Searching for the most efficient downwind line

This is a video from two days paddling from Tarifa to Bolonia testing Nelo 540 surfski in beautiful downwind conditions.
I wanted to find out how well it manoeuvres and how well I could keep it in control, stability etc.
Check out the result.

[@SeaShanty2016]

A class act! You really know your stuff!

[@boyanzlatarev]

Thank you!

[@joneh9483]

Some real surfing asmr going on here

[@boyanzlatarev]

Thank you

[@kailuapaddling5273]

Looks like it works good

[@boyanzlatarev]

Thank you!

[@MattT-ju6vy]

Amazing!!!

[@boyanzlatarev]

Thank you!

[@MattHoneyman-dj2rp]

Awsome

[@boyanzlatarev]

Thank you !

[@peetsnort]

How does the rudder retract? I last paddled in the 70s surfski on milnerton beach. We had a trailing rudder that could fold up on beach landing.

[@boyanzlatarev]

These rudders are different. They are mounted approximately 40-50 cm from the stern and don’t fold up

[@SeaShanty2016]

Yeah, and when you approach the shallows (especially when you have had a long tiring paddle and your legs are not up to jumping out quickly) a trick I use is to lean the ski over so that the rudder is not facing vertically down

[@ariinuihache]

wahoo !

[@boyanzlatarev]

yeehaaa!

[@paulocorrea4113]

Can you compare the Epic V8 X Nelo 540? Thanks

[@boyanzlatarev]

I will do, although 540 as a design intention is much closer comparable to V9 in the epic range. V8 is better compared to 520 and I will get a 520 soon to do the testing.

[@denise-ski907]

So . . . paddles are optional?? Incredible surfing!

[@boyanzlatarev]

Yes, paddles are optional...hehehe!

[@beardedsurfski413]

paddling is overrated, can do more harm than good hydrodynamically, especially when the ski is tucked behind the back of the wave so neatly and its speed is synced with that of the wave. Nudging it creates less disturbance in the Force. Perfectly done as usual. Which camera\s were used?

[@boyanzlatarev]

@@beardedsurfski413you are right especially when the waves are faster. Taking a stroke doesn’t always mean going faster. Sometimes surfing a diagonal and paddles in the air for wind assistance delivers better result. I am using Insta 360 go 3 for this video

[@andreteixeira5635]

No more an Epic V8? Whats' up?

[@surfskicenter8575]

We still have some Epic V8 and now also Fenn and Nelo.

[@josuedelucca7252]

We need to return and howl all our way to Bolonia 😂🧜‍♀️🧜‍♂️

[@boyanzlatarev]

Waiting for you! Now we have a Bonito for Sandra!

[@josuedelucca7252]

@@boyanzlatarev So glad to know 😀 This brings us closer to our next trip ‼️😀 I hear howling 🧜‍♀️🌬️

[@boyanzlatarev]

The howling mermaid would be excited!! @@josuedelucca7252

[@josuedelucca7252]

@@boyanzlatarev Indeed 😀 And for the merman's delight, hope V5 is still in the lineup 👍

[@boyanzlatarev]

unfortunately not! We had to sell some to get some. @@josuedelucca7252

[@christophersousa109]

How does the 540 compare to your (and my) coveted V8? Looks like you’re hardly working to connect the runs and stay on the wave. Hell of a long ride at the end!

[@boyanzlatarev]

Hi Christopher, first I want to say that I still love my v8. The 540 on the other hand is a really fun boat for downwind, which I’m gradually falling in love with as well. The main things about 540 are: 1. It feels like it’s planing while surfing the waves and also while accelerating for a link to another wave. 2. Extremely easy to maneuver, which allows me to surf and take more radical lines and hold up the surfing position more effectively. Note: 540 is not V8 stability. It is more comparable to the stability of the V9. I feel it is a bit more stable than the V9. The maneuverability is much easier than v8 and v9. You need to get accustomed to using very little increments in steering with 540 because it is easy to oversteer if you apply the same forces as you would in a v8. I hope this helps.

[@peetsnort]

At least thank the man for the good answer....!

[@christophersousa109]

@@peetsnort Yes, you're entirely right... I had meant to do so!

[@christophersousa109]

@@boyanzlatarev Awesome info Boyan. Thanks! I ask because a the 540 is starting to make quite a surge in popularity here in New England... several of the folks I race with now have them in their quiver. Can't say that there's enough in the surfski savings account to justify a new boat for me for probably a couple more seasons though! ;). Unless I can just get one with V8 graphics so the wife doesn't notice!

[@DinoAlberini]

When did you switch to nelo?

[@boyanzlatarev]

We started working with Fenn and Nelo this season. We still have Epic boats as well.

[@louis2again]

Is that the 540 you paddling?

[@nordicexpat]

​@@boyanzlatarevever paddled the NK ski?

[@boyanzlatarev]

Yes, I have. I have tried the Exercise in some good downwind conditions and it was very nice. @@nordicexpat

[@boyanzlatarev]

Yes, this is a 540. It is a fun boat for downwind and we will have a number of them available in Tarifa starting this season. @@louis2again