Pin Tail


A pin tail will offer a noticeable change in ride-feel from the squash or diamond tail. The continuously tapering surface area results in more grip, bite and smoothness while drawing out the turning radius and adding control. Therefore, the pin tail surfs best in pitchier conditions and excels in medium+ sized surf.

Order the Banana Leaf if:
⬩ Medium sized waves are most important with very good small wave ability.
⬩ Turning performance & agility are the most important aspects of your longboard.
⬩ Versatility is important, along with pitchy wave handling.

Consider the Beach Cruiser Mark III or Legato if:
⬩ Small surf and medium surf are equally important.
⬩ You want the paddling & speed of a cruiser but some of the walkability of a noserider.
⬩ Turning is still wanted, but high performance turns last on the list of importance.

Consider the Rhythm if:
⬩ Small surf is most important to you.
⬩ Noseriding is most important to you.