Knysna Racing · Surfski
Knysna Racing Jester S1
Short 4.57m hull with a flatter bottom than most skis, plenty of rocker and a high-volume bow, aimed at children and smaller adults and most at home in waves. Takes paddlers up to about 1.78m tall; carbon understern rudder and self-adjusting footrest.
- Length
- 4.57 m
- Beam
- 49 cm
- Deck
- 28 cm
- Lightest
- 12 kg
Specifications
- Length
- 4.57 m
- Beam
- 49 cm
- Deck height
- 28 cm
- Category
- Surfski
- Usually paddled by
- New paddlers
- New price
- A$2,150
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: Small surf, shore break play and sheltered water for juniors and light adults up to about 1.78m tall.
Paddler weight
The estimated sweet spot is 48–56 kg, with a broader estimated guide of 39–58 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.
Estimated from hull dimensions using a formula fitted to makers’ own paddler limits. It does not establish the designer’s intended paddler weight. How this is worked out.
Generations
Short play ski from Knysna Racing (Oceanpaddler image uploads date from 2016). Salt Kayaks took over Knysna Racing Kayaks from 1 October.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Very manoeuvrable and stable in small surf
- Fits kids up to adults about 1.78m tall
- Inexpensive and light for a composite ski
Cons
- Slow on flat water for its length
- Cramped for larger adults
- Seat sits well aft, which some owners find awkward on the flat
What paddlers say
surfski.info owner (1.78m, 88kg) who bought one for his children: 'it's got lots of rocker, a big volume bow' and is 'very maneuverable'; he could barely fit and suspected it 'would be relatively slow as a flatwater trainer.'Reported experience
Leif Aterra, Swedish dealer, surfski.info: 'Jester which we also have sold is a more stable boat and slower' than the Carbonology Splash.Reported experience
Gallery
Where to buy
Dealers:
AUD 2,150 Glass Polyvac (14kg) and AUD 2,500 Glass Epoxy Vacuum (12.5kg) at both Oceanpaddler and Pro Kayaks (Pro Kayaks showed GEV sold out). Maker also builds Carbon Epoxy Vacuum (12kg); no AU price found. No US price found.
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