Every now and then, club members head off for a trip with the club RIB - just as something interesting happens in local waters. So, how do you get wet without the club RIB? Sevylor, the manufacturer of a range of canoes and kayaks could have the solution. DIVE took a pair of one-man kayaks for their first UK diving trip on the Easter Bank Holiday. Within minutes of arriving at our departure point we were in the water, paddling out to a local shallow water dive site. No complex launching, no organising or being organised, and no waiting for the last crew member to turn up. Ten minutes later we were in the shallow waters of the Cornish Riviera, observing the first creatures to arrive for the summer breeding season. Before lunch I had also taken both my children snorkelling and had time for a shower.

The kayak is inflatable. It is made from a strong PVC material and has two independent chambers. These chambers are covered with a tough, outer-nylon material giving protection from abrasion. When you first pump it up it takes on the appearance of a large windsurfing board. You then attach the seat plus various retaining straps and end up with your mini diving vessel. Your cylinder is attached to the stern, weight belt stowed amidships and basic gear such as fins and mask at the front. The concept is that you paddle out to your dive site, put on all your equipment and go diving. The seat back has two loops arranged vertically so you can fly the A-flag, and by attaching the bow to a reel and line it becomes a giant SMB. It is ideal for a buddy pair to venture off with two kayaks for an easy dive.

It is easy to get kitted up. I first donned my weight belt. Next I fitted my mask, fins and snorkel and rolled in. Lastly, I floated the cylinder and BC off the kayak and put the set on in the water. Getting back onto the kayak is just as easy. The secret is to take off your set and leave it in the sea with the BC inflated. I then rolled onto the kayak and stowed my weight belt. Finally I slid my cylinder on and secured it to the stern. While you are diving, the paddles can be held in place by two Velcro retainers, which are simply undone for the paddle back to shore. As long as there is no current or strong winds, it feels the same as an ordinary SMB while diving.

Now, here is the clever part. Upon your return you replace your diving equipment with the youngsters who have stayed ashore and take them canoeing or snorkelling. This is a great piece of kit. Yes, it has its limitations. You need to be aware of offshore winds and any potential currents. Obviously you haven't got the back-up of a diving support vessel. However, for shallow and sheltered dive sites it is ideal. Furthermore, when the basking sharks arrive around the Isle of Man and Cornwall this year, what better way to snorkel out to them? At around £500 for a pair of kayaks they are competively priced and offer a fantastic opportunity to do your own thing. Note: always inform someone of your departure and return - the coastguard is always willing to take on this role.

Value Verdict: 8 out of 10
Performance Verdict: 8 out of 10

Great fun in sheltered waters