Surfing - Paddle Shape/Angle

[APPST_Paddle]

I've had basically 2 paddles so far - a Kenalu Ho'oloa 95 and Hippostick Al Pro (89 sq in). I've been riding them back to back this week since I went away from the Ho'oloa for awhile because my shoulder was acting up (it was actually something else causing it, paddling just exacerbated it). The shapes are a bit different, the Kenalu is a bit longer in the blade.

So - I'm wondering what is the consensus on what makes a good blade shape for surfing. There's a few surfing-specific paddles on the market (Werner Rip Stick, etc.) but I'm not sure if that's hype or if the shape/blade angle make it more apt to work when your form breaks down.

Any opinions? This is taking into fact that a smaller blade and paddle length somewhere between nose and a few inches above the head are optimal.

[PonoBill]

Totally stroke related. If you're like a lot of people whose stroke efficiency goes out the window when a good wave looms, then you need a larger, low aspect blade that will give you power even when you only have half the blade in the water and you're flailing.

If you can calm down and make good strokes, a smaller, high aspect blade will give good acceleration and won't blow your shoulders out when you get a good catch.

The other factor that matters sometimes is bracing. Low profile, wide blades with no wings or other stuff brace strongly and consistently. A winged, high aspect blade like the Konihi can give inconsistent bracing and if the wings catch at the wrong moment can pitch you off the board. The Mana blade fixes this with a more conservative wing that helps it deliver a consistent catch even when you're screwing up your stroke. I've switched to a Mana 90 for my surf paddle because I alternate between flailing and getting decent strokes. In waves that are at the limit of my bravery, the Mana saves my ass. Paraphrasing Dave Kalama, in a big wave, you need to make the best strokes you can make. The Mana fixes my fuckups and it's easier on my shoulders. It also braces like butter.