Trying to 100% Thorny Hill Speed Surf in Donkey Kong Bananza? Here’s how to beat the time challenge, find the hidden third banana, and grab all three Banandium Gems.
Welcome to Thorny Hill Speed Surf (aka Banana Rush Hour)
Ah, Thorny Hill Speed Surf. The name alone makes your fur itch, right? It’s the second speed challenge in Hilltop Layer, and while the first two Banandium Gems are pretty chill to grab, that third one? Yeah… the devs definitely said “Let’s make this one a head-scratcher.”
But don’t worry, DK homie — this guide’s got everything you need to ace the timer AND uncover the sneaky hidden gem behind the wall. Let’s surf.
Banandium Gem #1 – Just Finish the Race
Easy dub. Get to the end of the course, and the first Banandium Gem is yours. Doesn’t matter how fast you are — just finish without falling into the abyss and you’re golden.
Tip: You can retry instantly by talking to the blue crystal at the finish line if you mess up.
Banandium Gem #2 – Thorny-Hill Buzzer Beater (20 Seconds Left)
Want that second gem? You gotta channel your inner blue shell and cross the finish line with at least 20 seconds left on the timer. Here’s how:
Go Fast, Stay Fast:
- Spam X like your life depends on it – it’s DK’s turbo button.
- Jump over spike walls – don’t try to go around, it’s a time trap.
- Leap over enemies – they’re just obstacles, not friends.
- Stick to the metal path – it’s the safest route and won’t slow you down.
- Shortcuts? Optional. Sure, they help, but you can finish fast enough without risking a fall (and your precious gold).
If you’re not happy with your time, the blue crystal at the end will let you restart without the annoying backtracking. We love a convenient retry.
Banandium Gem #3 – Thorny-Hill Hideaway (The Hidden Banana)
Okay, now for the real challenge.
You’ve probably noticed the big, rude wall behind the finish line. It looks unclimbable… and yeah, it is. Unless you get creative.
How to Reach the Hidden Area:
- Find a nearby dirt patch (close to the wall).
- Hold ZR to Tear Up a chunk of terrain like the beast you are.
- Stand next to the wall and tap R to Drop the dirt chunk.
- Jump up onto the dirt piece, then onto the top of the wall.
- Hop down the other side and smash the hidden Banandium Gem.
Pro Tip: If you’ve unlocked the Jump Shot skill, you can double-jump over the wall instead. Big shortcut vibes.
No clues, no hints — just some classic DK-style problem solving and terrain-wrangling.
Quick Recap for All 3 Banandium Gems
| Gem # | How to Get It |
| 1️⃣ | Finish the course |
| 2️⃣ | Finish with 20+ seconds left |
| 3️⃣ | Use Tear & Drop to climb wall behind finish line |
Final Thoughts: Go Bananas With That Third Gem
Thorny Hill Speed Surf may start off like a breeze, but that hidden third banana is where the game really wants to see if you’re paying attention — or just zooming past every wall like a monkey on a mission.
Now that you know the trick (and have some speedrun strats in your back pocket), you’re all set to 100% this challenge and stack your Banandium like a boss.
Happy surfing, and remember: if the wall looks impossible, just throw some dirt at it. Classic Kong logic.
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