Hi Mike,

Pine is fine for a paddle, and any other wood for that matter. Make it from what ever you want. Dereck Hutchinson uses a heavy paddle and he prefers it. Like Spidey did you can hollow out the loom. I did the same thing on my last one. it's a greenland style paddle made from cedar, pine and an ash strip steam bent around the end for wear resistance. it weighes 2lbs 4oz. if I remember right.