Jobe Tana Hybrid SUP Review: A Paddleboard and Kayak in One Clever Package
The Jobe Tana Hybrid SUP is one of those boards that needs a little more explaining than a normal inflatable paddleboard.
At first glance, it looks like a wide, stable touring-style SUP. Look closer and the concept is quite different. The Tana is designed from the start to work both as a stand up paddleboard and as a sit-down kayak-style paddling setup, with the seat, footrest and convertible paddle included in the package.
That makes it a very interesting option for families, casual paddlers, exploring, sheltered coastal paddling, rivers, lakes and anyone who likes the idea of standing when conditions are good, then sitting down when the wind picks up, legs get tired or the journey gets longer.
You can view the board here: Jobe Aero Tana 11 ft 2 Hybrid SUP Premium Package.
Why the Jobe Tana is different
Most inflatable SUPs can be used sitting down if you really want to, but that does not make them proper hybrid boards.
The Jobe Tana is different because the whole package has been built around two modes of paddling:
- SUP mode – stand up and paddle it like a normal inflatable paddleboard.
- Kayak mode – attach the included seat and footrest, then use the convertible paddle as a double-ended kayak-style paddle.
That sounds simple, but it changes the type of customer the board suits.
A normal SUP package is usually best for someone who mainly wants to stand. An inflatable kayak is best for someone who mainly wants to sit. The Tana sits in the middle. It is for paddlers who want the freedom of both without buying two separate bits of kit.
The plain-English version
The Jobe Tana is best understood as a stable inflatable touring SUP with a proper sit-down option.
It is not trying to be a race board. It is not a narrow performance touring board. It is not a full enclosed kayak. Instead, it gives you a broad, stable platform that can be used standing, kneeling or seated.
That is useful in real UK conditions, because the weather does not always behave. You might start a paddle standing up in calm water, then turn around and find yourself paddling into a breeze. On a normal SUP that can become hard work. On the Tana, you can drop into seated mode, lower your centre of gravity and keep paddling more comfortably.
Jobe Tana key specifications
| Feature | Jobe Tana Hybrid SUP |
|---|---|
| Length | 11'2" / 340cm |
| Width | 34" / 86.6cm |
| Thickness | 6" / 15cm |
| Board weight | 10.2kg |
| Maximum rider weight | Up to 160kg |
| Fin setup | Double 8" EZ Lock fins |
| Paddle | Convertible SUP/kayak paddle with 20% carbon shaft and nylon blades |
| Warranty | 5 years, subject to registration and warranty terms |
What comes in the Jobe Tana package?
The Tana is supplied as a complete premium hybrid package, so you are not just buying the board and then having to add the important conversion parts afterwards.
The package includes:
- Jobe Aero Tana Hybrid 11'2 inflatable SUP board
- Convertible SUP and kayak paddle
- Kayak seat
- Footrest
- Double action pump
- Nylon backpack
- Double 8" EZ Lock fins
- Coiled leash
- Quick release waist belt
The important bit here is the paddle. With a normal SUP paddle you have one blade and a handle. With the Tana package, the paddle can be set up for stand up paddling or converted into a double-bladed paddle for seated use.
How does it paddle as a SUP?
As a stand up paddleboard, the Tana is all about stability, confidence and relaxed exploring.
The 34" width gives it a very forgiving feel underfoot. That width is useful for newer paddlers, larger paddlers, anyone carrying extra kit, or anyone who simply wants a board that feels settled rather than twitchy.
The 11'2" length gives it more glide than a short all-round board, while still keeping it manageable to turn and transport. It will not be as quick as a narrower 12'6 touring board, but that is not really the point. The Tana is about comfort and versatility rather than outright speed.
Choose the Tana as a SUP if you want something easy-going, stable and capable of relaxed journeys rather than a board for fitness paddling or racing.
How does it work in kayak mode?
In kayak mode, the Tana becomes more relaxed and more secure-feeling.
You attach the seat and footrest, sit lower on the board and use the double-ended paddle. This lower position makes a big difference when conditions are breezy or when you want to cover distance without standing all the time.
It is especially useful for:
- longer relaxed paddles where standing for the whole route may become tiring
- paddlers who are still building confidence
- mixed family use where some people prefer sitting
- cooler or windier days when seated paddling feels more manageable
- exploring rivers, lakes, estuaries and sheltered coastal spots
It will not feel exactly like a dedicated inflatable kayak with side tubes and a deeper cockpit. You are still sitting on a paddleboard platform. However, that is also the advantage: it keeps the board simple, packable and easy to switch between modes.
Who is the Jobe Tana best for?
Best for families
The Tana makes a lot of sense for families because different people often want different things from the same board. One person may want to stand, another may prefer sitting, and children often like a board that feels wide and steady.
The wide platform and hybrid setup make it more flexible than a standard all-round SUP.
Best for cautious beginners
If someone likes the idea of paddleboarding but is not sure they will want to stand all the time, the Tana is a sensible choice. It gives a genuine fallback option without making the purchase feel like a compromise.
You can start seated, progress to kneeling, then stand as confidence improves.
Best for exploring and gentle touring
The Tana is well suited to relaxed exploring rather than pure beach play. The length helps it travel better than a short board, while the width keeps it stable and forgiving.
It is a good choice for rivers, canals, lakes, sheltered estuaries and calmer coastal paddling.
Best for heavier riders wanting stability
At 34" wide, the Tana offers more stability than many standard 10'6 all-round boards. That makes it a useful option for heavier riders or paddlers who want extra confidence on the water.
As always, rider height, weight, balance, water conditions and intended use all matter, so it is worth speaking to us if you are unsure.
Who should not choose the Jobe Tana?
The Tana is clever, but it is not the right answer for everyone.
You may be better with a normal inflatable SUP if you know you only want to stand and want the lightest, simplest possible package.
You may be better with a narrower touring SUP if your main aim is covering distance efficiently, improving speed or paddling with more experienced groups.
You may be better with a dedicated inflatable kayak if you will only ever sit down and want a more kayak-specific hull shape.
In other words, choose the Tana because you value flexibility, not because you want the fastest SUP or the most technical kayak.
Jobe Tana vs a normal inflatable SUP
| Question | Jobe Tana Hybrid | Normal inflatable SUP |
|---|---|---|
| Can you stand up paddle? | Yes | Yes |
| Can you paddle seated properly? | Yes, with included seat and convertible paddle | Sometimes, but often less neatly |
| Best for | Mixed use, families, exploring, confidence | Dedicated SUP paddling |
| Speed | Moderate | Depends on board shape |
| Stability | Very stable | Varies by width and shape |
| Package simplicity | More parts, but more versatile | Simpler if you only want SUP mode |
Jobe Tana vs an inflatable kayak
| Question | Jobe Tana Hybrid | Inflatable kayak |
|---|---|---|
| Can you stand up paddle? | Yes | No |
| Can you sit and paddle? | Yes | Yes |
| Best for | People who want both SUP and seated paddling | People who only want seated paddling |
| On-water feel | Open, board-like, easy to move around on | More kayak-like and enclosed |
| Family flexibility | Excellent | Good, but less versatile |
| Storage and transport | Similar to a SUP package | Varies by model and size |
Real-world UK use notes
The Tana makes a lot of sense for UK paddling because so many of our sessions are mixed-condition sessions.
On sheltered water, you can paddle it as a stable SUP. If the wind picks up on the return leg, switching to seated mode can make the paddle home more comfortable. On rivers and estuaries, it gives you the option to sit down for longer sections, then stand when you want better visibility or a more active paddle.
For coastal use, we would still keep it to sensible conditions. The Tana is stable, but it is still an inflatable SUP-based craft. Check wind, tide and local conditions, wear the correct buoyancy aid, and use the quick release waist belt where appropriate, especially on moving water.
You can browse our wider inflatable paddleboard range and inflatable kayak range if you are deciding between board and kayak options.
Our view
The Jobe Tana is a very good example of a hybrid product that actually makes sense.
Some SUP-kayak conversions feel like an afterthought. The board may have seat attachment points, but the paddle, seat position and overall shape do not always feel properly considered. The Tana feels more deliberate. It is wide, stable, supplied with the right accessories and aimed at real-world recreational paddlers rather than performance paddlers.
For customers who want one package that can do a bit of everything, it is a strong choice.
For customers who already know they want to progress quickly into faster SUP touring, we would normally look at a more efficient touring board. For customers who only want seated paddling, a dedicated inflatable kayak may still be the cleaner option.
But for the middle ground — family use, holidays, exploring, confidence and flexible paddling — the Tana is exactly the sort of board that is worth considering.
Finance and delivery
Finance options are available on qualifying orders, which can be useful when investing in a complete setup. You can read more on our finance options page.
Delivery options and timings can vary depending on location, stock position and order contents. You can check the latest details on our delivery information page, or contact the team if timing is important.
FAQs
Is the Jobe Tana a paddleboard or a kayak?
It is a hybrid inflatable SUP designed to work as both. You can stand and paddle it like a normal paddleboard, or fit the included seat and footrest and paddle it seated using the convertible double-bladed paddle.
Is the Jobe Tana good for beginners?
Yes, the Jobe Tana is a strong option for beginners who want stability and the reassurance of being able to sit down. Its 34" width gives it a steady feel, which is useful for confidence, family use and relaxed exploring.
Is the Jobe Tana fast?
It is not designed as a fast touring or race board. It has reasonable glide for relaxed paddling, but the main benefit is versatility and stability rather than outright speed.
Can I use the Jobe Tana on the sea?
Yes, in suitable sheltered coastal conditions. It is best used on calmer days, sheltered bays, estuaries, rivers, lakes and canals. Always check wind, tide and local conditions, and wear the correct safety kit.
Can two people use the Jobe Tana?
The board has a high maximum rider weight, but it is primarily designed as a versatile single-person hybrid SUP. It may be used for light family fun with a child in suitable conditions, but for regular tandem paddling a dedicated tandem kayak or larger board may be more appropriate.
What is the advantage of the kayak seat?
The seat gives you a more relaxed paddling position and lowers your centre of gravity. That can be useful on longer paddles, when you feel tired, or when the wind makes standing less comfortable.
Is the Tana better than a normal SUP?
It depends on how you want to paddle. If you only want to stand, a normal SUP may be simpler. If you want the option to stand and sit properly, the Tana is more versatile.
Can I try a hybrid SUP before buying?
Yes. Our SUP Test Centre at Woodmill is the best place to compare different board styles on sheltered water. It helps you choose correctly first time, especially if you are deciding between a standard SUP, a touring board and a hybrid board.
Final thoughts
The Jobe Aero Tana 11'2 Hybrid SUP Premium Package is a clever board for real customers rather than a gimmick.
It suits people who want to paddle more often, in more ways, without needing separate SUP and kayak setups. It is stable, practical, easy to understand once explained, and particularly well suited to families, beginners and relaxed explorers.
If you are not sure whether the Tana is right for you, contact The SUP Company team or visit us in store. We can talk through your height, weight, paddling location, storage, transport and who else will be using it, then help you choose the right setup first time.