Which paddle?

[SUPlakes]

I'm looking for a new paddle as my current Werner Fiji flexes way too much.  I paddle mostly flat water just for 30-45 minutes.  Would like something that won't flex and a good size.  Any recommendations?

[DavidJohn]

Kialoa Hulu small in fixed length gets my vote.

[burchas]

I have 3 options for you:

The ZRE Power Surge has a super stiff oval tapered shaft
You can have it even stiffer or lighter than than the 15oz usual if you ask.

http://www.zre.com/shop/2019-power-surge-carbon-fiber-paddle-p-142.html

For Kialoa, the Ewalu is as stiff as they come, very aggressive paddle

https://kialoa.com/products/ewalu-stand-up-race-paddle-hi-vis

Finally, the zone sponsored Blue Planet Kai Zen can be very stiff, depends on
where you cut the shaft. Oval tapered as well. Maybe zoner discount apply

https://www.blueplanetsurf.com/blue-planet-blue-planet-2017-kai-zen-v2-cf-paddle.html

All the flex you describe is due to the fact both your shaft and blade are Fiberglass.
I'd still suggest you try something before buying since you might find that even a paddle with
a carbon shaft and Fiberglass blade will do the trick for you, something like the Quickblade V-Drive Hybrid

http://www.quickbladepaddles.com/store/QB-V-Drive-Hybrid

[SUPlakes]

Thanks.  I do wish I could demo a few paddles but there isn't a paddle shop by me.  I don't SUP that much so not sure I want to spend ~$400 on a paddle I can't try first although I'm sure there's a huge difference between those and what I have now. 

Assuming I can't try first, are there any paddles closer to $200?

[Dusk Patrol]

Check Kialoa’s closeout paddles. There are some Pipes, PipesII, and Methane IIs for $215 and 270ish.  There is also a Shaka Puu but I’d stay away from that only because of its 101 square inch blade. Too large.

[JimK]

We can get you a GREAT deal (sub $200) on an excellent Paddle Made by Chinook called the Thrust

Call or email me or PM me for details and pricing

JimK
Extreme Windsurfing

[burchas]

What is it that you're trying to address with the new paddle? Since you don't sup that much I can only assume you're not a committed racer,
in which case a flexible paddle might be an advantage as it protects you from injuries and save you the expense, unless of course you're feeling
the need for something new

[Dusk Patrol]

Good questions from Burchas. And what's your physical situation? 22 and invincible? 50 and vincible? If you look at past paddle topic threads I think you'll see a consensus that a smaller blade size (for higher cadence) and a little shaft flexibility are good things. For example I find a blade in the 85 square inch (+ or -) best for the flat water exercise paddling I do a lot of. It allows me to settle into a long session of paddling without getting tired out battling a larger blade. One could go larger on a high aspect (long and skinny) blade like Werner. But probably not on a more tear drop tahitian shape blade. 82" - 85" is a good range, but personal preference... 
   
The ideal situation would be if you could test an adjustable paddle of the type you're interested in, figure out the length you like, (which is in part dependent on the thickness of your board), and decide what blade size you prefer, then buy a fixed (non-adjustable) carbon paddle in those dimensions. Maybe on the long side, with the handle hot glued to shaft to allow for later shortening if you want.  The Fiji weighs around 28 oz. If you aim for 20 oz or less in your next paddle, you will love the difference.

The Chinook paddles Jim suggest are a nice paddle, under represented in the community in my opinion.  If you don't want to go through all that process, I'm sure a conversation with him would result in a great paddle, nicely priced, arriving at your door. 
       

[JEG]

also check out the quickblade range of paddles, so nice.

[paddlejones]

Cant go wrong with a quick blade Kanaha hybrid...

Also look at the Kialoa insanity carbon.

I think they are both in the $250 range, so slightly more that you are looking to pay
I would get the QB

[mrbig]

Werner Apex small shaft stiff OR regular works excellent in the surf, and for recreational flat water.

Specially if your old, feeble, with short fat fingers.

Joke - not literally, symbolic, mythic, et cetera!

[OkiWild]

I have the Blue Planet Kai Zen V1 and V2 (in addition to several other carbon paddles). They are both oval. The V1 is the "soft" shaft, and flexes way less than even a "stiff" round shaft I often use for surfing. I believe the V1 is on clearance for $275 including a bag right now. I thought I'd hate the oval shaft for surfing, but the V1 soft is my favorite surf and all around paddle. But as with anything...YMMV.

[mrbig]

+1Burchas! OBTW found a source in Wayland MA for Braca Sup paddles!

+1 Dusk Patrol. Kialoa sale closeouts. Worth a look..

[Luc Benac]

There is probably going to be as many recommendations as paddlers...
One thing that you might want to consider is making sure that you get a paddle that is hot glued and not epoxied.
This allows to mix and match as time goes on and try different shafts and blades combo plus more forgiving for cutting the shaft too short...
KeNalu has been a precursor for this approach.

[mrbig]

+1 Luc. As many paddles as paddlers. Amen to that!

A little less costly to be a paddle junky...