I went in to by snorkeling gear and was blown away by the informative and thorough explanation of how to select a mask, snorkel and fins. I've never owned snorkeling gear (just rented) and was highly impressed by the selection and service. Top notch and glad I didn't buy at a general sporting goods store or Amazon. Highly recommend buying at this store. read more

The owner Laurie Hannula has a lifetime of diving expertise, and their safety record is unparalleled, with no training fatalities. This is because they have the highest standards, they have amazing dive masters teaching. John Cook, Eric, and of course Laurie. They are patient, thorough, and fun to be taught by. Laurie will not up-sale gear, in fact they are one of the only shops that include scuba gear during the lessons, this is particularly useful if you are not certain if this sport is for you. Highly recommend this team! read more

Pacific Watersports - Open water 2-day dive, Redondo Beach, WA. - Scuba Diving Near Me - Aloha, Oregon

We had a great, great snorkel lesson with Jeri from Pacific Watersports this past Sunday. Our group lesson had a diverse mix of comfort levels and experience in the water and Jeri made the class fun, encouraging, and educational. It was well worth the money. Even the tips Jeri shared about equipment selection, care, and preparedness will contribute to our enjoyment of snorkeling. Zero hesitation in recommending this as a great snorkel intro class. read more

My wife and I dove 100's of times as scientists around the islands of the Sea of Cortez. Then life changed, and we pursued different passions. Now 35 years later, we realize that the beauty of diving was more attractive to us than the thrills of other sports. But our diving skills were beyond rusty. Looking at every review of Portland area dive shops and visiting most of them, we quickly realized that Laurie and her dive shop "Pacific Watersports" appealed to us the most. We did not have time to take a refresher class before our month-long trip to Bonaire, but we knew we wanted to have our own gear for our Bonaire refresher class and diving. Laurie realized our situation and spent over an hour in their classroom going over the setup of our newly purchased gear. Her review made our refresher class a breeze in Bonaire. Pacific Watersports is an amazing shop with a special staff. read more

Pacific Watersports - A solid hour of help getting familiar with our new scuba gear. - Scuba Diving Near Me - Aloha, Oregon

Laurie helped us today get some snorkeling gear for an upcoming trip we have planned in the Caribbean. She spend time having us try on different styles to find the ones that fit us the best. The brands they have here seem to be of a higher quality. She was so knowledgeable about fitting us for this equipment even instructing us on anything and everything pertaining to the equipment and that is something we never expected would happen. If you want personal customer service don't go anywhere else. If you just wanna buy equipment and hope it fits Amazon is the place to go. read more

We wanted to get back into diving on our upcoming vacation so after looking at the offerings of some of the local dive shops we visited Pacific WatersportsFrom the moment we entered they treated us like old friends. They worked with us to update our dive equipment and provided excellent feedback on which equipment would work best for our needs. Their prices were extremely reasonable and we were able to purchase everything we needed through them, a couple items had to be ordered, but they didn't take long and we were kept updated with good communication. We also contracted with them to conduct a PADI Reactivate Session. Both Laurie and Jeri were very helpful in completing our pool session to complete the course. I would highly recommend Pacific Watersports for both beginners and experienced divers looking for new equipment or to improve their skills. read more

Pacific Watersports - Scuba Gear - Scuba Diving Near Me - Aloha, Oregon

This is a great shop. I really appreciate the knowledge and experience that Laurie and Jeri bring to the conversation with a lack of the bluster you see in other shops. I'm coming back to the sport after a long absence and reviewing in water material with Jeri was informative and enjoyable. I can't wait to get back in the water. read more

We had a fabulous experience at Pacific Watersports upgrading our snorkeling gear. It was refreshing to be treated with respect as snorkelers, and Jeri's knowledge was deep and helpful. We left with exactly what we needed, at fair prices, and the confidence that Pacific Watersports backs up their products. Great customer service, we will be back! read more

Very helpful and accommodating service. Got all the gear we needed with answers to questions and welcomed advice.

Laurie and Jeri provided my husband and I with excellent service. Wanting to return to diving, we opted to Reactivate our certification. Our pool training with Jeri was thorough and provided us with all the current dive safety protocols. She made it fun and engaging. Thank you for giving us confidence in our skills! read more

I dive every three (or so) years, so I like to take a "Reactivate" class to be safe and comfortable. Laurie was extremely helpful getting me set up for my June 2021 Reactivate class, and even took care of my name change with PADI. The online class was about three hours, then I did the pool time with Jeri at the Forest Grove Aquatic Center. She helped me feel quite comfortable after my absence from diving, and I REALLY enjoyed the course!!! (Thanks Jeri!!) I stopped into the Aloha shop and purchased a few items for my trip. I'm lucky to have such a great dive shop close by! read more

My husband took me here last weekend. I'm not a comfortable swimmer and going to Hawaii soon. I don't want to miss out on the snorkeling. Laurie was amazing! She spent almost 2 hours describing the difference in masks and snorkels and fins. I never felt pressured or pushed for time. Can't wait to do their snorkel class. Thank you so much for the help!! read more

I always support the local dive store, and Pacific Watersports is the best in this area. I bought masks & snorkels for my three kids there. The people there are very friendly. They took the time to make sure that each mask fit correctly. My wife and I also did a dive refresher course at Pacific Watersports. We haven't dove for at least 10 years. While I have a quite a few dives, my wife was very nervous since she only had about 40 dives. Laurie was able to schedule us quickly, just before our trip to Hawaii. She did the pool session with just two of us. Laurie explained everything in detail, and calmly showed us each task. My wife calmed down, and actually performed better than I in all the tests :). Highly recommend Pacific Watersports for any scuba or snorkeling needs. read more

Laurie and Jeri were terrific and responsive to all our needs. The snorkeling class we took was well worth the time and money. If you need to become comfortable with the idea of snorkeling, or need to brush up on your skills, I highly recommend Pacific Watersports. Also if you need equipment, or tips on how to use it and care for it, Pacific Watersports is a good place to go. read more

Pacific Watersports was awesome! Laurie was so helpful in getting the right equipment I needed for our Turks & Caicos snorkeling experience. She was awesome also in setting me up with Jeri for a snorkeling class, which turned out to be a 1-on-1 class. Since I do not swim, I had a lot of fears about snorkeling but Jeri was an awesome teacher and by the end of our class, I was relaxing in the water. Jeri was calm, reassuring, gentle and a perfect teacher. Proof of her effective teaching came in Turks & Caicos where I enjoyed snorkeling so much that I will do it again - anywhere. Thank you Laurie and Jeri. read more

AMAZING! We are so lucky to have a remaining dive shop. They have an excellent selection of gear and Great prices and great training! Thank you so much! read more

This snorkeling class was the best experience for my daughter and I before our trip to Hawaii. I feel 100% comfortable snorkeling now. Jeri was the best. We highly recommend for all your snorkeling needs! read more

I took a snorkeling class with Laurie and Jeri and had an amazing time! I have never been snorkeling before, and they taught me all the basics for getting around in the water and feeing really comfortable. Both ladies were great instructors, funny and gave me great feedback on my snorkeling. I plan on going to their shop to get some gear for my upcoming trip to Hawaii to make sure I'm prepared for my snorkel adventure! read more

I am 70 years young, was a Navy diver, commercial diver, hyper barbaric welder/diver, and Master PADI instructor. I needed re-certification for an upcoming vacation and I haven't been diving for 10 years. Laurie very diligently went through the dive tables, updated equipment information, and addressed all my concerns. I feel very confident about my new knowledge and skills. Laurie is very detailed, knowledgeable, up-to-date on all changes and makes it a fun learning experience. She was very patient and thorough but made it fun and enjoyable as well. She is a great teacher! Thanks, Laurie, for really making me ready for my upcoming dive in Honduras. read more

A total lack of enthusiasm and personality by a salesperson turned a relatively routine visit to a scuba shop for a VIP and fill of a few cylinders into a reason to write an unfavorable review of Pacific Watersports. It wasn't so much what you had to say Randy that bothered me but how you said it. Your obviously bored with your job, burned out by the business and ready to move onto less dynamic environments than retail sales and customer service. I too have been in the "buis" for over 25 years and have fortunately not lost my zest for the wonders and beauty that the unique world that SCUBA diving have to offer. It's a shame you have. Fortunately there are plenty of shops in the Portland metro area to choose from so I won't be back to yours or shall I recommend it to others. Trust me the owner will be notified of your lackluster approach to representing his/her business. You are correct though about the burst disc issue, thank's for reminding me of the basic's. I hope I am doing the same for you. Sincerely, Joe read more

My wife and I attended a scuba review put on through Pacific Watersports. We found the experience to be enjoyable and informative. Laurie was quite good at stepping us through what has changed is scuba in the past few years. We were a bit nervous before the class, but afterwards we feel much more confident and ready for our planned dives. Thanks! read more

My wife and I have been to several other scuba diving specialty shops in the greater Portland metro area, but this is the only store we have done any business with. The owner, Laurie, has always been courteous and helpful even if we were not making a big purchase so that we got the sense that she genuinely loves scuba diving and her attitude reflects this favorably. Although Laurie and her staff are knowledgeable and are willing to handle inquires from divers of all skill levels, I do get the sense that they are better suited to handle clients who are more experienced. That being said, the staff here treat all customers the same unlike the store on Barbur Blvd where unless you show your platinum or gold credit card, you are likely to not get good service. We have taken our diving gear for regular maintenance several times and never had any problems and the cost has always been reasonable. We also took our Nitrox certification course at Pacific Watersports recently and I would recommend anyone interested in PADI certification courses to inquire here first...you will not regret it. read more

I found this place very helpful and Laurie worked with me for over 30 minutes as I tried to decide which mask worked for me. Ranking, re-ranking -- even putting one back on the wall only to pull it back down. Trying to find that one true mask - many were pretty comfortable - more so than the one's I had tried at the big box stores. So, instead of being frustrated that none felt right, I suffered from too many feeling right and almost wanting to buy 2 of them. Thanks for helping to find that perfect mask! read more

After an almost ten year hiatus from diving we walked in to Pacific Watersports for some new equipment. The staff was extremely helpful and walked us through our options. We were in need of a dive refresher course and Laurie was very flexible to get us on the schedule for a course. We learned SO MUCH during the course, more than when we were certified! We will definitely be back for all of our dive training and product needs! read more

Have had great customer service with this place so far and look forward to many trips in the future. Laurie has been very helpful and informative every time we have come in and makes you feel at ease. Did my refresher training with Jeri and am really glad I did. Went over everything needed and got lots of extra tips that she has learned over the years. Very professional people and I highly recommend to those looking into starting or getting back into diving. read more

Not sure what Joe C is referring to. While Randy's personal style is more subdued, his knowledge and attention to detail are what I'm looking for in a dive shop. I'd prefer to know my gear is properly serviced and safe vs being fawned over to make me feel special. My son is currently taking the open water course and I can tell that he will be well trained and prepared for his open water cert dives. Not the cheapest in town but worth the investment to know the he will be diving safely. read more

I am very late in posting this review. My husband Steve and I got our certification here before having kids. Then when our two girls were old enough they got certified here as well back in 2019. Laurie and the rest of the staff were wonderful with our girls. They all gave them a lot of personalized help and support and made it a lot of fun! Laurie even did a little refresher session for my girls just before our trip to Hawaii. Everyone here is very experienced and passionate about diving. I highly recommend this place if you are interested in getting certified or need anything for your next diving adventure! read more

I support local businesses and Pacific Watersports is one of the best. My husband and I routinely take our dive for maintenance which is performed professionally and on time at a reasonable price. Laurie calls to discuss any issues so we can problem solve together. I recently took a dive fresher course from Laurie. She reviewed everything in detail and encouraged questions. She was calm and encouraging at the pool session, a very positive experience. I have no hesitation in recommending Pacific Watersports. Suzanne read more

Had a great refresher at Pacific Watersports 10 years since my last dive. Laurie and Jeri did a great job explaining the basics and techniques, with many extra tips specific to my planned dive in the tropics. During my dive I felt relaxed and prepared, and had a great time! I also purchased mask, snorkel and dive skin from the store. Laurie explained features, let me try on everything and didn't push me to buy more than I needed. After these great experiences, I'm excited to get back into diving! read more

Last summer I took the full class to get PADI certified. The instructors were patient, helpful, and very encouraging. The open water tests were challenging, and I passed! Since that was in July and I hadn't gone on a dive since, I felt like I needed a refresher in preparation for our trip to Belize. I am so glad I did it! Laurie was fantastic. All the skills came back to me and I feel confident that I will have an enjoyable time of vacation. Thank you! read more

Love the personal service. Really appreciate Laurie's recommendation to purchase the SCUBA review booklet rather than doing it on line so that we have it for the future when we have lengthy time between open water dives. And Geri was awesome guiding us through the skills in the water. We had so much fun. And she specially accommodated my recent hip tendon injury/surgery and let me practice putting my gear on in the water. Highly recommend! read more

This shop is the best! The owner, Laurie, is very welcoming, kind, and extremely knowledgeable. Over the last couple months, I've gone from "always wanted to be a diver" to being a certified scuba diver who's purchased gear, and she and her amazing staff/instructors have been there to help every step of the way. I felt like the certification course was done well over approximately three weeks with classroom and pool sessions and culminating in open water weekend. I felt encouraged and supported every step of the way, and that I was in really good hands with -extremely- patient, capable, and very qualified instructors (Tim and Ken) and divemasters (David and Shane). I feel really lucky to have taken this course through such an outstanding shop and it makes me feel like I have a foundation to be a safe and confident diver. I would highly recommend it and I look forward to taking more in the future! Laurie and Jeri have been just wonderful with equipment. They've helped me to figure out exactly what would be the right fit for me at this time, and with absolutely zero up-selling or pressure. I've purchased a scuba kit from them and they not only set it up, but showed me how to use it, and arranged for a (free!) pool session before I took it out to open water. I feel really confident in the purchases I've made and in knowing they will be in good hands for any repairs or service down the road. I'm so glad this awesome dive shop is here and I plan to continue to take classes and make purchases here to do what I can to support them! read more

This is full-service, PADI-affiliated dive center is a fine resource for training and/or equipment for divers living in the Aloha area. The shop is firmly established, reputable and well known in the dive community. Their selection of in-stock dive accessories may not be as extensive as some shops, but the staff is knowledgeable, willing to listen and certainly willing to meet your training needs or share their knowledge of the NW dive scene. read more

The employees here are knowledgeable and helpful. My wife and I recently bought some nice snorkeling gear from here, and one of the guys spent a lot of time helping us pick out suitable masks and snorkels. The gear worked out really well for our trip to Maui, making our vacation all the more enjoyable. Prices appear to be reasonable. read more

A great little dive shop that is really a full service PADI dive center. Private and group lessons. The staff is amazing. Ken did the open water private class with my 12 year old daughter and was so patient and such a reassuring teacher. She loved the class, passed the written test and tried her hardest to pass the open water here in Oregon in November but it was just too cold. Opting to finish in Maui she impressed her instructor their with her skills, knowledge and understanding. We owe a lot of that to Ken and Laurie at Pacific Watersports! Highly recommended from not only a parent but a diver of over 20 years! read more

There aren't a lot of Scuba shops in the greater Portland area, but this is the one that always gets the most praise. The staff is friendly, knowledgeable and very helpful. I first stopped in to buy a real dive mask for a snorkeling trip about 3 years ago. Laurie, the owner, spent almost an hour with me, helping me select the right mask. It was perfect. A short while ago, my wife and I decided to learn scuba and get PADI certified. PWS, was the place to go. Great classes, great instructors and a great experience. I've bought just about all my gear from them, as has my wife. If they don't have something in stock, they can get it. I've heard my share of war stories about other shops (one on Barbur and one on McLoughlin, to narrow it down) and I've yet to hear a bad word uttered about Pacific Watersports. read more

We dive every 2 or 3 years. Before each trip we have taken the SCUBA refresher course offered by Pacific Watersports. This was our 3rd time taking the course and like our last 2 experiences, this course was fantastic and thoroughly worthwhile. Our instructors Laurie and Jeri clearly know and love SCUBA and want divers to be SAFE and enjoy their diving time. They were knowledgeable, professional and thorough. We have purchased snorkeling equipment at the store and have appreciated the staff's advise and enthusiasm for the sport. Great local resource! read more

I've always had a pleasant experience with this shop. Staff are knowledgeable and down to earth. Prices are reasonable and there's no pressure buying anything here. It's all up to you. This is not a sales driven store but more friendly atmosphere for anyone looking to learn scuba or snorkeling. For those that commented about the lost of zest for scuba, he must be having a bad hair day and had to rub off on whoever waited on him. Sorry you're not happy but there are many of us that love going to this shop. read more

After not diving for 1 year I just completed a SCUBA refresher course with Pacific Watersports. The class was structured, so the book work occurred self paced prior to the day of the class. On the day of the class the course was completely focused on equipment prep and review of skills in the pool. The class progressed very smoothly with little to no idle time waiting for the next skill. It was a perfect schedule that moved along very smoothly and prepared me for an upcoming SCUBA vacation. Thanks for the great class. read more

Our daughter who is 18 years old had a wonderful experience doing her scuba PADI certification through these guys. All three of her instructors were absolutely terrific as she also had a wonderful time and gained very significant knowledge. Her instructors helped her get comfortable and confident on their free dive at the 20, 40, and 60 feet levels as she's very confident as a scuba diver now. Thank you so much for the excellent experience. read more