🌊 Learning as an Adult with Fear (ADG with Fear)

The ADG with Fear course was created in 2022, as a response to the need for a specific methodology for people with a tangible trauma with water.

Its creator, Gabriel Díaz Fabiero, former swimmer of the Argentine National Team, has a strong academic background: during high school and at INEF he completed a total of 6 years of psychology studies, both applied to adults and children. This foundation, combined with his teaching experience, grants him high competence to apply strategies that integrate technical and emotional aspects.

The program is developed in four progression stages, designed to accompany the student from the very first contact with water to achieving a level of confidence and mastery comparable to someone without prior trauma.

🔑 Progression Stages

• Stage 1 – Knowledge and adaptation to the environment
  The initial goal is to face fear and understand the aquatic environment and everything around the swimmer: the pool, the equipment, the coach, and especially their own bodily and mental reactions. The stay in this stage may vary between 4 and 10 classes, depending on each person’s pace and evolution.
• Stage 2 – Primary motor with fear
  The student already knows the environment, has built a bond with the coach, and understands what is happening. Although fear is still present, courage is worked on: acting despite fear. Here the duration is between 3 and 10 classes, while the brain assimilates that there are psychological barriers that can and should be overcome.
• Stage 3 – Transition towards confidence
  At this point, fear is considerably lower than on the first day. It may appear intermittently, but the student begins to feel in control of themselves and capable of swimming. It is the moment when the light at the end of the tunnel appears.
• Stage 4 – Swimming naturally
  Fear persists, but the student is now greater than it. They move with almost the same ease as someone without trauma, feel total trust in the coach, and perceive the pool as a familiar environment. Swimming begins to integrate into their life, and it may even become attractive and enjoyable.

📌 Summary of the ADG with Fear Method

• Program created by Gabriel Díaz Fabiero in 2022 for people with water trauma.
• Based on his experience as a swimmer and 6 years of psychology studies.
• Developed in four progressive stages:

• Adaptation and knowledge of the environment.
• Basic execution with fear, working on courage.
• Significant reduction of fear and increase in confidence.
• Swimming naturally, integrating swimming into daily life.