About
Aquatic
Sports

Aquatic Sports has been serving the Portland diving community since 1966. Family owned and operated by the Powelson family, our shop was founded with a commitment to providing high-quality, in-depth scuba training and professional gear. That commitment continues today through hands-on instruction, extensive water time, and a team of passionate dive professionals.

Our facility prioritizes traditional learning with a strong focus on in-water skill development. Every diving course is taught in person, with personalized instruction designed to help each student master the skills needed for safe, confident, and enjoyable diving.

Only certified scuba professionals work on our retail floor. We take pride in helping divers find the right equipment, receive proper training, and build a lifelong connection to the underwater world.

AQUATIC SPORTS

Aquatic Sports has been serving the Portland diving community since 1966, providing comprehensive scuba education, professional-grade equipment, and hands-on training designed to build confident, capable divers. We believe great divers are developed through patience, real water time, and personalized instruction. From your first class to advanced training and dive travel, we’re committed to supporting your journey every step of the way.

Key things that set us apart include:
Family owned and operated since 1966
Family owned and
operated since
1966
Only scuba professionals working the retail floor

Only scuba
professionals working
the retail floor

On-site pool for training and practice


On-site pool
for training and
practice


Large inventory of dive equipment


Large inventory
of dive
equipment


Personalized instruction focused on safety and confidence


Personalized instruction
focused on safety
and confidence



MEET OUR SSI-CERTIFIED TEAM

JEFF POWELSON

JEFF POWELSON

Owner, SSI Instructor Certifier

Jeff has been diving since 1970 and has logged more than 8,000 dives. His favorite places to dive include the Pacific Northwest and Canada, the Sea of Cortez, the Philippines, Indonesia, Roatan, Cozumel, Australia, Micronesia including Palau and Chuuk, and the lakes and rivers of Oregon. Jeff continues to provide high-quality guidance and training with a focus on producing safe, capable divers.
Shelby Powelson

Shelby Powelson

Store Manager, SSI Divemaster, SSI Swim Teacher Trainer

Shelby grew up swimming in the pool at Aquatic Sports and has been immersed in the dive industry since childhood. A third-generation dive shop operator, she believes Aquatic Sports provides some of the best training in the Pacific Northwest for diving, snorkeling, swimming, and dive travel. She is dedicated to delivering a high-quality experience for every customer who walks through the door.
Austin Craig

Austin Craig

SSI Advanced Open Water Instructor


Austin values knowledge, safety, and professionalism in every class. He focuses on creating capable divers by giving students ample time to practice and understand skills. He believes nothing about diving education should feel rushed and appreciates the opportunity to provide extended practice time in the on-site training pool.
Adrian Pereda

Adrian Pereda

Dive Master Instructor and Service Technician


Adrian’s passion for diving is matched by his dedication to teaching. He has certified over 1,000 students across multiple diving disciplines and is a strong advocate for ocean conservation. Whether working with new divers or leading advanced dives, Adrian emphasizes professionalism, safety, and respect for the marine environment.
Willamina Graves

Willamina Graves

PADI MSDT and SSI Advanced Open Water Instructor


Willamina is proud to be part of the oldest dive shop in the state of Oregon. She values the depth of knowledge within the Aquatic Sports team, the extensive gear inventory, and the benefit of having a pool on site. Her instruction focuses on building confidence and helping students feel prepared for real-world diving.
Colin Ackerman

Colin Ackerman

SSI Advanced OpenWater Instructor


Colin began his scuba journey more than twenty years ago at Aquatic Sports. His passion for travel and teaching drives his desire to encourage others to explore the underwater world. He enjoys helping divers gain experience and confidence through thoughtful instruction and shared adventure.