I'm getting close to finishing my storm LT & my thoughts are turning toward paddles (yes, I'm starting to smell the sea air!)

After feeling the weight of some carbon paddles at 26oz they really appeal to me but I'm a little unsure about the blade type. A work colleague (age 54yrs) who is an avid & experienced paddler both in ocean touring & in club sports is pointing me to the wing type although he suggests getting training in how to use it to get full advantage.

My first option was going to be one of the asymmetrical dihedral blades like the bending branches spirit day or similar. I currently use a cheap plastic paddle with my fishing kayak that suits it's purpose but is otherwise horrible to use.

I'll mostly be using it along the coastline in & out of the surf zone with occasional trips into estuary waters mostly on day trips rather than extended periods although long weekend trips would be a possibility. I intend trying a few different paddles that are available to me for a short trial but I'm more interested in the long term & I'd be very interested in the wider experienced opinions or direction to some good sites for info; I don't really want to find out in 6 months time what I wish I'd known now.
Glen G