Abstract: A kayak paddle with a generally straight shaft that is preferably about 0.7 inches in diameter, the shaft is also conically tapered at either end. A left hand grip and a right hand grip are mounted on the shaft, and there is a blade at either end of the shaft. The blades each have a conically tapered socket to accept the tapered ends of the shaft. A portion of the socket remains vacant when the shaft is fully inserted, the vacant portion of the socket serves to trap sufficient air to ensure that the paddle will float. The mechanical connections thus formed prevent the shaft from rotating in the blade sockets and also minimize the amount of stress placed on the adhesive used to fix the shaft in the sockets. The grips ensure that the user's hands can be consistently placed and oriented on the shaft; because of the small diameter of the shaft, the user's hands can easily encircle the grips, and the user is thereby afforded a high degree of control over the paddle.