Mens Columbia Walking Shoes Under £40

Make every step count in the Firelane Mid Omni-Tech®, a waterproof, multi-functional hiker built to enhance your trail time, rain or shine.

With a waterproof suede and mesh upper that incorporates a waterproof-breathable Omni-Tech membrane to keep the foot dry and comfortable all day, this midcut trail shoe supports the foot and ankle as you take on tough terrain. A gusseted tongue keeps debris out and a rubberized toe overlay adds durability and protection to the forefoot. Inside, the Contour Comfort™ 2D footbed offers personalized cushioning while AgION® anti-odour treatment combats “the funk” after a long day on your feet. Columbia’s innovative Techlite™ midsole provides lightweight cushioning and houses an exposed shank to deliver excellent torsional rigidity and support. Omni-Grip® traction gives optimal grip on rocks and trails, making this a solid choice for the weekend warrior or hardcore hiker.

Waterproof suede and mesh upper

Gusseted tongue keeps debris and moisture out

Omni-Tech waterproof-breathable membrane provides dry, comfortable environment

Rubberized print toe overlay for abrasion resistance

Contour Comfort™ 2D footbed with AgION® anti-odor treatment

Techlite molded midsole for lightweight cushioning and comfort

Exposed shank provides torsional rigidity and support

Non-marking Omni-Grip rubber compound with a stable hiking design for ultimate traction on any terrain.

Buy from our shop

British ski team secures funding

Britain's top skiers have secured funding for the next two years, ending months of uncertainty after the governing body went bust.

Prior to the Winter Olympics in February the team had to fund their own training after SnowsportGB went into administration, owing £300,000.

But the newly formed British Ski and Snowboard has found an as yet unnamed sponsor for the 11-strong senior squad.

The money will enable skiers to pay for coaches and organise race programmes.

Britain's top skier Chemmy Alcott and slalom specialist Noel Baxter had warned they were considering their futures in the sport because of the financial situation.

But they have agreed to carry on - along with Ed Drake, Dougie Crawford, Andy Noble, Dave Ryding, Jan Kochalski and Pam Thorburn.

606: DEBATE
Give your reaction to British ski team's funding boost
The sponsorship deal means there is also funding to enable youngsters TJ Baldwin , Jai Geyer and Louise Thomas to make the step up to the senior squad.

Chief executive Dave Edwards told BBC Sport: "We have made some really good progress and are in much better shape than we were three to four months ago.

"The funding is secure for the next two years and the athletes are keen to get stuck into their summer programmes.

"This is an exciting group of athletes and we will do everything we can to ensure they deliver great results in international competition."

There will be changes in the coaching staff with Alcott's coach Mark Tilston deciding not to carry on.

Mike Pilarski will take up the position of head coach and it is hoped Alcott will benefit from a collaboration with the United States ski team.

"There's no doubt that British skiing has been through a difficult period recently so it's great to put the coaches on a firm footing," added Edwards.

He estimated £1.5m per year was needed to fund the ski and snowboard teams, which includes alpine, cross-country and freestyle.

Edwards added BSS would continue to seek new sponsorship opportunities - possibly tapping into a link between the leisure skiing industry and the racing one - to raise further money.

http://news.bbc.co.uk

Boscombe's £3m surf reef 'sub-standard'

The performance of Boscombe's £3m artificial surf reef since it opened has been sub-standard, Bournemouth Borough Council has confirmed.

The findings came from experts at Plymouth University who assessed the quality of waves enhanced by the underwater creation over six months.

The team found the surf reef only achieved four of its 11 objectives.

The council said it would withhold a £150,000 payment from its creator, ASR Ltd, until it is satisfied it works.

The New Zealand-based firm denied the reef failed and said it was only one of the criteria - the wave lengths - which it had not met.

Plymouth University, home of the UK's first marine institute, has been assessing the quality of the reef's waves and the number of days suitable for surfing since last September.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/

One of the best Surfing Videos

One of the best Surfing Videos:

Croyde Bay, Devon

Croyde Bay in North Devon is excellent for families and surfers alike. Croyde village is a little hamlet of thatched cottages with many places to eat, buy gifts and hire surf equipment - including surfboards. Croyde Bay sits in between the neighbouring beaches of Saunton Sands, Putsborough and Woolacombe.

Croyde Bay in Devon is best known for its beach with its wide sheltered bay and excellent surfing. The beach is privately owned and has lifeguards patrols between May and September. Baggy Point and the adjoining National Trust land has some delightful walking with brilliant views.

There are a variety of restaurants and pubs in the area, along with numerous options for accommodation to make your stay in North Devon an enjoyable one, no matter what time of year you visit. Croyde is perfecet for experienced and novice surfers.

Gul Rash Vests

Chelston Direct stocks a wide range of Gul Rash Vests:

Gul rash vests feature overlock seam construction and UV sheild.

From £17.99

Provides additional comfort under a wetsuit and provides protection from the sun. Very comfortable stretchy nylon & spandex.

Bristol Surf Show April 2010

The UK's only surfing show, which aims to inspire the public about the environment, comes to Bristol in April.

Surf Show 2010 will feature technical workshops with industry professionals, exercise sessions, live music and the WaveRiders Film Festival.

The Surf Show started in 2008, with an aim to promote surfing culture and lifestyle in the UK.

The event, on the 24 and 25 April 2010, will take place at the Anson Rooms on Queens Road.

Surf Show event director Edryd Kaill said: "The Surf Show is a great mix of exclusive film premieres and insightful workshops, making this event a great day out for the whole family."

For more information about the event, including ticket prices, check out the Surf Show 2010 website.