Never been to SoCal but I would assume your selections are limited in a Big Box and would suggest finding a real lumber yard. It is hard to beat WRC. It's near impossible to find good clear cedar her so most of my paddles are laminated. I buy the best I can find, cut out the best and glue up the blank. I have used pine but the paddle was heavy compared to a WRC paddle so I stick with it. I will add some other woods for accents.