David Bain’s New Nelo Boat

Saturday, April 16, 2011

I have recently started paddling the new Nelo boat and am planning to race it at this year’s European champs and other races here in the UK and aboard.

The boat feels like it has much more rocker than previous designs, however I do not feel this compromises the original designs forward tracking and speed, in fact on the river I am testing it on, the Tay, I am finding this extra rocker is helping me paddle faster over the peaky waves typical on this river.

The most striking thing about this boat is the turning speed. I find it turns a lot quicker than my previous boat, as well as turns well flat and when I’m on the front deck.

The edges on the back end are slightly lower but I am getting used to this now and im actually enjoying the more subtle control needed in the boat.

The new footrest system is mint, it comes down from the top deck with carbon plates, they feel more secure and due to the larger size allow your feet to be more secure, something that i appreciate on rough water.

I have decided to race the boat this weekend after only a few days training in it so i will then see how my results and percentages compared to my other boat, but I imagine them to be improved, and certainly no worse due to the boat.

 

Thanks for reading

David Bain