Not to be picky, but if the SPF mix came from British Columbia (and most of our wood from the central interior does go to the USA .. .. .. Washington softwood lobby notwithstanding) the Abies spp. portion of the mix is likely to be subalpine fir (Abies lasiocarpa). we do not have balsam fir out west. In my experience, it does appear to be a bit more prone to warping once you get it home from the lumber yard - so try to pick either the spruce or pine components. It's great for construction, but a warped paddle may (or may not!!??) be all that desirable.

: I have read other

: One would think it is white spruce (Picea glauca) but you cannot be exactly
: sure. If it is Canadian in origin and intended for construction use it may
: have been graded as SPF (spruce/pine/fir). Check for a stamp on the
: material you are looking at. So it could be white spruce (Picea glauca),
: lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta) or balsam fir (Abies sp.)

: Virtually anything leaving a mill in BC is kiln dried down to ~14% moisture
: content so twisting and warping after you take it home should be
: negligible.

: grant