[ He pushes them off from the dock and paddles on alternating sides a few times to get them out into the river. ]

Pick one side to paddle on. Hold your paddle at the top with your opposite hand and put your close hand halfway down. You'll want to use your torso as well as your arms to move the paddle through the water.

And really, the avatar of the God of Death? You're going to have to tell me about that one.