Mermaid diving is a world with one foot in reality and the other in fantasy. Although mermaid lore originated centuries ago, these myths delight our imaginations, even today. Water lovers, young and old, fantasize about living as mermaids – but unlike most such fantasies, this one we can make real – well, just about. Mermaid equipment and tails let us bridge fiction and fact, opening the door to this mystical culture through mermaid diving.
What is Mermaiding?
The stories and myths of mystical creatures who explore the oceans depths are true. Not only are mermaids real (almost), but now it’s easier than ever to gain the skills you need to become one!
First things first. In order to explore our ocean planet, you will need to become accustomed to the underwater environment. Enter the PADI Mermaid Program. Similar to the PADI Freediver course, the Mermaid Program is a standalone course, with no prior scuba or freediving experience needed to participate, making it perfect for both beginners and those with more underwater experience. This welcomes all mermaid enthusiasts, many of whom come from outside the “typical” dive community. Children as young as six years old can participate in PADI Discover Mermaid and PADI Basic Mermaid course and, at age 10, the PADI Mermaid course, making it a great activity for the whole family.
Image provided by Carib Dive CentreWhat PADI Mermaid Courses Are Available?
The PADI Mermaid Program consists of four levels:
The PADI Discover Mermaid Experience introduces simple mermaid activities in confined water, shallow enough in which to stand. It is designed as a flexible and brief program that lets you try mermaiding to see what all the fuss is about.
The PADI Basic Mermaid Course combines learning supporting knowledge and principles with a confined water skill development session to introduce the fun of fundamental mermaid diving, covering everything from mermaid diving’s background and culture through to equipment and basic water skills.
The PADI Mermaid Course has at least two water sessions: the Basic Mermaid session plus an additional session, which adds more dynamic mermaid skills. Many of these are the expressive, fun skills that separate mermaid diving from other types of diving, and include several that are sure to impress an audience.
The PADI Advanced Mermaid Course includes all of the skills you’ll master in the PADI Mermaid course, plus two additional sessions in open water – that is, a natural, local body of water, or purpose-built site, significantly larger than a pool, suited to mermaid diving – making your mermaid dives even closer to what we imagine when we think about how mermaiding would be in nature.
Image provided by Carib Dive CentreWhat Kind of Equipment Will I Need to Mermaid?
We know you are anxious to jump in the water and start living your mermaid dreams, however, there are a few key pieces of equipment that all mermaids need to explore the underwater world. You will require a mask, snorkel , fins, weight belt, a wetsuit (depending on your location) and of course, some fins or a mermaid tail, otherwise known as a monofin to help you swim through the water.
The PADI Dive Center or Resort you choose to complete you mermaid training through will be able to provide the necessary equipment for you.
Mermaids worldwide use all kinds of advanced equipment – PADI Mermaid Instructor Mara Restelli uses a wide range of gear, including “a monofin designed for mermaids, which is made of recycled plastic, a mermaid tail and a matching top…colorful hair wigs, with which I create different styles, face crystals, water-proof make up and eco-friendly glitter.”
Are you ready to sign up for a PADI Mermaid course? Learn how to become a mermaid and contact your local PADI Mermaid Centre to get started!
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