What does "back paddle" mean when rafting?

Question

To go right, the command was, "Right side back paddle, left side forward paddle." For the above sentence, I'm confused how it works.

Answer 1

That means:

     the people paddling on the right, paddle by pushing

forward, not pulling backwards.

     the people paddling on the left , paddle by pulling  

forward.

This combination essentially turns the raft on its center, to the left, counterclockwise.

Answer 2

It allows you to turn faster.

Left Side paddling forward causes the raft to go right.

Right Side paddling backwards causes the raft to go right.

Both together allow to maneuver and avoid obstacles quickly.