I like the riverholic, but they need modifications.You should look at Black Dog. They will ease your transition and allay your fears about thaving straps.
I think that hand paddles make you a way cooler and more debonair boater. Women especially are drawn to hand paddlers, unless of course, you are already a woman, in which case, never mind. Just get a big stick to beat off all the men, who are also attracted to hand paddlers. Women hand paddlers, unless of course, you.....this is way more complicated than it should be. Anyway, I highly recommend hand paddles. They are great and lots of fun. Your whites will be whiter and colors brighter and you may notice an increase in your mileage.