: Problem is finding decent wood around here. My favorite wood yard stocks
: 2" x 4" and wider WRC but it rarely clear enough for a paddle.

Rather than look at 2x4 stock, look for 4x4s. Because they're symmetrical, you have twice the likelihood of getting the right grain orientation. Also, they seem to be cut from larger trees or at least a different part of the tree and are more likely to to have straight, tight grain. When you find a good one, rip it down the middle and you have two paddle blanks.

After the trouble I had finding 2x4 cedar for the class I ran recently, I've all but given up on 2x4s. After searching through a stack of them for at least half an hour, I looked at 4x4s and found 3 in about 5 minutes. It costs an extra $2-$3 per paddle blank to go this route, but it's worth it to not have to scour the countryside looking for wood.