In the water, it goes in whichever scupper hole you want and it sticks in the sand, dirt, etc. and holds your Yak in place while you get out, fish, rest, whatever. I use mine sometimes in place of my anchor. The real deal can be purchased, and depending on the size, can be as much as $70-75. I was at Walmart one day looking in the fishing section and noticed the aluminum 6' paddle for $17 and bought it. I cut the fins off and presto, a cheap anchor pole.