A street paddle which permits a rider of an associated skateboard or similar device to smoothly stroke and accelerate down the street using one's arms, hand and upper body, rather than using their foot to accelerate is disclosed. The street paddle is unique in that it allows a skateboard rider to pull and push their way on the street to accelerate, similar to an oarsman on the water, or a skier on snow, yet on the ground. A contact point, or footing, of the street paddle, where the paddle device comes in contact with the ground, connects to the bottom of an elongated shaft of the paddle. The footing comprises form and material that facilitates traction, when applied against a traveled surface, as well as shock dampening action to assist in smoothness and acceleration. As such the street paddle may also be used to decelerate the speed by dragging the footing on the ground in such a way that the friction of the contact slows the skateboard.