Get Sporty After lazing under the hot sun for several days, many tourists need to pick up the pace a bit.   Phuket offers countless sporting events and activities to keep the active occupied. Scuba Diving and Snorkeling Phuket is one of Thailand's main centres for diving and snorkeling as its unique coral reefs draw both the novice and expert underwater adventurer.   The warm, clear waters of the Andaman Sea provide excellent conditions for the growth of coral and a rich variety of marine life. One of the main attractions of the island's underwater world is the contrasting features from north to south.   Massive granite boulders can be seen on the islands northern ocean floor, while the southern area  features towering limestone karsts. Popular dive hotspots include the Similans, Surin, and Phi Phi islands. Equipment and instruction can be found at any of the main beaches. For more information visit http://www.sea-bees.com/ Surfing If you've come to surf, then the west coast of Phuket from May to October is the place for you.   Beaches such as Nai Harn, Kata and, to some extent, Kalim are great surfing locations just after a storm has blown through and there's a light offshore breeze.   There are surf shops at Patong, Chalong and Kata and boards are for hire on Kata Beach.   For more information, try either Aloha Surf Sports in Patong, telephone 076 344504 or Cobra in Chalong, telephone 076 381065. Sailing Sailing in the waters surrounding Phuket island, even as far south as Langkawi in Malaysia or north into the Mergui Archipelago in Myanmar (Burma), is a dream for many visitors to Thailand.   You can rent anything from bareboats to fully equipped and staffed yachts.   Also many of the dive shops offer diving trips to these areas on their liveaboards. Golf Phuket boasts four world-class golf courses that are both challenging and breathe taking. The palm tree-lined fairways, tricky sand traps and elevated greens surrounded by the imposing limestone mountains tantilise and frustrate even the most experienced golfer. The Phuket Golf and Country Club was the first of open its doors back in 1989, and is located between Phuket Town and Patong.   Another championship course is the Loch Palm Golf Club carved out of an old tin mine, situated just off the road to Patong.   Facing Ban Tao Bay in the northern part of the island is the renowned Banyan Tree Golf Club near the Dusit Laguna Hotel.   And, the Blue Canyon Country Club rounds out the list of spectacular links near the Phuket airport. For the second straight year. Blue Canyon Country Club was voted the "Asian Pacific Golf Resort of the Year".   Boasting two international championship courses, Blue Canyon has staged two Johnnie Walker Classics (1994 -98), as well as the Honda Invitational Tournament (1996).   For more information on the courses, read the article at www.amari.com/members/phuketgolf.asp Horseback Riding One way to cover the island's mountainous terrain is on the comfort and grace of a horse. The Crazy Horse Stables in Nai Harn, Phuket Riding Club at Chalong, Phuket Laguna Riding Club at Bang Tao and Phuket Shooting Range at Chalong, offer excellent guided tours. Deep Sea Fishing An array of tours are available for anglers anxious to land some of Phuket's prized fish.   Salifish and Marlins are the most sought after and both provide a tough fight.   Any local tour agent can provide more details. Running The running fraternity, Hash House Harriers, established by British soldiers stationed in Malaysia, sponsors weekly foot races followed by serious fun for party animals. Information can be gathered at the Expat Bar in Patong. Other sporting events and activities include target shooting, mountain biking and paintball, to name just a few.