THE COVERS Articles & Editorials OCTOBER 2005 • Volume 15 Number 10
 
By Joseph C. Dovala
Many of us as kids dreamed of becoming astronauts or deep-sea divers. While outer space exploration might be out of our reach, inner space holds a lifetime of exciting opportunities. The key is to get out there and explore. In this month's feature, "The Forever Diver: How to Make Scuba a Lifelong Hobby," author Linda Lee Walden suggests ways to get active as a diver, and stay that way.
FEATURES
    
28. The Forever Diver: How to Make Scuba a Lifelong Hobby
We all lead busy lives. With work, kids, school, household tasks, church and civic commitments and, oh yes, sleep, the number of hours left for recreational activities of any kind can be pretty slim. Unless recreational time figures into your list of priorities, sometimes it just doesn't make the tightly packed schedule. The author offers a few hints on how to incorporate scuba diving into our schedules so that it remains a lifelong and enjoyable pursuit.
By Linda Lee Walden
42. The Perils of Plankton: Understanding Red Tides. The term "red tide" is problematic because it's both confusing and a misnomer. First, a red tide has nothing to do with the tide. Additionally, "red tides" aren't always red. This article explains the biological phenomenon responsible for red tides, and the potential problems they create for humans and the environment. By Alex Brylske
58. Holistic Diving: Tuning the Harmonies of Our Underwater Performance
We often think of diving, or any performance for that matter, as consisting of many intricate pieces that must be carefully, thoughtfully, and patiently pieced together. In diving, those puzzle pieces are many, but can be grouped into three primary categories: physical, technical and mental. We can achieve peak performance, enjoyment and safety when we integrate these key elements.
By Robert N. Rossier
COMMENTARY
     
8 Editorial: It's the Journey, Not the Destination  
10 Buddy Lines: Scuba Myths Revisited  
16 Dive Observer:
America's Traveling Dive Destination: 'Scuba Tour' Draws Crowds and Cameras and other news from the diving industry
By Gene Gentrup
100 No Dumb Questions: Swimming With Sea Creatures, Anxiety Disorder and Diving, and Career Advice
Questions from our readers
By Alex Brylske
DIVE EXPLORATION
     
82 Global Dive Exploration Map
A geographical guide to great dive destinations across the globe
 
84 Dive Geo: Diving in the Land of 'Bula': The South Pacific's Fiji Islands. More than 300 islands for divers to explore By Ruth and Barry Guimbellot
91 Dive Traveler: Happy Endings: Avoiding Common Travel Frustrations. What to do when getting there isn't "half the fun" By Staci Meyer
95 Diving USA: Dive travel opportunities across America  
96 Passport: Dive travel deals and updates from all over.  Compiled by Gene Gentrup
EVERY MONTH
     
69 Scuba Skills: Natural Navigation: Finding Your Way, Building Your Confidence. Tips for getting there and back, naturally. By Linda Lee Walden
73 Instructor Tips: Students as Teachers: Simple Strategies for Peer Teaching. Ways to help your students help each other become better divers By Robert N. Rossier
77 Always Learning: In Over Your Head, Uncensored: The Rant. The rest of the story on diving in overhead environments By Joseph C. Dovala
98 Dive Shop:  Compiled by Cathryn Castle Whitman.
104 Imaging: Doing the Work of the Sun: Using a Strobe to Enhance Your Underwater Photos. How to light up your aquatic images By Marty Snyderman
111 What's That?: The Quick and the Deadly: A Look at Underwater Life in the Fast Lane. Examining speed as an asset underwater By Marty Snyderman
115 Premier Classifieds  
117 Dive Training Classifieds  
121 Dive Training Quiz: Test your knowledge of the information in this month's issue  
122 Final Check: What it Looks Like When...
Your LP Hose is Connected. There's an easy way to hook up
By Lynn Laymon