Paul Weavers

Whether you are looking for a stable Canadian to cruise on the lagoon or the latest high-tech racing kayak, you need look no further than Knysna Racing Kayaks who produce a wide range of paddles and water-craft.

The company was started by Hubby Sandberg in 1991. Having moved to Knysna from Natal where he had been designing and building kayaks, Hubby initially made only paddles but quickly moved into the manufacture of kayaks, surfskis, malibu boards and canoes. Hubby was joined in the business by the late Daniel Conradie, a springbok paddler who paddled Knysna Racing's craft to victory many times, making the Knysna Racing name known internationally as a winning product.

Shortly after Daniel's tragic death, Knysna Racing was joined by Albert Wasserman. Previously an attorney, Albert's passion for the sport led him into the paddle and kayak business and he currently manages the factory. Hubby heads design and technology and, drawing on his years of experience, has just designed a number of exciting new craft in the racing and leisure market. Jacques Theron, the current South African champion, paddles and endorses Knysna Racing's new K1 Matrix and K2 Clone, the new parallel-sided kayaks which are making waves in the industry.

With a consignment of the new products having already been dispatched to international buyers the Knysna Racing export market is booming and currently makes up 22% of sales. The international interest is extensive with buyers from America, Europe, New Zealand, Australia and even Tokyo grabbing the opportunity to buy quality products at a favourable exchange rate.

All of Knysna Racing's craft and paddles are hand-made to order with the emphasis on manufacturing quality products using only the finest materials.