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SURF

MARK MATHEWS – International Speaker & Big Wave Surfer
THE TRAINING STOPS ME PANICKING IN THOSE PRESSURE MOMENTS.
“In big wave surfing if you panic in the ocean you might die, so I started Breath Enhancement Training with Nam Baldwin to learn the skills and knowledge which would help to lessen my anxiety, destress & maintain a more relaxed composure in this terrifying environment. In reality the training actually helps in all environments where you experience fear, anxiety, stress & burnout. Nam practices what he preaches. Pure Authenticity. There is nothing more important than that in those that you learn from. The training stops me panicking in those pressure moments. So thank you for helping me stay alive brother.”
STEPHANIE GILMORE – 8x World Surfing Champion
THE UNCOMFORTABLE BECOMES EXCITING
“I was introduced to Nam through some top athlete friends who were working with him to improve their confidence in big waves with breathing techniques. Low in confidence in heavier surf, I thought I’d give it a try. Nam’s ability to help me connect my thought patterns and energy into the right places during training helped when I’m competing; the uncomfortable becomes exciting. I’ve learnt so much and I apply it to many areas of my life. I can truly thank him for helping me achieve many world titles and my tour success.”
MICK FANNING – 2007, 2009 & 2013 World Surfing Champion
IN HIGH PRESSURE SITUATIONS I MADE VERY CLEAR DECISIONS VERY QUICKLY
“Doing the Breath Enhancement Training really opened my eyes. Being a professional surfer it is essential that you are able to hold your breath, especially in big wave situations. I achieved this and so much more. I felt a greater use of my breath whilst active, felt stronger in myself and learnt to clear my mind. In high pressure situations I felt I made very clear decisions very quickly. I recommend this type of work & Nam to anyone willing to try. I am extremely pleased with the result that I got out of.”
SOFIA MULANOVICH – Surfing World Champ – Ladies WCT
MORE CONTROL OVER MY BODY
“I think that Nam’s training system is amazing! I felt I had so much more control over my body after just 2 sessions and I felt a lot calmer too, and it is fun at the same time.”
JAMES ‘BILLY’ WATSON – BIG Wave Rider & Life Guard
WHEN UNDER PRESSURE & BEING HELD DOWN, THE TRAINING HELPS YOU STAY CALM
“B.E.T has definitely helped build my confidence when surfing large waves. The training expands your lung capacity, this helps you take deeper breaths & therefore helps withstand some pressures of big wipe-outs. When under pressure & being held down, the training helps you stay calmer & that buys you time. It’s also good for your head & mind set.”

SASHA STOCKER – Former BILLABONG Team Manager

MY FITNESS IMPROVED SO FAST!

“Whilst working alongside Nam & Devon in the Surfing Australia High Performance Camps of ‘07 it became clear that the B.E.T program was a huge benefit to all. It enhances the grommets thought processes & competition performance accordingly. Personally, doing a 6-week program gave me great confidence & mind control which has in the past been a deciding factor of how well I surf, particularly in the bigger waves. PLUS my fitness improved SO fast!” 

CHEYNE HORAN – Surfing World Champion – Big Wave Rider

A HUGE BENEFIT FOR BIG WAVE SURFING AND INCREASING CONFIDENCE IN THE WATER
“I recommend this training to anyone wanting to surf bigger and better – it’s a MUST!! I found this training to be a huge benefit for both big wave surfing and increasing ability and confidence in the water.”
DAN ROSS – Red Bull Women Elite Surfing Coach & Patagonia Ambassador
THE WORK I DO WITH NAM HAS REALLY COMPLEMENTED ALL OF MY OTHER TRAINING
“The work I do with Nam has really complemented all of my other training & educated me on a very important aspect of it all – BREATHING. The underwater training is almost like a meditational experience & helps eliminating any stress. On top of that I get the benefits of feeling comfortable in places like Hawaii, Tahiti & Tasmania because I know I am ready for any solid hold downs I am dealt with. Nam has such a great understanding of the body & not only trains people but educates them along the way through the unique delivery of his knowledge.”
ANDREW STARK – General Manager World Surf League (WSL) & Kelly Slater Wave Co
I WOULD NOT BE NEARLY AS CONFIDENT SURFING BIG HAWAII WITH OUT BET
“The training program is the absolute key to surfing big waves in Hawaii. The training team really cares about their athletes and it shows in the delivery of the courses. I would not be nearly as confident surfing big Hawaii with out. It not only enhances your breath hold but also your all round fitness and confidence.”
NATHAN ‘HEDGIE’ HEDGE
GUESS WHAT? I MADE THE FINAL OF THE TRIALS!
“I ended up going to Tahiti & guess what? I made the final of the trials! In between each heat I was going back to the boat & practising. Helped me so much not wasting energy or time on distracting thoughts. I put together 5 really enjoyable heats & I felt like it was a gift to use as a platform for what you’d taught me. I’m now in Europe for 3 WQS events and will apply the same recipes & make decisions based on my values to ensure I’m calling the shots feeling my true north & what makes me feel alive!”
FERGUS SCOTT – BET COURSE SYD NORTH AUGUST 2018
PROFESSIONAL AND COMPLETELY ENGAGING.
Thanks for the great session today! It was professional and completely engaging. My aim was to build confidence in challenging surf, and with practice I’m sure that will happen. Amazingly, by the end, I also recaptured a feeling of ease underwater that I haven’t had in years. It reminded me of why, as a kid, I was attracted to that world in the first place. Awesome- thanks again!
Greta Low – BET SURF COURSE AUGUST 2018
ONE OF THE MOST VALUABLE THINGS I’VE EVER DONE.

Thank you so much for the session. I learned SO much and can’t wait to get into the training program!
I honestly think it’s perfect – it was super challenging but accessible and one of the most valuable things I’ve ever done. It is so empowering to have the techniques and training program to help overcome the biggest hurdle in my surfing. I had such high expectations from everything I’d read about the session and it was all I’d hoped for and more!

MARK WHEELAHAN – BET SURF COURSE GC AUGUST 2018
GOT SOME GREAT RIDES AND THE SIZE DIDN’T WORRY ME.
Over the weekend I had the first proper opportunity to test out some of the BET techniques from the intro session late last year. The difference is amazing. Felt relaxed and confident in conditions that would have been very challenging 6 months ago. Copped some nice clean up sets on the head, snapped a leggie and went over the falls a couple of times – still a kook, but got some great rides and the size didn’t worry me.
PHIL ROSEVEAR- BET SURF COURSE GEELONG
I FELT NOTICEABLY CALMER AND MORE AT EASE.

Thought you might like a bit of feedback from the old guy approaching 60 who was easily the worst performing member of the group from Saturday 9 December in Geelong.I’ve been having some anxiety issues in the surf after stupidly trying to make a comeback in large waves, following 6 months out of the water as a result of a serious mountain bike accident. Needless to say it didn’t end well!From Nam’s training session I’ve now realised that my anxiety is focussed on the CO2 trigger (fuel light) as I really don’t enjoy that feeling.

ATHLETES

Jess Fox – 8 X World Champion Slalom Canoeist, Olympic Gold Medallist.
I’VE BEEN PUSHED OUT OF MY COMFORT ZONE AND CHALLENGED WORKING ON THE BREATH, EMOTIONAL REGULATION AND CLARITY UNDER PRESSURE
I’ve always loved learning from other athletes, and experts, especially when it comes to mental training – I’ve never really connected with the traditional sports psychology so I was looking for something different. Working with Nam has been amazing, his approach is different, holistic and I’ve been pushed out of my comfort zone and challenged working on the breath, emotional regulation and clarity under pressure. Every session has been different and tailored to simulate race conditions or various elements of my sport and I can honestly say it’s brought a new perspective and edge to my training and racing, and so many bloody tennis balls!
TRAVIS BOAK – Human Being, Professional AFL player & former caption of Port Adelaide FC. 327games & still going strong!
I SOUGHT OUT BET TRAINING TO HELP ME HANDLE PRESSURE SITUATIONS AND MAKING BETTER DECISIONS UNDER FATIGUE
I originally sought out Nam and BET training to help me handle pressure situations and making better decisions under fatigue, what progressed from there not only became performance changing but also life changing. I started to understand myself as an athlete what makes me tick, where do I go under pressure, what was my threshold and challenge and grow these things. I also began to understand myself as a person my true identity away from what I do, this helped me then do what I do because I love to do it and not to form my worth as a person. I can’t thank Nam enough for helping me become the best version of myself as a human being first and athlete second, not many understand the human being comes first to help make you a better athlete, Nam does that’s what sets him apart.
Cory Teunissen – 4 X World Champion Wakeboarding.
NAM’S MENTORSHIP AND TRAINING PROGRAM CONSTANTLY KEEPS ME ON MY TOES
I have been working with Nam for close to 8 years now and started my journey pretty young at the age of 17, just an immature kid still finding my place in the world and in my career. Still to this day, I will be forever grateful to Nam and Devo for welcoming me into their world and creating a path to success in all aspects of life. Along with a few other individuals, Nam has had a huge impact on my life, influencing me to become the person I am today and inspiring me to constantly become a better version of myself. With the assistance either in the gym or for coffee catch ups, Nam’s mentorship and training program constantly keeps me on my toes with tasks that are designed to challenge me physically and mentally so far past what I thought was possible. Through life’s highs and lows Nam has been there every step of the way with his huge heart and wisdom and I couldn’t be happier having him in my corner.
MATT WEARN – Olympic Gold Medallist and 2 X Laser European Champion Sailing
BET ASSISTED ME GREATLY IN MY RECENT SUCCESS
I was first introduced to Nam in 2017 by the WA Institute of Sport and ever since our first session together I knew Nam was going to be the one to help me take the next step in my career. I was starting to find my sailing boring and like a chore. Nam made me realise why I love the sport and has assisted me greatly in my recent success. His out of the box training sessions and ability to tailor those sessions to each specific athlete is incredible. I certainly wouldn’t be where I am today without his unwavering commitment to helping me be the person I am both in and out of competition.
TIARNA MASSIE – IRONWOMAN BET ATHLETE JULY 2020
THE COURSE WAS INCREDIBLE
I just want to say the course on the weekend was incredible, myself, dad, olly and Jacko all learnt so much and have already been using some of the drills. Nam is so patient, supportive and understanding and I am just so grateful I could be a part of this so thank you for everything you and the team do! I’ll definitely be back.
MICK FANNING – 3X World Champion surfer
WORKING WITH NAM OVER THE YEARS HAS BEEN INCREDIBLE
Working with Nam over the years has been incredible. His enthusiasm to teach, learn and grow is second to none. He has an incredible talent to deliver his message that is easy to understand and practice. He helped me invigorate my second half of my career and capture my 3rd world title and we had lots of fun on the way.
PAT RAFTER – TENNIS WORLD CHAMPION
I NOW HAVE SO MUCH MORE CONFIDENCE
“The training with Nam and Devon has made me aware of my breathing and I now have so much more confidence. My cardiovascular endurance also greatly benefited.”
ALEX RIGBY – High Performance Manager Gold Coast SUNS
WE STARTED WITH BREATH ENHANCEMENT TRAINING AS THE FOUNDATION
We brought Nam on board after identifying the importance of not only targeting the physical development of our playing squad and staff, but the mental skills required to be a well rounded elite athlete. The demands placed on elite footballers are continuing to increase and therefore having a true understanding of the mental side of the game is critical in achieving ultimate success. We started with Breath Enhancement Training as the foundation and Nam has continued to embed specific processes and skills within our program which are unique to our football club. Nam’s program & teachings have added balance to our football program in educating the mental skills and recovery for our athletes. Too often we focus on the physical demands and neglect the need to mentally recover. Nam has a unique understanding of not only the athlete, but the person and their individual needs and has provided great insights in this space.
TRENT ROBINSON – Sydney Roosters Head Coach
NAM HAS INTRODUCED TECHNIQUES WHICH CAN BE APPLIED BY A PLAYER IN THE HIGH-PRESSURE ENVIRONMENT OF A GAME
Nam’s philosophies are clear and his teachings have introduced new tools which can be applied by an individual to regulate that fight or flight response and bring in a sense of calmness around the intensity. For members of our squad, Nam has introduced techniques which can be applied by a player in the high-pressure environment of a game, encouraging the individual to function with heightened clearness and calmness, without losing the intensity required to function at an optimum in our game.
LOU LOU STANLEY – BET ATHLETES MAY 2019
EVERYTHING YOU TAUGHT US WAS SO RELEVANT AND INTERESTING
Nam thank you for a brilliant training session last week at Sydney Uni. Everything you taught us was so relevant and interesting and has really set me up well to continue to practice and learn more. I did have a few questions but on reading the notes you sent us that covered everything – thank you so much! I’ll put the time into practicing for myself and gradually include more breathing techniques with the teams and people I work with.

CORPORATE

TIM GURNER – Founder GURNER™
I WAS INSTANTLY IMPRESSED WITH HIS PASSION AND ENTHUSIASM FOR BRINGING THE BEST OUT OF PEOPLE AND BUSINESSES
I first met Nam when participating in a group BET session, run for my YPO group in Byron Bay around 2013. I was instantly impressed with his passion and enthusiasm for bringing the best out of people and businesses without all the fuss and nonsense you sometimes otherwise get. Nam has now become an absolute essential part of my armour and support in every aspect of my personal development, health, success and life. Nam’s ability to strip back all the confusion and stress of life and simplify what you need to do to fix serious life issues is unparalleled and something I am forever grateful for. I have had many, many occasions where I have had to call on his help and support and within hours sometimes and definitely within a few days I am back on track taking on the world again. I sat down with Nam in early 2017 and told him that I had to prepare for my version of the Olympics, which was going to be a year of hell, stress and immense pressure. We did some mental training and testing, planned out nutrition, supplementation and training and also looked at small simple things to do through out the day to get me through the hardest year of my life. Not only did I come out of it kicking, I came out stronger than ever and with a renewed energy to investigate more and more what Nam can bring to my life as I constantly look to better myself and my business. He was always by my side just sending the odd text message or call to ‘check in’ to see how I was and its those small points that make all the difference just to keep you on track and on plan. I have since also had Nam heavily involved in my business with multiple sessions with my staff. My team are young and very enthusiastic but need discipline and structure and tricks to help them deal with stress. Nam was able to come in and make them all feel so connected together and also with him and every single time we have had him as part of our team for a day the next few weeks are always our most efficient. My team could not be more positive and responsive to Nam and although we have tried other facilitators and coaches no one has ever connected with our team like Nam has. Nam is a true gentleman, professional, personable with all different types from A Type personalities to the quietest people in the office, motivational, persuasive, without question the best in the business and he just makes me want to be a better person every day.
BRIAN FITZGERALD – SUNNY COAST
VERY WELL PRESENTED AND STRUCTURED AND CLEAR TO UNDERSTAND
Thank you for the follow-up materials, I am impressed by the amount of material that you have given us and look forward to utilising it in the future. This course was excellent in every respect. I thoroughly enjoyed it. It is a 10 out of 10 for me. The course is very well presented and structured and clear to understand. It is reinforced by practical activities that are achievable and have an immediate impact on the participant. Nam you no doubt have done this many times before and are a first class teacher. Devon you answered all my queries and made me feel welcome. I’ve been a teacher in the university sector for nearly 30 years. Approximately half of that time as a Professor. I have taught lots of courses and run conferences and been involved in courses and events run by other people. A good course can take many forms but things like imparting knowledge, enlivening participation and having an impact are quintessential and were certainly present in the course we did with you.

WELLBEING

DR RHIAAN FOOT – BET WELL-BEING APRIL 2018
THIS COURSE HAS BEEN TRANSFORMATIONAL
Having a science background I’m skeptical of most things, but this course has been transformational. Never mind my surfing, my day to day life has improved incredibly. In my profession there is a lot of time pressure every day as I tend to see between 40-60 patients per day and working in a small hole (mouth) with very small and fiddly bits. After a big day of patients I went home wiped out. I was generally tired all day, most days. I put this down to the mental taxation of my job and having young kids. Never gave any thought to my breathing. After the course I suddenly realized that I tending to hold my breath with certain patients and certain procedures! I am now changing my breathing habits, been doing the breathing and relaxation exercises for the last to weeks and I feel incredible. I have loads of energy, no longer tired in the mornings or after work and much more patient with the kids. It’s been unreal! As a true cynic, I couldn’t believe it initially. I hope I can thank Nam one day. I believe doing this course is going to add years to my life and career Haven’t had much time to do the pool work, but just doing the breathing exercises before a surf has also seen me make good improvements there Thanks so much to You and Nam for this incredibly powerful tool you’ve given me
BARB PLANT – BET WELL-BEING APRIL 2022
THANKS FOR THE OPPORTUNITY TO LEARN FROM YOU
Thoroughly enjoyed the program yesterday, so much to learn and practice, very interesting. I was amazed how the breathing techniques can impact your tolerance to CO2. I was intrigued how even after breathing out fully before going under you can remain very calm and in control. Confidence building for me. Thanks for the opportunity to learn from you, I appreciated the progression in the delivery of the practice component and learning about the theory behind it.
Fionna Guy – BET WELL-BEING & SURF August 2018
THE SKILLS TAUGHT ARE NOT ONLY APPLICABLE TO THE WATER BUT GREAT FOR DAILY LIFE.
A massive thank you for sharing your knowledge, tips and strategy with Breathing. The skills taught are not only applicable to on and under the water but some tools great for daily life. Thank you I’m looking forward to developing these skills and will be telling many to get to the next course available! Thanks Nam for your calm and encouraging way.
MATTHEW LYNCH – BET WELL-BEING
AS A MEDICAL SPECIALIST I LEARNT A LOT THAT WILL BE OF BENEFIT TO ME AND MY PATIENTS.

Thank you for the fantastic course on the weekend. As a medical specialist I learnt a lot that will be of benefit to me and my patients.  This was truly life altering and have recommended it to others already.

SCHOOLS

MATT BARBER – CooeeGC
MY STUDENTS HAVE BECOME MORE RESILIENT AND EMPOWERED IN ALL SPHERES OF LIFE AS A RESULT.
BET training is something that I believe any person should take part in. As a teacher Being exposed to various stress management strategies is crucial, particularly as our lives and the world becomes more complicated. If young people have these strategies that they can draw from at a young age they are more likely to become a full functioning adult. They too are also more likely to support others and contribute to their community in meaningful ways. Anyone can sail in a calm seas, and we typically give young people knowledge however it is going to be limited unless they can manage the stormy waters that come with life. Taking part in BET training is about giving the kids confidence, confidence is fundamental. And the things that instil confidence is providing the “what if things don’t go right?” Persona and strategies. There is no point having a whole lot of knowledge of you don’t have the confidence to use it or if you are so tangled up in all your other thought processes to apply them. This was the driving idea behind engaging with BET training and providing my students the opportunity to experience and grow through this course. My students have become more resilient and empowered in all spheres of life as a result. It has broadened their perspective and ability to manage “stress” or “challenge”. Because it is small achievable things it is a game changer for the students. It literally blows their minds. The considerable gains and progression over a session has affirmed how powerful their mind and body is, and that anyone can learn to manage, moderate and take on a range of anything that comes their way. The self belief that has been instilled and the awareness of themselves is second to none. What I find amazing is no matter who they are, what walk of life they come from they all have many wins and truly grow as a result of the training. It is something that allows them to put to practice concepts and ideas and gives them a tool kit for times when the the waves are really rocking things and shaking up their world. BET training has been one of the best things that I as a teacher have taken part in and provided for my students. It has a place for anyone no matter what avenue you are in.
MATT EASTWELL – Surfing Excellence Co-ordinator, Miami SHS
THIS TRAINING KEPT 13-18 YEAR OLDS ENGAGED IN THE LEARNING WHILST CHALLENGING THEIR PHYSICAL AND MENTAL CAPABILITIES.
As the surfing excellence coordinator at Miami SHS, we were looking to engage our students in a world class program to strengthen the knowledge and skills of our young surfers. Nam delivered his breath enhancement training in a way that kept 13-18year olds engaged in the learning whilst challenging their physical and mental capabilities. His program has formed a solid foundation for our students where they now implement the skills learnt into their own performance environments. Miami can’t thank Nam enough!
Neil MACKAY – Sports Excellence Head of Department, Palm Beach Currumbin SHS
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
Palm Beach Currumbin SHS has used Nam and his Breath Enhancement training with both students and staff. His philosophy fits perfectly with our whole person development approach within our sports excellence programs. He is an exceptional presenter who can relate to and engage all groups. Highly recommended.