Nelo · Surfski
Nelo 57
5.70m x 0.48m hull that Nelo says 'surfs and manoeuvres as a shorter ski but still has great performance on the flat', filling the gap for a competitive ski that keeps a solid level of stability. Sold in M and L cockpits (37cm and 40cm hip width).
- Length
- 5.7 m
- Beam
- 48 cm
- Deck
- 33.5 cm
- Lightest
- 11 kg
Specifications
- Length
- 5.7 m
- Beam
- 48 cm
- Deck height
- 33.5 cm (est.)
- Category
- Surfski
- Usually paddled by
- Paddlers in chop
- New price
- Not listed new
Layup weights
On-water profile
Modelled from this hull's traced beam and depth at its design weight. Medium confidence. Speed is our rating. Both are given at the hull's own design weight.
Stability here means how steady the ski feels sitting still on flat water. Where two craft have overlapping ranges, we can't say which is more stable. Downwind handling is a separate thing, covered in the evidence note below.
Evidence note
Speed is also checked against the traced hull. Measured from this boat's side and plan photos, the shape alone rates 7, and the score shown is moved a third of the way toward that. What that means.
Suits: Ocean racing and downwind for improving paddlers, competitive on flat water without demanding elite balance
Paddler weight
The estimated sweet spot is 77–89 kg, with a broader estimated guide of 62–93 kg. This estimate is a guide, not a limit. Seat fit, conditions and paddling style matter. Lighter paddlers can still enjoy a larger hull, especially downwind. A test paddle is the best check.
Estimated from hull dimensions using a formula fitted to makers’ own paddler limits. It does not establish the designer’s intended paddler weight. How this is worked out.
Generations
New hull rather than a rename: Nelo describes the 57 as 'a whole new concept that would be between the 54 and 61 (540 and 550 of the old range)'. Part of the 2024-25 renumbering in which the 520 became the 52, the 540 became the 54, and the 550/560 were replaced by the 57, 61 and 62. Constructions AIR (11kg) and WWR (12.5kg).
Pros and cons
Pros
- Genuinely new shape rather than a renamed old hull
- Fills the real gap between a stable trainer and an elite race ski
- Manoeuvres like a shorter ski while holding flatwater speed
- Two cockpit sizes rather than one-size-fits-nobody
Cons
- Not yet stocked by the Australian dealer
- Nelo publishes no price and thin spec detail
- Too new for independent reviews or a used market
- Nelo’s own spec sheet lists only one athlete weight figure for the M cockpit
What paddlers say
Nelo product copy: 'The 57 with 5.7mt from the Nelo Range is a whole new concept that would be between the 54 and 61... It surfs and maneuvers as a shorter ski but it still has a great performance in flat as well' (nelo.eu).Reported experience
Gallery
Where to buy
Dealers:
Nelo does not publish list prices for its ocean range, and the Australian dealer (Pro Kayaks) still catalogues only the superseded 520/550/560/600 boats, so there is no AU price for this hull yet. For scale, Pro Kayaks sells the outgoing 560 at A$5,700 (carbon/kevlar WWR) to A$6,900 (carbon SCS). Price on application through a Nelo dealer.
Similar craft
Closest in stability, speed and paddler weight.
These prices haven't been checked for more than three months and may be out of date. Check with a dealer before relying on one.
Allwave RS600
A$4,750new
Stability: dimension estimate, low confidence
Mazu (Elio) 45
No list priceask a dealer
Stability: dimension estimate, low confidence
Fenn Swordfish S
A$3,350new
Stability: traced hull, medium confidence