Awesome examples, thanks!

The wood shop I'm using has an expert on site who helps people with their projects, and who coincidentally makes canoe paddles. he was surprised to see that the $2 wood was probably adequate to the task, particularly for a first paddle.

Once I get sizing down I'll probably get some WRC. That's a little tough to come by in Chicago but I'm sure I'll manage.

Thanks everybody, this was super helpful.

: While the growth rings on that board look pretty wide, I wouldn't sweat it.
: Grain orientation and straightness are much more important. The grain you
: have there is good (especially for a S/P/F 2x4), not great, but should be
: fine for your first paddle. It's unlikely that it will be your last and it
: will be a good learning experience, regardless. As you say, for two bucks,
: how far wrong can you go?

: I've attached a shot of WRC boards with what I consider to be good grain.
: You'll notice that there is variation in angle and tightness of the grain,
: but they all make fine paddles. Not also that you can create vertical
: grain lumber by resawing flat grain lumber and laminating it, as was done
: in the bottom photo. That's two pieces of WRC laminated to a white pine
: "spine".