Paddle blade size?

[spirit4earth]

I'm fairly new to SUP, doing recreational paddling on lakes, no surfing.  I have a 10'x30" board, and I'm 5'4.    I bought a Werner Nitro M paddle, and I like it, but I could exchange it for a Nitro S if I want to.  The M is 97 sq inches (19x7.25) and the S is 85 sq inches (17.5x6.75).   
What do you folks think about this?

[juandoe]

I would say go small.  Higher cadence more than makes up for lower torque.  It should also be easier on the joints and less prone to injury.

[mrbig]

I'm 5'8" and have gone down to an 84 and a 77. The smaller paddles are better (for me) both in flat water and surfing. Try the smaller if you can, it's so individual..

[Badger]

I've been using a 94 for surf and flatwater since I started paddling a year and a half ago and it's starting to feel too big.

I just ordered a new 83 for surfing.  If that works well, I may go with a smaller blade paddle for flatwater as well. Maybe around 87 or so.

[balance_fit]

I'm using a Werner Soul  (Glass/composite Nitro) small. Perfect for surfing, touring, tame on the shoulders, specially upwind.
6', +/- 175 pounds. I surf a 10'/29.75".
Go small, big rewards.

[spirit4earth]

I see where this is going!   .     With a 10' board, does a smaller blade help prevent the board from yawning, or is that all in technique?

[JimK]

All in the technique

JimK

[supthecreek]

I use an 85" blade on flat-water or surf... it's great.

I have a 95 sq in back-up paddle as well. When I use that, my shoulders and back get more strain.

At your size, I am reasonably sure that you would be happier with a smaller blade.

The smaller blade pulls easier and quickens your stroke rate.

[Eagle]

We have 67s - 78 - and 116 sq in blades and depending on use - one is better than the other.  The small blades are fantastic for high cadence DW - the big one is great for short distance max power output. 

Can use the 67s and 78 all day without any soreness - fantastic paddles.

Would try to use the M you have on a longer faster paced paddle and see if your shoulders get sore.  If everything is good - then keep it.  Also ask if they will let you test out both - they may.  Our first paddle was 116 then went smaller to 78 and the last paddles we bought were the 67s.

[lucabrasi]

From how big you are and what I remember about what you are doing and finding your board I will say the 85 but heck, go both or could go Ke Nalu and get two blades.

[spirit4earth]

I'll try the M a few more times, and go by REI to see about ordering a S.  I could even have both for a while to compare, then return one.  I shouldn't have that much money out of circulation, though.

This is such a great forum.  I just wish I lived somewhere where I could try surfing!

[spirit4earth]

The Nitro is long and narrow, so I think I'll keep using it-----hoping that it will be fine.  It's exchangeable, but kind of a pain to go through that, and I do have a year.   A rounder blade might make the half inch width difference more noticeable??

[spirit4earth]

I heeded everyone's advice and exchanged my Nitro M for a Small.  I went for a good paddle today with the M, and the combination of neck and shoulder problems with my questionable fitness level swayed me to the S.  I went to REI and did the exchange.  I'll be without a paddle for a week or two, waiting for the new one to arrive.  This one will have to be okay 'cause I don't want to do another exchange.  It's quite a process! 
Thanks for all the advice and input-----I appreciate it!

[spookini]

I see where this is going!   .     With a 10' board, does a smaller blade help prevent the board from yawning..?

To prevent the board from yawning, I suggest a hot toddy and then straight to bed. 

[spirit4earth]

I see where this is going!   .     With a 10' board, does a smaller blade help prevent the board from yawning..?

To prevent the board from yawning, I suggest a hot toddy and then straight to bed. 

Ha!!   It's hot enough now for a very cold beverage!