: Looks like a wood whitewater paddle, think I'd use my Waterstick in those
: conditions. Also I'd use the whitewater boat, I obviously don't have quite
: the guts Nick has taking a stripper in those conditions 
That is my standard, every day paddle. I use the same paddle whether I'm playing in currents or going long distance. It is flat across the power face and curved along the blade length. The back face is curved across its width.
It is pretty much like a white water paddle, although at 210 cm it is slightly longer than is typically used for WW but still shorter than most sea kayak paddles. Because it is relatively short, it doesn't not put a whole lot of load on my shoulders, but with the wide blade, I can get a good bite on the water when I want it.
The water at that location is quite deep. It would take serious effort to hit a rock - one of the reasons I didn't feel a need to wear a helmet.
