Hey Vince, I’m fairly new to SUP DW foiling but have been going back and forth on paddles as well. My two cents…. I have borrowed some really stiff paddles and some pretty big blades. If you are wanting to flatwater pop-up, you’ll need every advantage possible - fast board (long and narrow), big foil, big full carbon paddle. I did 8-9 sessions on flatwater trying to paddle up my 1440 Kujira and was able to get off the water but not fully get liftoff (no matter what paddle I used) and pump around. I went to the gorge though and was able to paddle up in medium-small bumps with my cheap 3-piece carbon shaft paddle. I decided not to try to afford the $500 paddle for now and just try to make up for it by working toward better technique. I have a Kalama style board. Hope this is helpful - I am by no means a pro. 44 yr old, 165#s, foil addict.
Dave
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