A novelist captures all the glamour, and terror, of the sea

Trials HD is rightly considered an XBLA classic. Its mix of physics-enabled motocross platforming and second-shaving, leaderboard-climbing gameplay creating an addictive, if sometimes frustrating, experience. Trials Evolution, its inevitable sequel, ups the ante in almost every conceivable way: the explosions are more ridiculous, the tracks more fiendish, the veneer of slack-jawed extreme sports jargon more hilarious.

Known as "MP" among the surfing fraternity, Michael Peterson dominated Australian surfing in the early 1970s. But although he was regarded as the best in the world by his peers, his domination never spread beyond his native country. With his aviator sunglasses, leather jacket and brooding aura, Peterson was nothing short of intimidating. Resented by some but adored by the majority, he was supremely talented, but his career hit the buffers before it had had chance to blossom.

The landscape for active family holidays is a truly adventurous and wild place, a far cry from the fly-and-flop options that once characterised the average family fortnight abroad. Exploring the countryside, learning a new skill, bonding over an exciting new activity: whatever your goal, today's family trips are all about engaging your tribe.

Britain's murder laws could be radically reinterpreted if a severely disabled man succeeds in his legal battle to allow a doctor to kill him without the risk of prosecution.

High Court victory for man with 'locked-in syndrome' fighting for the right to die

The town may be overrun by mankini-clad Borats, but this coast still offers scenic solitude and rolling surf, says Emily Dugan

Warmer days and softer snow can make late-season skiing safer and more fun for children, as Chris Moran discovers

1. Purgatory colorado print

Although she had been in a coma for nine days after a fall in training, the death of 29-year-old daredevil Canadian freestyle skier Sarah Burke on Thursday sent shock waves not only through the global skiing community but among extreme sportsmen and women of every kind. Burke, a role model to women skiers and to the youngsters she trained, was considered one of the world's best female freestyle skiers and was favourite for superpipe gold at the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia.

The Canadian freestyle skier Sarah Burke, an early gold medal favourite ahead of the 2014 Winter Olympics, has died from injuries she suffered in a training fall.

Film: 'The Visit', 1964. A strange little tale, directed by Bernhard Wicki, about a wealthy woman who returns to her impoverished childhood village and offers a huge sum of money to regenerate it. Her one condition is that they execute her ex-lover who betrayed her 20 years before. After an initially appalled rejection, the villagers start to appear with new clothes and consumer goods, their loyalty eroded by the allure of money.

He has learnt to take the pain of BMX and is aiming for 2012 gold to further his sport's rise