hi all.
I'm planning to make a Skin On Frame Kayak for recreational use.
I live in South India, and want to know what kind of wood would be right choice?
Please tell in what terms you people decide on the wood? Like - should it be heavy or light weight? grains? knots? what is the criteria that decides the choice?

Why I ask this is because, here I may not get red wood or cedar that you guys get out there, or imported wood does not come in full length while I prefer full length over scarfing or butt join.

And the name varies a lot in local languages, so it is best to tell what specification I like to get the right type of wood.

How about Rubber-tree wood? It is very light, bends well and looks strong. It is usually used in packings.

I plan to make the kayak with Marine ply cross sections and hence wood is needed for the gunwales and chine stringers only.

thanks,
MS