Paddle has crack halfway around joint. Dangerous or cosmetic?

Pretty much as it says... my kayak paddle is cracked right where the two pieces join, and the crack runs halfway around the tube.  It still feels solid enough, but I would be plenty irritated if it broke in two out in the ocean.

If I should toss it, what should I buy to replace it?  I'm new to ocean kayaking.  If it's height-dependent, I'm 6'4".

What kind of paddle?
Is it under warranty?
If your life insurance is fully paid up and you have  bunch of people looking forward to collecting it, then by all means go around with a broken paddle. If not, replace that POS for something reliable.

Continuing to use it is asking for a disaster. You'll feel a lot safer if you just replace it - because you will be safer. Bite the bullet and pick up a new one.

In addition to your height, you need to know your boat width as well. You'll probably need a 250 cm paddle.

You can check the chart here ... https://bendingbranches.com/sizing/canoe-kayak-sup-paddles

Yes you should replace it. You would get a 10% discount at Clavey in Petaluma. Bring the paddle into the store with you to show Jeff or Tom. When you buy a new paddle drop some coin on a good one. What kayak do you have and what brand paddle?  Good luck bro.

Definitely replace it, plus pick-up a second, cheaper paddle to store in your hull as a back-up at all times.

Definitely replace it, plus pick-up a second, cheaper paddle to store in your hull as a back-up at all times.

^^^ this is the way to go.

Also, contact the maker to see if you can get some love from 'em.

Kayak is an Ocean Scrambler XT.  Paddle is a noname metal thing.

Paddle is a noname metal thing.

It's no wonder, then.  Even the low cost leader from any reputable paddle manufacturer will be so much better!  Keep the old one as your spare.  If you need it, you only have to use it once.

Bushy

Definitely buy the best paddle you can afford! I used a no-name metal one forever. I thought that it was fine because I had never used anything different and I didn't know any better.

Recently I had the chance to test out a bunch of different kayaks and paddles at an event, holy cow what an eye opener!! I learned what a difference a nice paddle in the right length can make!

cut it in half and stick half in your kayaks for a ' get me back to there ' paddle emerg one

Why on earth would you risk your life on a broken device, when you don't have too?  Get a decent paddle, you will feel better.