Aleš Procháska

As a child, I watched J.Y. Cousteau’s shows and was tempted to try diving myself. At that time, it was practically impossible in our country, but later the opportunity arose. I tried it and found that it was exactly what I enjoyed. From that moment on, I stopped pursuing other sports, even those that were interesting and technically demanding, like paragliding. It became clear that diving was the right sport for me.

For me, diving is primarily unlimited movement in complete calm. I enjoy observing underwater life, but what truly draws me even in lifeless terrain or deep inside a cave - is the act of diving itself. It’s like walking in the woods or on a mountain trail, but with breathing apparatus, a computer, flashlights, a compass, guide lines, and other technical equipment. This interest in well-prepared, perfectly functioning technology is the second aspect of diving that captivates me. I like knowing every detail and being able to control it.

One unforgettable experience showed me that neither duration nor depth, nor even the equipment, determines a dive’s significance. While snorkeling in Norway, above the Arctic Circle, a killer whale swam up to me while hunting herring. It looked at me, and when it saw my clumsiness and inability to stun a herring with a fin stroke, it turned and gave me one. That day, we had herring for dinner. I had heard that killer whales share their food, but seeing it firsthand was incredible

Currently, I focus on automated testing of diving equipment. Our laboratory allows us to measure parameters and test breathing apparatus and other gear even at depths a diver could never reach. These machines can withstand extreme conditions and help identify areas where equipment needs improvement or modification.

My journey with Divesoft started simply. I noticed that certain technical equipment didn’t exist or could be improved, so I began making it myself. Friends wanted to try it, and from there, founding Divesoft and manufacturing it professionally was the natural next step. For me, a diver should never feel limited by equipment. That’s why CCR is my choice, I can dive as long as I want, not just until my gas runs out.

Diving plays a fundamental role in my life because I’ve combined my hobby with my profession. When I’m not diving, I work on developing diving technology and when I’m not working, I can dive. It feels like the right choice. After work, I enjoy working in the workshop, where I can work on something that combines mechanics, physics, electronics, and programming. I imagine the ideal relaxation as precision work and the process of finding solutions.