What is the best wood for canoe paddle construction?

Ash is considered the best wood for canoe paddle construction for several reasons. It is lightweight, which makes paddles easier to handle, especially over long periods of use. The wood also possesses excellent flexibility and shock resistance, which allows it to withstand the stresses involved in paddling without breaking. This combination of properties enables ash paddles to provide a good balance of strength and performance.

Additionally, ash has a tight grain structure that contributes to its durability, making it less prone to denting and splintering compared to other softer woods. Its natural toughness helps maintain the paddle's shape and performance over time, even with regular exposure to water and varying temperatures.

While other woods like maple and oak have their own merits, such as density and hardness respectively, they do not match ash in terms of ideal weight and flexibility for paddle construction. Pine, on the other hand, is generally too soft and may not hold up as well under the repetitive stress of paddling. Therefore, ash stands out as the preferred material for crafting effective and long-lasting canoe paddles.