‘Heart-warming and life-affirming, full of humour and compassion’ ADELE PARKS, PLATINUM ‘A beautifully warm-hearted tale of friendship and hope’ MY WEEKLY ‘I loved this incredibly touching book…[it’s] a life-belt that will help any reader through a tough patch’ VERONICA HENRY *** In life’s stormy waters, it’s your friends who keep you afloat… Maddy Wolfe’s life has just capsized. After her twenty-year marriage suddenly implodes, she heads to Brighton to search for her estranged son, Jamie. But he’s nowhere to be found and for the first time, she’s totally alone. That is, until she meets the Salty Sea-Gals, a group of feisty sea-swimmers. Seventy-two-year old Helga is determined not to slow down, while thirty-something Tor is still figuring out who she is. Bereaved Dominica is trying to find a reason to carry on, and busy mum Claire is learning to put herself first for a change. As their regular cold-water plunges become a lifeline for them all, Maddy starts to realise that these brave women might just help her find both Jamie and herself. Together, will they turn the tide? 'Inspiring, heart-warming, utter joy' TAMMY COHEN ‘A beautiful read. You’ll love this one’ LOUISE BEECH ‘An absolute delight of a book!’ CELIA ANDERSON ‘Oh, this is such a wonderful read’ BISHOP’S STORTFORD INDEPENDENT *** Readers LOVE Josie Lloyd’s heart-warming novels: 'Inspiring and warm, heartfelt and real. I really loved this story' 'I rarely cry when reading but I was so emotionally impacted by this read I had a few cries in the bath reading it… a heart-warming portrayal of true friendship' 'Expect tears, laughter and a lot of fist pump in the air moments!’ 'A bloody brilliant, inspirational book of friendship and hope' 'Heartfelt and empowering' 'Affirming and inspiring… this book will give you all the feels!' 'I loved this book from the very beginning to the very end; it is a story that will resonate with every woman' 'Full of humour and compassion… I laughed and I cried' 'I absolutely loved this book. A testament to the power of friendship'

Where can I swim with turtles? How do you get to Stingray City? What is the best time of year to dive with sharks in the Bahamas? Here, you can find out. Packed with stunning pictures of marine life and ancient wrecks, insightful information about local geography and first-hand advice on unmissable dive locations, Dive fully describes over 250 sites spanning the globe - from Maria La Gorda in Cuba, to the atolls of French Polynesia. Lavishly illustrated by one of the world's leading underwater photographers and featuring information about when is best to visit, conditions and visibility underwater as well as specially commissioned maps, this aspirational guide will enable divers - seasoned and novice alike - to plan their adventures around the world with total confidence. Contents include: Northern Sulawesi, South Africa, Cayman Islands, Baja California, Red Sea, Brazil, Scapa Flow, Chuuk Lagoon and many more.

As long as already five thousand years ago, the allure of the sea inspired humans to recreate its essence in miniature, artistic forms, as public baths where ancient rituals would take place. Since then, it has become quite normal to immerse ourselves in cooling waters, in the privacy of our homes and without religious incentives. Swimming pools have rapidly become status symbols and the source for many diverse experiences: leisure-time athletics, relaxation, or the simple pleasure of just being in water. It is no wonder then that filmmakers and photographers constantly return to the swimming pool as a subject and setting. Reflections of water and light are captured in countless, unique ways in the more than two hundred compelling images that comprise this catalogue. Also included of course are the images of those who animate it. With works by: Abbas Attar, Henri Cartier-Bresson, Peter Marlow, Martin Parr, Alec Scoth, Alex Webb, and others.

The 50-mile wide lagoon of Truk Atoll, far out in the remote expanses of the Pacific, is quite simply the greatest wreck diving location in the world. Scores of virtually intact Japanese WWII wrecks of transport ships, still filled with cargoes of tanks, trucks, artillery, beach mines, shells and aircraft, rest in the crystal-clear waters of the lagoon - along with two Japanese destroyers and one submarine - each today a man-made reef teeming with sea life. The seemingly impregnable fortress islands of Truk Atoll were a powerful air base and the main forward anchorage for the Imperial Japanese Navy (IJN). By 1944, the Allies were pushing westwards across the Pacific islands towards the Japanese homeland. On 4 February 1944, a daring 2,000-mile long-range U.S. reconnaissance flight revealed the Truk lagoon to be full of the might of the Imperial Japanese Navy, along with scores of large supply ships and transports. The Allies decided to attack immediately. Sensing this, the Imperial Japanese Navy scattered, but the merchant ships remained, as crews rushed to offload their war cargoes of aircraft, tanks, artillery, mines and munitions. Other heavily laden supply ships continued to arrive from Japan, unaware of the Allied assault plans. Task Force 58, codename Operation HAILSTONE, was formed for an immediate attack. In total secrecy, nine U.S. aircraft carriers, holding more than 500 combat aircraft, steamed towards Truk - supported by a screen of battleships, cruisers, destroyers and submarines. At dawn on 17 February 1944, an initial fighter sweep of Truk by 72 F6F Hellcat fighters roared in over Truk under Japanese radar - catching the Japanese by complete surprise. The Hellcats immediately began strafing Japanese airfields and soon hundreds of aircraft were involved in one of the largest aerial dogfights of WW II. The F6F Hellcat was by now vastly superior to the Japanese Zero fighter, and the Japanese planes were shot out of the sky within an hour. With air superiority established, U.S dive-bombers and torpedo-bombers spent two days sinking all the large ships trapped in the lagoon. These sunken ships, with their war cargoes, were largely forgotten about until 1969, when Jacques Cousteau located and filmed many of the wrecks. The resulting TV documentary, Lagoon of Lost Ships, went viral. Truk's secret was out - and the beautiful wrecks, untouched since WWII, have proved an irresistible lure for thousands of divers each year since then. New illustrations of most of the previously unillustrated wrecks have now been specially created to make this book the most comprehensive guide to diving Truk Lagoon that has ever been produced.

Discover the hidden wild side of Europe's most popular holiday destination. From deserted beaches and emerald coves to sunset viewpoints, spectacular caves and ancient ruins. Over 1000 secret places. Filled with dazzling photography and engaging travel writing. A beautiful book to appeal to armchair adventurers and families as well as the hardiest of explorers. * Sleep beneath shooting stars in the glow of a driftwood beach fire * Dive into the turquoise waters of a giant sea crater or a sinkhole abyss * Snorkel amidst ancient Roman pillars * Trek astonishing gorges and lesser-known peaks * Discover lost ruins of mountain monasteries and hermit caves * Find secret waterfalls in deep forests by ancient olive groves * Savour fresh octopus, farm-to-table cooking and artisanal raki * Watch golden eagles from a mountain refuge *

Ian Thorpe's achievements in the water are nothing short of phenomenal. He has won a record-holding 11 World Championship titles and ten Commonwealth Games gold medals. He has broken 22 world records and won five gold, three silver and one bronze Olympic medals. Having been under the spotlight since he was a young teenager, he retired from competitive swimming in 2006, but after five years he mounted a comeback for London 2012, and intense media attention followed. Thorpe is one of the world's most famous sportsmen, but it is the way he has managed his success and his commitment to helping others that has earned him respect and admiration internationally. This is a man who has had highs and lows away from the pool, who has led an extraordinary life of an elite athlete that most of us will never know, and who had the courage to come back and stake his claim for the ultimate goal once more.

Beneath the icy waters of Lake Superior lies a vast museum of maritime treasures, relics, and souls that in years past were lost to the crashing waves of this massive body of water. Those, those who remain on the surface can glimpse some of the sunken bounty, but most of it is accessible only to those who slip into scuba gear and brave the darkness of the deep.
In "Shipwrecks Along Lake Superior's North Shore," veteran diver Stephen B. Daniel, in collaboration with the Great Lakes Shipwreck Preservation Society, provides in-depth tours of the many sunken ships submerged in the waters of this region of Lake Superior. Readers will not only learn the maritime history and structural details of the original vessels, they'll also find the fascinating stories of the wrecks themselves-how they happened, what actions were taken to save both crew and vessel, and the modern-day efforts to preserve these sites. With detailed descriptions and hundreds of photographs, charts, and diagrams that will impress even the most seasoned diver, this book will also appeal to anyone who has ever wondered what nautical mysteries lie beneath the waves of the greatest of the Great Lakes.
Stephen B. Daniel is an active certified diver, shipwreck historian, and current president of the Great Lakes Shipwreck Preservation Society. He is a communications professional at 3M and lives in Woodbury, Minnesota.

A special 3rd edition has been released to mark the 100th Anniversary of the scuttling of the German Battle Fleet (16th June 1919). This definitive guide to Scapa Flow has been expanded and updated. Scapa Flow has international acclaim as one of the top five wreck diving locations in the world. Lawson Wood's anniversary edition has been fully revised and updated to be the most comprehensive guide to Scapa Flow. The shipwrecks are a mixture of battleships, cruisers and destroyers from the German High Seas Battle Fleet scuttled towards the end of WW1. The direct action of the British Admiralty saw a further 43 ships sunk during both world war conflicts to block the entrances to Scapa Flow. For divers travelling to Scapa Flow this is an essential guide containing information on all the dive sites together with a complete historical guide. Visitors to Scapa Flow will find Lawson's guide an invaluable investment.

0n this book Tony Groom provides a fascinating, no-holds-barred account of his remarkable life and of the world of professional naval and civilian divers. His story is gripping, humbling and highly amusing in equal measure- all the more for the matter-of-fact manner in which he tells it. From clearing unexploded bombs lodged in ships during the Falklands War, to hair-raising exploits in the oil fields of the North Sea, he shines a light on a calling that demands the coolest of heads and extreme courage.

The famous swimming Ladies of Hampstead ponds bring us their favourite walks with a dip in London and south east England, all accessible by train. Featuring secret lakes, river meadows and sandy seaside beaches, this is the perfect way to escape the city and leave the car at home this summer.

In Neutral Buoyancy, journalist and diver Tim Ecott takes you on a guided tour of the history of undersea exploration and the emergence of diving culture. He tells the extraordinary story of man's attempts to breathe underwater, from the sponge divers described by Aristotle, to the development of sixteenth-century diving bells, to the invention of modern scuba equipment. Along the way, Ecott intersperses the story with his own thrilling adventures, from the waters of the South Pacific to the remote islands of the Seychelles, from explorations in the clear, flowing tides of Sardinia to a near-death experience in the cold gray depths of the English Channel. Filled with engaging stories of humanity's conquest of the undersea world -- and heart-pounding action that will leave you breathless -- Neutral Buoyancy is a compelling blend of history and adventure, an exciting overview of the world of undersea diving. "As elemental, entertaining, and stimulating as the environment it traces." -- Kirkus Reviews "Engaging ... Neutral Buoyancy will certainly become cult reading for divers." -- Alexander Urquhart, The Times Literary Supplement "Ecott's encyclopedic recounting of diving history ... should be awarded a place on any diver's reference shelf." -- Paul McHugh, San Francisco Chronicle

"Discover untouched lakes, rivers and waterfalls in the Alps and foothills of Austria, Germany, Switzerland, Italy and Slovenia. Over 150 secret bathing and swimming spots with detailed descriptions and tips on safety and access. Including family-friendly locations as well as challenges for the true adventurer. > Bathe and picnic by secret forest lakes > Hike to pristine mountain waterfalls > Swim over rare underwater meadows in transient summer lakes > Plunge into the icy waters of an underground glacial lake at 3200m > Adventure through mysterious flooded caves and tunnels"

This candid travel destination guide is an honest fishing and diving appraisal of Florida's fresh water springs and coastal waters including the Keys, Gold Coast, Middle Atlantic, Upper Atlantic, Lower Gulf, and Upper Gulf. A detailed index, numerous photos, and tourism contacts are included. This comprehensive book features artificial reef loran numbers, fresh water springs and caves, inshore flats and channels, reefs and barrier islands, back country estuaries and Gulf stream passes.

Sooner or later every saltwater angler and diver begins casting glances toward the far off horizons of the Caribbean.

In this stunning and inspiring guide, Kate Rew, founder of the Outdoor Swimming Society, takes you on a wild journey across Britain, braving the elements to experience first-hand some of the country's most awe-inspiring swim spots, from tidal pools in the Outer Hebrides to the white-sand beaches of the Isles of Scilly. Waterfalls, natural jacuzzis, sea caves, meandering rivers - every swim is described in loving detail, taking in not only the gleeful humour of each mini-adventure and the breathtaking beauty of the surroundings, but also practical information about how to find these remote spots. Featuring evocative photography from Dominick Tyler, this is a must-have book for serious swimmers and seaside paddlers alike, and is perfect for the outdoors enthusiast in your life.

Dive Scapa Flow has been THE definitive guide to diving the fabled wrecks of Scapa Flow, one of the world's greatest wreck diving locations. This completely re-written and updated centenary edition is produced to coincide with the 100th anniversary of the scuttle of the 74 warships of the interned German High Seas Fleet at Scapa Flow on 21st June 1919 - the greatest act of maritime suicide the world has ever seen. The dark depths of Scapa Flow conceal the remains of several of the Kaiser's WWI High Seas Fleet. Three massive 575 feet long 26,000-ton Konig-class battleships await exploration - huge underwater mountains where divers can see the last 12-inch big guns to have fired at British warships at the Battle of Jutland in 1916; or drift along rows of 5.9-inch secondary battery casemate guns and see massive masts and heavily armoured spotting tops. Four 5,000-ton, 500 foot long, kleiner kreuzers, Brummer, Coln, Dresden and Karlsruhe lie on their beam ends open for inspection with parts that remained on the seabed of many other High Seas Fleet vessels as they themselves were lifted to the surface during the greatest feat of underwater salvage that has ever taken place. Add in a U-boat, a boom defence vessel, an Icelandic trawler, a number of drifters, WWII vessels, many 'blockships' intentionally sunk to block the smaller channels into Scapa Flow during WWI and WWII and it becomes apparent what Scapa Flow offers divers. Scapa Flow's war graves, HMS Royal Oak, torpedoed at the beginning of WWII and HMS Vanguard, which blew up in a catastrophic magazine explosion in 1917 and HMS Hampshire, which struck a German mine and sunk on 5th June 1916 north-west of Orkney carrying Lord Kitchener and his staff on a secret diplomatic mission to Russia, are off limits to divers today - but their stories are recounted to preserve the memory of those that perished.

The warm tropical waters and coral reefs teeming with fish mean that Seychelles is a hugely popular diving destination. The waters that surround Seychelles are home to over 1,000 species of fish and 300 species of coral. The islands are visited by giant Whale Sharks and manta rays, and are home to the critically endangered Hawksbill and Green Sea Turtles. Divided into three parts, the book provides a general introduction to diving and snorkelling in Seychelles including what to expect and where to base yourself; a guide to the best sites for diving and snorkelling; and a photographic identification to 280 of the most common species of marine life covering fish, invertebrates, corals and megafauna. For all those who plan to spend time in or on the waters of the inner islands of Seychelles, this is the perfect, pocket-sized guide. The taxonomy of some fish species has been updated for the second edition.

The Definitive Guide to Scuba Diving and Snorkeling in Northwest Florida"Reef Smart's waterproof cards and guidebook have become an essential part of all of our dive charters. They make the site briefing much more readily understood by our divers, letting them accurately see the dive before getting in the water. Highly recommended by this Captain and Instructor!" Pat Green (owner) - Panama City Diving, Panama City Beach #1 New Release in Scuba Travel Guides From the authors of the Reef Smart Guide series comes Reef Smart Guides Northwest Florida, a unique and essential scuba, snorkel, and surf travel guide for Northwest Florida diving. A great travel gift. The ultimate guide for visitors and locals looking to spend time in Northwest Florida's Gulf of Mexico. This guidebook provides detailed descriptions and illustrations of beaches, shipwrecks, shore-accessible dive and snorkel reefs, and the top surfing sites in the area. Detailed descriptions and map art. With the help of Reef Smart's unique 3D-mapping technology, learn all you need to know about the region's top dive and snorkel sites, including the world famous Oriskany and historical wrecks of the Tarpon and Empire Mica. Snorkelers enjoy the maps of 27 shore-accessible sites along the coast, and all the information necessary for a great day in the water. Don't go diving without it. This indispensable resource helps you plan and execute dives without a hitch. Make sure to pack this unique guidebook with the rest of your scuba gear! This guidebook provides: Descriptions of 137 dive and snorkel sites in the region, including 2 freshwater springs Detailed 3D maps of 48 of the most popular sites, with details for an additional 9 sites A 33-page species guide to help you identify and understand the marine creatures you'll encounter And so much more! A unique and comprehensive SCUBA diving book. Also look for Reef Smart Guides Florida: Palm Beach; Reef Smart Guides Florida: Fort Lauderdale; and the best-selling Reef Smart Guides: Bonaire.

Entranced by history and myth, captivated by the wonders of nature, Damian Le Bas explores the meaning we find in sunken ruins around the world.

Thousands of years ago, an island off the Straits of Gibraltar went to war with ancient Athens. The battle was lost, and an earthquake cleaved the land in two. Overnight the island sank beneath the waves – or so legend tells.

As a young boy, Damian Le Bas was captivated by the story of the lost city of Atlantis. As an adult, he dreams of diving to discover its ruins. After the death of his father, torn between his lifelong desire and the taboo his Romany culture places on the ocean, he comes by chance across a dive shop. He can’t help but go in.

Under the waves, Damian enters a breathtaking world. As he masters the skills of this exhilarating sport, diving with seals in the Farne Islands, exploring submerged Roman ruins in Naples and mapping the sunken city of Port Royal in Jamaica, he is entranced anew, by wonders both man-made and natural.

Plato's writings on Atlantis were a parable about the hubris of humankind; in witnessing our effects on oceans and ocean communities, Damian finds echoes of this in the modern world.

A spellbinding love letter to diving, The Drowned Places is also a profound examination of the power that myth has over us, and what happens when it crosses over into reality.

""When I'm focused, there is not one single thing, person, anything that can stand in the way of my doing something. There is not. If I want something bad enough, I feel I'm gonna get there.""

Michael Phelps is one of the greatest competitors the world has ever seen. From teen sensation in Sydney to bona fide phenom in Athens, he is now -- after the Beijing Games -- a living Olympic legend. With an unprecedented eight gold medals and world-record times in seven events, his performance at the 2008 Games set a new standard for success. He ranks among the most elite athletes in the world, and is both an inspiration and a role model to millions. The incredible focus he exhibits in practice and during competition propels him forward to his unrivaled excellence. In "No Limits," Michael Phelps reveals the secrets to his remarkable success, from his training regimen to his mental preparation and, finally, to his performance in the pool.

Behind Phelps's tally of Olympic gold medals lies a consistent approach to competition, a determination to win, and a straightforward passion for his sport. Like Michael Jordan and Tiger Woods, he has learned to filter out distractions and deliver stellar performance under pressure. The road has not always been easy; from the very beginning, Phelps had to overcome physical setbacks and emotional trials. When he was younger, he was diagnosed with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder; other kids bullied him; even a teacher said he would never be successful. Later, he had to work through injuries that jeopardized his career. In this book, Phelps talks for the first time about how he has overcome these and other challenges - about how to develop the mental attitude needed to persevere, not just in athletic competition but in life.

His success is imbued with the perspective of overcoming the obstacles that come your way and believing in yourself no matter the odds.

"No Limits" explores the hard work, commitment, and sacrifice that go into reaching any goal. Whether it is on the starting block during an Olympic swim meet or in the weight room on a typical day, Phelps's dedication has led him to unparalleled excellence. Filled with anecdotes from family members, friends, teammates, and his coach, "No Limits" gives a behind-the-scenes look at the makings of a real champion. One of Phelps's mottos is "Performance Is Reality," and it typifies his attitude toward achieving his goals. It's easy to get bogged down by doubt or to lose focus when a challenge seems out of reach, but Phelps believes that you can accomplish anything if you fully commit yourself to it. Using the eight final swims of the Beijing Olympics as a model, "No Limits" is a step-by-step guide to realizing one's dream.

For more than a decade, top coaches have turned to one resource time and time again. Collecting the wisdom, insights, and advice from the sport's legendary instructors, " The Swim Coaching Bible" immediately established its place in the libraries of swim coaches around the globe.

Coaches, it's time to make room alongside that classic for a new resource "The Swim Coaching Bible, Volume II," picks up where the original left off, providing more instruction, guidance, and expertise on every aspect of the sport.

Inside, you'll learn the secrets, strategies, and philosophies of 27 of today's most successful coaches, including these legendary leaders:

- Jack Bauerle

- George Block

- Mike Bottom

- Bob Bowman

- Sid Cassidy

- John Urbancheck

- Bill Rose

- Vern Gambetta

- David Durden

- Brett Hawke

- Gregg Troy

- John Leonard

- Dick Shoulberg

- David Marsh

- Teri McKeever

- Bill Sweetenham

From developing swimmers to building a winning program, teaching the nuances and refining stroke techniques to applying the latest research to training and conditioning programs, it's all here.

Endorsed by the World Swimming Coaches Association, this new collection is another landmark work in competitive swimming. If you coach the sport or want a competitive edge, "The Swim Coaching Bible, Volume II," is a must-own.

From Okinawa to the Outer Banks of North Carolina, find the ultimate travel itineraries for above and below water in this inspiring and comprehensive guide to the worlds 50 best scuba diving destinations. In this illuminating compendium, National Geographic travel expert Carrie Miller and dive master Christian Taylor reveal the 50 top destinations for both scuba divers and their vacation buddies. The result of a yearlong research journey, this beautifully illustrated guide offers unique itineraries with a wide range of options for divers of various levels, snorkelers, or landlubbers, providing the perfect vacation to satisfy everyone on your trip. Featuring tips on what to do, what to see, and where to be on land and at sea, each location includes top-rate shared experiences from unique hiking adventures to day-trip opportunities and sailboat tours, as well as solo excursions for when divers and land-based travellers choose to go their own ways. From the white sand beaches of Fregate Island and the rocky coastline of Croatia to the city of Laguna Beach and Australia's Great Barrier Reef, these wanderlust itineraries include: Diving with marine iguanas in the Galapagos Islands Learning a unique form of martial arts in Thailand Visiting the Maoi of Easter Island above and below water Swimming with sharks in Fiji Planting coral reef gardens in Mo'orea Diving among salmon in Alaska A black-water night dive off the coast of Kona, Hawaii And so much more! With crucial tips on where to go, what to do, and where to stay-plus how to preserve these precious destinations-this is the ultimate guide for divers, adventurers, and everyone in between.