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With my extension, my paddle length is now just a little shy of 9 feet.  I found I could maintain about a 3 mph rate of progress with little effort, steering was exceptionally simple and the paddle didn't get in the way as much as I thought it might in tight spots.

Wait till you get into a headwind on your spring trip. That's when your longer double paddle will really shine ( I hope) ;)  With the wind at your back you can fly too.  Lower paddle stroke is much less tiring and you don't get the wind resistance you would with a high " windmill stroke".