Tom Shields Aquatics gives swimmers access to one of the most accomplished and technically gifted swimmers of his generation.
Tom Shields is a two-time Olympic gold medalist, four-time World Champion, 11-time NCAA Champion at Cal, and a former American record holder. He made his name with speed, precision, and underwater work that was not just good — it changed racing. His dolphin kick and breakout execution became part of his signature, and now he is teaching those details directly to the next generation.
Based in Santa Cruz, California, Tom Shields Aquatics offers camps, clinics, private lessons, and remote mentoring for competitive swimmers. No club membership is required, which makes the program accessible to athletes looking for focused, high-level instruction outside the normal club structure.
The emphasis is practical: better turns, faster breakouts, stronger underwater kicking, cleaner stroke mechanics, sharper race strategy, and a more mature approach to the mental side of competition. Swimmers can train with Tom in person or work remotely through Zoom and video review.
For swimmers who want generic lessons, there are plenty of options. For swimmers who want to learn from someone who has stood on Olympic decks, won at the NCAA and international level, and understands the details that separate good from elite, Tom Shields Aquatics is worth a serious look.
June 6 — Santa Cruz Clinic
Location: Santa Cruz, CA
Format: 1.5 hrs in-water — breakouts, turns & underwater work + 30-min
mental performance workshop
Price: $150
Register: https://checkout.page/s/Jxw7sW
June 13 — SwimSurfer Half Day Camp
Location: Santa Cruz, CA
Two tracks:
• Pool + Ocean/Surf — In-water technique, underwater work &
breakouts, mental performance workshop, then surf exploration with
Ocean x Ascents — $375
• Pool + Beach Party — Same in-water session, then ride to the
beach, food & hangout — $225
Register (Ocean/Surf): https://checkout.page/s/jdh76v
Register (Beach Party): https://checkout.page/s/Xq2mKv
June 26–28 — Huntington Beach 3-Day Camp
Location: Edison High School, Huntington Beach, CA
Ages: 9–17 (groups set by ability level)
Price: $600
Fri & Sat 8:45-9am · Registration & Drop-Off @ EHS Pool
9:00–11:00am · Swim Session @ EHS Pool
11:00–12:00pm · Dryland/Gym @ EHS Weight Room
12:00–12:30pm · Lunch @ EHS Classroom
12:30–2pm · Classroom Sessions @ EHS Classroom
2-4pm · Swim Session @ EHS Pool 4pm · Wrap-up & Pick-Up @ EHS Pool
Sun Mock Meet:
7-7:15am · Registration & Drop-Off @ EHS Pool
7:15-8:15 · Warm-Up & Meet Prep @ EHS Pool
8:30-10 · Mock Meet @ EHS Pool 10-11am · Warm Down & Race Review
11-12:30 · “Finals”
12:30-1pm · Clean Up and Goodbyes
https://checkout.page/s/fvLAjR
This is 3 full days of elite coaching at one of SoCal’s best aquatic facilities. Two in-water sessions per day, dryland, and a daily mental performance block. Whether you’re chasing a first best time or a next trial cut, this camp was built for swimmers who want to get faster.
