Although questions like this are common on message boards and usually spark fun debate, I'll take a first crack.

You need to answer several questions before you decide a on make and model.

1 - How often will you paddle (be realistic)
2 - What kind of waters will you be paddling on mostly
3 - What kind of paddling will you be doing (puttering, tripping, expedition, fitness, racing, etc.)
4 - What is your budget
5 - If budget is a problem, be wise and skimp on boat purchase before you skimp on a paddle purchase
6 - Choose between new and used
7 - How will you store and transport
8 - Canoe vs. kayak - great options for solo paddler in both designs

I suggest you get a handle on these issues (No. 8 will take you a lifetime to answer) before you plunk down a wad of cash.  But, show up where people are paddling and try their boats, demo where you can, borrow boats and try as many different configurations and options as possible.  Then, when all is said and done, and you make your purchase, know that you'll be thinking of another purchase in the not-too-distant future after that.

It's a disease.

Dan

#5-Skimp on the boat for a high tech blade and you will have a bad experience. Its easier to upgrade a paddle than a boat. The importance in the paddle selection is balance and comfort not necessarily weight or what it is made of. Spend your money on a well designed boat first, learn how to paddle then upgrade your equipment.

I love my Dagger Baja. I ran 40 miles on the Muddy Mo last weekend. The river was pretty high at Lexington. The Rudder was great for keeping it straight through some of the whirlpools etc. I really can not imagine you not liking the Baja. I am 6' and 200 lbs. 

I bet you love it!!

Dan-No, I'm from N.J. and have more sense than that, but I did start canoeing in an 80# 15 ft Grumman with stock straight wood paddles and after that experience upgraded the boat to 17 ft and 65# and it was a world of difference even with the same paddles hence my take on the boat vs paddle issue.