Recently I've been noticing that when I take a stroke the paddle often feels like it is flapping through the water. Is this likely to be a technique problem or a paddle issue? I'm currently using a composite paddle with carbon blade and a fibreglass shaft.
Cheers.

Most paddles will wobble or flutter and it's usually from pushing it a bit too hard or maybe a technique thing.

Some people using a Kialoa for the first time will often experience blade flutter and I think it's got something to do with the flat blade shape.

It will usually disappear after a while as they become used to it and it's not just flat face blades that do it.. I can name a few other brands that have done it even with their dihedral on the face.

While down at the Pines demo day we tested some new Quickblade paddles and someone returned one saying that it wobbled all over the place and didn't like it.

I took the same paddle out and it felt great and didn't wobble at all for me.

It's all a bit odd.. I think narrow blades flutter less.

DJ