Pretty much everything I know about single-blade paddles.

WW
- short & wide is best/mandatory, also for shallow water.  More wet surface to power with.
- at least one spare is required, eventually a rock will take the paddle in your hands.
- bent-shaft is a bad idea, you need 2 power faces without confusion.
- Is a T-grip preferable?

Deep Water
- long & narrow is more efficient & easier to use.
- bent-shaft is most efficient, be aware if you like to use finess strokes.  Double-bents are neat looking, never used one, I suspect even more efficient & more limiting.
- variety of grips are available, but unidirectional grips are limiting.  Guide grips are sweet!


Hit up the paddle fetish folks on Solotripping.  Prepare for information overload.