Knysna Racing · Surfski
Knysna Racing SonicX S1
Short, low-volume junior hull adapted from the Guppie K1 kayak shape, 27cm deep, with a carbon understern rudder, self-bailers and a self-adjusting footrest. An owner noted it sits level on its waterline, unlike the bow-high Guppie and Jester.
- Length
- 4.15 m
- Beam
- 47 cm
- Deck
- 27 cm
- Lightest
- 12 kg
Specifications
- Length
- 4.15 m
- Beam
- 47 cm
- Deck height
- 27 cm
- Category
- Surfski
- Usually paddled by
- New paddlers
- New price
- A$1,950
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: Junior paddling and club learn-to-paddle sessions on flat water, sheltered bays and small surf, for children about 6 to 12 years old.
Paddler weight
The estimated sweet spot is 38–45 kg, with a broader estimated guide of 31–47 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
Kids' ski from Knysna Racing (Knysna, South Africa); about seven months in production in August 2019 per a surfski.info thread. The hull is drawn from the maker's Guppie K1 junior kayak. Salt Kayaks took over Knysna Racing Kayaks from 1 October (maker home-page notice seen October 2026, year not stated); KRK continues as a brand.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Made for children, with a 1.5m paddler length ceiling
- Composite build far lighter than rotomoulded kids' boats
- Full ski fittings: understern rudder, bailers, adjustable footrest
Cons
- Outgrown once a child passes about 1.5m
- Not barge-stable on a first outing
- Only one layup stocked in Australia
What paddlers say
surfski.info owner, August 2019, after a first outing with an 8-year-old: 'It looks fast and sleek. The quality of construction and fittings seem on par with modern adults skis.'Reported experience
Gallery
Where to buy
Dealers:
AUD 1,950 for Glass Epoxy Vacuum (quoted at 11.0kg) at Oceanpaddler, the only layup that dealer lists. Maker also builds Glass Polyvac (14kg) and Carbon Epoxy Vacuum (12kg); no AU price found for those. No US price found.
Similar craft
Closest in stability, speed and paddler weight.
Knysna Racing Guppie S1
No list priceask a dealer
Stability: dimension estimate, low confidence
Knysna Racing Jester S1
A$2,150new
Stability: dimension estimate, low confidence
Carbonology Splash
A$2,900new
Stability: dimension estimate, low confidence