Swim
Net
www.swimnet.co.uk |
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Benefiting
from a rather snazzy redesign since we last looked at it, SwimNet has
consolidated
its position as the best site for serious swimmers in the UK.
The fact
that you're unlikely
to find the latest swimming news on the sports pages of a newspaper
makes
the excellent bulletin and results service here even more necessary.
You'll
also find an ever-expanding library of video clips, that feature the
top
stars both in action and being interviewed. |
Swim
Rating
www.swimrating.com |
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Even
if you're a member of a club, it's sometimes difficult for serious
swimmers
to get a handle on just how well they're performing.
This
ingenious site will spur
you on to even greater heights, by recording your best times and giving
you a rating, as compared to other swimmers around the world.
There's
also a handy list of
friendly swimmers ICQ contacts, so that you can chat about how to shave
those vital hundredths of a second off your times. |
Swimmers
Guide Online
www.lornet.com/sgol |
|
This
is a handy resource that will list all of the swimming pools in the
area
where you live, or are visiting. The fact that it's predominantly
text-based
is actually a bonus, as it allows you to quickly and easily locate the
information you require.
Alongside
details of the location
and opening times, you'll also find information on the size of the
pools
available, while the easy-to-use search engine will locate the ideal
pool
in seconds. |
Boards
www.boards.co.uk |
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| The
online version of Boards magazine is a very well constructed site
devoted
to the joys of windsurfing. Whether you're a pro or spend more time in
the water than on your board you'll find this well written site a joy
to,
erm, surf. An interactive map will give you details of shops and
schools
all over the country while daily weather reports will enable you to
ensure
that there's some wind when you get there. The latest windsurfing news,
entertaining features, competition fixtures and results and a neat
little
Shockwave surfing game complete an excellent cocktail. |
Magic
Surf Bus
www.magicsurfbus.com |
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| If you're
one of those surfers who is just as interested in the culture
surrounding
this sport as catching a tube, then get onboard the magic bus. It
doesn't
have huge downloads or fancy animated bits, but it does have reams and
reams of amusingly written surf-related detritus. From surfing films to
surfing songs and toys, if it's trivial and surf related, the chances
are
these guys have written about it. |
Paddling
www.paddling.net |
|
f you
like nothing better than messing about in the rapids then this well put
together kayaking site is the one for you. The main focus is on
reviewing
and rating canoes and equipment, with authoritative reviews and useful
comparative guides.
The stylish
layout and logical
navigation make it easy to narrow down your choices, and the whole
thing
is well illustrated with impressive action photos. A regular column by
a couple of expert kayak enthusiasts also adds a bit of colour. |
PADI
www.padi.com |
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PADI
is the worlds largest scuba diving organisation and is responsible for
the most widely-recognised instruction system. This well put together,
if slightly dry, site will allow you to search worldwide for your ideal
diving location or resort.
If you've
always dreamt of
swimming with dolphins and you're heading for an exotic location, then
you can also find out the best place to learn to dive nearby.
Regularly-updated
news feeds complete a tidy site for water babies. |
Surfstation
www.surfstation.com |
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| Riding
the waves is becoming increasing popular in this country and
Surfstation
aims to become an online haven for all surfers, no matter what their
skill
level. The most useful part of this breezy site is the daily surf
report,
which will advise if the waves are up or not in various parts of the
country.
There's second hand gear for sale and links to webcams worldwide so you
can make yourself green with envy at the massive tubes on sun kissed
isles. |
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WATER SPORTS
|
The
Informed Investor
