: I finally got a shipment of Paulownia in and am using it on a
: displacement hulled SUP, but most definately am going to build a
: kayak with this stuff. If you can find it, and it is very hard
: to find these days, I recommend trying it.

Paulownia is used in Australia to build kayaks and surfboards. It is grown here and so represents better value for us than imported western red cedar. It is a bit lighter than red cedar and about the same strength, some say stronger, but I think that this depends on where and how it is grown.

I built a skin on frame kayak using it - a Tom Yost Sea Tour 15 EXP - but for some examples of strip built boats and other uses see http://paulowniatimbersales.com.au/ (This is an Australian commercial site selling timber that I have no relationship with, except as a customer, but they have nice pictures.)

It is very easy to work with. The only disadvantage that I can see is that it is all pale in colour. Add some other timber as highlights in a strip build.

Jon Mortimer