:
: The info seems encourageing, only seeming drawback being sensibility to
: moisture, so a paddle would need to be finished properly.

Another very popular wood in comercial paddles is bass, which is very sensitive to moisture as well but like u said, a good protectice coat will work. Comercial applications use a resin or polyurethane but I would recomend spar varnish because it penetrates into the wood. If u dent or scratch it the protection is deeper then a barrier coat. Good luck, post a pic of your finished product.
Chers
Rick