After taking it to the pool a few times and then tweaking it, I'm pretty happy with the first GP. 84", 29.5 oz, cedar with square maple tips. A little thick on the edges, and rough in spots, but should be at the very least a decent pool paddle or loaner.

Was able to roll with it immediately, as well as scull brace after a few minutes, and scull-to-brace from a capsize, which was a pretty pleasant surprise.

When wet, the grain pops so much people asked me if it was laminated:
http://img413.imageshack.us/i/gpgrain.jpg/

Still have to put a finish on it, probably gonna go with plain tung oil.

Thanks for the help with my questions on this!