ive actually been selling them for about 4 years. id say im pretty knowledgable regarding SUPs. if you want cheap, go with an NSP. made especially for beginners, but still surf well. you have to have a few things in mind when looking, like if just youre gonna be using it, or whether youre gonna be in flatwater, surf, or both. but width is the key, not length. dont go anything less than 29 inches wide. period. too unstable and not worth the frustration. its better to go with a cut to length paddle if its just for you. carbon is the lightest and strongest, but also the most expensive. if you want cheap the paddle will be aluminum, and heavier. check into global surf industries, they sell an 89 dollar paddle. if uyou have more specific questions PM me, i can give you a lot more help.