Paddle

A paddle is a tool, originally a propulsion implement for mixing or pushing against liquid Liquid

A liquid is one of the main phases of matter [i]. ...

s, typically in order to propel a boat Boat

A boat is a structure designed to float on water coupled with a system of propulsion, such as a screw [i] ...

. Paddles for use in canoe Canoe

A canoe is a relatively small boat [i], typically human-powered, but also commonly sailed. ...

s consist of a wood Wood

Wood is derived from woody plant [i]s, notably tree [i]s but also shrub [i]s. ...

en, fibreglass Fiberglass

Fiberglass or glassfibre is material made from extremely fine fiber [i]s of glass [i]. ...

or metal Metal

In chemistry, a metal is an element [i] that readily forms positive ion [i]s and has ...

rod with a handle on one end and a rigid sheet on the other end. Paddles for use in kayak Kayak

A kayak is a small human-powered boat [i]. ...

s are longer, with a blade on each end, and usually no handles. The paddle is held with two hands, some distance apart from each other. For normal use, it is drawn through the water in a backwards direction. The two blades of a kayak paddle are dipped alternately on either side of the kayak.

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Encyclopedia

A paddle is a tool, originally a propulsion implement for mixing or pushing against liquid Liquid

A liquid is one of the main phases of matter [i]. ...

s, typically in order to propel a boat Boat

A boat is a structure designed to float on water coupled with a system of propulsion, such as a screw [i] ...

. Paddles for use in canoe Canoe

A canoe is a relatively small boat [i], typically human-powered, but also commonly sailed. ...

s consist of a wood Wood

Wood is derived from woody plant [i]s, notably tree [i]s but also shrub [i]s. ...

en, fibreglass Fiberglass

Fiberglass or glassfibre is material made from extremely fine fiber [i]s of glass [i]. ...

or metal Metal

In chemistry, a metal is an element [i] that readily forms positive ion [i]s and has ...

rod with a handle on one end and a rigid sheet on the other end. Paddles for use in kayak Kayak

A kayak is a small human-powered boat [i]. ...

s are longer, with a blade on each end, and usually no handles.

The paddle is held with two hands, some distance apart from each other. For normal use, it is drawn through the water in a backwards direction. The two blades of a kayak paddle are dipped alternately on either side of the kayak. A paddle is distinguished from an oar Oar

An oar is an implement used for water-borne propulsion [i]. ...

in that the paddle is held in the user's hands and completely supported by the paddler, whereas an oar is primarily supported by the boat. Because the kayak paddle is not supported by the boat, paddles made of lighter materials are desired, it is not uncommon for a kayak paddle to be two pounds or less in weight.

Paddles come in a wide variety of materials and designs. Paddles in which the blades are in-line when viewed from an axial standpoint are called "un-feathered" and ones such as in the image below are called "feathered". Feathered paddles are measured by the degree of feather, such as 30, 45, or even 90 degrees. The paddle in the image is likely feathered around 15 degrees. Many modern paddles can be adjusted by the user for feathered or unfeathered settings.

On mechanical paddle steamer Paddle steamer

A paddle steamer, paddleboat, or paddlewheeler is a ship [i] or boat [i] propelled by one or ...

s, the motorized paddling is not done with a mass of paddles or oars but by rotating one or a few paddle wheels