jughead wrote:

Need a paddle I can do a self rescue with. Would I break a fiberglass
paddle?

You could break a steel paddle if you wanted to. If you break a paddle in a
self-rescue, that would mean that either you've done it wrong or the paddle was
previously damaged. It's also possible that you are doing the rescue in really
horrendous conditions. A solidly build paddle of any type - wood, fiberglass,
carbon fiber or aluminum - will stand up to normal rescue practice and use.

Make sure you know how to do these rescues. You do not put all your weight on
the paddle - only enough to keep you stable.

What size paddle should I get? 230cm or a 240cm?

You might even want 220 or shorter. You will have to try them and decide. The
length of the paddle will depend on the length of the blades. You should choose
the shaft length on the basis of your arm lengths, grip position, width of the
kayak and height above the water. Then you decide on the blade you want and
whatever the two blades plus shaft add up to is the length you want.

The blade should comfortably be set into the water to the root at the catch. A
shorter shaft can cause you to overpower the blade at the catch. A longer shaft
will just waste energy in turning the kayak unnecessarily.

Should I get a narrower but longer blade? Or a wider but shorter blade?

Your choice depending on how you paddle and what you like. There is no
definitive answer.

I don't even really have a paddling style yet. Most of you guys are
going to say I'm just going to have to go try a bunch of paddles.
Most places let you try different boats (that is what I did) but I
don't think many let you try different paddles.

The places I go will allow you to test paddles, but they have paddling out back.
You can arrange to rent paddles at some places. If you can find a paddle demo
day (it's late in the season for that), then you can try a bunch.

Mike