I've wondered why a good paddle has to cost an arm and a leg. Well, the answer is they don't unless you have to have the prettiest whiz bang super carbon hot rod paddle. Recently I aquired a 230 cm. Sevylor Fiber Pro. It didn't cost me anything; it was a gift, but they sell for somewhere around $79.

My high dollar Werner now goes along as a spare. The Sevylor feels better, is about the same weight and is far more powerful and is infinitely adjustable for feather. For me, the blade is just right for power, or cruising. I wouldn't want it one centimeter shorter either.

There are fancier paddles out there, but I don't have to feel bad if I put a little scratch in the Sevylor. If it isn't fancy enough for your primary, it sure as heck would make a great backup and my bet is that it might make first string if you give it a chance.