‘Knysna’ is a Khoi word but its exact meaning is uncertain. One possibility is ‘straight down’, which is an obvious reference to the Knysna Heads. This striking geological feature is famous along the entire southern African coastline. The Knysna lagoon opens to the ocean after passing between these two large, statuesque headlands. The Heads have become infamous due to the numerous wrecks that have resulted from boats trying to pass through the treacherous and unpredictable waters between them.