Paddle

The term "paddle" can also be used to describe objects of similar shapes or functions: Paddles commonly used in canoes consist of a wooden, fibreglass, carbon fibre, or metal rod (the shaft) with a handle on one end and a rigid sheet (the blade) on the other end.

Paddles for use in kayaks are longer, with a blade on each end; they are handled from the middle of the shaft.

Kayak paddles having blades in the same plane (when viewed down the shaft) are called "un-feathered."

Many modern paddles are made of two pieces which can be snapped together in either feathered or unfeathered settings.

The shaft is normally straight but in some cases a 'crank' is added with the aim of making the paddle more comfortable and reducing strain on the wrist.

For normal use, it is drawn through the water from front (bow) to back (stern) to drive the boat forwards.

They are generally less flat and are curved to catch more water, which enable racing paddlers to maximize the efficiency of their stroke.