: Here are a few timber I might get around my place and their density.

: 1. Aini/Aangili 595 Kg/m3
: 2. Bean Teak - 675
: 3. Jack 595
: 4. Saj/Lauraceae - 880
: 5. Red Cedar - 450 Kg/m3

: I presume the wood has to be moderately strong, moderately packed, least
: knots or no knots, least bend and light weight.

Of the woods you list, a quick web search leads me to think the Jack would work best. Light weight is good, but you have to find quality boards to work with. Apparently Jack is used in boat building. The teak and saj seem to heavy. I like light wood for the gunwales. If possible look for no knots or if there are knots they should be tight knots (from a living branch) and should not be more than 1.5 cm in diameter.

Good luck, skin-on-frames are alot of fun to build and paddle.