Japanese-Australian Surf Brand 'Banks Journal' Closes Its Doors For Good - Stab Mag

Dakoda Walters wins Surf100 presented by Pacifico.

3362 Views

Japanese-Australian Surf Brand ‘Banks Journal’ Closes Its Doors For Good

On Friday the 13th, no less.

news // Oct 14, 2023
Words by Holden Trnka
Reading Time: 2 minutes

The winds of change continue to howl.

While the WSL searches for a new CEO, Authentic Brands Group decides what to do with their newly purchased surf conglomerate, and the end of many a professional surf contract looms.

This Friday, the 13th of October, marked more change — with Banks Journal announcing that they were officially closing their doors.

Per Rama McGabe via the Banks Journal Instagram:

“I’m writing to everyone who has lovingly supported Banks Journal since we embarked on this journey back in 2014. We started this project to merge style and function with a sustainable approach to design and development. We were fortunate to have a unique perspective on coastal living, inspired by our Japanese and Australian heritage.

We’ve come a long way from our original office in Bondi Beach, Australia, and we wouldn’t have had this opportunity without each and every one of you. From the incredibly talented individuals we’ve had the pleasure of working alongside, to the retailers who always believed in us no matter what, our factories that went above and beyond to provide us with beautifully made products. Last but not least, to all the people who have one of our products hanging in their closet, you’re the friends, family, and supporters who have turned the dream of creating Banks Journal into a reality.

On Friday, October 13th, we will close our doors for the last time and bid farewell to all of you. Our hope is that you will continue to support our incredible retail partners until the last Banks Journal products have left their shelves, and that you will find an everyday journey with our brand in your life.”

The brand, started in 2014 by Rama McGabe, Masa Shibahara, Motoo Noda, and Tim Cochran won our 2021 Best Boardshorts — and we’re terribly sad to see them go.

Deeper dive coming soon.

Comments

Comments are a Stab Premium feature. Gotta join to talk shop.

Already a member? Sign In

Want to join? Sign Up

Advertisement

Most Recent

Joel Parkinson Enters The Confessional | StabMic Ep. 31

“I’m not sure if I’m allowed to tell this story… But I’m gonna do it…

Sep 14, 2026

Julian Wilson Vs Shopify

Rivvia Project's founder on office life, stretching the dollar and their latest team edit.

Sep 14, 2026

The Poor Get Poorer: Does The WSL’s Format Conspire Against Its Losers?

+ How Oscar popped his Berry.

Sep 13, 2026

Surf100 Winner Now Wealthy Enough To Think About Interest Rates

Dakoda Walters enters the next phase of adulthood, while 2500 Pacificos get drained at pace.

Sep 11, 2026

Yago Dora Is Undefeated At Lowers — Does That End This Week?

The cut is here, the bubble is stacked, and one Aussie is two L's away…

Sep 10, 2026

The 2026 $100k Surf100 Finale, Presented By Pacifico

Parko, Noa, Dakoda and Dimitri face off in our audience judged, 100-minute surf exhibition.

Sep 9, 2026

Can Parko Beat The Kids For $100k?

Watch our Surf100 warm-ups.

Sep 8, 2026

Nathan Florence On Why The 10,000 Hour Rule Does Not Apply To Surfing

And how tubes cost him $12,000 per minute.

Sep 8, 2026

How To Watch (& Judge) The $100,000 Surf100 Finale

Everything you need to know before September 9 (PST).

Sep 7, 2026

Go To Lakey Peak For Two Weeks, Accidentally Leave With SEOTY Entry

Watch a dozen or so A+ airs in Makana Franzmann's 'Off Axis.'

Sep 5, 2026

How Zeke Lau Became Surfing’s Villain | StabMic Ep. 30

“Am I happy with the way things played out? Not really.”

Sep 5, 2026

How Will This Weekend’s Hurricane Marie Stack Up Against 2014’s?

We asked Surfline's senior forecaster to discern fact from lineup chatter.

Sep 4, 2026

And Our $12k Kandui Resort Giveaway Winner Is…

Hosing down wildfires in Big Sur.

Sep 3, 2026

Watch: Two Underdogs, One Very Expensive Bone

Dakoda and Dimitri’s thoughts on facing Parko and Noa for a $100K payday.

Sep 3, 2026

Cloudbreak Saves Goofs From Challenger Series Horrors

Cole Houshmand and Erin 'Don't-Call-It-A-Title-Run' Brooks win in Fiji.

Sep 3, 2026

Karma Just Sent Kauli Vaast A Lump Sum

Perfect 10s, ankle sprains, and a rising swell in Fiji

Sep 2, 2026

Watch: EAST Starring Harry Bryant, Episode Two

This is not a fin test.

Sep 1, 2026

Fiji Lately: World Champs Out, Bar Tabs Up, Swell Inbound

Eight heats in 96 hours; or the glorious doldrums of Tavarua laydays. 

Aug 31, 2026
Advertisement