Abstract: Manually operable propulsion paddles, for use in water skiing or boating are provided with a lower water-engaging portion, an upwardly-extending shaft and a handle at the upper portion of the shaft. The water engaging portion comprises a pair of plates hingedly secured on a hinge pin mounted on the lower portion of the shaft. The plate members assume an open position when downward force is exerted on them, for propulsion through the water, and a closed position for easy withdrawal through the water.

Abstract: Manually operable ski propulsion poles or paddles, for use in water skiing or snow skiing or the like, are provided with a lower medium-engaging portion, an upwardly extending shaft, a handle at the upper portion of the shaft, and arm supporting means pivotally secured to the shaft and adapted to engage the arm of an operator gripping the handle. The arm supporting means may include biasing means such as a spring loading, urging the shaft in a direction towards the arm of the operator. Such arm supporting means materially reduce the effort necessary in operating the paddles, both during the propulsion stroke and during the return of the paddle to its initial position after a propulsion stroke.