Knysna Racing · Surfski
Knysna Racing Genius CLK S1
5.8m x 48cm hull for novice to intermediate paddlers. Australian dealers position it as a step up from the Genius RS for surfing and chop. The maker lists an overall height of 42cm; this is not treated as a measured deck depth in the fit model.
- Length
- 5.8 m
- Beam
- 48 cm
- Deck
- 35 cm
- Lightest
- 13 kg
Specifications
- Length
- 5.8 m
- Beam
- 48 cm
- Deck height
- 35 cm (est.)
- Category
- Surfski
- Usually paddled by
- Paddlers in chop
- New price
- A$2,650
Layup weights
On-water profile
Modelled from published beam, length and deck height. Low confidence. Speed is our rating. Both are given at the hull's own design weight. 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
Suits: Ocean training, chop and downwind runs for paddlers moving up from an entry ski, plus long flat-water sessions.
Paddler weight
The estimated sweet spot is 86–100 kg, with a broader estimated guide of 70–100 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
Part of Knysna Racing's CAD-designed, CNC-cut Genius range. Sits between the wide Genius RS and the narrower BLU. Salt Kayaks took over Knysna Racing Kayaks from 1 October.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Stable enough for a first ski, quick enough to grow into
- Maker publishes a maximum paddler weight of 100kg
- Reasonably priced in Australia across three layups
Cons
- Glass Polyvac layup is heavy at 16.5kg
- Wider and shorter than the racing-focused Genius hulls
- Limited independent reviews
Gallery
Where to buy
Dealers:
AUD 2,650 Glass Polyvac (16.5kg), 3,250 Glass Epoxy Vacuum (dealer quotes 13.0kg), 4,000 Carbon Epoxy Vacuum (dealer quotes 12.0kg) at Oceanpaddler; In2Kayaks lists the same prices. No US price found.
Similar craft
Closest in stability, speed and paddler weight.
Carbonology Crest X
A$3,300new
Stability: dimension estimate, low confidence
Carbonology Boost X
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Kai Wa'a Vega Arc
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Stability: dimension estimate, low confidence