I have a adjustable sunshine paddle i think the brand ie? Its meant to be a carbon/bamboo blend. It seems really stiff in the water. I find my momentum from stand still is quite horrible and dont seem to build up enough boost sometimes when others glide effortlessly. I'm not sure if its the paddle or the paddler. I see quite a few people on the water with flexible shafts and they seen to pick up speed really well and effortlessly.

Is there an ideal surfing paddle? Or all personal preference?
My board is a 10'2 jp fusion ast if that matters

i switched to glass paddles a few years ago and I no longer have sore shoulders after a long paddle, but am I loosing power compared to carbon paddles ?
im no rocket scientist, but is it possible that when paddle flexes it is absorbing energy and is then releases this energy as the paddle straightens ?