So I just got home from this "exotic lumber" yard down near Annapolis... I stop in there now and again to see whats available and all, and they had two 8' long 2x4's of the sraightest, clearest grained Western Red Cedar I've ever seen... The one was slightly more perfect, so despite its price of around $32, I couldn' turn it down. I plan on turning this into my first GP (after I'm done building my current WW project), and I am definitely excited about it. I have a feeling if that other piece is still there the next time i stop in that I will have no choice but buying it. Besides, $32 compares quite favorably to my ~$350 carbon Werner paddle :)