Tomáš Kovács

The Beginning

Tomáš discovered water sports during his studies at Charles University in Prague. It wasn’t a calculated career move — he was honestly just looking for something to do on weekends. But that first summer on Lipno Lake changed everything. He’d come back to campus talking about the wind conditions, the different techniques, the way the water changed throughout the day. His friends noticed he wasn’t just enthusiastic about it. He was genuinely curious about why things worked the way they did.

His sports science degree became the perfect foundation. While other students were writing theoretical papers, Tomáš was combining that knowledge with real-world practice. He spent his summers on the water, his winters studying. It was intense, but it gave him something most instructors don’t have — an understanding of both the science and the actual feeling of getting better.

Building Expertise

After finishing his diploma, Tomáš got his coaching certifications through the Czech Windsurfing Association in 2010. The next five years were devoted to one thing — becoming really good at teaching. He wasn’t interested in being a casual instructor who showed up on weekends. He wanted to understand every detail of how people learn these skills, what frustrates them, what actually works.

Working full-time at Lipno’s water sports center meant teaching hundreds of students. He saw every type of learner. The person who’s terrified of the water but determined anyway. The overconfident teenager who needs humbling. The middle-aged person returning to a sport they loved decades ago. Each group taught him something about instruction itself.

Safety and Leadership

A career turning point came in 2015. He was appointed safety coordinator for a major Czech water sports federation. This wasn’t just about knowing the water — it was about protecting people in it. He’d spend weeks developing protocols, testing equipment, working with other experienced instructors to create standards that actually made sense for Czech conditions.

That’s when his work expanded beyond Lipno. Máchovo jezero, Orlík, other reservoirs — they’re all different. Different depths, different wind patterns, different challenges. He learned each one properly. Not just visiting, but understanding. Getting to know the seasonal changes, the hidden hazards, the best conditions for different skill levels.

What Drives Him Now

These days, Tomáš doesn’t spend all his time on the water instructing (though he still does plenty of that). His real mission is different. He’s trying to demystify water sports for Czech enthusiasts. Too many people think these activities are only for the athletic or the brave. They’re not. They’re for anyone willing to learn properly.

At Imnotanisland, he creates detailed guides and educational resources. He writes about Lipno windsurfing not as some romantic adventure, but as a real skill you can develop. He explains Máchovo jezero swimming safety because he’s seen what happens when people don’t respect the water. He breaks down Orlík paddleboarding technique because small details matter. His kayaking guides aren’t about inspiring you — they’re about preparing you.

What he cares about most is sustainability. Not just environmental (though that matters too), but sustainable skill-building. Teaching people to enjoy these activities safely, year after year, without injury. That’s what his expertise is really about.