We had the opportunity to ask Nuno André Santos from Nelo a couple of questions. This is what he said.
Nelo.eu website >>

Tell us a bit about your background and your role at Nelo
I have been a paddler all my life with a strong bond to the sport by my all family. I represented Portugal from 1992 to 2002 in all kinds of events, from Junior to Senior, from Marathon to Sprints. I have a phd in eonomics, and I have been working for Nelo since 2000, i assumed diferent roles and responsabilities.

Tell us about the Nelo Summer Challenge
The Summer Challenge is a dream come true for us, as for many years we have tried to have in Portugal a reference event, that could take Portugal to the highest in event organizing. The model of the event was the one that suited the conditions of our location, and at the same time represent an awesome oportunity for the athletes to compete under a diferent set.

What’s your goal with that competition?
Make the best race in the World, not only in the Surf ski race but the best organized race in the World, we have a good cooperation with the Portuguese Federation and i think we will impress the World, not only by the race itself but by the great week of paddling, learning and entertainment we are preparing.

If i’m an average paddler (i.e. paddle 10K just under 60 minutes on flat water) will i have fun in the competition or will i be hopelessly last?
No, this will be a short fast race, where all those that can manage to deal with the conditions will pull a good result, and of course being a short one, even if you are last you will not be far behind.

What were the thoughts and ideas when designing your skis?
1. Paddling position, it should be as similar as possible to a K1, as that is the position that assures the better transmission and balance, that required a lot of thinking to find the right ergonomic seat and correct angles for both footrest and seat.
2. The parts used should be above all solid and performant, just as in the racing kayaks, the easy adjustable systems are a mith, in the end what most paddlers do is adjus it once and than paddle, and we want that after you made up your mind the footrest is not moving at all, the rudder cables are not getting loose, and the rudder is not failing you.
3. Performance: the shape had to be performant, a craft made for speed, for that we used our knowledge from the kayaks but also from our sea kayaking background and even some of our kayak surf knowledge.

What races will you focus on with your surfski Team?
We will focus on the more iconic events, and of course in the ICF World Series.

What are the surfski team goals?
Show the public that our skis can perform at the highest level, and give some of the guys the possibility of living the dream!

What are the major advantages of your surfskis versus all the other surfskis in the market?
I don’t think we have major advantages, i believe we have our own approach to it, and some ( we hope many) will see our more kayak and top performance approach as an advantage.

What future development do you foresee in the kayak design area?
The kayaks will go more and more into the fiiting war, with the boats having many adjustment possibilities, allowing the athlete to adapt the surf ski to the conditions and to himself.

Busto raced a recent ocean race in the Sea Vanquish, what´s the difference between the Sea Vanquish and your surfskis?
The Sea Vanquish is a shorter boat, that deals very well with small waves, and of course having all the kayak fittings it is a very comfortable boat for good kayakers such as Busto.

Will you participate in the Net Race?
Yep, i hope to be in the score board on my downwind course, that is the Summer Challenge one.

Do plan to update your Vanquish Vintage model?
Yes, we will launch it on the 13th.

Do you have any new models in the pipeline?
There is an XXL model coming up in a couple of weeks as well.

You have a surfski team set up, what about setting up a masters marathon race team competing for you?
We have not tought of that, i believe the marathon as it is right now, is no longer an atractive sport, and needs big changes to be back to its glorious days.

What is your strength as a kayak manufacturer compared to all the others?
We love listening and we love interacting, that i consider to be our secret.

You have been doing very well in the racing area, how can you benefit from that when moving into the surfski business?
We know what it takes to go fast, and we know what it takes to make an athlete feel comfortable in a boat.

You came to Sweden to participate in the surfski camp. I assume the conditions where a little bit “different” than you are used to (the last ice vanished the day before). How did you enjoy paddling here and what do you think of the Swedish surfski scene?
I cannot lie and say it was not very very cold, but the atmosphere and the excitment around this sport was great. I think it is just a matter of time until great downwind spots are discovered a bit all over the world.

What is it about paddling that makes your heart tick?
Racing, it is all about racing, pushing your limits.

What is your strongest/most enjoyable paddling moment?
Paddling with some of the best paddlers in the World (special note for Adam VanK and Eirik Larsen) and a good downwind paddle makes my day nowadays!

Finally, 5 quick ones (choose which one you prefer):
Money vs. wisdom – Both bond together, any of those without the other makes no sense.
Surfski vs. flatwater racing – Surf ski Racing in the off season and Flatwater in the Summer.
Technique vs. stamina – Technique
Race vs. leisure paddling – Race
Portwine vs. beer – Chivas!