my second paddle is beaver tail design from BB. 54 inches. It'll work.

Good tip on the lightness of the paddle and securing it. I'm as worried about it blowing into my fellow paddlers hands as into the lake :)

I bought telescoping hiking poles. My left knee and right hip guided that purchase.  :D

It also makes my tarptent into a freestanding adventure...so they'll be multi-tasking this summer.