Trying to not ask bleedingly obvious question but getting first kayak tomorrow (Feelfree Lure 11.5) and trying to make a paddle decision. Lots of advice (probably good) to be sure to get a quality paddle as I will regret it otherwise. Looking at Advanced Elements Axis 230 and TNP Catch and also H2O Fish. I dont care for built in hooks for grabbing things and other fishing paddle "extras"... I just want the lightest and best tool for the job with a mid range budget. (Like I am not going $400 for carbon end to end). Some reviews of the Advanced Elements Axis say it weighs substantially more than it claims..?
Advice much appreciated particularly on the three I mentioned.
John

The catch and the Fish both have the hook/recesses, which are handy if you fish freshwater, but pretty pointless on open water.

Otherwise any of them would be fine as you are getting a fairly wide kayak which is not going to be a speed demon. So just any strong quality paddle will do. The cheaper ones, including the hobie paddles are too flexible. A light weight paddle, such as carbon paddle, would be wasted

As above, especially the Hobie paddle, which is a bendy-blade pile cr@p, just OK for backup but not as a main form of propulsion.
If you venture around rocks and snags your paddle should be tough enough to fend off.

These links should help you choose
https://www.austinkayak.com/blog/2014/0 ... ats-right/
https://www.austinkayak.com/blog/2011/0 ... made-easy/
https://www.austinkayak.com/blog/2015/0 ... r-paddles/

This should help with the length problem.
https://www.austinkayak.com/blog/2017/1 ... do-i-need/

I like fibreglass handle and nylon blades, one piece and feathered blades.

Many Thanks for the help... went with a mid priced Canadian H2O Fish 230 long.