We use the Scupper Pro TW (Tank Well). Its a touring design (long, narrow) so its easy to paddle. They're rigged for Kayak Fishing (rod holders, GPS, electronics, electric bait tank, etc.)- but we just yank the bait tank and pull out the electronics and its dive ready in a few minutes.
You can tie off to the Kelp (in SB and La Jolla we'll do that) with a Kelp Anchor, if there's enough there to get a secure grip. If not, you can anchor it with a standard small craft anchor and tie off on the dive.
Its simple stuff, and very little "exertion" is required. Pushing out through the La Jolla swells in the winter can be tricky - I've dumped a few times, as the swells can get over shoulder high in the 4 - 5' range some mornings. The toughest part in SB is the schlep across the sand. The sand schlepp is very short in LaJolla.
Its Kayak Fish through the summer (Yellow Tail. Thresher, white Seabass, etc.) and Kayak diving in the winter. Getting in and out takes some practice in a touring 'yak. The Fish N Dive from Cobra mentioned earlier is a barge...you can practically stand in it! Very wide and stable, easy to get in and out of, more room than any other kayak, but a bit plodding and slow.
The Scupper Pro won't fit you if you're over about 200# as the "butt-well" is very narrow. But this thing paddles like a dream.
We're very committed to more Kayak diving this winter. We made a couple of trips last year - we want to get out a lot more this year, now that we're in Drysuits.
KK
edited because I type like a damn chimp...
