Where to learn near Camas, WA

Question
I coach swimming at LaCamas Swim & Sport in Camas, WA.  I have several swimmers who would like to learn some springboard diving before next year's high school swim season. (August 16) Where is the closest facility that could offer coaching for beginning teenagers?  Thanks, Denise

Answer
Denise -

Based on my coaching experience in your area, here are your options:

About 10 years ago, I coached at the Tualatin Hills Dive Club in Beaverton. This facility has the best diving equipment anywhere in the greater Portland metro area. Since you are a swim coach, I am sure you have heard of the pool they use since there are many swim meets there. While coaching for them, I coached several high school kids from the Vancouver/Camas area. Have interested divers contact the head coach Joe Lyons and ask about his program for high school divers. Their website is: www.tualatinhillsdiveclub.org (or dot com ?)

If that pool is too far to go to, your other option is to contact Van Austin who lives in Troutdale. Van is a semi-retired diving coach who has an extensive successful background in coaching. He has college, club as well as national and international experience. He was the Team Manager for the 2000 USA Olympic Diving Team. He also coached for a while at the Tualatin Hills pool. He teaches lessons from time to time at the diving pool located in the North Clackamas Aquatic Center in Milwaukie OR. He has also used the diving pools at Mt. Hood Community College.His e-mail address is [email protected]. When you contact him, tell him I gave you his address and I am sure he will respond. I have known Van for many years.

There is also a coach at Lewis and Clark College.I think her name is Coach Risely. I do not know her but Van Austin does as he has coached her daughter. Their team name is Pioneer Divers and they use the pool at the college. Van can tell you how to contact her.Maybe she can help.

I wish your area had a pool with deep water for diving boards. If there were, there could certainly be a high school or club team. If you ever hear of a new pool with boards going in, let me know as I would be interested.

Good luck in your search. I am sure your divers will find something that works for them.