Jobe Flow E-Fin vs Waydoo Subnado: Which Electric SUP Motor Should You Choose?

Electric assistance is becoming one of the most interesting areas in paddleboarding. For some paddlers, it means travelling further with less effort. For others, it provides welcome assistance when returning against a light headwind, carrying a child or simply managing a longer day on the water.

Two of the most practical options are the Jobe Flow E-Fin and the Waydoo Subnado underwater scooter fitted to a paddleboard.

They may appear to do the same job, but they approach it very differently.

The Jobe Flow E-Fin is a purpose-built electric fin with a larger battery, multiple operating modes and a wireless paddle-mounted controller. The Waydoo Subnado is a compact underwater scooter that can be converted for paddleboard use with the correct mount and extended controller.

This guide explains the important differences, where each system works best and which one we would choose for different types of paddler.

Advice from a specialist paddleboard retailer

At The SUP Company, we look at electric paddleboard motors in the same way we look at boards and paddles: the right choice depends on how and where you will actually use it.

Rider weight, board shape, fin-box compatibility, expected distance, storage, travel and local conditions all matter. A compact system can be brilliant for one paddler but frustrating for another if the mounting system, controller or battery does not suit their intended use.

If you are unsure which system fits your board, send us a photograph of the fin box and details of your paddleboard before ordering. We would rather confirm compatibility first than have you discover the wrong fitting at the water’s edge.

Ask The SUP Company which electric SUP motor fits your board

The quick answer

Choose the Jobe Flow E-Fin if:

You mainly want electric assistance for paddleboarding or kayaking.
You want the longer quoted runtime.
You want a higher quoted maximum speed.
You prefer a wireless paddle-mounted remote.
You want US box, slide-in and Jobe EZ-Lock adapters included.
You want a replaceable battery and a dedicated electric-fin system.

Choose the Waydoo Subnado SUP setup if:

You want one compact motor for paddleboarding, swimming and snorkelling.
You need a lightweight and highly portable setup.
You already own a Subnado and want to convert it for SUP use.
You want quick USB-C charging.
You want a 98Wh battery that is easier to manage for air travel, subject to airline approval.
You value a modular system with different mounts and accessories.

Our overall view: the Jobe Flow E-Fin is the more complete dedicated paddleboard motor. The Subnado is the more versatile electric water product.

Explore Jobe paddleboard and electric watersports equipment or view the Waydoo Subnado SUP Motor Package.

Jobe Flow E-Fin vs Waydoo Subnado comparison

Feature	Jobe Flow E-Fin	Waydoo Subnado SUP Setup
Product type	Purpose-built electric paddleboard fin	Underwater scooter converted for board use
Quoted maximum speed	Up to 8km/h	Up to 1.4m/s, approximately 5km/h
Quoted maximum runtime	Up to 4 hours	Up to 56 minutes
Battery capacity	180Wh	98Wh
Motor weight	Approximately 2kg	Approximately 1.4kg before mount and controller
Control	Wireless paddle-mounted remote	Extended wired thumb controller for SUP use
Operating modes	Paddle, Drive, Cruise and reverse	Three power settings and cruise functionality
Fin-box compatibility	US box, slide-in and EZ-Lock adapters included	Mount depends on board; US fin-box mount available separately
Charging	Dedicated charging system	USB-C fast charging up to 100W
Replaceable battery	Yes	Battery is integrated into the Subnado main unit
Use away from a board	Limited	Can also be used for swimming, snorkelling and underwater exploring
Best for	Regular electric SUP assistance and longer sessions	Travel, mixed use and existing Subnado owners

Quoted speed and runtime figures are maximum manufacturer figures. Actual results will vary with rider weight, board size, board drag, power setting, wind, current, water conditions and how much you paddle alongside the motor.

What is the Jobe Flow E-Fin?

The Jobe Flow E-Fin replaces the normal centre fin on a compatible paddleboard or kayak and adds electric propulsion beneath the board.

It has been developed around the JayKay e-Fin platform and is designed specifically for surface use. This is important because it means the controller, battery capacity, operating modes and included adapters are all built around paddling rather than being adapted from an underwater scooter.

The package includes adapters for three common fin systems:

Standard US fin box
Slide-in fin box
Jobe EZ-Lock fin box

That gives the Jobe a major advantage for households with more than one board. You may be able to move the same motor between a Jobe board, a US-box touring board and a more conventional slide-in inflatable SUP without purchasing a completely separate motor.

How the Jobe Flow E-Fin is controlled

The Jobe uses a wireless remote that attaches to the paddle. This allows the paddler to adjust assistance without running a controller cable along the deck of the board.

There are three main riding modes:

Paddle mode: the motor supports your paddle strokes.
Drive mode: you select the amount of assistance while continuing to paddle normally.
Cruise mode: the motor maintains a selected level of propulsion.

There is also a reverse function, which can be useful when manoeuvring around pontoons, boats and confined launching areas.

The paddle-mounted display provides useful information including battery level, direction, speed and selected riding mode.

Jobe Flow E-Fin battery and runtime

The Jobe uses a 180Wh battery and quotes a maximum runtime of up to four hours.

That does not mean four hours travelling continuously at full speed. As with any electric water product, maximum runtime is achieved through lower assistance levels and efficient use. Running at higher power, pushing a wide board or carrying a heavier rider will reduce the available time.

The important point is that the Jobe has considerably more battery capacity than the standard Subnado. For paddlers who want assistance throughout a longer cruise rather than a short boost, that extra capacity is meaningful.

The battery is also replaceable. That should help extend the useful life of the product and creates the possibility of carrying a second compatible battery where available.

Who should choose the Jobe Flow E-Fin?

Choose the Jobe if electric paddleboarding is the main reason you are buying the product.

It is particularly well suited to:

Longer recreational paddles
Touring boards
Paddlers managing reduced strength or mobility
Couples paddling at different speeds
Parents carrying a child or additional equipment
Kayak-seat users who want additional assistance
Paddlers who want a cleaner wireless control system

Browse the Jobe range at The SUP Company or contact us for Jobe Flow E-Fin availability and compatibility advice.

What is the Waydoo Subnado SUP conversion?

The Waydoo Subnado begins life as a compact underwater scooter. It can be used by hand for swimming, snorkelling and underwater exploration, but Waydoo also offers mounts and controllers that allow it to be fitted to paddleboards and other small watercraft.

For a paddleboard with a standard US fin box, the Subnado US Fin Box Mount provides a clean way to position the motor beneath the board.

However, the mount is only one part of the setup.

For proper stand-up paddleboard use, you also need a controller that reaches from the motor to a practical hand position. The standard short controller supplied with some handheld Subnado packages is not the same as the extended wired controller used for board-mounted operation.

Buyers should therefore consider either:

The Subnado Sea Scooter SUP Motor Package, which is built around surface use.
A compatible Subnado main unit, the correct fin-box mount and the extended wired controller.

Do not assume that buying an underwater scooter and a fin bracket automatically gives you every component needed for comfortable SUP control.

Subnado battery, speed and runtime

The standard Subnado uses a 98Wh battery, produces up to 6.5kg of quoted thrust and has a maximum quoted speed of 1.4m/s, which is approximately 5km/h.

Waydoo quotes a maximum runtime of up to 56 minutes. As with the Jobe, actual runtime depends heavily on power setting, board size, rider weight and conditions.

The Subnado charges through USB-C and supports fast charging with a suitable charger. That makes it convenient for motorhomes, boats, holidays and households already using high-output USB-C chargers.

The Subnado’s biggest advantage: versatility

When removed from the paddleboard mount, the same Subnado can be used as a handheld underwater scooter.

That makes it a very different purchase from the Jobe Flow E-Fin. It can become part of a wider family or boat-day setup rather than remaining permanently focused on paddleboarding.

Depending on the accessories selected, the Subnado platform can be used for:

Paddleboard assistance
Kayak or small craft assistance
Swimming
Snorkelling
Shallow underwater exploring
Family beach sessions
Twin-motor and multi-motor configurations

For someone who wants one compact electric product to use in several ways, the Subnado is difficult to beat.

Explore the complete Waydoo Subnado range, mounts and accessories.

Which system is faster?

On manufacturer figures, the Jobe Flow E-Fin has the higher quoted maximum speed: up to 8km/h compared with approximately 5km/h for a single standard Subnado.

That does not mean every paddleboard will achieve those figures.

A long, efficient touring board requires less energy to maintain speed than a short, wide all-round board. A lighter rider will generally achieve better performance than a heavier rider. Wind, chop and current can also make a substantial difference.

In practical terms, the Jobe should provide more meaningful assistance for paddlers who want to maintain a stronger cruising pace.

The Subnado is better thought of as a compact push rather than a complete transformation of the board. It can reduce effort and provide useful assistance, but it is not intended to turn a basic 10'6 all-round SUP into a high-speed touring craft.

Which system has the better range?

The Jobe has the clear advantage for longer paddleboard sessions.

Its 180Wh battery is substantially larger than the Subnado’s 98Wh battery, and its quoted maximum runtime is considerably longer.

Choose the Jobe if you expect to use gentle assistance for much of a two or three-hour paddle.

Choose the Subnado if you want shorter bursts of assistance, a compact backup for part of a journey or an electric unit that will also be used for underwater activities.

Neither system should be treated as a replacement for sensible route planning. Always leave enough battery capacity for the return journey and do not paddle into conditions that you could not manage safely if the motor stopped.

Wireless versus wired control

The control system is one of the biggest practical differences.

Jobe wireless remote

The Jobe remote clips to the paddle and communicates wirelessly with the fin.

This creates a cleaner deck with no controller cable running from the rear of the board. It also makes it easier to change paddling position or move around the deck.

One important consideration is board construction. Carbon and some composite materials can interfere with wireless communication. Paddlers intending to use the Jobe Flow E-Fin with a carbon hard board should check compatibility before purchasing.

Subnado wired controller

The SUP-oriented Subnado setup uses an extended wired thumb controller.

The cable needs to be routed and secured along the board, which is not as visually tidy as the Jobe system. However, the wired connection is direct and does not depend on a wireless signal travelling through or around the board.

For some specialist hard boards, that may make the Subnado control arrangement the more dependable option.

Which motor will fit your paddleboard?

This is the section to check before placing an order.

Jobe Flow E-Fin compatibility

The Jobe package includes US box, slide-in and Jobe EZ-Lock adapters. That covers many popular inflatable and hard paddleboards, but not every proprietary fin system.

Subnado compatibility

The Subnado US Fin Box Mount is specifically for boards with a standard US fin box.

If your inflatable board uses a slide-in fin, you will need the correct slide-in Subnado mount instead. Boards with proprietary quick-release systems may require a different solution or may not be suitable.

If you cannot identify your fin box, remove the fin and photograph both the fin and the empty box. Send the photographs to our team with the make, model and year of your board where known.

Send us your board details for an electric-fin compatibility check.

Which is easier to travel with?

The Subnado is the easier system to pack and carry.

The standard motor weighs approximately 1.4kg and its cylindrical shape takes up relatively little room. Its 98Wh battery also falls below the common 100Wh threshold used by many airlines for lithium batteries carried with passenger equipment.

Airline rules differ, and acceptance is never automatic. Always obtain approval from your chosen airline before travelling.

The Jobe weighs approximately 2kg and has a 180Wh battery. It remains very manageable for car, campervan and boat travel, but the larger battery makes flying more complicated and may require specific airline approval or prevent passenger transport altogether.

Best for regular UK road travel: either system.

Best for international flying: the Subnado is likely to be the more practical starting point, subject to airline confirmation.

Which is better for heavier riders?

For heavier paddlers, board choice remains just as important as motor choice.

A motor fitted to an undersized, flexible or very wide board still has to overcome the drag created by that board. Electric assistance cannot completely correct poor board sizing.

Between these two systems, the Jobe’s larger battery and higher quoted maximum speed make it the more natural choice for a heavier rider who wants regular assistance over distance.

For the best results, pair it with a properly sized touring or all-round touring board rather than a small entry-level 10'0 or 10'6 board.

Visit our Woodmill SUP Test Centre if you also need help choosing a board that will glide efficiently for your weight.

Which is best for families and boat owners?

The Subnado has a strong advantage for mixed family use.

One day it can provide assistance on a paddleboard. The next day it can be removed from the mount and used for snorkelling, swimming or exploring from a boat.

The Jobe is the better option when the household specifically wants an electric paddleboard or kayak motor and expects to use it regularly in that role.

Choose Subnado for variety.

Choose Jobe for more serious and regular electric paddling.

Which is best as a safety backup?

Both can provide reassuring assistance, but neither should be described or treated as a rescue device.

A motor can run out of battery, collect weed, suffer propeller obstruction or experience a control problem. Strong wind and tidal flow can also exceed the useful assistance provided by a compact SUP motor.

Continue to carry and use the normal safety equipment for your location:

A suitable leash for the environment
A correctly fitted buoyancy aid or personal flotation device
Appropriate clothing for the water temperature
A charged phone or communication device in a waterproof case
A route planned around wind, tide and daylight
A normal paddle that you are capable of using for the complete journey

The motor should add confidence to a sensible trip, not make an unsuitable trip appear safe.

Real-world use in UK conditions

Electric fins work best in clear water with enough depth beneath the board.

Do not power either motor while launching through sand, shingle, thick weed, mud or very shallow water. Walk or paddle the board clear first, then engage the motor once the propeller has adequate clearance.

After saltwater use, rinse the motor, mount and controller components thoroughly with fresh water. Allow everything to dry before charging or storage and inspect seals, charging covers and mounting hardware regularly.

For tidal paddling, plan the journey as though you do not have a motor. Use assistance to reduce effort, not to fight a strong spring tide or offshore wind.

Jobe Flow E-Fin limitations

It is primarily a paddleboard and kayak product, with little use away from the craft.
The larger 180Wh battery is less straightforward for airline travel.
Wireless control may require extra consideration with carbon boards.
It is heavier than the standard Subnado main unit.
You still need to confirm that one of the included adapters matches your board.

Waydoo Subnado SUP setup limitations

Its quoted runtime is much shorter than the Jobe.
Its maximum quoted speed is lower.
The wired controller creates more cable management on the board.
The underwater scooter package, mount and extended controller must be matched correctly.
The US Fin Box Mount only fits compatible US fin boxes.
Buyers starting from scratch may find the dedicated SUP Motor Package simpler than assembling separate components.

Our recommendations by customer type

Best for longer SUP touring: Jobe Flow E-Fin

The larger battery, longer quoted runtime and higher quoted speed make the Jobe the stronger choice for covering distance.

Best for an existing Subnado owner: Subnado US Fin Box Mount

If you already own the correct Subnado, adding the suitable mount and extended controller can be a cost-effective way to create a powered paddleboard setup.

Best for flying and compact travel: Waydoo Subnado

The smaller physical size and 98Wh battery make the Subnado easier to consider for international travel, although airline approval must still be checked.

Best for families: Waydoo Subnado

The ability to switch between paddleboard propulsion, snorkelling and swimming gives the Subnado broader appeal.

Best dedicated electric SUP fin: Jobe Flow E-Fin

The Jobe is the more cohesive package when paddleboarding is the main purpose of the purchase.

Best for a carbon hard board: check before buying

The Subnado’s wired controller may avoid wireless signal concerns, but mount compatibility still needs checking. Speak to us before purchasing either option for a specialist composite board.

Can you try an electric SUP motor before buying?

Electric equipment availability changes, but The SUP Company operates waterside locations at Woodmill and Lymington with practical product advice and selected demo opportunities.

Contact us before travelling and tell us which motor, paddleboard and mounting system you are considering. We can confirm whether a suitable demonstration, fitting inspection or in-store comparison is currently available.

Ask about electric SUP demonstrations and fitting advice.

Finance and delivery

Finance options are available on qualifying orders, which can be useful when investing in a complete electric paddleboard setup. Availability depends on the product, order value, provider and customer eligibility.

Read about finance options at The SUP Company.

Electric watersports products contain lithium batteries and may have different delivery requirements from standard accessories. Check the product page for current availability and delivery information, or contact the team if you need the equipment by a particular date.

Jobe Flow E-Fin vs Waydoo Subnado FAQs

Is the Jobe Flow E-Fin better than the Waydoo Subnado for paddleboarding?

For dedicated paddleboard use, the Jobe is generally the stronger choice. It has a larger 180Wh battery, longer quoted runtime, higher quoted maximum speed, a wireless paddle-mounted controller and several fin-box adapters included. The Subnado is better when portability and mixed underwater use are equally important.

Can I attach a Waydoo Subnado to any paddleboard?

No. You need a mount that matches the board’s fin system. The Subnado US Fin Box Mount is for standard US fin boxes. Boards using slide-in or proprietary fin fittings need a different compatible mount. Send us a photograph of your fin box if you are unsure.

Does the Subnado US Fin Box Mount include the motor?

No. The US Fin Box Mount is the mounting bracket only. The Subnado motor, extended controller and other accessories are sold separately unless specifically included in a package.

Do I need the extended Subnado controller for SUP use?

For normal stand-up paddleboard use, the extended wired controller is the practical option because it reaches from the rear-mounted motor to the paddler’s hand position. The standard short handheld controller may not be suitable for this setup.

How fast is the Jobe Flow E-Fin?

Jobe quotes a maximum speed of up to 8km/h. Actual speed depends on rider weight, board efficiency, conditions, current and power setting.

How fast is a Subnado on a paddleboard?

Waydoo quotes a maximum speed of 1.4m/s for a single standard Subnado, equivalent to approximately 5km/h. Board shape, weight and conditions will affect real-world performance.

Can the Jobe Flow E-Fin run for four hours?

Jobe quotes up to four hours of runtime, but this is a maximum figure associated with efficient, lower-level assistance. Continuous high-power use will provide a shorter runtime.

Can I fly with an electric SUP motor?

The Subnado has a 98Wh battery, which falls below the common 100Wh airline threshold, while the Jobe uses a larger 180Wh battery. Airline rules vary considerably, so you must obtain confirmation from the airline before travelling with either system.

Can I use an electric fin instead of carrying a paddle?

No. Always carry a suitable paddle and plan a route you can complete without electric assistance. An electric fin can lose power, become obstructed or stop working and should not be your only means of propulsion.

Can I use the Jobe Flow E-Fin or Subnado in saltwater?

Yes, but rinse the complete system thoroughly with fresh water after every saltwater session. Allow it to dry before charging or storage and maintain charging covers, seals, O-rings and mounting components according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Can I try either system before buying?

Selected electric equipment may be available for demonstration or inspection through The SUP Company’s waterside locations. Demo availability is not guaranteed, so contact the team before travelling.

Final verdict: Jobe Flow E-Fin or Waydoo Subnado?

The Jobe Flow E-Fin is the better choice for someone who wants a proper electric paddleboard fin and expects to use it regularly for cruising, touring or assisted kayaking.

It offers the larger battery, longer quoted runtime, higher quoted maximum speed, replaceable battery, wireless controller and broader out-of-the-box fin compatibility.

The Waydoo Subnado is the better choice for someone who wants maximum versatility from one compact electric motor. It is lighter, easier to pack, quick to charge and can be removed from the board for swimming, snorkelling and underwater use.

Choose the Jobe for the best dedicated SUP experience.

Choose the Subnado for the most flexible all-round electric water setup.

Before ordering, check the fin box, controller and complete package contents carefully. A quick conversation with our team can prevent compatibility problems and make sure you buy the correct setup first time.

Explore Jobe equipment, shop the Subnado SUP Motor Package, view the Subnado US Fin Box Mount or ask The SUP Company for personal buying advice.

Jobe Flow E-Fin vs Waydoo Subnado: Which SUP Motor Is Better?