For those who like their exercise wet, mid-June sees the inaugural Thailand Surf Series, from June 12 to 14 in the sea off Kalim Beach.

As part of the “Summer in Phuket” campaign, a huge drive to clean up Phuket, particularly its west coast beaches, has been organised for Thursday, May 28.

Thai local and national authorities are wasting golden opportunities to bring big sports events to Phuket, say two leading sports figures.

There is one beautiful boat out there that does “join in” cruises…

They – we’re not sure who “they” are – say that all little girls dream of becoming ballerinas. In Phuket, Karen Alexander’s Academy of Dance has been helping to make the dream come true for four years. And some of the girls are not so little, either – mums and grandmas also go there to feel young and dreamy again (and maybe to work off a little weight at the same time).

Desk jockeys like those of us at Phuket Observer are quite happy enjoying Phuket’s tropical weather in the shade of the casuarina trees, with a frosty beer close to hand. But there are those on the island who just itch to get out a sweat a bit. Or a lot.

As a result, there are plenty of healthy (ie, masochistic) activities organised on the island. One of these is coming up soon – the annual Marathon & Fun Run organised by the Mai Khao Marine Turtle Foundation. The event, on May 24, aims to raise funds for the Phuket Marine Biological Center’s sea turtle rescue and conservation efforts.

Nike and arch-rivals Adidas, Hush Puppy, Guy Laroche, Pierre Cardin and Van Heusen, along with Levi’s and Lee shoulder-to-shoulder, and a large Warner Bros emporium. They’re all at the new Premium Outlet shopping village. Click the pic for a guided tour of Phuket’s latest venue for punishing your credit card.

After the long dry months, the recent heavy rain has revived plant life around the island. Everywhere there is the sound of weed whackers as gardeners once again do battle with grass that’s knee-deep in no time.

The trees love it. After riding out the Dry with no leaves, many take a deep drink, sprout leaves and then burst into blossom.

Everyone knows about coral reefs in the waters around Phuket, and the gorgeously coloured fish, starfish, crabs, prawns and anemones – even worms – that make a living in or on the coral. Certainly, anyone who has not dived or at least snorkeled around the reefs is missing a great deal of the wonder of Phuket.

But far fewer people know about the mangrove forests that are inextricably connected to the reefs, and which are just as important to the marine ecology as the coral.

Yes, you can go snorkeling around Phuket, or diving, or canoeing. But there’s only one place where you can go Powersnorkeling: Banana Beach on Koh Hei, or Coral Island.

Powersnorkeling is a sort of cross between snorkeling and diving, and requires about 30 seconds training. Swimmers on mask, fins and a weight belt, and are then tethered to a floating, battery-driven air pump with a ten-foot hose and a mouthpiece.