OK, I swung a Greenland paddle the other day and was hooked. I'd like to take a first attempt at building one. I am a novice woodworker, but I've got some plans from the net.

My question is, what is a good wood to work with? Should I go with a single 2/4/8 or laminate one. What are the advantages of the various woods and layups?

I know these are pretty open-ended questions, but I appreciate any feedback.