MARCH 2002 • Volume 12 Number 3

THE COVERS	Articles & Editorials	MARCH 2002 • Volume 12 Number 3
By Tanya Burnett and Kevin Palmer	Free diving - which dates back more than 4,500 years - can rightfully be considered the world's first "extreme sport." In this month's feature article, "Free Diving: Breathless in the Aquatic World," we take a look at breath-hold diving and what scuba divers can learn from free divers. In our What About column, we talk about the structure behind the free dive.

FEATURES

28	Free Diving: Breathless in the Aquatic World The sport of free diving is still alive and well among a small but devoted cadre of divers. Recently, some free diving aficionados have tried to reintroduce their passion to the general diving world. Although still in its infancy, free diving has a full hierarchy of training programs ranging from beginner to competitive expert. The author explores this resurgence of interest in free diving, and whether it has any relevance to those of us who still prefer to breathe while underwater.	By Alex Brylske
40	Drawing a New Line: Revisiting Flying After Diving The problem of flying after diving is nothing new. For nearly as long as divers have made their forays into the depths, they have taken the high road home, and some have suffered the effects of decompression sickness as a result. This article explains the risks of flying after diving, how we can negate them, and outlines current research on flying after diving.	By Robert N. Rossier
50	Continuing Education: Leadership vs. Nonleadership Paths You'll never know all there is to know about scuba. There's always something more to learn that will enhance the enjoyment and satisfaction you gain from underwater activities. Most recently trained students are familiar with their agency's curriculum leading to certification as a dive supervisor, assistant instructor and ultimately scuba instructor. Many divers, however, are unaware of the alternative, nonleadership training path designed for recreational divers wishing to strengthen their knowledge base and refine their water skills.	By Linda Lee Walden

COMMENTARY

8	Editorial: What D'ya mean, I'm Not Qualified?	By Alex Brylske
10	Buddy Lines: "Earth's Age and Evolution" - A Can of "Earth" Worms
18	Dive Observer: HSA International Turns 20 and other news from the diving industry	By Gene Gentrup
99	No Dumb Questions: Deco Stops, Perfect Predators, Free Diving and DCS Questions from our readers	By Alex Brylske

DIVE EXPLORATION

72	Dive Geo: The Graveyard of the Atlantic: North Carolina's Coast World-class wreck diving off the Carolina coast	By Karen and Ian Stewart
81	Dive Traveler: Diving's Endless Summer: Tips for Year-Round Diving Ways to stay in the scuba groove	By Barry Shuster
84	Passport: Dive travel incentives around the globe	Compiled by Gene Gentrup

EVERY MONTH

59	Scuba Skills: Snorkeling Made Easy: Relaxation and Proper Technique Simple tips for snorkeling success	By Lynn Laymon
63	Instructor Tips: It's a Psychological Thing: How to Help Your Students Tips for helping students cope with dive-related jitters	By Barry Shuster
67	Always Learning: Group Dynamics: Sacrificing for the Greater Good Patience pays off when diving in a group	By Mark Twombly
86	What About: Free Diving Records: The Structure Behind The Freedom A behind-the-scenes look at what goes into free diving record attempts	By Tanya Burnett and Kevin Palmer
91	Dive Medicine: Managing Motion Sickness: New Alternatives for Divers The latest on avoiding mal de mer	By Paul S. Auerbach, M.D.
95	Legal Briefing: The Law-abiding Underwater Hunter: Learn About Marine Collection Laws Before You Dive. Responsible hunting means knowing the law	By Barry Shuster
104	Dive Shop: Gear Bag Goodies	Compiled by Cathryn Castle
106	Next Step: Bagging It: Lift Bag Deployment Made Easy How to use a lift bag safely	By Jan Neal
111	What's That?: A Misunderstood Giant: The Giant Pacific Octopus This eight-armed wonder is a master of disguise	By Amy Gulick
117	Classifieds
121	Dive Training Quiz: Test your knowledge of the information in this month's issue
122	Final Check: What It Looks Like When... The Tank Numbers Pass the Test How to interpret cylinder hieroglyphics	By Lynn Laymon