automotive 2-part clear coat is quite UV resistant (cars live outdoors a lot..) - if you could get an auto paint place to shoot some on the paddle for a few dollars, it would work well. Single-part 'clear coats' in 'rattle cans' probably aren't as tough.

I went through all the Meguiar's products and it seems like "Ultimate Compound" then "Ultimate Polish" is what I want, but the next step for auto carbon fiber is to apply "Liquid Wax". If I can't find a place to get the 2-part clear coat applied is wax reasonable alternative? I've never heard of anyone "waxing" their paddles. Maybe I'll just get it shiny and new and leave out the waxing step...

Or you could do what I did with my carbon Werner Cyprus - spray on a light coat of white paint on the blades.
Now powerboats have a chance of seeing me..... If I decide to sell the paddle (unlikely) I can always strip off the white paint easily.

I'll risk it with the boats ;) I do kind of like the idea of matte finish vs shinny because getting blinded on every stroke when the paddle reflects the sun is rough...

Thanks