Brian, thanks for the response. I had to change the heading though because our topic has morphed. I must say that it is very good to get your views. I still haven't done much more research than keeping up with this discussion. I'll keep this in mind...then do you think the standard cedar fencing type stock will do? I guess that depends on length, but scarf joints aren't beyond my capabilities. I think paddle length becomes a concern, and the numbers I can pull off the top of my head are somewhere in the range of 240cm. Dowd's manual indicates that variables in choosing paddle length and design are very personal, and take into consideration many aspects (paddler size, distance to water, conditions, paddling style, etc.) I'll do the research, and if I have specific quesitons, I'll post 'em; I don't want you to rip me off the chance to investigate on my own . However, does run out have to do with the closeness of the grain as it follows the length of the stock? My impression is of the grain running out away from eachother, like it might going around a knot.

Having fun, lots of it!
Bill Cruz

: The easier and lighter way of making a GP is to start with a cedar 2x4. You
: want one with vertical grain (the end grain looks like this:
: |||||||||||||||||| ) that runs from end to end with a minimum of runout.
: If you can't find good 2x4's, you can take a 4x4 and resaw it to get two
: paddle blanks.

: You too, Bill.