Thanks for replying - I was really hearing the crickets chirp on this post! The good news is this was the final video of the trip, so I'm done for now. My next camping trip is actually coming up soon and I do intend to make videos for it as well (having learned a few things I think), but I'll try to pace myself ;) 

In all my trips in Algonquin only four have been in a canoe. With a wife and a dog and a baby I can feel the pressures of a canoe calling, but my solo trips will always and forever be done in a kayak. I love it too much to change. So I hear you - you couldn't get me out of my kayak either.

Yeah, it's a carbon fiber paddle - a Werner Kalliste bent shaft to be specific. I'm always really careful with it when I'm using it to push, pole, or getting in/out of the kayak, so no I haven't been worried. That being said, a paddle doesn't have to be mistreated to break, sometimes it just happens.  I've so far neglected to take a backup paddle on any of my trips and gotten away with it, but there will come a day when I'll regret that choice!

I'm saving this video to watch when I get to the office on Monday