Well Deb,
I have to tell ya, I've looked at a lot of paddles and tried out some very expensive ones and it really comes down to what feels right. I agree that you probably will want to go with a little shorter length, or one that is adjustable.

I don't know if a person ever gets the perfect all around paddle, no matter how much you spend. The paddle I use almost all the time now is my Sevylor Fiber Pro. As I said, I've tried several other paddles, but nothing yet has convinced me that I need to change. I have a very nice Werner, and some others, but the Sevylor just does the job.

Anyway, I have found that an infinitely adjustable for feather is rather important. I use the blades almost flat when there is little wind and especially when I'm surfing. Going to windward I find that it works best to increase the feather angle as the wind increases.

Another thing that I like is a shaft that has a prominent cam so there is no doubt about the blade angle. My Werner has a bit less cam and there have been times when I've almost flipped the boat by hitting the water wrong. That brings a question to mind; I wonder how a crankshaft works for adjustable feathering.

I think you have the right idea about being patient and trying out and watching for the right paddle to come along.