Surfski IndexAn index of surfskis
Feedback
263craft

Knysna Racing · Surfski

Knysna Racing McGregor Classic

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.

Length
5.9 m
Beam
41 cm
Deck
37 cm
Lightest
10.5 kg
 
 
Knysna Racing McGregor Classic, Outline drawn to scale from published length and deck height
Outline drawn to scale from published length and deck height · Surfski Index

Specifications

Length
5.9 m
Beam
41 cm
Deck height
37 cm
Category
Surfski
Usually paddled by
Racers
New price
Not listed new

Layup weights

Carbon Epoxy Vacuum10.5 kg
Glass Epoxy Vacuum11.5 kg
Polyvac13 kg

On-water profile

Stability
3–5
Dimension estimateLow confidence
Speed
8

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. How we rate.

Stability here means how steady the ski feels sitting still on flat water. Where two craft have overlapping ranges, we can't say which is more stable. Downwind handling is a separate thing, covered in the evidence note below.

Evidence note

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

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

Paddler weight

The estimated sweet spot is 77–90 kg, with a broader estimated guide of 63–90 kg. This estimate is a guide, not a limit. Seat fit, conditions and paddling style matter. Lighter paddlers can still enjoy a larger hull, especially downwind. A test paddle is the best check.

The upper limit is the maker’s; the lighter end follows the proportions of makers’ own ranges. How this is worked out.

Generations

2017-present (Classic S1)

Lee McGregor-designed ultra-narrow flat-water/HPK-style racer; current build sold as the Classic S1

Pros and cons

Pros

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

Cons

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

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).Reported experience

Where to buy

Knysna Racing Kayaks ↗

Dealers:

Australian Paddle Sports · AU ↗Charger Surf Craft · AU ↗

No published Australian retail price; imported from South Africa. Deep Research import estimate ~AUD 3,800 for a carbon layup; for comparison the entry Genius RS carbon is AUD 4,000 at Oceanpaddler (2026). Layups: Carbon Epoxy Vacuum / Glass Epoxy Vacuum / Polyvac per knysnaracingkayaks.com.

Sources

BetaRatings are estimatesRatings are estimates. How we get the numbers. Prices checked October 2026, may be out of date.