@@reginaldojeri thank you

@@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.

@@chrisbeard9113 thanks for the question. I like Jantex and it works pretty well in downwind for me. I use Jantex Gama 640 cm^2 at 205 cm (it is adjustable between 20(1215 cm).

@@boyanzlatarev thank you, that helps me so much. I’ve been looking at 720cm to 740cm paddles but that’s probably more than I need outside of racing. you are amazing in the water.

@@chrisbeard9113 I think 720-740 is the size of paddle blades used by the top (fittest and strongest) paddlers in the world. If you put yourself in that bracket then it probably makes sense but if you are more like me - an average strength and fitness than I would strongly recommend 640-660 cm2

@@boyanzlatarev thank you, that helps a lot. Most people recommending paddles have suggested epic small or mid as being beginner small paddles, but they are 735 and 750 cm square, and that is big when you see when men and women sprinters are using, 740 to 800. I’ve only used flat paddles and plastic kayaks in ocean for years and recently learned about surfski, got a Nelo 510 on its way to me in Alaska. For the price of these paddles, I don’t want to spend money on one I am not fit to downwind with. I appreciate your advice, you’ve got some great skills and make it look effortless on the downwind

@@chrisbeard9113 Thanks! Wow Alaska, it sounds cold but also adventurous. It must be great for paddling! I strongly recommend a wing paddle and if you wet with Epic then it should be small mid wing, soft shaft (they are also less expensive) and maybe 205 - 215 cm length. Nelo has a plastic paddle a believe, which is priced economically but if you are serious about learning downwind then a carbon paddle is the best option for this.

@@zachhandler thanks Zach! Yea the boats look great !

V8 is good, Nelo 520, NK Club 540 and if you have to deal with rocks and difficult entry to the water then Nelo 510, Epic V7 or NK Breeze

Thank you !

Thank you !

Thank you! Yes, that’s an Epic v8

Slow can go pretty fast!

Thanks for the comment. Yes, I reached the land and uploaded the video to KZbin ;) I went back by car.

I am not sure exactly but some of the gusts were pretty fast.

Thank you !

I am sorry, what is dale?

hehe...true though, every day you learn something new about the downwind puzzle!

it was Eric from Sweden he is a zen master!

It is in Tarifa, Spain

It’s hard to tell as we had the current flowing with us. The top was about 26 kmh

Thank you !

I have been slow with this. I will write an article soon. Maybe a video would be better?

Very true! The ocean is such a beautiful experience.

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 !!!

Thanks! This is Tarifa, Spain going downwind from Tarifa to Bolonia.

Thank you @raju-bitter ! As a beginner I suggest you practice the stroke technique basics, brace technique and some remounting. Once you have base speed and some sprinting abilities you will be able to learn downwind. Playing in the surf zone catching waves is also an excellent practice. Go for smaller waves, you will still learn a ton

@@boyanzlatarev Thanks, will do that here in Copenhagen. I'm doing Oscar's stroke exercises, the bracing every 3rd stroke (which you mentioned in your PPP podcast interview). That was an excellent exercise in smaller waves. Here in Copenhagen the waves are smaller, so good for beginners. Really look forward to learning from you. Met some Danes here who went training with you. :)

@@raju-bitter Oscar’s drills are great. Keep at it and the results will come for sure

Thanks!

For the moment I would say V8 double. I have to spend some more time in the 600 to learn more about how to get the most out of it.

Thank you! I have been told there were sharks but I have never seen any. There are local Orca family and that maybe the reason sharks are not active around here

Thank you

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.

It definitely feels that way when you flow downwind. Thank you for the comment!

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!

Thank you! The conditions were very nice that day and the surfski made it easy to flow with the them.

It is a great surfski for downwind for sure

Thank you for the comment. It’s true that surfski requires some basic level before you could go out and do downwind like this. If you decide to go for it, be patient, the reward is worthy.

The camera films in 180 degree wide angle and then it exports the selected frame orientation with leveled horizon. In the process the sky gets this parallax effect, which makes it look a bit artificial.

I think Tarifa is generally tourist friendly, yes. If you give me some examples of the resources you are mentioning maybe I could help with more specific information.

Any and everything related to downwind surfski. Rental availability, lodging convenience in relation to it, transportation requirements (presuming a car rental). Since Tarifa is famous for wind water sports I imagine information about windsurfing/kiting/winging would apply to surfskiing except logistics require more than out and back. Also, best time of year. @@boyanzlatarev

@@bentz98125In that sense Tarifa has everything necessary for travelers who want to have a vacation here. In terms of surfski rental, surfskicenter.com is currently the only place you could get all paddling gear and downwind transport. We don’t do rentals at the moment because it comes with attached liability, which right now doesn’t make economic sense. Car rental, lodging, great food etc. this is all available in variety you could select from.

@@boyanzlatarev I put it on my bucket list. Looks like an amazing place to paddle!

@@_Dibbler_thank you. Looking forward to meeting you here when the time is right!

Hey Paul! Yes, I will do a better job next time. Maybe it is a bit too much saturation.

@@boyanzlatarev No problem - I was just kidding - I like the sunshine and saturation - it is only gloomy here at home in the Winter (although we have had some sunshine lately) Hood River and Bellingham are sending more paddlers your way in the Fall. I will be interested to hear what they have to say about what you are doing with your expanded collection of surfski models...

@@paulreavley5900i will repot how it goes! I have to start planning my trip to the Gorge maybe !

@@boyanzlatarev Absolutely - I would like to see your take on a range of paddling places. One of the primary aspects of downwinding that I find always interesting is the variation in waves, current, timing etc. - not only in the differences you see from day to day in your familiar runs, but also the huge differences you can experience between different downwind runs. The Hood River crew needs to get you on one of their longer runs on a good day!! And the Gorge Championships race week is back stronger than ever (what are they going to have this year - 900 paddlers?). One of the standard features has been seminars and doubles runs with well known surfskiers. Why not you? And the race can be a blast in a double too!

@@PeterMarcusPaddlingFilm I have been thinking about this - to film different downwind destinations.

Thanks Greg! Yeah the stroke frequency may not be a compete match during an ergo session!!! 😅 Looking forwards to paddling together again!

Gracias !!

Gracias amigo !!! Te espero aquí cuando puedes

Thanks for the comment. I think I had a merino wool long sleeve t-shirt. Vaikobi 3 mm long john and a Vaikobi wind breaker top. Here are the Vaikobi items: www.vaikobi.com/products/flexforce-3-0mm-long-john www.vaikobi.com/products/vdry-performance-smock-orange

Thank you! I’m glad you like it. Yes we recently decided it was time to open up for more brands. This way our paddlers could test different models and compare features etc. I like the agility of this Nelo 540 and it’s a bit addictive to use more turning for a better downwind line.

Hehe! Good one!

Thanks Denise. And now we have a boat for you, the same as what you have at home.

Thanks for the comment. It’s a good question and I am sorry I haven’t tried to remount the boat. I am sure I can because I get in at the shore the same way I remount. I will try and let you know. I have heard similar comment and also it feels like you sit in deeper in the swordfish compared to a v9.