The Waydoo Subnado range is one of the most talked-about electric water devices on the market — and also one of the most misunderstood.
That confusion isn’t your fault. Waydoo has expanded the Subnado family quickly, with overlapping names, similar-looking products and multiple use cases spanning diving, snorkelling, paddleboarding, kayaking, swimming and watersports safety. Even for retailers, it’s not always obvious what’s what.
This guide exists to fix that.
Below, we break down every Subnado product, what it actually does, who it’s best for, and — just as importantly — who it’s not for. By the end, you should know exactly which Subnado (if any) makes sense for you.
Shop Waydoo Subnado products at The SUP Company →
What is Subnado (in simple terms)?
Subnado is Waydoo’s compact electric propulsion platform. At its core, it’s a small, waterproof electric motor with a rechargeable battery — but the clever part is how that motor can be configured for very different activities.
Depending on the model and accessories, a Subnado can be:
- A handheld underwater scooter
- A SUP or kayak auxiliary motor
- A snorkelling or freediving assist
- A compact safety propulsion device
The mistake many buyers make is assuming all Subnados do all of these jobs equally well. They don’t. Each version is tuned for a specific role.
The Subnado range at a glance
At the time of writing, the Subnado family broadly falls into three clear categories:
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Subnado Underwater Scooters (snorkelling & diving focus)
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Subnado Surface / SUP Propulsion (paddleboard & kayak assist)
- Subnado Accessories & Mounting Systems
Let’s break those down properly.
1) Subnado Underwater Scooters (diving & snorkelling)
Subnado Underwater Scooter
This is the Subnado most people picture first: a compact, handheld underwater scooter designed for snorkelling, freediving and light scuba use.
What it does well:
- Provides steady underwater propulsion with minimal drag
- Small enough to travel with and store easily
- Simple trigger-style control
- Multiple speed modes for battery management
Who it’s best for:
- Snorkellers wanting to cover more ground with less effort
- Freedivers looking for assisted returns or surface cruising
- Holiday use where size and portability matter
Who it’s not for:
- People expecting jet-ski-like power
- Heavy current or deep technical diving
View Subnado underwater scooters →
2) Subnado Surface & SUP Propulsion (where confusion really starts)
This is the part of the range that causes the most head-scratching.
Waydoo positions some Subnado variants as auxiliary propulsion for SUPs, kayaks and inflatables. These are not designed to replace paddling — they’re designed to assist.
Subnado for SUP & Kayak (auxiliary motor)
When configured with the correct mounting accessories, a Subnado can be used as a compact electric assist motor for:
- Stand-up paddleboards
- Kayaks
- Inflatable boats
Important context: this is not an eSUP conversion and it’s not designed to cruise at speed for hours. Think of it as:
- Help getting home against wind or tide
- Reducing fatigue on longer paddles
- A safety backup for touring paddlers
Best use cases:
- SUP touring and distance paddling
- Kayak users who want lightweight electric assistance
- Paddlers operating in tidal environments
Not ideal for:
- High-speed cruising
- Replacing technique or paddle skill
This distinction matters — Subnado is about assistance and safety, not turning your board into a jet-powered craft.
Subnado vs Waydoo Foil Boost (important clarification)
This is one of the most common misunderstandings we see.
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Subnado = surface or underwater propulsion, not connected to a foil
- Waydoo Foil Boost = mast-mounted electric assist specifically for foiling
If your goal is to:
- Get up on foil earlier
- Extend foiling sessions
- Assist take-offs and link runs
Then Foil Boost is the correct product — not Subnado.
Explore Waydoo Foil Boost at The SUP Company →
Accessories & mounting systems (this is where setups go wrong)
Subnado’s versatility relies heavily on the correct accessories. Using the wrong mount often leads to disappointment.
Common accessories include:
- Board and kayak mounting brackets
- Handheld grips
- Tethers and safety leashes
- Charging and storage solutions
If you’re unsure which configuration you need, this is exactly where retailer advice matters — and where we regularly help customers avoid buying the wrong setup.
Who should actually buy a Subnado?
Subnado makes the most sense if you:
- Paddle long distances and want a safety backup
- Operate in tidal or windy environments
- Snorkel or freedive recreationally
- Value portability and simplicity over raw power
It’s less suitable if you’re chasing speed, adrenaline, or full electric propulsion — that’s simply not what it’s designed for.
Why buy Subnado from The SUP Company?
Because context matters.
We don’t just sell Subnado — we help customers understand:
- Which version fits their activity
- Which accessories they actually need
- Whether Subnado is the right solution at all
If you’re unsure, we’d rather talk you out of a purchase than see you disappointed.
View all Waydoo Subnado products →
Learn more before you buy
We regularly cover electric assist, safety equipment and real-world paddling solutions on our YouTube channel, where we focus on practical use rather than marketing claims.
Watch The SUP Company on YouTube →
FAQs
Is Subnado powerful enough to replace paddling?
No. Subnado is designed as an assist and safety tool, not a replacement for paddling technique.
Can I use Subnado on any paddleboard?
Most boards can be adapted, but correct mounting is critical. Contact us before buying to ensure compatibility.
Is Subnado waterproof and safe in saltwater?
Yes — but proper rinsing and maintenance are essential for longevity.
Should I buy Subnado or Foil Boost?
If you foil, Foil Boost is almost certainly the right choice. If you paddle or snorkel, Subnado may make sense.
Can you help me choose?
Absolutely. Tell us what you do on the water and where you ride — we’ll guide you to the right solution.