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AniaR
06-03-2015, 09:35 PM
So today I got to swim in Canada's largest research aquarium (considered to be one of the best marine research facilities in the world). IN ended up being like a test for a booking this weekend where I'll be swimming and performing in along side giving environmental workshops for kids. It's at Dalhousie University (one of the best for marine sciences). Normally the tank is 4 degrees C and filled with a variety of different creatures. For over 20 years they housed Seals. They had a whole culture of squid at one point. They basically use it for animal life research but then they'll also use it for wave research, coastal research, and testing scientific tools and measuring devices. Paraphrasing from here: http://www.dal.ca/faculty/science/biology/research/facilities/aquatron.html

Anyway, it came about a bit unexpectidly so I was not as prepared as I hoped I would be. They managed to heat the facility up to 13 degrees C which was still so cold it took my breath away and made it increasingly harder to swim. (used up more of my energy and oxygen to stay warm and the cold made it hard to breathe). I've been promised it'll be up another ten degrees by the weekend ;)

At first they had a whole intricate air system on when I was in it and I was shocked by how much of a current it created and how much it affected the visibility. I literally couldn't tell what was wall and what was window. So for most of my practice swim it was a bit confusing. ONce we turned it off I found it much easier. Also the water was about as pure salt water as humanly possible I was told. It made me so incredibly buoyant that I felt like trying to swim down that I was swimming in slow motion. Combine that with the cold and it was just so hard for me to swim! I was shocked actually because I've swam in the ocean and found it easier (though that was back with my competitor monofin). I just kept thinking, how do mermaids in reed aquariums with animals manage this without smacking into things! I have a whole new appreciation for how much work goes into both the weeki mers (dealing with unpredictable temps) and mers who establish in aquariums.

I had brought weights but we were on a time crunch so I didn't get to test them out. I'm fairly confident though that by putting weights in the tail I'll have a much easier time getting down and staying down.

also I got too close to one of the air circulating jets and it shot loads of sea water up my nose. So all day anytime I bent over water poured out of my nose. LOL I remember Hannah Fraser talking about how she went on a date with her current boyfriend and this was happening to her .

I also hadnt eaten anything in the morning due to some medication complications I am experiencing. Worst idea ever!

I am hopeful the weekend we'll be a much better experience as now we'll have the air system turned off, I'll have weights, and it'll be warmer and I'm more familiar with the inside of it. I am excited to give this a shot. But I'll be honest one of my first thoughts was "well, aquarium swimming may not be something I'm good at here..." LOL. Which is OK. I am just happy to have the experience and a chance to learn and grow.

I was also filmed for the weather network. Here's some pics and clips! All behind the scenes so not necessarily the best photos...


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C8gli3g1m84

https://scontent-lga1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xft1/v/t1.0-9/11392790_1611578379120539_549859072077150879_n.jpg ?oh=89a60f1d50af4977fa49ef61c3382820&oe=55EC2998

https://scontent-lga1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xtf1/v/t1.0-9/11401250_1611578462453864_5678999295277479389_n.jp g?oh=babf267653d15976a5ac4999aa030f2d&oe=5602278C

https://scontent-lga1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xat1/v/t1.0-9/11393133_1611578485787195_4895109744366457286_n.jp g?oh=51971f064e45abe5ce3643eb613a8a92&oe=55FEA5C2

https://scontent-lga1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xat1/v/t1.0-9/11425107_10155696199810425_9092569187160482578_n.j pg?oh=345b1a340f2beeedcffb2089a0a7ab87&oe=560613CC

https://scontent-lga1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xfa1/v/t1.0-9/11350493_10155696199880425_4474990756331752951_n.j pg?oh=15976305db3c4bcf333d7838bf911a59&oe=5607099F

https://scontent-lga1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xat1/v/t1.0-9/11267400_10155696204915425_2035791816319020631_n.j pg?oh=017a42d94933544c3a781cf2661cad6f&oe=560937B3

https://scontent-lga1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xta1/t31.0-8/11402626_10155696205610425_8451641962134142556_o.j pg

https://scontent-lga1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xfa1/t31.0-8/11402658_10155696206205425_365031296848952897_o.jp g

https://scontent-lga1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xat1/v/t1.0-9/11391189_10155696206300425_4307873709252816925_n.j pg?oh=0180b003a611ea63a3168bc0330c6e3c&oe=55FE4B5E

https://scontent-lga1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xat1/t31.0-8/11246038_10155696206790425_4059978493937286855_o.j pg

https://scontent-lga1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xft1/t31.0-8/11103151_10155696206740425_8552097862022957989_o.j pg

https://scontent-lga1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xft1/t31.0-8/11416395_10155696206780425_5699042205306524768_o.j pg

https://scontent-lga1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xft1/t31.0-8/11419324_10155696207110425_3670793373261277586_o.j pg

https://scontent-lga1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xtf1/t31.0-8/11118477_10155696207620425_5484307730849834004_o.j pg

https://scontent-lga1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xtf1/t31.0-8/11406569_10155696208095425_6669466326717746566_o.j pg

https://scontent-lga1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xta1/t31.0-8/11269310_10155696208405425_1821479378466349997_o.j pg



It was really a neat experience and I am looking forward to the weekend and we'll get loads more photos and videos. Added bonus? they said my team can use it anytime! woo woo

MerEmma
06-03-2015, 09:45 PM
What an awesome experience! Swimming in 55 degree (F) water without a wetsuit sounds SO miserable--you did amazing just to stay in the water and get yourself in it in the first place, lol. Too bad you didn't have the competitor to help you out but I'm sure with practice you'll get more used to it. The picture of your tail through the tank shows the colors so nicely. :)

The host and his little Under the Sea dance was too cute, lol.

Also, can I say I just love your accent and the way you say "adults"? I dunno what it is, but it sounds so nice. :p

Mermaid Alea
06-03-2015, 10:08 PM
That is really cool and also wonderful that your team can use it any time. :)

I love the photos it is almost like you are a captive mermaid being observed and researched. I think my favorite photo is the one with your tail against the 2 windows.

I am sure you will have an easier time in their your second go round especially if you get something to eat. Mermaiding definitely works up an appetite!

Good luck with your weekend booking! ;)

AniaR
06-03-2015, 10:21 PM
my accent is weird lately because of the braces and dental appliance! I have a lisp right now I was working hard to overcome.

We got a lot of glare on the photos but we think we'll be able to fix that in the weekend run of things :)

Seraphina Suds
06-03-2015, 11:15 PM
That is really super cool!

ShyMer
06-03-2015, 11:30 PM
I enjoyed the little song at the end, too <3

Lovely segment!

Mermaid Jaffa
06-04-2015, 12:57 AM
Hehe Raina! That reminds me of the very first time I did mermaid swimming. I couldn't get to the bottom of the 1 m depth pool without bobbing straight back to the surface! My "swimming" was a series of epic battles and violent thrashings to stay underwater and get moving!

Merman Arion
06-04-2015, 04:08 AM
I'm so happy for you! What an amazing opportunity! :clap:

Good luck for this weekend! GO RAINA! :cheerleader:

Mermaid Jessica Pearl
06-04-2015, 10:21 AM
You look gorgeous!

Echidna
06-04-2015, 10:35 AM
13°C, and still moving? Kudos to you!

That one quote I read on some diving forum comes to mind

Without my drysuit, I wouldn't even hold my toe in it

Noelle1966
06-04-2015, 10:38 AM
Raina, that is so cool! :yay:

Mermaid Sirenia
06-04-2015, 01:00 PM
That is such an awesome opportunity for you! I've been wanting to see you be able to perform in a tank for ages! I'm living through you right now!!

AniaR
06-06-2015, 07:25 PM
Was in again today... here's a few pics to start!

https://40.media.tumblr.com/6f9c5258e78c9f8763b722a4f9496d63/tumblr_npjqb7EwJ21r0wgkuo1_1280.jpg

https://41.media.tumblr.com/06577a2b75e63b8b752cb33c9e1d13db/tumblr_npjqb7EwJ21r0wgkuo2_1280.jpg

https://41.media.tumblr.com/dd44443b1aae6e741875f26ce12a9470/tumblr_npjqb7EwJ21r0wgkuo4_1280.jpg

https://40.media.tumblr.com/63f61efd972c7bb408b42d053d39d336/tumblr_npjqb7EwJ21r0wgkuo6_1280.jpg

https://41.media.tumblr.com/e7212a5fdfecb7068abbad8325579e23/tumblr_npjqb7EwJ21r0wgkuo3_1280.jpg

https://40.media.tumblr.com/da93d036f5126642d442a5a37b629dc9/tumblr_npjqb7EwJ21r0wgkuo5_1280.jpg

https://41.media.tumblr.com/0fc7259a88a48be71c1b9c90d9d71db5/tumblr_npjqb7EwJ21r0wgkuo7_1280.jpg

Cordelia
06-06-2015, 09:08 PM
The second picture looks like you are holding a heart made of bubbles!

What an amazing opportunity! Loved the weather channel clip, too. You are so well spoken when doing these interviews. You go girl! :cool:

Keiris
06-06-2015, 09:29 PM
Raina bless your heart!!! You would NEVER know you were swimming in frigid water! Ever! It all looks effortless. If I had seen you as a little boy, I would have been hypnotized and would have listened to anything you said, probably closer than if it was the President of the United States! lol

Congratulations!

AniaR
06-06-2015, 09:36 PM
It was a bubble heart Cordelia! I blew it lol.

Thanks everyone

Cordelia
06-07-2015, 01:43 PM
It was photographed so perfectly. It almost looks like it could be a solid object!

AniaR
06-07-2015, 10:16 PM
Here's some more from today!

https://38.media.tumblr.com/90f1ab4276cb003739de48cd4f934293/tumblr_nplqc3IJf21r0wgkuo1_540.gif

https://scontent-lga1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpf1/v/t1.0-9/11011695_1613147002297010_7953371037952102176_n.jp g?oh=999a3ee9c84a580709af983292b52ba4&oe=55F5A6A9

https://scontent-lga1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xft1/v/t1.0-9/1939887_1613147475630296_4870080102126830322_n.jpg ?oh=9e5f581c5e80b8502b8bdee2154fffce&oe=5601D8BE

https://scontent-lga1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xft1/v/t1.0-9/11428054_1613147155630328_359117187286348733_n.jpg ?oh=3cfb64a3926f558e2d8369c4c791360f&oe=55EFBE23

https://scontent-lga1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xft1/v/t1.0-9/11390350_1613147678963609_2959347426819752443_n.jp g?oh=9b3e3099802b902445eff399b2d75baf&oe=55EEE44D

https://scontent-lga1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xfa1/v/t1.0-9/11391188_1613147698963607_2600883781044011628_n.jp g?oh=83e5d69b3dc38e0402cc08f6c76ad6bd&oe=5604C0B2

https://scontent-lga1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xfa1/v/t1.0-9/11403498_1613147722296938_5161149101818205406_n.jp g?oh=533b7a1c72dad61442544bff0f19c814&oe=55F36EA3

https://scontent-lga1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xta1/v/t1.0-9/11108256_1613147772296933_4194492330986055183_n.jp g?oh=cb9b9dbef7ac92288b15b2bb49ea1e76&oe=56004B13

https://scontent-lga1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xft1/v/t1.0-9/1506949_1613147782296932_974886057785085493_n.jpg? oh=acd1a1e1d8f42b92c8b18a9ffcc3d439&oe=55EA20AA

https://scontent-lga1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xft1/v/t1.0-9/11390463_1613147892296921_359306130422147351_n.jpg ?oh=9270f7f340c1e8eb6f0a3d2c27f36b96&oe=560387EC

https://scontent-lga1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xft1/v/t1.0-9/11407248_1613158308962546_1709223801759570351_n.jp g?oh=062528f0078295ad069112d8cf8564d4&oe=55E874E3

https://scontent-lga1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xfa1/v/t1.0-9/11403293_1613158348962542_7058855473513663996_n.jp g?oh=a854cf16f54a94478555a2fd8737c8de&oe=5607E17B

https://scontent-lga1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xfa1/v/t1.0-9/11406885_1613158325629211_7957973216152383004_n.jp g?oh=a4c7df7b1afff25ea98d8b7177723bda&oe=55E95BDF

https://scontent-lga1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xtf1/v/t1.0-9/11401298_1613158365629207_3933535265070129356_n.jp g?oh=f99811fb5ff5d10dd12b8d897c47b4bd&oe=5604F387

https://scontent-lga1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xfp1/v/t1.0-9/1531771_1613158382295872_8227727229448588834_n.jpg ?oh=8b216269f9ffd715b15930102bb3cf3a&oe=55E8CDA7

https://scontent-lga1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xfa1/v/t1.0-9/11425132_1613158815629162_9100059360397627089_n.jp g?oh=3a0758112b82c799cc16db72deaa488b&oe=56017525

https://scontent-lga1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xat1/v/t1.0-9/11377223_1613159092295801_1385729813478299996_n.jp g?oh=2fa9053be6611de0cd5ddf5cc76c062a&oe=5600EE29




I found it so exhausting. I was out of breath the whole time! Most aquariums that I've spoken to only have mers do sets from anywhere between 10-20 minutes. We were non-stop flips and tricks for an hour ish each time. I talked them into letting me have Mutiny come haha because I just found it too hard to do on my own. We did some stuff together and then we took turns and it was a bit easier. :)

SeaGlass Siren
06-07-2015, 10:23 PM
oh my god your hands YOU HAVE WEBBED HANDS <3

Mary Marine
06-07-2015, 10:26 PM
OMG she does! I didn't even notice at first! And they looks soooo real underwater! :jawdrop:

MerEmma
06-07-2015, 10:30 PM
SO cool! Beautiful pictures. I mistook Mutiny for Raven when I first scrolled up to see the pictures and was trying to work it out in my head at first how Raven snuck to Canada. :P

I love the dorsal on your tail SO much.

Ashe
06-07-2015, 10:41 PM
Oh my Mutiny looks amazing in the new tail! Gosh you two are just beautiful <3

MermaidSaph
06-07-2015, 10:54 PM
Webbed hands! That is so cool! If you don't mind me asking, how did you do it?

Mermaid Wesley
06-08-2015, 02:04 AM
the webs do look awesome in the water!

MermaidSaph
06-08-2015, 02:44 AM
Are there any tutorials on how to make webbed hands?

Mer-Crazy
06-08-2015, 03:27 AM
You can get em off the internet. Just go to ebay or the likes and type in "webbed silicone gloves/ hands/ etc"

Also, prediction: webbed fingered gloves will be in this season haha

Mermaid Wesley
06-08-2015, 04:53 AM
^agree. If only because of these pictures. Kindof always wanted to try them but now that I see how cool they look in these shots I may just have to revisit the idea


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Mer-Crazy
06-08-2015, 05:59 AM
The only issue is that all the ones I can find look very blue, or pink... Raina what brand do you have/ where did you get yours?

Talia
06-08-2015, 09:03 AM
Raina's webbed gloves look like these to me:

Amazon link (http://www.amazon.com/Generic-Silicone-Swimming-Training-Webbed/dp/B00DC1TVCW/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1433768441&sr=8-6&keywords=webbed+gloves&pebp=1433768473920&perid=18VJ4052E00MJ3SN1VJQ)

I have seen there are available M and L sizes.

AniaR
06-08-2015, 09:15 AM
Mine were blue
I've had them for over a year. Didn't find they worked for party gigs but they help with my back flips

MermanOliver
06-08-2015, 01:23 PM
You had definitely too much water this weekend, you grew webbed hands! ;)

Honestly, they are sooo cool! They add up to all of the rest of your tail and make is so much more believable, especially in that environment. Do you have any intentions and/or opportunity for repeating that gig? I guess it will definitely help making a lasting impression about the oceans in children visiting the aquarium.
What a great chance for raising awareness, and you two did so well (at least so far I can judge from a few thousand km away ;) )! :highfive:
Sent from my phonebrick using Tapatalk

Keiris
06-08-2015, 01:40 PM
I hope they warmed the water up a bit for you two! The pics look spectacular!

Ariel-Starfish
06-08-2015, 01:45 PM
A-MAAAA-ZING!!!

AniaR
06-08-2015, 05:34 PM
Hopefully going back in a month!

AniaR
06-10-2015, 12:14 AM
Here's some animated gifs and videos from my time swimming! (the music wont play in germany)

https://38.media.tumblr.com/be35f144d2d3fee9d1c4f516cf60c130/tumblr_nppnqmBZGn1r0wgkuo1_400.gif

https://33.media.tumblr.com/80b01a7ad84b9f44a0ece94a7ec8bd81/tumblr_nppnoaDhNk1r0wgkuo1_400.gif

https://33.media.tumblr.com/57037b623759cccd48d38d95218f8bd0/tumblr_nppnkjuHCR1r0wgkuo1_400.gif

https://38.media.tumblr.com/4732e3e39dba89504f91337efb66959a/tumblr_nppngq3n3A1r0wgkuo1_400.gif


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lK0Io0pJKdc

KayNS
06-15-2015, 10:34 AM
Fabulous! What a great opportunity! I studied Marine Biology at Dal and I don't know if I ever even saw the aquatron! I heard about it, though. You are definitely the most interesting occupant, I'm sure!

Mermaid Jaffa
06-15-2015, 11:55 PM
Was there any fish in there with you? I'm still stuck on how that's not a giant monofin in there! Looks amazing, keep it up!

AniaR
06-16-2015, 09:43 AM
Nope native animals live in water about 4degrees c. I couldn't swim in that so they heated it up for me . it's a research aquarium so it is always rotating what they keep in it.

SeaGlass Siren
06-16-2015, 10:04 AM
^agree. If only because of these pictures. Kindof always wanted to try them but now that I see how cool they look in these shots I may just have to revisit the idea


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
i wanted to try webbed fingers in grade 6 because of cardcaptor sakura. anyone remember the water card?

Raayvhen
06-16-2015, 10:58 AM
You know I normally hate mirrored videos but this works so well!

AniaR
06-16-2015, 12:40 PM
Thanks I was trying to emulate the imagery Florence uses in videos :)