Overview
Nelo 52 Your Gateway to Surfski. Properly Done.
If you've been thinking about getting into surfski and want to do it right — not just dip a toe in, but genuinely commit to the sport — the Nelo 52 is where that journey begins. Released in 2025 as the updated successor to the much-loved 520, the 52 takes everything that worked and refines it into a ski that's faster, stiffer, and even more capable across the board.
Like the bigger Nelo 62, the 52 is equally at home on a downwind run as it is hammering out laps on flat water — approachable enough to build your skills quickly, but fast enough to keep rewarding you as those skills develop. Comfort and speed in all water conditions, without having to choose between them.
The shorter dimensions bring some genuinely useful benefits too. Maneuverability is noticeably better — changing direction is quicker, and catching and surfing waves becomes more intuitive. The compact length also allowed the construction to be refined, maintaining weight whilst producing a meaningfully stiffer hull. And for those of us who don't own a van or a trailer, here's a practical bonus: the 52 is the same length as a racing K1, which means it sits happily on a standard car roof rack without any of the logistical headaches that come with longer skis. As transport regulations continue to tighten, that's no small thing.
Side carry handles make getting it to and from the water easy, even when your arms and legs have already done their fair share of work for the day.