AQUATIC SPORTS is Portland’s oldest and largest full service diving center. We help you get in the water. This year we celebrate our 45th Anniversary since opening in 1966! Be sure to check out our staff, history, and Contact Us. Let’s go diving!

OUR HISTORY

AQUATIC SPORTS, a family owned business started by John Powelson, has served thousands of divers in the Portland area since 1966. John began diving in Southern California in the late ’50s. He received his first instructor certificate at the Scripps Institute of Technology in 1960. John was an instructor for L.A. County and NAUI before joining NASDS in 1962 with the rating of OWI #20.

In the early ’70s John helped his friend Bob Clark with the beginnings of SSI. The very first SSI instructional clinic was held in Oregon and a new training agency was born. After a few years as a dual NASDS/SSI instructor, John returned to his NASDS roots full time.

John was instrumental in the development of dive rescue training in Oregon. In the ’60s he helped organize one of the state’s first dive rescue teams. He was deputy sheriff for Yamhill county and helped other rescue teams in the area.

In 1989, John was diagnosed with latent decompression sickness, forcing his retirement. At that time, John sold AQUATIC SPORTS to his son Jeff, who has run the business ever since. John now enjoys pottery, fishing, travelling and spending time with his grandchildren.

In 1992, John received one of the first SSI Platinum 5000 awards for industry contributions. Other recipients include: Dick Bolin, past president of ScubaPro; John Gaffney, founder of NASDS; Jacques-Yves Cousteau and other scuba pioneers.

OUR HEADQUARTERS
Be sure to come in and check out our show room, 8,000 square foot heated diving pool, brand new diving equipment, underwater photography equipment, and more!