Thorny Hill Speed Surf is one of the trickiest challenge courses in the 
Hilltop Layer of Donkey Kong Bananza, offering players the chance to earn 
three Banandium Gems by mastering its obstacles. While the first two gems are relatively straightforward to obtain, the third requires some clever thinking and precise execution.
In this guide, we’ll break down how to 
find all three Banandium Gems, including the well-hidden third one, and provide tips for completing the course 
with 20+ seconds remaining for maximum rewards.
Thorny Hill Speed Surf – Banandium Gem Rewards
Before diving into strategies, let’s review how to claim each gem:
First Gem – Simply complete the course.Second Gem – Finish with 20 seconds or more left on the clock.Third Gem – A hidden reward requiring an unconventional approach (details below).The first two rewards are self-explanatory, but the third gem’s location isn’t hinted at in-game, leaving many players stumped.
How to Find the Hidden Third Banana (Behind the Finish Line Wall)
The 
final Banandium Gem is tucked away behind the 
unclimbable wall near the finish line. Since DK can’t scale it normally, players must use Donkey Kong Bananza’s terrain manipulation mechanics:
Tear Up a Dirt Patch – Hold ZR near one of the dirt patches to rip up a piece of the ground.Drop the Dirt Near the Wall – Move close to the wall and press R to place the dirt chunk.Jump Onto the Wall – Use the dropped dirt as a stepping stone to vault over the barrier.Claim the Gem – Drop down on the other side and smash the hidden Banandium Gem!This clever trick rewards exploration and creative use of DK’s abilities.
How to Beat Thorny Hill Speed Surf with 20+ Seconds Left (Fastest Route Tips)
Earning the second gem requires finishing the course quickly and efficiently. Here’s how to optimize your run:
✅ Hold X to Sprint Constantly – Donkey Kong gains speed by repeatedly pressing X, so spam it to maintain momentum.
✅ Jump Over Obstacles – Instead of weaving around moving spike walls and enemies, leap over them to save time.
✅ Stick to the Metal Path – While shortcuts exist, the main route is reliable enough to finish in under 40 seconds.
✅ Avoid Falling Off – Risky shortcuts can lead to mistakes—staying on track ensures a smooth, fast clear.
If you’re running behind, talk to the blue crystal near the start to reset instantly and try again.
Final Thoughts: Mastering Thorny Hill Speed Surf
Thorny Hill Speed Surf tests both speed and problem-solving skills. By using terrain manipulation to uncover the hidden gem and optimizing your route for a sub-40-second finish, you’ll secure all three Banandium Gems with ease.
 Platform(s): Nintendo Switch 2
Genre(s): Platform, adventure
Developer(s): Nintendo EPD
Release date: July 17, 2025
Mode: Single-player, multiplayer
 ▶
▶
Other Articles Related
How to Get All Four Radiance Ancient Record Pieces in Donkey Kong BananzaDiscover the secrets of  Donkey Kong Bananza  with all four Radiance Ancient Record pieces. Uncover hidden treasures  
How to Get All 110 Music Discs in Donkey Kong Bananza Discover Donkey Kong Bananza and unlock all 110 music discs! Dive into the ultimate gaming experience  
How To Increase Bananergy in Donkey Kong BananzaLearn how to increase your Bananergy in Donkey Kong Bananza. Explore tips and strategies to elevate your gaming 
How To Build Getaways in Donkey Kong BananzaDive into Donkey Kong Bananza and master the art of getaway building.Find expert advice and innovative strategies 
How To Get All Liftoff Labyrinth Bananas in Donkey Kong BananzaLearn how to collect all Liftoff Labyrinth bananas in Donkey Kong Bananza with our step-by-step guide. Master hidden paths, tricky jumps, and secrets to 100% completion!
How to Beat King K. Rool in Donkey Kong BananzaJoin the adventure in Donkey Kong Bananza! Team up to beat King K. Rool and save the day  
How to Get the Last Banana in Quick-Service Ice Treats in Donkey Kong BananzaLearn the best strategies to grab the last banana in Quick-Service Ice Treats in Donkey Kong Bananza! Master timing, power-ups, and sneaky tricks to outsmart your opponents.
Where To Find Every Extra Rare Fossil in Donkey Kong BananzaJoin the adventure in Donkey Kong Bananza and uncover every extra rare fossil! Explore, collect, and conquer challenges 
How to Beat Diddy and Dixie in Donkey Kong BananzaStruggling with Diddy and Dixie in Donkey Kong Bananza? Learn expert tips, tricks, and strategies to defeat them and dominate the game!
All Fossils in Lagoon Layer in Donkey Kong BananzaDiscover all the hidden fossils in the Lagoon Layer of Donkey KongBananza! Unearth secrets, collect rare items, and master this vibrantlevel with our complete guide.
How to Respec Skills in Donkey Kong BananzaDiscover how to respec skills in Donkey Kong Bananza for optimal gameplay. Unlock new strategies 
How to Use Photo Mode in Donkey Kong BananzaLearn how to use Photo Mode in Donkey Kong Bananza to capture epicin-game moments! Get tips on angles, filters, and sharing your bestshots.
How to Get the Hail of Verglas in Diablo 4Discover how to obtain the powerful Hail of Verglas in Diablo 4 with our comprehensive guide. Unlock its potential  
How to run in Ready or Not Discover essential tips and strategies in 'Ready or Not: How to Run' to enhance your running skills 
How to Get Rid of Traps in Ready or NotLearn effective strategies to remove traps in Ready or Not and complete missions safely. Expert tips for detecting and disabling traps in high-risk scenarios.