the Island takes off.

Italian inventor Enrico Valbonesi has brought his unique flotation device to Bermuda in the hope that an entrepreneur will take his idea and sell it on the Island.

During "sea trials'' in Hamilton Harbour yesterday, Enrico proved the Sea Runner was more than just a couple of inflatable bananas on the end of his feet.

While trying to keep his Italian cool, Enrico showed off the design which he believes could prove popular with fun-seekers and marine professionals.

"It is a system for walking on the water,'' he said. "It is very easy to use, either manually or with a motor.

"And it is very portable. It will go anywhere.'' The inflatable feet pack flat and the accompanying poles are telescopic so the Sea Runner weighs very little and can pack easily into a suitcase or carry-on bag.

It comes in different sizes, depending on the size of the user, and looks to be a whole lot easier to use than its snow-bound equivalent, skiing.

After launching from the Bermuda Underwater Exploration Institute, Enrico made swift work of the calm waters in the harbour and paddled along at a fairly fast rate of knots.

He showed how stable the device is by playing aqua-golf and even claimed he and his pals had played a game of football while wearing Sea Runners.

The University of Rome student came up with the idea with colleagues.

He is on the Island for a study trip to Bermuda College and has been trying to find a partner or sponsor for the idea.

A motor can be fitted to the Sea Runner, he added, and it can go places boats cannot and will not damage reefs.

Enrico said he has "walked'' around many of the islands that dot the Great Sound and plans a trip around St. George's.

Anyone interested in the invention can contact Enrico by e-mail at e.valbonesi/ylibero.it.

BERMUDA COLLEGE EDC