# Knysna Racing McGregor Classic

> Surfski by Knysna Racing. Canonical page: https://surfskiindex.com/surfskis/knysna-mcgregor-classic/
> Cite as: Knysna Racing McGregor Classic, Surfski Index, https://surfskiindex.com/surfskis/knysna-mcgregor-classic/ (checked 2026-10-15). Terms: https://surfskiindex.com/using-our-data/

## Specifications
- Length: 5.9 m
- Beam: 41 cm
- Deck height: 37 cm
- Layup weights: Carbon Epoxy Vacuum 10.5 kg, Glass Epoxy Vacuum 11.5 kg, Polyvac 13 kg
- Usually paddled by: Racers

## Ratings (Surfski Index estimates)
- Stability band 3–5 out of 10 (dimension estimate, low confidence).
- Speed rated 8 out of 10.

Modelled from published beam, length and deck height. Low confidence. Speed is our rating. Both are given at the hull's own design weight.

These ratings are Surfski Index estimates, worked out from published dimensions, traced hull shapes where we have them, and reviews. They are not supplied by the maker or timed on the water. How a ski feels depends on your weight, skill, set-up and the conditions, so use them to shortlist skis and paddle one before you buy. Method: https://surfskiindex.com/how-it-works/#limits

Evidence note: This band is estimated from published dimensions. Qualitative context includes 1 paddler report and 3 linked sources.

## Paddler weight
Estimated sweet spot 77–90 kg, broader estimated guide 63–90 kg. An estimate from hull dimensions, not the designer's intended weight.

## Suits
Flat-water and mild-water racing, marathon and time-trial paddling for lighter, highly skilled paddlers; capable in mild ocean but built as a narrow speed hull, not a stable downwind ski

## Hull
Very narrow (41cm), relatively short (5.90m) low-volume high-performance race hull built for smaller, lighter paddlers. Deep-vee, low secondary stability and a twitchy feel; tuned for top-end flat-water and marathon speed rather than forgiving downwind stability.

## What works
- Very fast, race-tuned narrow hull
- Light carbon layup ~10.5kg
- Sized for smaller/lighter paddlers who out-swim wider skis

## Trade-offs
- Tippy, low secondary stability
- Short waterline caps top-end vs 6.4m ocean elites
- No AU dealer stock; import-only, thin resale

## Generations
- 2017-present (Classic S1): Lee McGregor-designed ultra-narrow flat-water/HPK-style racer; current build sold as the Classic S1

## What paddlers say
- surfski.info review of the McGregor Classic and Rhythm: the pair are near-identical hulls, the Classic being the narrower/faster of the two, with the wider Rhythm described as still 'noticeably twitchier' than a V12 (surfski.info story 1673).

## Sources
- https://knysnaracingkayaks.com/classic-s1/
- https://surfski.info/latest-news/story/1673/surfski-review-mcgregor-classic-and-rhythm.html
- https://knysnaracingkayaks.com/surf-skis/

## Prices
Current new prices and dealers: https://surfskiindex.com/surfskis/knysna-mcgregor-classic/#buy