Abstract: A paddle blade that is actuatable with respect to a paddle shaft between a deployed state and a folded state. In use, during the power stroke of a paddling action, the action of the water on the blade causes the blade to adopt the deployed state in which the blade performs in a manner similar to a conventional paddle blade. During the recovery stroke, the action of the water, or other medium, causes the blade to adopt the folded state thereby reducing the drag or resistance of the blade. Hence, the recovery stroke may be performed without removing the blade from the water.