need advice on a new paddle

I've been using Hobies for the last four years and have never had a good paddle. The times that I mostly use a paddle are in the kelp beds and for launching/landing. So I'm not that concerned with long range paddling, so much as I would be with speed and power for going through the surf. I can't really compare the Hobie paddles to any high quality paddle, but they feel like they have quite a bit of flex when I sprint. I'd appreciate any input on something in the $200 or less range. Of course the cheaper the better.
                                        thanks    CoS

  I've been very satisfied with a Werner Camano, as well as Cannon Wave. Austin Kayak had a half-price one-day deal on a Wave the other day. The Camano can be a bit out of that price range, depending on shaft material, but with an REI rebate and a sale going on at the same time, I was able to get one around $200. Between the two, I'd definitely vote for the Camano. Plenty of power, blade stronger than it looks, nice and light.

  I've been very satisfied with a Werner Camano, as well as Cannon Wave. Austin Kayak had a half-price one-day deal on a Wave the other day. The Camano can be a bit out of that price range, depending on shaft material, but with an REI rebate and a sale going on at the same time, I was able to get one around $200. Between the two, I'd definitely vote for the Camano. Plenty of power, blade stronger than it looks, nice and light.

I have the Werner Camano as well and it has served me well. Light and strong.
Naoaki picked up this exact paddle on craigslist for $75.

I had this paddle and really liked it pretty light for a glass paddle and rule also.
http://www.austinkayak.com/products/515/Bending-Branches-Slice-Glass-Fish-Paddle.html

40% Off today only http://www.austinkayak.com/DealOfTheDay.php

40% Off today only http://www.austinkayak.com/DealOfTheDay.php

thanks for that. I'm gonna have to pull the trigger on that one. epic deal!
                             CoS

free shipping and zero tax

Cos- it looks like you live in Los Osos; I don't know where that it but I imagine you have a local shop somewhere nearby that could use your dollars much more than some company in Austin, Tx or any non local internet outfit for that matter. You can get a good aquabound carbon fiber shaft for around $170, less if you go fiberglass, but for god sakes man keep it local

Cos- it looks like you live in Los Osos; I don't know where that it but I imagine you have a local shop somewhere nearby that could use your dollars much more than some company in Austin, Tx or any non local internet outfit for that matter. You can get a good aquabound carbon fiber shaft for around $170, less if you go fiberglass, but for god sakes man keep it local

Is that why you shop at your LOCAL Costco?

...but for god sakes man keep it local

Or, Humboats could get an internet storefront presence Maybe an Oregon shipping/mailing address would net us CA residents an 8% discount right off the top?

Back on topic:

Personally, I'd hook up with the Victor the kayak kahuna, he's local enough (Guadalupe, though I think he works in Morbid Bay). A number of folks here have purchased boats from him, myself included. It's likely that he'd have a used upper end paddle for sale. For my $$, there's a good difference in efficiency/speed when comparing paddles that have rigid composite blades, vs those with the more flexible plastic blades. Pay little attention to the word "carbon" in the description of the paddle, look at weight, and look at blade material.

http://www.kayakkahuna.com/

Regards,
Scott

I've got no problem if you're paying taxes on internet goods. Costco may just be another in a string of big box retailers you take for granted in your community Mcfish but it's the only store of it's kind here providing 400 local jobs so folks here can fiercely spend their money at other local shops like my small family owned business on the bay. In my mind it's all still local, tax revenues etc etc...

Scott brings up a good point-Carbon doesn't necessarily mean lighter weight but it should. Paddles are measured in Centimeters and weighed in ounces. My carbon shaft/nylon blade paddle weighs 31 ounces and thats pretty lightweight. My same paddle with a fiberglass shaft/nylon blade weighs 36 ounces. It may not seem like a big difference but you would notice it in your shoulders by mile 8. If it is too light you stand a chance of busting it in half on a wayward surf landing.

thank you guys,
    I am gonna look Victor up. He sounds like a cool guy and it sounds like he does a lot of paddling in the same areas I fish. I would like to have the chance to just try out different paddles and go from there. And, that is a major bennefit of shopping locally. Although, I am on a tight budget these days and it's tempting to go for product that is almost half off.
                                    CoS