Wannabe mermaid from the UK

[Mermaid Emeraldina]

Hi guys

i have always loved to swim, have always loved marine animals, I grew up watching free willy and splash and the little mermaid till I was blue in the face. I am also a Pisces :D

Recently discovered these silicone mermaid tails and have fell in love... I REEEEEEEEALLY want one.

The tails look so beautiful and majestic.

I emailed fin folk this morning so awaiting a reply regarding prices etc.

im just wondering if there are other people into mermaids etc as I am in the UK? Are there meet ups to show off our tails and swimming in them etc

im new to all of this so any tips and advice please get at me!

:)

[Mermaid Miradis]

Hi! :) I am from the Uk, too. We got a merpod on fb, if you want to find us: merpod uk

It is great that you want to be a mermaid too! I only have one concern: have you swam in a mermaid tail before or with a monofin? I read that you are currently interested in a silicone tail. You must know some things about them first, if you are new to this: they are HEAVY, more difficult to swim with than a fabric one, very expensive, not indestructible and not recommended for mers who are not fully grown (to avoid disappointment in terms of them growing really fast and the tail being too small and short). Otherwise, yes they are amazing! I am currently in the process of ordering one i.e. Their making the molds at the moment. I have swam with a monofin first, then got myself a fabric tail and swam with that for a long time (there are some beautiful ones out there). I personally would recommend starting out slow and then later think about a silicone one. It could also be that after a year or so you don't like mermaiding after all and then you got a pricey silicone tail lying around.
Raina has a really good vlog on youtube, that helped me and other mers a lot, especially when you start out.

I hope this helps!
Good luck!

[MermaidClaudy]

Uk mermaid here to :) Welcome in the crew!!!

I totally agree with Miradis, try a mono fin first, then a fabric and if you like it (which you will lol) you can invest in a silicone one.
:)

[MaristellaMeri]

Hi BunnyMoon,

Nice to meet a fellow UK Pisces! I'm also new to the Mernetwork and to tails and monofins but have fallen head over fins in love! I've been playing with a very simple monofin while I wait for my first tail (fabric) and will see how things go from there. I think like Miradis said, it's probably wise to work your way up. That's what I'm doing. I'm a massive fan of wild swimming and snorkelling but with a monofin, it is a whole new experience and it certainly takes getting used to. I think I'm going to have to bite the bullet and take myself down to the local pool to get some practice! I haven't been in a proper pool for about eight years and have been very proud of this! Rivers and sea all the way! I think there was somewhere on here that had location based meet ups. It would definitely be great to meet some other merfolk and swim together. I'm based in the southwest and I am not aware of many people down here but around London there are a few I believe. Which end of the country are you?

[MermaidClaudy]

London here [emoji18]


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[MaristellaMeri]

London here [emoji18]

Nice. I used to live in London but I've abandoned it for the rolling hills and clear waters of the west country! Where are you able to swim in London?

[Mermaid Emeraldina]

Thanks for the replies guys :)

i do have flippers that I used in Cornwall this month, I swam with both feet together and got on fine. So I'd be interested in a fabric tail as the next step. I have looked around on the net and it seems there are only children ones available? Although I am 5'2 so they might fit? :phew:

i have strong legs, I have been practicing yoga for 15+ years. So I like to think I could cope with the weight of a silicone tail. Does the weight of the tail put stress on the back? As I can suffer with back pain...

Could you guys give me a rough price on what one would cost?

With these tails can you just rock up to a swimming pool and the staff be ok with you using it in the pool? I'd be worried about people staring and making me feel awkward etc.

im from London too

could you post some links of reputable places to buy a tail from too?

Thanks again :)

[Grey Gambit]

Hello fellow Pisces!

I've heard good things about MagicTail (http://www.magictail.de) (although I purchased my monofin from FinFun (https://www.finfunmermaid.com)).

[Mermaid Emeraldina]

Hmm not as spectacular as the silicone ones....

[Mermaid Emeraldina]

Fallen in love with this tail... Lion fish :O

https://youtu.be/IdAsSJkTj6E

[Mermaid Whisper]

Silicone tails will run you anywhere from $2,000 on up. I believe the one you're eyeing is about $3,000.

I have a fabric tail from Fin Fun, and they're fintastic! I love the scale pattern. I got a custom size for $150.


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[Merman Jon]

Welcome to the community bunnymoon.

[MermaidClaudy]

Nice. I used to live in London but I've abandoned it for the rolling hills and clear waters of the west country! Where are you able to swim in London?

I use to swim in my friend's pool in Essex , but we have now very different schedules so it has been hard for me to go and practice there with my mono fin.

I recently swam for 15 days in south of France in pool, sea,lake and river it was awesome!

It is really a hard one in London they are really funny about swimming with tails for health and safety reasons, this is probably the biggest question for us UK mermaids! Where to swim???!!!
I swim (without a tail) in the Olympic pool though I wish I could swim with my tail but no way.... Hopefully people get more aware about us merpeople and become more open to us swimming about :)

Also , i am interested in the London Diving Centre anyone been there???

[Mermaid Emeraldina]

So $3k in £s is? Lol

[Mermaid Whisper]

The internet is your friend.


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[MermaidClaudy]

2306.81 British Pound is 3000 $ thank you Google :)

[Mermaid Emeraldina]

Oh thank you!!

Not too terrible then lol :jawdrop:

would the the lion fish style be hard to swim with? Drag etc

[MermaidClaudy]

My guess is Yep, It might be heavy to drag and you must a confident swimmer to make those thin flowwwwwwwwww

[Mermaid Emeraldina]

Just priced it up on finfolk it come to 4700$

mega :jawdrop: lol

[Mermaid Arabella]

Also, the lionfish tail in that video is extra flowy b/c it does NOT have a monofin - which means it'd be REALLY difficult to swim in! A monofin makes swimming easier, but it generally reduces that flowy effect. I would definitely recommend a monofin tail (fabric or silicone) before trying to swim in a silicone tail without one.

[Mermaid Emeraldina]

I see what you mean. Thanks for your input! I shall definitely have to start off lightly... Are the silicone tails really awkward to get on and off? Or is it easy peasy in water ?

[MermaidClaudy]

if you cover yourself of lub: no problemo!


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[MaristellaMeri]

I have looked around on the net and it seems there are only children ones available? Although I am 5'2 so they might fit? :phew:


I'm 5'2 also and I ordered one that was a size 12 (not dress size I assume otherwise it will fall off me!) which was the next size up from the children's sized tales. I just got it on Amazon and there were plenty of adult sized tails on there. I didn't want anything expensive because this is my first tail and I am just starting out. I think the 12 is sometimes listed as a child sized tail but I reckon you will be okay. I'll update on how mine fits when it arrives. I assume because I can wear kids clothing in age twelve, I'll fit into this fine. If you can also, you'll probably be fine too. Good luck tail choosing! Exciting!

[MermaidClaudy]

Where did you get it from at the end?

[Mermaid Miradis]

I got mine from delfina, as they have a lovely 3D print of a silicone tail (150€). I am very tall myself (5'9"), but still had to have it shortened a bit. But they have different sizes there, and different models.
I would recommend wearing some sort of shoes inside though, as otherwise the propulsion is not very good. There are many pretty fabric tails out there! A monofin is however different than swimming with two flippers and holding them together, so it's good to swim a bit with the monofin only beforehand before using the skin. And please don't forget to practise removing it quickly in case of emergency! :)

[MermaidClaudy]

I got mine from delfina, as they have a lovely 3D print of a silicone tail (150€). I am very tall myself (5'9"), but still had to have it shortened a bit. But they have different sizes there, and different models.
I would recommend wearing some sort of shoes inside though, as otherwise the propulsion is not very good. There are many pretty fabric tails out there! A monofin is however different than swimming with two flippers and holding them together, so it's good to swim a bit with the monofin only beforehand before using the skin. And please don't forget to practise removing it quickly in case of emergency! :)


I am the same size as you, what size did you go for in the Delfina range?

[Mermaid Miradis]

I am the same size as you, what size did you go for in the Delfina range?

I chose 15 years and older, can't complain :)

[Mermaid Emeraldina]

Would you guys mind posting links of where I can look at these fabric tails? I've no idea where to look :phew:

thank u

[Talia]

Delfina: http://delfinamermaid.com/

FinFun: http://finfunmermaid.com/

You already know about Magictail

[Mermaid Emeraldina]

Thank you... They are for children... I'm not sold on the fabric ones at all I'm afraid sorry.

however this looks really good from mernation, lightweight and cheaper lol

http://www.themernation.com/genesis-edition/

[Mermaid Miradis]

I am sure that those fabric ones are not for children, as some of them would be waaay to big for them. I am 18 myself and I know older mers who have fabric tails. The ones you mentioned from mernation are also silicone, which brings the problems already stated above. Believe me, you don't want one just yet. Save your money and disappointment, as it is really difficult to swim in one if you never swam with a monofin or in general a tail before. Also this is 100% silicone i.e. The heaviest you can get (without any other additional heavy things (e.g. Competitor fin) like silicone e.g. Extra fins. They are just more lightweight than other silicone tails, but they are not recommended for first time merpeople.
Most of us would not recommend a silicone tail yet. As unlikely as it seems now, you might find you don't want to do this anymore if you swim in a silicone tail, as e.g. the fluke is too heavy to lift and you have difficulties swimming, as you are not accustomed to the new feeling. And it is much more work to clean than a fabric one (that one you don't have to scrub, soak, wipe etc.). Farbic is a fun way to start and be comfortable in this new way of swimming, as you can't really move your legs apart, unlike keeping your legs together without a tail.
Fabric tails are not just for children, as there are many pro mers who wear one and are successful nonetheless. And there weren't any adult sized ones, if there were not adults wearing them. If you worry about the price of fabric tails: they are worth their money AND there are cheaper ones out there, too.

Good luck!

[Talia]

Thank you... They are for children... I'm not sold on the fabric ones at all I'm afraid sorry.

Ah, no. They are for adults too. I myself have 3 fabric tails, and I am 40 years old.

If you do not like fabric tails that's fine. But don't dismiss them as children's tails; many of us like them and use them regularly.

Also, what Mermaid Miradis said.

[Mermaid Emeraldina]

I meant the links you posted are for children... I don't mean ALL fabric tails are for children... Also there are no adults modeling the tails on the delfina page soo....leads me to believe they're for kids...Also the oldest age is 15+.... Sooo..How does this guarantee it'd fit an adult....??

Is is there an adult section on there I am just not seeing?????

[Mermaid Emeraldina]

This looks like a happy medium.. Fabric and a bit of silicone.... But age 15+ doesnt exactly mean adult though ????

http://delfinamermaid.com/shop/mermaid-tails/silikone-monotail-mermaid-tail-for-swimming/

lost :help:

[Mermaid Miradis]

I had the same thought about that, but once I saw the measurements (can't remember where I found them), I was sure and got myself one. I am 5'9" and have reaaaly long legs. I had the tail to be shortened, because it was too long. Also: if you are a bit bigger, it will fill out the fabric and it's shorter (my problem too, so I filled out the tail in every way possible). If you are skinny it will be really long.

The one in the link looks like a mahina monofin with tail fabric skin. This means that you have an advantage: this is a really good monofin to start out with (am I right merpeople? Otherwise please correct). Afterwards you can use the tail fabric skin in combination with the monofin to get used to having a tail.

[Mermaid Emeraldina]

I'm now thinking of getting just a monofin by mahina. They look really good

gonna sleep on it before I order it lol

[Mermaid Miradis]

That's a great idea! And you can paint it yourself, too!

[Mermaid Emeraldina]

Paint it?!

[Mermaid Miradis]

If you want to add some colour details yourself to the fluke, than I am sure you can find out the type of paint needed in the tailmaking section of the forum. :) they are really nice monofins!

[Mermaid Emeraldina]

OH wow! Cool :thumbs-up:

i think my my plan is to order this mahina monofin and go swimming with it at my local public pool...ill tell the life guards I'm using it for exercise as I've read it does actually work out the abs and legs.... I think I'll go for the blue over the orange colour....I think the orange sticks out too much if it was pink I'd have gone for it.... I can order it on amazon and there's some in the uk so I won't have to wait for it to be shipped.

i believe in the future when I am ready I'd like to go balls deep and order a tail from finfolk and get the individual scale upgrade, no one else I've seen does that and it looks so awesome and lifelike. I like to think if you're gonna do it do it properly lol, I think it'd be worth the price! And the dorsal fin (like what mermaid lorelie has) side fins and that fluke she has too.

Ive slept on it and still want the mahina monofin so I think I shall just get it.

Thank you you for your help everyone. Being uneducated I would have just dived straight in with a silicone which I've learned now would be a stoopid idea :)

[Mermaid Emeraldina]

Ordered it :D

excited.

my mermaid journey has started ;) !!!!!!

should be here between the 18-22 August....

[Mermaid Miradis]

Wonderful, have fun with it! :D
You just have to see which pool allows you to swim with one (I always had problems). It depends where you are in the UK. I, for once, got to rent a lane to be able to swim. Just phone them up beforehand, if they say they are not sure, show it to them. You could sign a liability waiver and give them an infosheet about monofins (I think I recall Raina posting one in the past, and it is really helpful). Good luck! :)

[Mermaid Emeraldina]

I was thinking of just turning up with it....I read on here somewhere to turn up because if you ask then they can easily just say no...but if they see you swimming in it and you aren't going to drown or kill people with it then it'll be fine and let go...

if I did phone up beforehand I'd say I'm intending it for exercise use etc

[MermaidClaudy]

OMG , amazing. If you are around London we could go practice together sometime I have a Mahina to :)

[Mermaid Emeraldina]

Yes I am in London! Where do you go to swim?

[Mermaid Emeraldina]

Also if I want to make my own tail I'd like to get this colour neoprene

https://www.amazon.co.uk/AUBERGIENE-Waterproof-Neoprene-Fabric-inches/dp/B00YU31XUO/ref=sr_1_8?ie=UTF8&qid=1471112506&sr=8-8&keywords=neoprene+fabric+by+the+metre

[Mermaid Emeraldina]

My monofin is here.... Arrived sooner than I expected :D

went to to my local pool straight away, slipped the fin on and....................got as far as the other end of the pool before being asked to leave.

Yup leave.

Disgusting altercation with the manager ensued and I am in the middle of a complaint as I type.

I am so angry and upset.

[Mermaid Emeraldina]

However I have found a 'lake' an hour away from me that isn't manned by life guards and is a 'salt water bathing pool' with a small beach with sand at one end. Oh and it's free!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!

Sounds PERFECT. No jobs worth to tell me to leave. Will be checking that out tomorrow and I'll update you with how it went.

BUT the 30m I did swim with my monofin were AMAZEBALLS. Omg I slid through that water and swam so FAST. Awesome

[Elle Dee]

hi Bunnymoon sorry your having trouble with your pool. Thats so frustrating that they just made you leave, id feel the same way in your situation i hope your able to sort things out and have a proper swim.

[Mermaid Emeraldina]

Thank you my love. I am very excited to try out this salt bathing pool tomorrow. Makes mermaiding that more 'real' as opposed to swimming in an over crowded, clorine over dosed pool.

[Elle Dee]

sounds like you have found a nice spot already, i did my first sea swim on sunday it was completely different to the pool much colder but still enjoyable.

[Siren80]

Hi!
I have a fabric one which was custom made from etsy & I just use my freediving monofin in it
https://youtu.be/NHo6bJxbK_I

[Michelle]

Hello UK Mermaids! I work for an independent television production company and we'd love to film a documentary about the Mer community. It seems to be gaining more recognition recently as I have seen a few articles in the British press, especially as they are remaking Splash! It would be great to chat to some of you about this and find out a bit more for research purposes. If any of you would be willing to discuss this with me, please drop me a line - michelle.barratt@piproductions.tv. Please feel free to pass my email on to other people who may be interested.

[Mermaid Miradis]

Sent you a mail :)