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Czech company helps divers with disabilities fulfill their dreams

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The best Christmas present is to feel free!

Divesoft, the unconventional company from the landlocked Czech Republic which produces hi-tech diving equipment for top technical and cave divers all around the world, believes that diving can have a positive impact on the lives of everyone. Thus, the company are big supporters of organizations who arrange diving training for people with disabilities.

Imagine the possibilities

Diveheart is an American NGO which provides educational scuba diving programs for people with disabilities. Their motto, “Imagine the possibilities“ reflects their mission to inspire individuals who have a variety of disabilities including physical and developmental disabilities, vision and hearing impairments, amputations, traumatic brain injuries, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and more, to take on challenges they may have never considered, such as diving. In support of Diveheart’s efforts, Divesoft has lent Freedom computers, with  helpful easy-to-read-screens, to assist divers with oxygen dosage, dive planning, and a host of other functions.

A diver with paraplegia. Source: Diveheart Facebook

Diving with a disability in a country without the sea

For those with a passion for diving, it can be unimaginable living in a country without access to the sea. But fortunately, even in the landlocked Czech Republic, there are amazing opportunities for divers to enjoy the underwater world; for instance the dams, quarries, and abysses, including the deepest in the world, the Hranice Abyss. Therefore, it’s no wonder that the Czech sports club for people with disabilities, SKV, offers diving as one of their activities, alongside dancing, skiing, floorball, table tennis and more.

Diving is an extremely popular sport among individuals with disabilities. Tomáš Kratochvíl, Head of the Diving Club at SKV, who suffered a spine injury and subsequent paralysis of his lower limbs and partial paralysis of his upper limbs in 2009, shares “Diving is one of the few sports in which a person with a disability does not need aids such as a wheelchair, handbike, etc. It allows us to forget, at least in the moment, the differences between those who walk on their own and those on wheels.”

A diving course for beginners. Source: SKV website

Divesoft would like to help individuals with disabilities make a full return to their active selves. Through cooperation with organizations like SKV, Divesoft hopes to make a positive impact on these individuals’ lives.

A diving course in Elba. Source: SKV website

Dreams do come true, especially at Christmas

Diving is undoubtedly a magical experience. What’s better than becoming an Avatar for a moment and moving through the water  without limitations! However, for those who don’t dream to dive, Divesoft also fulfills wishes on the Jeziskova vnoucata, a Christmas Wish List project which helps bring cheer to the eldery during the holidays.

Making people happy is truly the best gift that can be given!

For more, visit www.divesoft.eu/en.

Gear News

Introducing the TR-80, IR-50 and CS-30 Regulators from DYNAMICNORD

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regulator

Whether you are a beginner or a professional diver – with the three new main regulators from DYNAMICNORD, everyone will find their favourite regulator. They all look super stylish.

Excellent performance with the TR-80

Quality and performance are the be-all and end-all for regulators. It is not for nothing that the TR stands for Tec Reg. The innovative design of the TR-80 guarantees absolute reliability – even in ice-cold waters.

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Perfect breathing effort at 0.8 J/l / certified for diving in waters below 10 degrees / structural design made of solid brass for best cold protection / membrane-compensated design with dry seal of the first stage / reduced exhalation effort thanks to optimized exhalation membrane and bubble deflector / adjustable Venturi (dive/predive) and adjustment knob for individual inhalation comfort / innovative design of the front cover prevents free-flow in strong currents or when diving with scooters / design made of sandblasted brass, matt chrome finish / 2 HP and 4 LP outlets / mouthpiece made of high-quality, anti-allergic silicone for maximum comfort.

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Amazing underwater adventures with the IR-50

The IR-50 is the top regulator for advanced and experienced divers. Natural breathing is the essence of this regulator.

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Ideal breathing effort at 0.8 J/l /certified for diving in waters below 10 degrees / compensated membrane / adjustable venturi (dive/predive) and adjustment knob for individual inhalation comfort/ outlet valve and deflector for minimum exhalation effort and reduction of bubbles on the face / design made of sandblasted brass, matt chrome finish / 2 HP and 4 NP outlets / mouthpiece made of high-quality, anti-allergic silicone for maximum comfort.

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The Workhorse – our CS-30

For diving centres and diving beginners – the workhorse stands for strong construction, reliability and robustness. Perfect for your training.

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Optimal breathing effort at 0.8 J/l /recommended for diving in waters above 10 degrees / non-compensated piston / adjustable venturi (dive/predive) / outlet valve and deflector for minimum exhalation effort and reduction of bubbles on the face / design made of sandblasted brass, matt chrome finish / 1 HP and 3 NP outlets / mouthpiece made of high-quality, anti-allergic silicone for maximum comfort.

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Octopus OP-30

The OP-30 is the ideal addition to all DYNAMICNORD regulators. It is identical in construction to the CS-30.

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The TR-80, IR-50, CS-30 (DIN & INT) regulators and the Octopus OP-30 are available from DYNAMICNORD dealers and in the online store.

DYNAMICNORD – Your Outdoor Companion.

www.dynamicnord.com

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Marine Life & Conservation

Paul Watson Released as Denmark Blocks Japan’s Extradition Bid

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paul watson

Renowned anti-whaling activist Paul Watson has been released from custody in Greenland after spending five months in detention. Denmark’s Justice Ministry rejected Japan’s request for his extradition, citing insufficient guarantees that his time already served in custody would be credited against any potential sentence.

The 74-year-old Canadian-American was arrested on July 21 in Nuuk, Greenland’s capital, when his ship docked to refuel. His arrest was based on a 2012 Japanese warrant related to a 2010 encounter in Antarctic waters. Japan alleged Watson obstructed operations and caused damage to a whaling research ship during efforts to disrupt illegal whaling. Watson has consistently denied these claims, maintaining his commitment to marine conservation.

Denmark, which oversees extradition matters for Greenland, concluded that while the legal conditions for extradition were met, the lack of assurances from Japan regarding time-served credit made extradition untenable.

In a video shared by his foundation, Watson expressed gratitude and relief, saying, “After five months, it’s good to be out… and good to know they’re not sending me to Japan.” He added that the most difficult part of his time in custody was being separated from his two young sons.

Watson is a pioneering figure in marine conservation, known for founding the Captain Paul Watson Foundation in 2022 after decades of activism with the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society. His bold efforts to defend marine life have earned him widespread support, including from celebrities and conservationists. His work has also been featured in the acclaimed reality TV series Whale Wars.

Watson’s lawyer, Jonas Christoffersen, praised the decision, stating, “We are happy and relieved that Paul Watson is now free.” He added that Watson is eager to reunite with his family and continue his vital work.

The arrest occurred while Watson’s vessel, the M/Y John Paul DeJoria, was en route to the North Pacific with a team of 26 volunteers to intercept a Japanese whaling ship. His foundation described the arrest as politically motivated and emphasized that Watson’s actions were focused on ending illegal whaling practices.

Japan resumed commercial whaling in 2019 after leaving the International Whaling Commission, asserting that whale meat is a cultural tradition. Conservationists, however, continue to challenge these practices, highlighting their impact on marine ecosystems.

Despite the challenges, Watson remains steadfast in his mission to protect marine life and bring attention to whaling practices. His dedication to ocean conservation has made him a globally respected advocate for the environment.

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