I typically use a carbon Werner Ikelos 210cm for sea kayaking, including rough water coastal paddling, and have gotten relatively used to the large blade size. However, I've seen quite a few carbon paddles broken on rocks, and decided to splurge on a WW paddle for rock gardening and surf zone play.
For me, the Sherpa is a perfect blade size - a happy medium between the relatively compact Stikine and the gigantic Sho-Gun & Powerhouse. I've had a chance to paddle this 200cm Sherpa in a tide rip, rock garden, surf launches/landings, and distances <10 mi. It's a little short for distance paddling (for me), but it's obviously a whitewater paddle, and it's reassuring to have a paddle designed to withstand contact with rocks.
I have the 1-piece straight shaft paddle, and there's no obvious weak point to the paddle even though it feels pretty light! Overall a solid WW paddle.
