Carlisle paddles have been around for a very long time and are made by Carlisle. They are inexpensive but very strong paddles made of plastic and aluminum, which can take a lot of abuse and hence are used by outfitters who rent canoes and rafts. Most paddlers, as they become experienced and if they paddle long distances, find Carlisle paddles to be too heavy and tiring. Hence, they eventually move up to a lightweight composite paddle. Unfortunately, you can't have light weight for low cost unless you make your own or find a bargain on a used composite paddle.
Weight becomes an even greater factor in the context of the very long double paddles that canoeists use as opposed to kayakers.
Nothing wrong with starting with an inexpensive paddle, learning on your own, and forming your own opinions. However, it may be worth considering a more expensive and lighter weight paddle in a composite material other than the very expensive carbon paddles. I'm personally not up to date on current double blade paddles, but I hear that Aqua Bound has some popular offerings. Others here probably have much more personal experience and knowledge of current products.
On edit: I just searched and found that Carlisle has been bought by Johnson, which also owns Old Town, and that Carlisle also now offers some paddles in materials other than their traditional plastic and aluminum. Maybe those are lighter weight.
