Mermaiding 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 meeting and even being a mermaid – but it is not a fantasy! Because PADI can help make your mermaid dreams come true!
What is Mermaiding?
The stories and myths of mystical creatures who explore the depths of the ocean 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.
What 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.
There are also instructor and instructor training courses available for mermaids who want to go pro!
What 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 Mermaid Center and/or PADI Mermaid Instructor you choose to complete your mermaid training through will be able to provide the necessary equipment for you.
Choosing your tail, accessories, and makeup is important. We want to make sure our mermaids leave only bubbles, so PADI advocates for sustainable choices. Be sure that your makeup is eco-friendly and won’t harm the water or the creatures in it, your sunscreen is reef-friendly, and your tail / other decorations can’t leave behind plastic scales or debris in the water. You can even purchase a tail and monofin made of recycled materials!
Mermaids worldwide use all kinds of advanced equipment – PADI Mermaid Instructor Elle Jimenez (known as Mermaid Elle – https://www.themermaidelle.com/) uses a wide range of gear, including “a special monofin designed for mermaids, which is made of recycled rubber, a mermaid tail and a matching top that is printed – rather than those that contain sewn on scales, eco-friendly water-proof makeup and eco-friendly glitter.”
Looking for the right tail? PADI is teaming up with Cape Cali, a sustainable tail manufacturer, to make our blue planet a more magical place full of hope, magic and mermaids.
PADI loves Cape Cali for making it possible for mermaids to not only exist – but to use their magic to save the ocean, while inspiring us to fall in love with – and in turn, protect – the incredible underwater world. Not only are they constantly introducing more recycled products into their women-owned business, but 10% of all proceeds are donated to marine conservation.
What is the PADI Mermaid Team?
For PADI Mermaids + Merman, it’s about more than learning to swim with a tail and sharing beautiful, evocative imagery with the world. Of course, the magical imagery captures our hearts and minds, making us fall in love with the ocean all over again. But our Mermaids and Merman are driven to do more. They are truly one with the ocean and stand up for what they love. They are eco-friendly in their decisions and leave only bubbles. They think of the ocean first. They use their platform for good. Their causes range from coral bleaching to teaching younger generations to care for our blue planet, serving as shining examples of what mermaids are to PADI: voices for an ocean and all of its creatures – who can’t speak for themselves.
We are sparking the movement with a team of inspirational, charismatic mermaids + mermen globally who are a mix of influencers and also instructors who embody our shared ethos and can create local mermaid spheres of influence in key areas for ocean advocacy and outreach.
This year’s PADI Mermaid Team includes:
- Mermaid Elle (@themermaidelle)
- Zandile Ndhlovu (@zandithemermaid)
- Julie Ferrara (@jewelsdiver)
- Vero Beach Mermaid (@verobeachmermaid)
- Mermaid Echho (@mermaid.echo)
- Mermaid Twinkle (@mermaid_twinkle)
- Jingxin Yue (@jingxinyue)
- Adam Sellars (@adamsellarsfreediver)
- Mermaid Lauren (@mermaidauren)
- Mermaid Sarandipity (@the.mindful.mermaid)
- Sacha Williamson (@freedive_aotearoa)
- Jingxin Yue (@yuejingxin)
- Ser Ling (@RinE.LiNg)
- Suki Hung (@sukihungkohtao)
This year, we chose mermaids around the globe who represent our Mermaid ethos. Want to be part of the mermaid team? Get in touch today by email [email protected].
How Can I Get Started?
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!
