: I built my first Greenland paddle under the eyes of Brian S. during
: one of his build a boat in a week classes. Now I would like to
: try it on my own.
: I am thinking of gluing up the blank. Partly since we left a lot of
: wood on the ground and also I doubt I can get WRC of the same
: quality.

: So, I was wondering if the board has a suggestion for wood that
: are: 1. available easily in the So. Cal area (big box?)
: 2. More dent resistant that WRC
: 3.fairly light weight
: thanks for your thoughts. I will be most of the work using hand
: tools. But they will be power and tools except for the
: planes--got two Stanley planes not certain of their age but they
: are not new and cost a whole lot less than new similar quality.

I made one GP using sassafras and spanish cedar. It was laminated with a hollow shaft. I used nominal 1" (actual 3/4") sassafras with a cutout for the hollow as a core and laminated 1/4" spanish cedar on each side. Cut out the outline with a sabre saw, then use a smoothing plane to put the tapers on the blades and a spokeshave for finishing. It is as light as a comparable WRC paddle but more dent resistant. I used tung oild for a finish which is all I've ever used on a GP.