: While the growth rings on that board look pretty wide, I wouldn't sweat it.
: Grain orientation and straightness are much more important. The grain you
: have there is good (especially for a S/P/F 2x4), not great, but should be
: fine for your first paddle. It's unlikely that it will be your last and it
: will be a good learning experience, regardless. As you say, for two bucks,
: how far wrong can you go?

: I've attached a shot of WRC boards with what I consider to be good grain.
: You'll notice that there is variation in angle and tightness of the grain,
: but they all make fine paddles. Not also that you can create vertical
: grain lumber by resawing flat grain lumber and laminating it, as was done
: in the bottom photo. That's two pieces of WRC laminated to a white pine
: "spine".

Good picture Brian, thanks

Bill H.