Hard to go wrong with a quality, carbon fiber oar like Cataract Mini Mags or Saywer SST. They are not cheap...quality usually isn't. But considering that is what is getting you down the river (assuming your not on stillwaters), it doesn't pay to skimp on a quality product to help you get back to the take out. Think about how much you spend on a rod/reel/line setup, which doesn't really directly relate to your safety on the water but rather your enjoyment. Shouldn't the two items that are actually getting you safely down the river deserve at least the same consideration?