About Aquatic Sports
Our facility prioritizes traditional learning, focusing on water time and personalized in-person training, all delivered by a passionate staff committed to ensuring each student masters the skills needed for a safe and enjoyable experience.
- Only scuba professionals work the retail floor
- We love to spread the word about scuba!
- Family-owned and operated since 1966
Why Aquatic Sports?
The Powelson family started this business in 1966 in hopes of providing the highest quality and in-depth training to the Portland area. We continue today to provide this high-quality training to produce the best and safest scuba divers in the area.
We’re Passionate About Diving
We believe the positive customer experience you have at Aquatic Sports is the first step to a lifelong aquatic adventure. We aim to provide expert retail service and top-tier dive education. We take the time to get to know our customers. We hope you will keep coming back for scuba instruction, dive equipment, and diving adventures both local and international!
Meet our team!
Jeff Powelson, Owner, SSI Instructor Certifier
Email: Jeff@aquaticsports.com
Why Aquatic Sports?
Diving since 1970 with over 8,000 dives, Jeff's favorite places to dive in the world are the Pacific NW and Canada, the Sea of Cortez, Philippines, Indonesia, Roatan, Cozumel, Australia, Micronesia (Palau & Chuuk), and the lakes and rivers of Oregon. Jeff continues to provide the highest-quality guidance and training to produce the safest scuba divers in the area.
Shelby Powelson, Store Manager, SSI Divemaster, and SSI Swim Teacher trainer.
Email: Shelby@aquaticsports.com
Why Aquatic Sports?
I grew up swimming in the pool at Aquatic Sports. This business has been in the family since 1966, so I have been around the dive industry my whole life. Scuba has been a huge part of my life from the young age of 8 years old. I am a proud third-generation dive shop operator who believes we provide the best training in the PNW, whether that be diving, snorkeling, swimming, or dive travel. Our store is dedicated to delivering the best quality experience no matter what.
Austin Craig, SSI Advanced Open Water Instructor
Email: Austin@aquaticports.com
Why Aquatic Sports?
Knowledge, Safety, and Professionalism! We believe in creating good DIVERS – we take time with all of our students to ensure that they can dive safely and enjoyably – nothing about our classes is rushed or hectic. I also love the fact that we can offer our students almost unlimited practice time with our on-site training pool.
Adrian Pereda, Dive Master Instructor & Service Technician
Email: Adrian@aquaticsports.com
Why Aquatic Sports?
My passion for diving is matched only by my dedication to teaching. I love sharing my expertise with others and I’ve certified over 1000 students in various diving disciplines.
As an advocate for ocean conservation, I not only educate divers about the wonders of the marine environment but also instill a profound respect for its preservation.
Whether I’m guiding students on their first underwater adventure or leading advanced technical dives, I embody professionalism, safety, and a deep love for the ocean. Come join me and let’s explore the wonders of the ocean together.
Willamina Graves, PADI MSDT and SSI AOWD Instructor
Email: Willa@aquaticsports.com
Why Aquatic Sports?
We are the oldest shop in the State of Oregon. The knowledge and expertise of the staff is top-notch! Having the largest inventory in town makes getting your equipment super easy. I must also mention we have a pool on site!
Colin Ackerman, SSI Advanced Open Water Instructor
Email: Colin@aquaticsports.com
Why Aquatic Sports?
With a passion for both travel and teaching scuba, I fondly reflect on my scuba journey, which began over 20 years ago in the very dive shop where I aspire to encourage others to explore the underwater world.
