: I'd say go with the idea about carrying two for different needs. I'd add that
: if white water, even mild ww, will be encountered, then take one WW paddle
: and one power paddle. The spooned power paddle - even a wing - will be
: nice on easy strecthes where you can make good time. The flatter and more
: simple WW paddle will make braces and sweep turns and even rolls easier on
: the rough stretches.

: As an additional tip: if long stretches of unprotected water will be covered,
: where strong steady winds are a problem - head or following - then make
: that power paddle both feathered and unfeathered, ie. take a two-piece
: that you can vary. It is also a life-saver if you develop that wrist pain
: since zero feather will help.

: good luck, that trip is a long one!

Thanks Risko

...for the good advice. The trip is indeed a long one but it's mostly downstream so when the sun is shining and I don't feel like paddling I'll dangle my feet over the sides and let the old man take me along. I will encounter downstream river settings for the most part with a few portages around dams and up to class 3 rapids for low water levels. Low levels are not expected for this year due to good snow conditions in the mountains. There are also small/very large lake settings (lake Winnipeg) where I know I will experience fierce wind storms. I won't go out if the wind is too strong.
My Grey Owl paddle is a two piece that I can set to L/R/straight. I'll get two piece power paddle that can give me a good run across the long quiet stretches. I do have one question though: is there an advantage to having one of those bent handle shafts?

Rob (7 more weeks till launch morning..woo hoo!)