As a certified free diver and scuba diver, I initially had reservations about mermaiding, considering it to be more of a performative and feminine activity. However, my curiosity was piqued as I observed more and more people embracing it on social media. So, I decided to enroll in a mermaiding course and to my surprise, I found myself experiencing a deeper connection with my feminine energy.
During my advanced mermaid course in the stunning turquoise lagoon of Bora Bora, I had the opportunity to gracefully dive beneath the crystal surface and mingle with a group of blacktip reef sharks. Wearing a silvery aqua mermaid tail, my legs fluttered alongside these fascinating creatures as I completed my Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI) training.
To be completely honest, mermaiding had never appealed to me before. As someone who actively pursued free diving and scuba diving, I viewed it as pretentious and girly. However, my perspective began to shift as I came across captivating photography from mermaid photo shoots on my Instagram feed. I impulsively signed up for a mermaiding class during my stay at the Four Seasons in Bora Bora. Through this experience, I unexpectedly discovered a newfound connection to my femininity.
It’s worth noting that mermaiding has become increasingly popular among individuals around the world. Eric Albinsson, an instructor at PADI, reported a significant growth in the number of mermaid instructors and mermaids over the past five years, dubbing it an “exploding” industry. With the recent releases of Disney’s live-action remake of “The Little Mermaid” and the Netflix series “MerPeople,” mermaids have undeniably become a trending phenomenon. On platforms like TikTok, the hashtag #mermaidlife has garnered over 600 million views, while “mermaidcore” has emerged as a popular summer aesthetic.
Before embarking on my Bora Bora adventure, I completed an online course that delved into the basics of mermaiding, including breath holds, equipment, and fundamental skills. Additionally, I acquired a cloth turquoise-and-gold mermaid tail from Finfolk and a separate plastic-and-rubber monofin to complement it.
I approached the idea of embracing this feminine marine sport as an exciting and fun opportunity, especially in one of the most breathtaking destinations in the world. Brandee Anthony, a renowned professional mermaid known as Vero Beach Mermaid, and her husband, Zeke Motta, a Primal Freediving free-diving instructor, were the instructors for my course, which took place in the resort’s awe-inspiring lagoon.
The initial process of putting on the mermaid tail proved to be quite challenging. It involved inserting the monofin into the tail’s bottom, wearing neoprene booties, and carefully sliding my feet into the designated foot pockets. The most arduous part was wriggling the tight elastic waist of the tail over my hips. Once I successfully secured the tail, I eagerly made my way into the water, wriggling with the agility of an inchworm.
Alongside three other students new to the art of mermaiding, I embarked on the first of two four-hour “confined water sessions.” These sessions served as an introduction to swimming with a mermaid tail. Fortunately, I already possessed knowledge of duck diving, a free-diving technique that facilitates underwater descent. The most challenging aspect of the day was mastering the butterfly kicks. Utilizing my waist and hips, I practiced weaving my lower body in a single graceful and undulating movement. Completing this body-waving motion was no easy feat, especially considering the confinement of the tight mermaid tail.
As I grew stronger and more confident with each passing session, I noticed a newfound connection with my pelvis and hips. Each flutter of my mermaid tail awakened my feminine energy, leaving me feeling more empowered. Later that afternoon, as I walked through the resort, I observed a natural swaying in my hips and a heightened sense of presence in my body.
The following day, we focused on enhancing our breath holds, a skill I had previously honed through free diving. The most demanding part of the training was the breath-hold swim. To successfully complete the course, we were required to swim 328 feet underwater using butterfly kicks, all while holding our breath.
On my initial attempt, I struggled to reach the finish line and found myself gasping for air as I resurfaced. Anthony advised me that I was expending excessive energy. Taking her advice into account, I approached my second attempt with a more relaxed mindset. I reduced the amount of kicking and allowed the water’s propulsion to carry me, making the task significantly easier.
Upon completing the course, we commemorated our achievement with a photo session, donning our mermaid tails, matching bikini tops, and jewelry. However, the most exhilarating part was taking our newfound skills into the open ocean, transforming into real-life mermaids. We boarded a catamaran with Bora Bora Cultural Lagoon Tours and fearlessly ventured into the choppy waters.
Once I familiarized myself with the techniques, I proudly and gracefully maneuvered beneath the cerulean waters of Bora Bora. As vibrant schools of tropical fish, graceful reef sharks, and elegant stingrays swam beneath me, I couldn’t help but feel a profound sense of awe. The experience left me feeling more centered than ever, reconnecting me with certain feminine qualities. I noticed an increased sense of empathy, spontaneity, and creativity within myself. As I walk, I now carry a gentler sway in my hips, all the while focusing on being fully present in my body.
This heightened awareness of my womanhood can be somewhat intimidating at times. During moments of vulnerability, I find solace in driving out to the ocean and immersing myself in the water, reminiscing about the empowering feeling of being a mermaid underwater.
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