
Nike Peak Performance Summer Swim Camp In Des Moines, IA
Average Rating
Stars
Offering a fresh perspective
on competitive swimming!
Peak Performance Swim Camp is offering a speed camp in Des Moines, Iowa, to jump start your summer swimming season! Our 2-day START & STROKE CAMP provides two levels of specialized training for 12 & Over and 11 & Under swimmers. PEAK coaches are masters at teaching racing techniques, and our low swimmer-to-coach ratio is the best in the industry. If speed is what you seek, come to PEAK!
Open to age group and senior-level swimmers, ages 8-18, who currently compete at a local, regional, state, or national level. To maximize the benefits of the clinic, swimmers are assigned to lanes based on their current skill and performance level versus their age.
Camp Coaches
-
Camp Director Nick Baker
Nick Baker cofounded the original Peak Performance Swim Camp in 1996. In 2005 he branched out on his own and founded the present-day version. His vision was to create a holistic camp with a focus on developing the whole swimmer from a mental, technical, and physical perspective.
View Nick Baker's Bio & Swim Tips ⟩ -
Coach Peak Coaching Staff
A great camp curriculum means nothing unless you have a team of great coaches to implement it. Our passionate and experienced coaching team is comprised of stroke technicians, teachers, and motivators
View Peak Coaching Staff's Bio ⟩
Camp Details
START & STROKE CAMP: For competitive swimmers ages 9-18. Our 2-day Start & Stroke Camp spends equal time training fast starts and efficient strokes. Starts are often a weak link in competitive racing and cost vital seconds, but we have the solution! Our PEAK start progressions add speed and distance off the block, and can turn a slow start into a winning one. In the stroke training, we focus on key elite techniques common to Olympians, including MDPS (Maximum Distance Per Stroke) and MSR (Maximum Stroke Rate).
Note: Swimmers are assigned to lanes based on ability level. The daily skill progressions and challenging swim sets are adjusted to reflect skill and performance levels.
DAY CAMP AMENITIES
• Complimentary T-shirt
• Complimentary Swim Cap
CHECK-IN
Camp Check-In will take place on Saturday, June 4th, from 8:30 AM to 8:45 AM. Swimmers will start camp immediately following, and should arrive to camp wearing swimsuits underneath their dry-land clothing.
CAMP FINALE
Camp concludes at 3:00 PM on Sunday, June 5th. Our closing ceremony will be held before sign-out and dismissal. Parents are invited to attend.

COACH BAKER'S INSTRUCTIONAL VIDEOS:
Olympic Coach Nick Baker has created an outstanding video series for swimmers looking to improve their technical and physical performance. There’s no better teaching tool than visual aides to effectively demonstrate and practice these skills!
YOGA FOR PEAK PERFORMANCE: The more flexible the swimmer, the greater the speed! And yoga is the perfect way for swimmers to increase their flexibility. Greater flexibility in the shoulders, chest, hips, and ankles allows the body to generate more propulsion and flow through the water with minimal drag and greater ease. The Yoga For Peak Performance video, led by professional instructors Theresa and Calvin of College Park Yoga, offers a series of effective yoga postures designed to relax the body and enhance flexibility in as little as 15 minutes a day! Price: $65.00
PEAK OUT! Dry-Land Video: Swimming alone cannot develop the strength, flexibility, agility, or coordination needed to perform at the elite-level. The PEAK OUT! Dry-Land Training Video targets these all-important physical traits – giving swimmers a clear, competitive edge. The five, high-energy training circuits demonstrated in the video can be performed away from the pool and require no equipment. It’s the perfect fit for motivated swimmers on the move! Format: Stream video online. 82 minutes. Price: $85.00
PEAK REFRESHER 2.0: The PEAK Refresher 2.0 video, produced by Olympic Coach Nick Baker, builds on the fundamentals of Refresher 1.0 and introduces many elite-level skills not available on other swimming videos. The multiple and innovative camera angles take learning to a whole new level. The skills presented in this video are guaranteed to boost swimming performance! Format: Stream video online. 59 minutes. Price: $115.00
PEAK REFRESHER 1.0: The PEAK Refresher 1.0 is a state-of-the-art video also produced by Olympic Coach Nick Baker. It vividly illustrates key elements of the front, back, and relay start, along with the four strokes and turns. The step-by-step format greatly enhances learning. Format: Stream video online. 44 minutes.
PEAK REFRESHER COMBO PACKAGE: Purchase the PEAK Refresher 2.0 video AND receive the PEAK Refresher 1.0 at half price ($75 value)! The PEAK Refresher 2.0 builds on the fundamentals of Refresher 1.0, providing comprehensive technical instruction for novice to elite-level competitive swimmers. Price: $150.00
THE ULTIMATE PEAK PACKAGE: Purchase all 3 videos–PEAK OUT! Dry-Land Video, PEAK Refresher 2.0 video, and PEAK Refresher 1.0–at an incredible value! PLUS receive a free copy of Coach Nick Baker’s newest book, Un-Limit Yourself! A Must-Read for Serious Swimmers. The Ultimate PEAK Package provides an unparalleled, visual training experience combining the best of in-water technique skills, dry-land strength drills, and tips for a positive mindset. Price: $225.00
PRIVATE SWIM COACHING:
There are a very limited number of private coaching sessions available during the clinic. These are offered first-come, first-serve on the first day of camp. If you would like to place your name on the waitlist in advance, please email us at [email protected]
Hourly private coaching sessions with Head Coach Nick Baker are $250. Sessions with our Senior Assistant Coaches are $200.
COACH BAKER'S BOOKS:

Nick Baker, Founder of Peak Performance Swim Camp and Olympic Coach, provides unparalleled swim knowledge described in each of his books. With over 43 years of coaching experience with thousands of competitive swimmers from novice level to Olympic champions, Coach Baker addresses all-important topics ranging from the power of positive mentality and superior technique to building confidence and ideal strength and flexibility. Coach Baker’s books are perfect gifts to inspire and teach swimmers, coaches, and parents alike!
MIND BODY SKILL, A Journey to Swimming Excellence: Olympic Coach Nick Baker has just released his sixth book – the newest addition in his Swimmer Series collection – titled Mind Body Skill, A Journey to Swimming Excellence. Coach Baker challenges swimmers to create change in a BIG WAY to achieve the results they desire! A swimmer who improves their mental outlook can enhance their level of swimming performance to one degree or another. The same holds true for technique and fitness. But when a swimmer focuses on boosting all three at once, the paradigm shifts and EXCELLENCE happens! Coach Baker states, “To thrive and survive in the demanding sport of swimming, a swimmer must become the ‘driver of their dream’ and push for exponential growth no matter what the circumstances!” Price: $20.00
ARE YOU WORTH IT? 45 Ways To Enhance Your Self-Worth In Swimming: Olympic Coach Nick Baker has added another gem to his motivational Swimmers' Series. Among all the factors that determine successfully reaching your swimming goals, self-worth is the single most influential. You must first feel important before you can achieve important things in your swimming life. This superb book teaches how to build that feeling and find the inner "magic" that lies within you. Paperback: 132 pages. Price: $20.00
UN-LIMIT YOURSELF! A Must-Read for Serious Swimmers: NEW! The latest book by Olympic Coach Nick Baker is dedicated to serious swimmers striving for peak performance. This tremendous how-to-guide identifies 17 limiting factors that handicap swimming performance and how to overcome them. If identified early, these factors are within the swimmer’s power to change! Paperback. 52 pages. Price: $15.00
IN THE KNOW: A SWIM PARENT'S GUIDE: Olympic Coach Nick Baker shares pearls of wisdom gleaned from coaching for more than forty years and provides parents with essential inside swimming knowledge geared to maximizing their child’s swimming experience. Coach Baker sheds light on many unanswered questions parents have about swimming, and guides them in making the right decisions for their child. Paperback. 124 pages. Price: $20.00
THE SWIMMING TRIANGLE: Coach Nick Baker’s most popular book is an innovative and essential guide to achieving superior mental, technical, and physical fitness in one of the world’s greatest sports. Whether you’re a coach or a swimmer, 1992 Olympic Coach Nick Baker’s wholly integrated approach can help you maximize your true potential. In this book Coach Baker offers proven, results-oriented methods for gaining—and keeping—a competitive edge! Paperback. 326 pages. Price: $25.00
101 WINNING WAYS: Written by Olympic Coach Nick Baker, this motivational book identifies 101 winning attitudes common to all great, world-class swimmers. Each winning attitude is described with an easy-to-remember phrase and simple imagery to enhance visualization. It’s a must-read for swimmers of all ages! Price: $15.00
LIAM THE LION: An Inspirational Story About a Boy’s Struggles and His Path to Swimming Victory!: In his newest book 𝘓𝘪𝘢𝘮 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘓𝘪𝘰𝘯, Olympic Coach Nick Baker details the life of a young swimmer who’s intense love for swimming trumps all. Although Liam endures difficult times along the way, his courage and conviction lead him to ultimate victory. His story is the perfect antidote for those who find themselves facing overwhelming odds. The book’s positive message will leave the reader filled with newfound hope and inspiration. Paperback. 58 pages. Price: $15.00
Daily Schedule
DAILY SCHEDULE (JUNE 4-5)
The schedule below outlines a sample agenda for the day.
- 8:45 AM – Daily Sign-In
- 9:00 AM – Dry Land
- 10:00 AM – Pool Session 1
- 12:00 PM – Lunch (Bring Your Own)
- 12:30 PM – Mind Power Workshop
- 1:00 PM – Pool Session 2
- 3:00 PM – Daily Sign Out
The daily curriculum includes two in-water training sessions (2 hours each), dry-land, and motivational mental skills training. The combined PEAK experience toughens swimmers mentally, boosts fitness and confidence, and improves essential swimming skills.
Peak Performance Swim Camp is following social distancing and sanitizing guidelines as it relates to COVID-19 as set by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), local government authorities, and USA Swimming. An inherent risk of exposure to COVID-19 exists in any public place where people are present; we cannot guarantee you will not be exposed during your visit.
Valley High School Pool
Campers train each day at the Valley High School Pool located at 3650 Woodland Avenue in West Des Moines, IA 50266.
Camp Questions & Answers
Who is eligible to attend camp?
Open to age group and senior-level swimmers, ages 8-18, who currently compete at a local, regional, state, or national level. To maximize the benefits of the clinic, swimmers are assigned to lanes based on their current skill and performance level versus their age.
Where can I find the Peak Health & Release Form?
In order for a swimmer to participate in the camp, the mandatory Health & Release Form must be completed, signed, and turned in BEFORE the camp commences. The Health & Release Form can be found at swimcamp.com/forms/.
How are swimmers grouped at camp?
Lane assignments will be based on your best 100 Free time. We will ask you to email us your best 100 Free time when we send out the registration packet before camp. If you do not submit the correct time, then there is a strong chance that you will be placed in the wrong lane, and will not fully benefit from the clinic training. Thank you for your assistance!
Camp Reviews
Overall Average Rating
Stars-
Loved it!
June 2, 2018: My daughter attended the camp in Westchester over the long weekend and LOVED it. She said the work was hard but good and the instruction great, because “they show us what to do, not just tell us.” We will definitely be coming back!
— Jenna F. Parent
-
Amazing!
June 8, 2017: We just recently attended one of your swim clinics at the new Sawmill Club in Mount Kisco. The facility was absolutely beautiful. Your coaching staff was amazing and your camp curriculum was extremely progressive and thorough. My daughter came home so inspired. We’ll be back!
— Tyler W. Parent
-
Wow!
June 12, 2016: Wow! Just wanted to let you know how Dennis did at his high school meet last weekend. He swam the third leg of the 400 FR Relay. They had a big lead, so he swam with your new and vastly improved version of freestyle. He looked great and maintained the lead! He also swam the 100 BR and came up from the dive in first place and never gave up the lead. I think I can honestly say that was a first in his career. His starts and turns looked great. You really worked wonders with him this weekend. He seemed more confident than I have ever seen him before. He really takes in everything you say and believes that you give him the tools to be a better swimmer.
— Travis B. Parent
-
Best Camp!
June 2, 2015: Attending your camp was one of the most memorable experiences my daughter has ever had. Megan had a blast and said she learned a great deal and worked harder than she had in a very long time. She is very anxious and excited to get started with the short course season. Your camp curriculum is far superior to anything we have ever experienced. Megan couldn't wait for the next practice to come. You are an excellent coach and positive role model. It was a true honor to have my daughter swim for you.
— Rachel V. Parent
SECURE YOUR SPOT – CAMPS SELL OUT!
Last year over 650 Sports Camps sold out, leaving 7,000+ campers on the waitlist. Due to high demand, early registration for our first-come-first-serve camps is strongly recommended.
Camp Dates & Prices
New Camp Dates Coming Soon!
Please join the Priority List to be notified when this program opens for 2023 registrations.