Mermaid

Description

The PADI Mermaid™ course includes knowledge development and at least two water skill sessions that develop more dynamic mermaid skills beyond Basic Mermaid™, including many skills that make mermaiding an underwater self-expressive art, separate from other types of diving. (Note that the PADI Mermaid course includes Basic Mermaid, so you can start with PADI Mermaid – there is no need to take Basic Mermaid separately.)

To enroll in a PADI Mermaid course, you must be at least ten years old. You need to be able to swim at least 50m/160ft without swim aids, able to float comfortably at the surface for at least 5 mins and in good physical health. As an entry-level mermaid diving course, no prior experience with diving of any kind is required.

Academic

The PADI Mermaid course has two phases:

• Knowledge development through independent study with the PADI Mermaid eLearning (or your instructor may conduct class sessions if not available in your language).
• Two confined water sessions to learn and prepare for mermaiding, rescue/problem management skills and the conduct of mermaid dives. You also learn mermaid skills, such as dolphin (butterfly) kicks, C-shape and U-shape side turns, and some skills distinct to mermaid diving, including backward somersault turn, underwater handshaking mermaid bubbles, and back glides.

Equipment

In the PADI Mermaid course, you will use a monofin (i.e. mermaid tail), mask, snorkel and fins. You may also use a wetsuit and weight belt. Using gear designed specifically for mermaiding is best; however, in this beginner course, you may be able to use snorkeling equipment you already own. If you are a freediver, some of your gear (e.g. mask, fins, and snorkel) is also mermaiding gear.