Buy a cheap softwood paddle from a discount store and fibreglass the bottom end, or tip, so you don't have to worry about the end splitting. You can use the paddle to push off shore and rocks without worring about fraying the end. First about 1.5 inches of finish is sanded off the end. Then about 6 small shallow holes are drilled in each side to help keep the fibreglass in place when it hardens. Then the resin is spread on the bare wood with a stick and a strip of glass fibre cloth is laid into the resin.
More resin is spread on top until the glass fibre weave is covered.
You can add another layer of fibreglass if you like. You may have to put on more resin if it wears off. Bore a hole in the handle of the paddle so it can be tied to a trailing rope when taking the boat through rapids. Wear a white cotton dress shirt when paddling. It is cool, absorbs persperation, and shields the skin from wind, sun, and flies.