Jobe Neva Aero 12.6 Stand Up Paddle Board

Jobe’s line of Aero SUP's is some of the lightest on the market, being 2 kilograms lighter than comparable inflatable SUPs. This is a huge plus when transporting the SUP to the water or on a more distant adventure by car or plane.

Jobe’s Heat Bonded and X-Stitching Construction technologies make their Aero SUP’s not just lighter but also stiffer, stronger and more durable over time. The Heat Bonding allows for an added PVC layer to be bonded on the top of the board under which you’ll find the drop stitch fibres which are orientated in an X-pattern to increase rigidity. For added durability the Neva Aero also has added rail tape on the sides of the board to decrease the effects of paddle strikes and other impacts.

The Neva Aero has an inflation rate of 20PSI which is 5 more than most other inflatable SUP’s on the market which ensures that the Neva Aero is built rugged and sturdy to accommodate this additional pressure. This also makes the board is more rigid than most which provide a more solid paddling experience, yet still packs down just as small as other SUP’s.

The Neva Aero has a built-in carry handle that can also accommodate a paddle thanks to a small additional velcro strap on the carry handle. Simply place the blade of the paddle under the front webbing and then fasten the paddle with this velcro strap and the paddle is then affixed to the board for easy transport

Include with the Neva Aero 12’6” SUP is everything that you need to get out on the water, including a dual-action high-pressure pump for inflation, a 10’ coiled leash to ensure the board does not get away from you in the event you fall off, an adjustable fibreglass 3-piece paddle and a waterproof backpack for easy transportation of everything. And by the way, this pack not only accommodates the folded board during transport but also provides a convenient and dry way to carry gear on paddling adventures and saves you a few hundred dollars since you don’t need to buy a dry bag.

• Aero Neva SUP Board 12.6
• Adjustable 3-piece fibreglass paddle (Jobe freedom stick)
• Waterproof backpack
• Double action pump
• 10ft / 3M coiled leash

• Heat bonded technology: more layer quality and safety
• Lightweight X-stitching construction
• Stringer for more stiffness
• Non-slip EVA foam deck allows comfortable long term paddling
• 10ft. | 3,04m coiled leash
• Bungee storage net
• Comfortable neoprene handle with paddle holder
• 8" fin (mount without tools)
• D-ring on tip and tail
• Halkey Roberts valve
• Nose rocker: 9", Tail rocker: 0"

The removable fin is super easy to install and remove all without the need of any tools.

The 9" of nose rocker help the Neva Aero 12.6 float over the water with ease and take on any waves you may encounter.

This is one of two cargo nets on the Neva Aero 12.6 and is located at the front of the board which helps secure the paddle for carrying.

The Jobe Neva Aero 12.6 Paddleboard is designed for flatwater paddling and it does this with relative ease and efficiency. It’s a long board at 12’ 6” with a narrower 30” width so it is sleek in the water but with a generous volume of 320L it is still very buoyant and able to carry a lot of weight. This makes it ideal for paddleboard camping where you’d need to carry a lot of gear and possibly a cooler or dog on the deck of the SUP. With a carrying capacity of 150kg or 330lbs and my weight only being 180lb it leaves a lot of space for an additional 150lbs of gear which is a considerable amount.

If you are looking to paddle moving water then the Neva Aero 12.6 may not be the most ideal SUP, while it can do it, it won’t be the most nimble or forgiving paddleboard. With over twelve feet of board to manoeuvre it will take some work but the 9” rockered nose does help shave some of this length off and also keeps it above the waves. High volume-low consequence rivers would make for a nice lazy paddle but big water with a lot of rapids would make for a challenging ride. I paddled the Neva Aero down the Slocan River outside of Nelson BC and this 15km stretch of water holds little rapids so the Neva Aero was pretty ideal. Paddling this distance with current was easy and fast and the board proved to be very stable in choppy water but anything more and I’d want a much smaller board that can be manhandled more effectively.

Paddling the Neva Aero 12.6 on the expanse of Kootenay Lake, however, was pure joy, it was made for flat water like this and I was able to efficiently cover some real distance thanks to the board's shape which allows for easy and speedy paddling. The Neva Aero tracked incredibly well with very little correction strokes needed if any at all. I could easily paddle on one side of the board or the other for long periods of time and with little power lost to correction strokes, I found that it glided smooth and fast across the lake. 

If you are thinking about getting a SUP and only want one then I would consider an inflatable as they are easier to transport and store over winter and also hold up to scuff and dings much easier. Since the Neva Aero comes with a paddle, pump and pack, you’ll have everything you need to get out on the water immediately. While it can run some easy rivers you should be wanting to paddle flat water the majority of the time. This fully-features SUP is easy to paddle and a good compromise between a hard board for touring and an inflatable board for all-round paddling enjoyment. If I could only pick one paddle board to own this would be it.