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Knysna Racing · Surfski

Knysna Racing Genius G40 S1

6.40m x 42cm narrow race hull (max paddler ~80kg) built for speed and downwind at the sharp end of the Genius line. Low-volume, rewards balance and technique.

Length
6.4 m
Beam
42 cm
Deck
37 cm
Lightest
12 kg
Source image flipped
Source image flipped
Knysna Racing Genius G40 S1, Genius G40 S1 studio/banner shot
Genius G40 S1 studio/banner shot · knysnaracingkayaks.com

Specifications

Length
6.4 m
Beam
42 cm
Deck height
37 cm
Category
Surfski
Usually paddled by
Confident ocean paddlers
New price
A$5,300

Layup weights

Glass16.5 kg
Carbon epoxy vac12 kg

On-water profile

Stability
4–6
Dimension estimateLow confidence
Speed
9

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 2 linked sources.

Suits: Advanced/elite racing and ocean downwind.

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

~2018-present

Elite/racer end of the Genius range; SA-built, AU distribution via Charger Surf Craft.

Pros and cons

Pros

  • Fast, narrow race hull
  • Light carbon layup (~12kg)
  • Proven SA racing lineage

Cons

  • Low stability for the average paddler
  • ~80kg paddler cap
  • Limited pricing transparency

What paddlers say

The Genius G40 is listed on the maker's surfski page as the competitive racer of the range; Knysna skis feature in AU paddlers' fleets via Charger Surf Craft distribution.Reported experience

Where to buy

Knysna Racing Kayaks ↗

Dealers:

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

Estimated AU carbon new price; no price on maker site. Confirm with dealer.

Sources

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 Prices checked October 2026, may be out of date.