Dwain Fitzsimmons – Breath Coach

“When things go wrong, which they will, you need to be prepared.” Dwain Fitzsimmons trains blind surfer Matt Formston to deal with the inevitable wipeout and being trapped underwater- a bad situation at the fearsome Nazaré break, even more terrifying when you’re blind. 

Dwain is a critical member of blind surfer Matt’s team of advisers. His breathing and stress management techniques enable Matt to stay calm and focussed. He provides practical strategies for survival, and for maintaining the mental resilience necessary to make split-second decisions and remain composed under pressure.

The more you can relax, you burn less oxygen, so then you can create less stress, less CO2, which then enables you to hold your breath for longer. Being calm is the most important thing ¦ it's more mental, a breath-hold, than physical."
Dwain Fitzsimmons

Thanks to Dwain’s experience and coaching, Matt can hold his breath for 6 minutes, compared to the average person lasting under one. This was a crucial part of the planning and preparation stage to de-risk a very risky situation.

Insurance Advisernet’s network of advisers and support helps our customers stay calm, focused and resilient in even the most trying of circumstances. We help prepare them by de-risking their own situations with the right advice, so they too can take on whatever lies ahead.

Other Active Advice Team Members

Dylan is one of the most respected big wave surfers and board shapers Australia has ever produced. Having faced his own mortality...
Over the years, veteran surf photographer Peter Joli has seen it all through his lens. But witnessing blind surfer Matt successfully...
Blind surfer Matt Formston's journey to Nazaré all started with parents Loraine and Don, who instilled a "never say die"attitude in him...