Standards/Must-Knows To Be Able To Swim In A (Silicone) Tail?

[introverting]

For any of you experienced mers, what do you suggest beginners should know to be able to swim in a silicone tail? How about being able to swim in the ocean? Do we have to meet certain requirements (i.e., how long you can hold your breath, swimming some yards under a limited time, how fit you have to be, learn how to scuba dive, etc...)?

[AniaR]

It really just depends on what you plan on doing.

Different monofins gives different push and experiences. Hannah can hold her breath only 1-2 minutes while some others can do 4-5. Some mers wont have a chance due to where they live to swim in the ocean much or at all. Also tails can be empowering. I was a terrible swimmer til I used a tail

[-Annwyn-]

Before you swim in a tail PERIOD, you should be able to:
-Swim tail-less for 50m, unassisted
-Be able to put your head underwater

Those are the only two basic things I think you need to know. The rest comes with practice and whatever you're comfortable with.

[OceanWhisper]

If i'm not in a competition, I can swim 75m fine, but if competing, I struggle with 50m -.-

[SeaMansa]

Before you swim in a tail PERIOD, you should be able to:
-Swim tail-less for 50m, unassisted
.
Wait..... 50 miles? Or 50 minutes? O.o I'm pretty positive I can't do either of those...

[merkitty]

50 meters :)

[OceanWhisper]

lol

[Yulia]

Before you get a silicone tail I'd say you should be comfortable with either swimming in a monofin or a fabric tail.

[OceanWhisper]

^yup