[Revel]

And what kind of energy makes the paddles rotate?

[Pollard]

Human energy. He's an ex cyclist so he thinks he has the energy required to pedal/walk that thing to NY

I know what I'm doing. I am not dumb.

I don't think he has much experience with oceans. They have these things called tides, currents and wind. That thing looks like it will catch a bit of wind. Even a sail boat will have a tough time tacking back and forth to go upwind if it's a high wind. Add current going against you and it's hopeless. He needs to learn about the old Trade Winds that sailors used back in the days of wooden ships.

[DannyTN]

It implies that his running generates the power to turn the wheels.