About
Aquatic Sports Swim Lessons and Scuba Training offers swim lessons for children and adults, including private 1 on 1 swim lessons and group swim lessons, as well as swim training and practice in a heated pool. The program also offers scuba training, including Open Water Diver and Scuba Diver courses, a Specialty Diver Bundle, an Advanced Open Water Diver Bundle, Scuba Skills Update, open water diving training, snorkeling, dive trips, and dive travel.
• Price: Private 1 on 1 swim lessons described as reasonably priced for private lessons; group swim lessons described as more affordable. Specific dollar amounts are not stated.
Aquatic Sports has been serving the Portland diving community since 1966, is family owned and operated by the Powelson family, and is described as the oldest dive shop in the state of Oregon. The leadership team includes owner Jeff Powelson (SSI Instructor Certifier), store manager Shelby Powelson (SSI Divemaster and SSI Swim Teacher Trainer), and instructors Austin Craig (SSI Advanced Open Water Instructor), Adrian Pereda (Dive Master Instructor and Service Technician), Willamina Graves (PADI MSDT and SSI Advanced Open Water Instructor), and Colin Ackerman (SSI Advanced Open Water Instructor). Only certified scuba professionals work on the retail floor, and the team is described as SSI-certified, with SSI Digital Learning offered as part of scuba education. The program’s mission emphasizes high-quality, in-depth scuba training, professional-grade equipment, hands-on instruction, extensive water time, traditional learning, in-person diving courses, and personalized instruction focused on in-water skill development for safe, confident, and enjoyable diving.
The facility includes a heated indoor pool on site that is used for training and practice, and customers who buy gear can use the pool to test it and demo equipment. The shop carries a large inventory of dive equipment, offers equipment for all levels and expectations, and will special order items if they do not have what a customer is looking for, with promotional financing available for major purchases. Unique features described by families and divers include the ability to demo gear in the pool and the presence of a multi-generational, family-owned dive shop with an on-site pool that some reviewers describe as their go-to place for local dive culture.
Parent and diver testimonials describe staff as helpful in answering questions, explaining differences in equipment, and accommodating scheduling needs for Open Water Diver certification, including evening sessions and early pool access. Reviews mention that swim instructors are described as “simply the best,” that children enjoy the pool temperature, teachers, and environment, and that private 1 on 1 swim lessons are described as reasonably priced with group lessons capped at three kids at a time. Other testimonials note positive experiences with children’s and adults’ swim lessons, progress in swimming laps, comfort and safety during scuba lessons, and appreciation for being able to test and get comfortable with purchased gear in the water.
Last updated May 29, 2026.
• Price: Private 1 on 1 swim lessons described as reasonably priced for private lessons; group swim lessons described as more affordable. Specific dollar amounts are not stated.
Aquatic Sports has been serving the Portland diving community since 1966, is family owned and operated by the Powelson family, and is described as the oldest dive shop in the state of Oregon. The leadership team includes owner Jeff Powelson (SSI Instructor Certifier), store manager Shelby Powelson (SSI Divemaster and SSI Swim Teacher Trainer), and instructors Austin Craig (SSI Advanced Open Water Instructor), Adrian Pereda (Dive Master Instructor and Service Technician), Willamina Graves (PADI MSDT and SSI Advanced Open Water Instructor), and Colin Ackerman (SSI Advanced Open Water Instructor). Only certified scuba professionals work on the retail floor, and the team is described as SSI-certified, with SSI Digital Learning offered as part of scuba education. The program’s mission emphasizes high-quality, in-depth scuba training, professional-grade equipment, hands-on instruction, extensive water time, traditional learning, in-person diving courses, and personalized instruction focused on in-water skill development for safe, confident, and enjoyable diving.
The facility includes a heated indoor pool on site that is used for training and practice, and customers who buy gear can use the pool to test it and demo equipment. The shop carries a large inventory of dive equipment, offers equipment for all levels and expectations, and will special order items if they do not have what a customer is looking for, with promotional financing available for major purchases. Unique features described by families and divers include the ability to demo gear in the pool and the presence of a multi-generational, family-owned dive shop with an on-site pool that some reviewers describe as their go-to place for local dive culture.
Parent and diver testimonials describe staff as helpful in answering questions, explaining differences in equipment, and accommodating scheduling needs for Open Water Diver certification, including evening sessions and early pool access. Reviews mention that swim instructors are described as “simply the best,” that children enjoy the pool temperature, teachers, and environment, and that private 1 on 1 swim lessons are described as reasonably priced with group lessons capped at three kids at a time. Other testimonials note positive experiences with children’s and adults’ swim lessons, progress in swimming laps, comfort and safety during scuba lessons, and appreciation for being able to test and get comfortable with purchased gear in the water.
Last updated May 29, 2026.
Is this your business? There is no cost, but you will be asked to sign up or log in.