Actually, Sitka spruce grows on the west coast of North America, from northern California through Oregon, Washington and British Columbia and Alaska - generally only within about 50 miles of the ocean and at elevations of less than 1000'. Its best growth is in the Olympic Peninsula of Washington and the Queen Charlotte Islands of British Columbia.

It is truly a beautiful tree to see in growing and produces a light and strong straight-grained wood. It has been called 'aircraft spruce' .. .. .. the famed mosquito bomber of WWII was constructed of Sitka spruce spars and, I believe, plywood.

: Sitka Spruce comes from the "Sitka" area of Alaska. The trees grow
: slow and the growth rings are very tight. It's almost un-obtainable. Only
: speciality wood outlets "might" have it or speciality "boat
: wood outlets". Also very expensive. Totally different animal from the
: spruce 2 x 4's. It's so valuable that the Guitar manufacturers by it years
: in advance of cutting for tops. Aircraft hobbyiests also use it.

: You can use tight grained fir and some regular spruce for paddles. (actually
: you can use just about anything) But you want a stiff strong wood for the
: shaft. Closet poles make good shafts and are clear and tight grained and
: redialy available.

: If you're doing a composite paddle, you can use spruce or fir and laminate a
: hardwood piece down the middle etc.

: Call around for the Okume. Some people build S & G's wih 1/8 luan $8 for
: a 4 x 8. Not bad. Beginners get frightned by this but there's plenty of
: boats made with it.

: Good Luck