It’s always a good idea to have the correct whitewater paddle in hand before challenging the rapids.
Ken Whiting and
Paddling.net have a nice little primer on the
subject. What is the most important thing to consider? How big of a guy, or gal, you are. The paddle you most want
is the one which will match your dimensions – Big person, big paddle, little person, little paddle. I think you get the
general idea.