Breaking in the New Paddle

I took the new paddle for a surf this morning at Flat Island. The wind was up so even the short paddle over to the break from the parking lot was challenging. Even with all that, the paddle felt really good. The shaft didn't even feel like it was deflecting at all (I was hoping for a little give - makes it easier for the shoulders and elbows you know). For the next paddle, I think I can thin down the shaft diameter even more. We'll see - for now, this one is a winner.