Will be checking the FB group(s) for your thoughts on the differences between the 540 and the 520 :))) Looks like a ton of fun! I must visit your school at some point, got some wave action last year when I took my Nelo 510 to Kavala Greece, but that is nothing compared to this. \m/ And the Danube where I do most of my paddling does not have enough depth to produce decent surfing waves even in strong winds :/ Cheers from Serbia!
Thank you for the comment! I am finishing a short article about the experience in 520. Actually I uploaded this video for the article! Greece has some amazing downwind conditions but I’m not sure if Kavala is one of the places. I have had some very great downwind near Athens. Danube can have good waves but the timing needs to be right and the wind to blown along the river. Shallow water doesn’t helps! Whenever you can make it to Tarifa I hope we would have some great conditions for you to enjoy!
Any thoughts on the stability of the new 520s, vs the pre-2020 510s? I've been paddling surfski since February, have a 510, and I still feel like it's a handful in gusty conditions. The only thing I can really compare it to is a V8, and the V8 is definitely easier to manage in waves (unless of course you want to turn quickly). Anyway, there's a used gen 2 520 XXL for a good price about six hours from where I live (California distances...) and I'm wondering if it's worth the trip to test it out.
@@ExceptionallyCleverUsername thanks for the comment. I don’t have a comprehensive comparison between the two models 510 and 520 xxl. I can maybe do a test in the next day or two and write you back. From the experience I have had so far in those two models I can point to two main differences: 1. 520 xxl has significantly more volume and if you are on the heavier side 200 lbs plus (as I am) then you are likely to feel more stable in the 520 xxl. 2. The maneuverability of the 520 is superior due to the rudder shape and materials compared to the plastic 510 rudder and also the 520 seems to sit higher in the water allowing for better turning. The lighter weight is a benefit as well although there is an argument to be made that lighter weight would diminish stability when comparing two Surfskis of equal shape. More or less where are you situated in California? There maybe a closer place to test the 520
Thank you for the comment. My opinion is that we don't need 6.4 m long boats. I love the way Nelo 520 surfs. I have used Epic V7 and that was also 520 and it felt great (minus the very heavy plastic material). I am sure there some advantages in longer boats in specific downwind racing conditions but for the average paddler like me, that theoretical advantage is irrelevant.
I guess you're in the latest Nelo shape with the unusual rocker line with a bulge downwards to lower your feet? Do you think that helps manoeuvrability? I had some time with a 520 XL
Yes, the shape of the hull is as you describe it. I am not sure exactly what element of the design deliver the manoeuvrability. It has to be a combination of the rocker, the length and the rudder shape and positioning. There are two main things, which make this surfski work in downwind: 1. The steering agility 2. The lift you get when you are positioned on top of the wave. I feel the lift underneath and the sensation is like riding a motor boat on a plane. The surfski feels very fast at that moment.
Will be checking the FB group(s) for your thoughts on the differences between the 540 and the 520 :))) Looks like a ton of fun! I must visit your school at some point, got some wave action last year when I took my Nelo 510 to Kavala Greece, but that is nothing compared to this. \m/ And the Danube where I do most of my paddling does not have enough depth to produce decent surfing waves even in strong winds :/ Cheers from Serbia!
Thank you for the comment!
I am finishing a short article about the experience in 520. Actually I uploaded this video for the article!
Greece has some amazing downwind conditions but I’m not sure if Kavala is one of the places. I have had some very great downwind near Athens.
Danube can have good waves but the timing needs to be right and the wind to blown along the river. Shallow water doesn’t helps!
Whenever you can make it to Tarifa I hope we would have some great conditions for you to enjoy!
Dream!🙌
Thank you! The conditions were very nice that day and the surfski made it easy to flow with the them.
Any thoughts on the stability of the new 520s, vs the pre-2020 510s? I've been paddling surfski since February, have a 510, and I still feel like it's a handful in gusty conditions. The only thing I can really compare it to is a V8, and the V8 is definitely easier to manage in waves (unless of course you want to turn quickly).
Anyway, there's a used gen 2 520 XXL for a good price about six hours from where I live (California distances...) and I'm wondering if it's worth the trip to test it out.
@@ExceptionallyCleverUsername thanks for the comment.
I don’t have a comprehensive comparison between the two models 510 and 520 xxl.
I can maybe do a test in the next day or two and write you back.
From the experience I have had so far in those two models I can point to two main differences:
1. 520 xxl has significantly more volume and if you are on the heavier side 200 lbs plus (as I am) then you are likely to feel more stable in the 520 xxl.
2. The maneuverability of the 520 is superior due to the rudder shape and materials compared to the plastic 510 rudder and also the 520 seems to sit higher in the water allowing for better turning.
The lighter weight is a benefit as well although there is an argument to be made that lighter weight would diminish stability when comparing two Surfskis of equal shape.
More or less where are you situated in California? There maybe a closer place to test the 520
@@boyanzlatarev I'm in Fremont, close to the southeast end of San Francisco bay. I think the nearest actual Nelo dealer is up in Oregon.
What is your opnnion about short and long boats differences? Really we need a 6.40 boat?
Thank you for the comment.
My opinion is that we don't need 6.4 m long boats. I love the way Nelo 520 surfs. I have used Epic V7 and that was also 520 and it felt great (minus the very heavy plastic material).
I am sure there some advantages in longer boats in specific downwind racing conditions but for the average paddler like me, that theoretical advantage is irrelevant.
@@boyanzlatarev thank you !!!
Maybe there's no life after death but this 4 minutes proves there's heaven on earth!
It definitely feels that way when you flow downwind. Thank you for the comment!
I guess you're in the latest Nelo shape with the unusual rocker line with a bulge downwards to lower your feet? Do you think that helps manoeuvrability? I had some time with a 520 XL
Yes, the shape of the hull is as you describe it. I am not sure exactly what element of the design deliver the manoeuvrability. It has to be a combination of the rocker, the length and the rudder shape and positioning. There are two main things, which make this surfski work in downwind:
1. The steering agility
2. The lift you get when you are positioned on top of the wave.
I feel the lift underneath and the sensation is like riding a motor boat on a plane. The surfski feels very fast at that moment.