I have been paddling with a Naish Alana Carbon Vario RDS paddle. Yes its womens model but my manhood is not threatened by it. It comes with a 26mm flexible shaft, T-grip and a very simple 484cm2 blade. Weighs in at 520 grams. My torn shoulder appreciates the flex and small blade and I've learned to like the blade that glides frictionless in the water when surfing. The only thing I'd change is weight having tried some fixed 400g paddles. Problem is a Naish with similar blade will most likely be stiffer in the fixed "top of the line" version.
Starboard Lima would be available in all kinds of stiffness and it feels well mannered in flat water but how do you like to surf or downwind with a blade that has heaps of concaves and ribs? Personally having tested a one a little I missed the hot knife in butter feel of a simpler blade.
What about other options? 26mm, flexy, small blade, good for race/ fitness but downwind/surf too.
VMG have a great paddle with plenty of flex in the shaft with options for different stiffness and KeNalu Mana is another Fav of mine and both around the same price BUT VMG give you a really good paddle cover.
I find the Blackfish Paddle Salish 500 perfect with the right flex and size for respecting teh shoulders and providing performance in both cases.
