Paddles tend to break only in difficult conditions, so not the ideal time to start learning how to use entirely different equipment. If your main paddle is a European-style one, it's probably best if your spare paddle duplicates it. In that case your spare will have to split into two halves, to carry on deck where you can reach it quickly. Spare paddles that split into three pieces are really for white-water kayakers, who carry them inside the kayak and expect to assemble them while standing on the riverbank.

Most sea kayakers keep their spare paddle under the decklines on the rear deck; others feel that it is better to keep it on the front deck where they have a much better chance of grabbing it and assembling it in an emergency. While upside down, for example.

It is best not to use a jointed paddle as your main paddle. All joints make a paddle heavier and most make the shaft weaker. There are some nice joints which are reliable, not a sloppy fit, and allow you to alter the length of the paddle and the feather of the blades to suit different people. Others are quite capable of snapping in half without warning.

If you normally paddle with a traditional Greenland-style paddle and frequently practice the sliding stroke, your spare paddle can be a one-piece Greenland storm paddle. A storm paddle is the same as your main paddle but so short that it can be carried on the front deck of your kayak in one piece. If necessary you can easily grab it and roll up.