FEATURES
The Ride of His Life | 64
When the movie Riding Giants is released this month, it will cement Laird Hamilton's reputation as the most hardcore big-wave surfer ever. But he still has to struggle every day: to be a better man, to stay alive in a potentially deadly sport, and to find new challenges to prove to the world he's still the best. BY DANIEL DUANE

The 25 Best American Beers | 72
With so many craft brews on tap, ordering a beer can be a little daunting -- which is why we've created the ultimate guide to the current beer renaissance. PLUS: The 10 best beer bars in America.

Bar Fights: An Appreciation | 76
Done right, the bar fight is part Farrelly Brothers comedy, part Wagnerian drama, and always entertaining. Our writer, who has witnessed many such throwdowns (and been in a few himself), meditates on the brutal beauty of an underappreciated art form. BY JONATHAN MILES

Wind Jammers | 80
Kitesurfing is the world's fastest-growing water sport for four reasons: sun, sand, sea -- and major air. So strap in, grab your kite, and get ready to kiss the sky. BY BEN COURT

COVER STORY
The World's 25 Hottest Beaches | 16
If you're like most guys, you're after more than a simple stretch of sand. We've put together 25 perfect beach vacations and compiled the best waterfront bars and parties, from America to the Caribbean and beyond.

Vince Vaughn | 60
The original swinger hits the legendary beach town of Cabo San Lucas in search of a piece of authentic Mexico -- and a cold cerveza or two. BY DAVID HOCHMAN

ADVENTURE
News Actor Ewan McGregor completes his around-the-world motorcycle adventure, Pete Cabrinha shreds a 70-foot wave, and more. 38
Books Heavy metal carnage in auto racing's deadliest year. PLUS: Porn for fly-fishers. 40
Steve McQueen's Great Escape In an excerpt from his photo book, William Claxton remembers motorcycling with his friend. 42
Underwater Espionage When Bob Ballard located the Titanic in 1985, was he also spying for the U.S. Navy? 44

PEAK PERFORMANCE
The 20-Minute Workout Think you don't have enough time to get into shape? Think again. With our speed-demon fitness program, all you need is 20 minutes, three days a week. 51
When Animals Attack What to do if you're bitten by a rattlesnake -- or other deadly beasts. 54
Health News Sex wards off cancer! Seriously! PLUS: Ancient grains make a comeback. 56
Paging Dr. Bob Our resident physician answers questions on heart disease, West Nile, and more. 58

STYLE
Cargo Shorts Versatile and classic, these shorts make for practical summer gear. 86
Watershoes New high-performance aquatic kicks for every kind of summer sport. 88

GEAR GUIDE
Cutting-Edge Scuba Equipment The latest in advanced must-have gear for the recreational diver. PLUS: Diving expert Phil Keoghan's travel and equipment tips. 98
Power Tennis Hit the sweet spot with these high-tech tennis rackets. 100
Hot Grills BBQ season is here; we test and rate eight of the best. 102
Revenge of the Hemi Chrysler's monster of an engine returns. 106
Ultralight Gear Adventure racer Paul Romero on his rugged -- and lightweight -- essentials. 108

MISC.
Real Heroes When a speeding driver passes out, one man makes a high-speed rescue. 124
Mail 10
Contributors 12