God, not bamboo again!. This site has masticated the BAMBOO QUESTION several times but it is helpfull to state the basics.
Bamboo is of the GRASS family. Like the other grasses there are a gazillion different kinds of bamboo. If you live in SE Asia you have access to the widest variety. For those of us who don't the potential is very limited.
Bamboo is hard and fiberous. Splits easily, doesn't hold metal fasteners, is difficult to work with edged tools and may or may not accept gluing.
It is possible to tame bamboo. It takes an autoclave. Lots of heat and pressure to make it do what you want and get rid of all those damned bumps.
It's resistance to rot is also in question.
The necessity to come here looking for answers suggests that bamboo is not in widespread use even tho' it always comes up when discussing alternative materials.

: Hello all,

: Anyone out there used bamboo for a stripper or for a SOF? I am
: building a wood surfboard and was looking for alternative woods
: for my next board, which will be a stand-up paddleboard. I ran
: across some articles on Bamboo. I can cut the stuff here locally
: in 3 to 5" diameter which should yield 1/4"
: thicknesses. I'm thinking I may have found my rib material. It
: seems this stuff bends very well, and it doesn't shrink much
: when dried.

: In addition, I found a place that laminates the stuff into plywood.
: I figure someone could cut the gunwales out of bamboo ply and
: make a very light yet strong kayak. It appears bamboo is right
: in line with cedar for weight, and strength is insane.