THE COVERS Articles & Editorials SEPTEMBER 2001 • Volume 11 Number 9
  
By Cathryn Castle and Marcus Whitman		 According to recent polls, an estimated 35,000 individuals over the age of 50 become certified each year. This month's feature article, "Senior Divers: The 'Sea Hunt' Generation," explores the scuba opportunities that exist for today's mature divers.
FEATURES
30 Senior Divers: The "Sea Hunt" Generation
For many seniors, television was their introduction to scuba diving. The underwater action series "Sea Hunt" provided viewers with fleeting glimpses of the unseen world beneath the sea. Today, more and more senior divers are entering the sport. The author examines diving as a sport for mature scuba enthusiasts. 		By Linda Lee Walden
42 Tunicates: Sea Squirts and Salps
This article is the eighth in a series that elaborates upon the natural history of the marine animals that you and your diving pals are likely to encounter when you dive. An overview of the articles and the taxonomic system is provided in the February 2001 issue. 		By Marty Snyderman
50 The Big Descent: Mastering the Domain of the Deep
This article answers the question, "How deep is deep?" and explains the training, equipment and techniques used for safely exploring the deep blue depths. 		By Alex Brylske
64 Who's Your Buddy?
Finding the right dive buddy is much like finding a marriage partner, and it isn't as simple as running an ad in the local paper. A good buddy is someone who will stay by your side - and lend a helping hand if you find yourself in troubled waters. 		By Robert N. Rossier
COMMENTARY
8 Editorial: The Tao of Diving By Alex Brylske
10 Buddy Lines: Tips From our Readers  
18 Dive Observer: Making Waves: Scuba Tour Takes Pool to the People and other news from the diving industry By Gene Gentrup
109 No Dumb Questions: Pre-Dive Diet, Gear Rigging, Shark Facts
Questions from our readers 		By Alex Brylske
DIVE EXPLORATION
88 Dive Geo: The Forest and the Sea: Washington State's San Juan Islands
Regal bald eagles nest in the treetops and sleek orcas cruise the waters of this Pacific Northwest dive paradise. 		By Amy Gulick
116 Dive Traveler: Gratuity: Tips on Tipping for Dive Services
Rewarding diving's service proividers for exceptional service 		By Barry Shuster
118 Passport: Dive travel incentives around the globe
Compiled by Gene Gentrup 		 
122 Training Site: Devil's Den: Underground and Open Air. A hot dive spot in the heart of northern Florida By Linda Lee Walden
EVERY MONTH
73 Scuba Skills: How to Keep It Working: Post-dive Equipment Maintenance
Tips for keeping your dive gear in top shape 		By Lynn Laymon
77 Instructor Tips: It Takes Two to Tango: Teaching Students to Be Good Buddies
Buddying basics for your students 		By Robert N. Rossier
83 Always Learning: Lessons from a Day Trip: Shopping, Carding, Fitting and Weighting. Notes from a weekend dive getaway By Mark Twombly
97 Eco-seas: Sea Otters in Controversy: Teddy Bears of the Sea or Ruthless Predators? Why these cute and cuddly creatures are at the center of a California dispute By Steven M. Barsky
103 Weather & Waves: Sun Science: Understanding the UV Index Can Help Save Your Skin. How to have fun in the sun without getting burned By Jack Williams
114 Dive Shop: Gear and Gadgets for Divers
Compiled by Cathryn Castle 		 
127 What's That?: Winged Fishes: Manta Rays
These divine creatures have a devilish reputation 		By Marty Snyderman
131 Premiere Classifieds  
133 Classifieds  
137 Dive Training Quiz: Test your knowledge of the information in this month's issue  
138 Final Check: What It Looks Like When...You Get a Handle on Weight Belt Handling. How to make light of a heavy situation By Lynn Laymon