"Mermaiding is Basically the New Snorkeling" ?!?

[Mermaid Ankhali]

So, I was just perusing around YouTube when I drifted across a video titled "Mermaiding is Basically the New Snorkeling". Of course the video shows clips of some lovely merfolk swimming. It also talks about how "fish tails" are easy to buy, so the mermaiding "trend" is catching on. My fellow mers, many of us have been around since the days before Fin Fun where each tail required lots of research and tender love and care to create (or else a substantial wad of sand dollars). Even for newer mers that joined the community for the magic and sense of belonging. How do you feel about mermaiding being referred to as a "new trend"?

[Khaleesi Daenerys]

I do feel like trend is a good word to use. Because it has become so popular that people who aren't fully invested in mermaiding buy a fabric tail in stores or on eBay just to fit in with a group, show off on social media, or sometimes just to have it but never use it.
I've met so many people recently who when I mention that I'm into mermaiding their faces light up and tell me how much they love it and how they look at all the photos on Instagram and that they want a tail but only for pictures lol.

I remember when telling your family and friends you wanted a mermaid tail or that you do mermaiding was a daunting task. It was almost like coming out of the closet and a lot of us referred to it that way back in the day. But now because it is trending it has become so well known that even my mother who hates everything new, and told me I was crazy when I first told her about it back in 2011, thinks it's cool. It's become very familiar for people and that's a good thing because now that more people know about it, it drums up more business for us. :D lol :mermaid kiss:

[Mermaid Ankhali]

I do feel like trend is a good word to use. Because it has become so popular that people who aren't fully invested in mermaiding buy a fabric tail in stores or on eBay just to fit in with a group, show off on social media, or sometimes just to have it but never use it. I've met so many people recently who when I mention that I'm into mermaiding their faces light up and tell me how much they love it and how they look at all the photos on Instagram and that they want a tail but only for pictures lol. I remember when telling your family and friends you wanted a mermaid tail or that you do mermaiding was a daunting task. It was almost like coming out of the closet and a lot of us referred to it that way back in the day. But now because it is trending it has become so well known that even my mother who hates everything new and told me I was crazy when I first told her about it back in 2011 think it's cool. It's become very familiar for people and that's a good thing because now that more people know about it, it drums up more business for us. :D lol :mermaid kiss:

That's an interesting perspective, and I definitely think it gets some good atmosphere going in the way of acceptance, but I also feel like making Mermaiding mainstream devalues it a little bit. I definitely think it's unfair to compare it to snorkeling.


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[Khaleesi Daenerys]

I see what you're saying and I agree with you to an extent about mainstreaming and comparing it to anything else.
I never saw that video so I can't tell the context, but I have heard it compared to snorkeling and that's odd, I see it as more closely related to free diving than anything else in the sports department. Especially since monofins were originally for free diving.
But if it's being compared to snorkeling in sense of popularity I suppose it could be but tbh I really never liked snorkeling, so I'm not really someone to judge snorkeling on popularity.

[Takahao]

I hope it becomes more popular. I feel once tails are all over instagram, facebook, and pinterest, I'll finally have the courage to pull the trigger and get a tail. It probably will spike up even more in popularity with Aquaman and the live action remake of The Little Mermaid. Once people realize how fun it is then, it should have some stability.

[Mermaid Ankhali]

Oh, yeah? I didn't know a live action remake of The Little Mermaid was being made. That's really cool. My school just put on the musical. But, yeah, anyway, I think that if it gets too popular, it will be diluted into something superficial. No offense to anyone, but I feel like the mainstream tends to ruin things.


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[fabianfrz]

I don't see a trend as that would mean that there would be a lot of people doing it (for a short time), but that could be just the pools where I have been. I don't see it as an alternative to snorkeling (near the surface) as it is more freediving. For example, I cannot use a snorkel because it is too hard to breath. Using no snorkel or using a breathing device works without issues, so in my case I is not even an alternative sport. Note that you also use different fins (snorkeling: shorter stereo fins, mermaiding: (usually large) monofins)

[fabianfrz]

Note: if it would become a trend, I may have some positive aspects:
* There are lots of people doing it -> it is hard to forbid (not a problem here but north american seem to have this problem)
* It may lower the tail prices as there would be more vendors on the market
* You can find friends with the same hobby
* some more people may want to learn how to swim

There would be also some negative aspects
* People without any idea how to use a monofin may go to the pool, lake, sea -> dangerous
* Space in the pools is limited and even more space is needed (everyone is a bit longer)

[officialmermaidkelly]

Its closer to freediving than snorkeling tbh


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[AniaR]

I do believe it's a trend. I think in my country it's still gaining steam but in the US I think it's starting to pique

[Mermaid Saoirse]

Down here in Florida it's still fairly rare for me to encounter people who know what mermaiding is without me having to explain it in depth. However, most pools near me have preemptively jumped on the BANdwagon which is making it extremely difficult for it to become more commonly seen. I'd say that the trend might help us overturn some bans if enough people bring up the desire to swim. The only problem is how many of us are going to step forward with actual info to correct misconceptions by advocating for safe use and how many are just going to complain.

So if it's a "trend?" Eventually those who are just jumping in for the mainstream ride will eventually leave- but we're reaching the ears and eyes of a lot more people now and maybe mermaids who would have never heard of it otherwise will be able to find something they enjoy in the long run. Fads come and go but just because the "trend" passes by doesn't mean it devalues the importance of mermaiding to a lot of us. I got really nervous over the idea of mermaids becoming "common," too. The more I think about it the more I realize a lot who only get into mermaiding for the aesthetic/fun will eventually stop. It's not for them and it's okay.

The most we can do is advocate for safety and point people getting into/are interested in mermaiding in the direction of sources to help make their experience in our realm safer. It's more important that people know what they're getting into while they have fun with it. More intricate and expensive tails takes a lot of maintenance and caution, which is something that people who follow trends won't find the time to devote themselves to. So I doubt a lot of people following the currents will devote themselves to anything higher than a fabric tail.

[Mermaid Delphinidae]

Note: if it would become a trend, I may have some positive aspects:
* There are lots of people doing it -> it is hard to forbid (not a problem here but north american seem to have this problem)
* It may lower the tail prices as there would be more vendors on the market
* You can find friends with the same hobby
* some more people may want to learn how to swim

There would be also some negative aspects
* People without any idea how to use a monofin may go to the pool, lake, sea -> dangerous
* Space in the pools is limited and even more space is needed (everyone is a bit longer)

Another negative aspect of a niche thing becoming mainstream is that it runs the risk of the thing being changed or getting diluted to the new crowd. Like, a Renaissance festival that I know of gets a lot of people who show up wearing costumes that aren't related to the theme, and the festival is doing more to cater to this group, so it feels less like a Renaissance festival. A common complaint about the increased popularity of comic conventions is that they start having more and more things that aren't related to comic books or geek interests. Any chance that mermaiding could be diluted in a similar way?

But I do agree that there are more positive aspects than negative ones. I'm new to the mermaid community myself, (but I've been a fan of merfolk for a very long time!) but I have been involved in other hobbies and interests that later got mainstream and I think it's overall a good thing. With mermaids in general being popular right now, I can go to stores in the mall and find lots of mermaid themed T-shirts and jewelry and other things like that. With mainstream popularity, the interest becomes more accessible to people who don't have much money. I also don't think that popularity devalues something. You're doing this because you're interested in it, why should other people doing it reduce the fun for you?

[MarkF]

The numbers increasing I thing help the professional Mermaids as more people accept us as a positive. Also as the more people who’ve tried a monofin, the more recognition for those that can do it well “A little acting maybe when land dwellers watch.”
I think MerExperience could be divided into two or three groups:
MerTrendies “Just another reason to party poolside and socialize, sharing good times with friends”,
Mermaiding “Those who enjoy all things water and want to participate the in its legends. Surprising shore side people with their first Mermaid sighting. Have spent enough time swimming in their tail it feels natual to swim that way.”
MerFolk “Water people feel it’s a natural extension of themselves to add their tail. People who have awake’n to find themselves in their dreams at night living the life under the sea. Perhaps feeling their life less complete without the tail experience.” You could add portions of the other two groups into this person as well.

[Mermaid Ankhali]

Cool. Yeah, I see.


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[MarkF]

Ok one more group,
Real Mermaids that some how put on legs and are just playing with us. ;)

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[Mermaid Bree]

As an entry-level newbie here, but a SEASONED Ren-Faire veteran (20+ years!), all I can say is that why worry about the distinctions? True, Faires have become 'diluted' (or 'polluted', perhaps), that is inevitable with ANY event that draws creative folk. I am also a seasoned S/F Convention person as well. Those have diluted as well. As I see it, there are multiple actions occurring - the 'old-timers' either have passed, or perhaps 'burned out'. Life goes on, and it DOES change. 'Fresh blood' is necessary to ever HOPE to maintain things, otherwise, you have a tiny group of otherwise clueless people wondering if anyone else is left in the world. And, I think, that is the key, the WORLD. Yeah, there will be 'posers', there will be 'trendies' (I'm only STARTING to 'dip my fin in the water here!'), however, without ANYONE showing up with even a half-hearted interest, what would happen? MY first Ren-Faire was in 1986. (Yeah, I'm old - so what.) I was a newbie - 'trendie'. HOWEVER, it did (and still does) very much feel like 'family', mostly due to the personalities and love (for lack of a better word) of the family MEMBERS. Which is my point - otherwise, how does a 'family' grow? (And I am NOT talking of those dysfunctional religious cults...) Consider it recruitment, nay, 'invitation' to EXPLORE. If it's a fabric tail, so what? My first ren-garb WAS 'store-bought'. But it DID allow me to enter through the gate to discover the magical world within.

[Mermaid Ankhali]

I'm also a committed Ren-Faire attendee of over a decade. And, I can definitely relate to what you said about dilution. I guess that's what I'm afraid of. But, everyone DOES have to start somewhere. I don't mean to be an elititst or exclusionary. My first tail was a Fin Fun, too.

[Mermaid Bree]

I CAN see a different facet though - unlike Ren Faires and Comic-Con's, NOT knowing what you are doing either with a mono-fin or 'tail' can lead to dangerous and potentially deadly consequences. Very few people go out and buy their first set of snow ski's and attempt a run down a triple-black-diamond EXPERT slope. Most people simply KNOW better. Skiing has been around forever, of course. Mermaiding is relatively new to the more general 'familiarity', and given our current culture of instant-gratification, the expectation to put on a 'store-bought' fabric tail and instantly swimming like a fish is irresponsible at the very least... THAT is the problem... LOL - maybe something like the Scouts... Tadpole, 'pond-dweller', fresh-water, and open-sea expert level/class??? The instantanous 'cuteness' factor is to blame, and frankly so is irresponsible marketing ON THAT...

[deepblue]

Kindawarped has great points on the safety issue.

And I've gotten over my own concerns of homogenization via popularity, and I hope more people who are interested in mermaiding will come here to the forum and read the safety information, esp the part about why silicone tails are not recommended for beginners. There is so much info people just don't have when they start. There are other resources online, yes, and in books, but this place is such a great starting point.

I also agree with a lot of what was already said here regarding the concept of mermaiding as it becomes more popular. Mermaids also seem to be more popular than ever, which will hopefully bring with it more interest in the ocean and fresh water bodies, because they need help. But that doesn't automatically translate into mermaiding.

That aside, I just watched the video that Kali posted about. (Here 'tis:
https://youtu.be/yUhpqQNTKHY)

But I think they are so so off the mark. It is not the new snorkeling. It's not even close. I also don't think it's quite the size of trend that video makes it out to be, even if it has become a lot more popular than ever before, and they make it look like it was the trend which has made some go pro. There have been pro mermaids for ages- not just talking about the days of Annette Kellerman, either, but since then, the many mermaids at carnivals and faires throughout the past decades, those who perform for kids' parties, etc. Performers like the incredible Medusirena, the fire-eating mermaid, at the Wreck Bar, and others in other venues where people have food and drink while watching mermaids swim in tanks. None of these things started because of a trend. They've been around for ages because they're not super common, and are therefore a draw.

I hope those who see the video and feel that pull toward mermaiding will take the step into doing some research before jumping in, and maybe find Mernetwork.

[Mermaid Bree]

Speaking of training - been closely watching the basic dolphin 'kick' stroke, and I think I see where newbies make a mistake - there needs to be ANKLE 'pivoting' in coordination with the calf and thigh muscle - the physics indicate that the key is to SMOOTHLY 'push' the water, unlike single diving fins (although there is ankle motion there too.) The 'wave' motion of the body (undulation) is more for weight and strength transfer TO the fin itself. OK, I'm also geek... And the panic could come into play when you suddenly CANNOT kick the legs individually. I'm surprised that there isn't more 'training' video on that. Even using individual leg fins to initially practice. (Which makes more safety sense too!)

[Mermaid Alea]

From my recent interactions with random people at the beach and at the pool, I am seeing that mermaiding is catching on. Last year people were freaking out and asking me questions about my tail - not knowing anything really about mermaiding. This year every little girl that has come up to me either has a mermaid tail or has looked into getting one at some point. When I was at the beach and a little girl came up to me and shyly told me that she has a FinFun tail, I was kinda thinking, "Aww man..." but then she proceeded to pretend like I was a real mermaid and she even got a little bucket full of water and poured it on my tail saying, "Here's some water mermaid!" So in the beginning I was worried that mermaiding wouldn't be as magical anymore because it is more well known, but kids still get excited and treat you like a magical creature. :)

Also, I figure some mers are worried about looking too 'common' now that lots of people are buying tails. I think that is why it is a great idea to add something extra to your tail or make your own tail. If you have a FinFun tail you can get some fabric paints and add a little extra color, glitter, side fins, etc. Then no one can have the same exact tail as you. You can also wear mermaidy jewelry and tops to add to your unique look. By the way I am not trying to say that there is anything wrong with matching other mers. Heck I showed up to prom one year and two other girls were wearing the same exact blue dress as me and I just shrugged as they glared at me. :lol: What I am saying though is now that mermaiding is getting more mainstream, what will help you continue to feel unique is by having your own mer style. Don't just buy a blue FinFun tail and stop there. Try wearing some jewelry to go with your tail, wrap netting or a scarf around your hips, etc.

[MermaidAiera]

Also, I figure some mers are worried about looking too 'common' now that lots of people are buying tails. I think that is why it is a great idea to add something extra to your tail or make your own tail...What I am saying though is now that mermaiding is getting more mainstream, what will help you continue to feel unique is by having your own mer style. Don't just buy a blue FinFun tail and stop there. Try wearing some jewelry to go with your tail, wrap netting or a scarf around your hips, etc.

I definitely agree with this. With so many of the same prints and styles being mass produced, mermaids can lose a bit of their identity by being lost in the crowd. Adding some creativity helps--for those with less-than-average craft skills, gluing on gems or rhinestones is a great way to jazz up a tail without worrying about ruining it with paint. Glitter is another way to subtly add some unique shine without going overboard or getting too advanced in the craft department.

I also feel like this increase in common fabric tails ups the value of a realistic silicone/latex tail. While children can buy fabric finfun tails, if they see a mer in full silicone then it can really re-ignite the fantasy again. For some this is a plus, others it's a negative. Either way, I feel like it makes getting one of those fancy tails that much more enticing :$

[Arking]

I would say it's been growing in popularity since that episode of "my crazy obsession". But there's been plenty of things drawing attention to Mermaids in the media such as H2O, and Pirates of the Caribbean On Stranger Tides. On the commercial side of things there's been the commercial production of monofins of different shapes and sizes, affordable fabric tale options, and the availability of higher quality makers media such as dragon skin silicone rubber.

But yeah if it's a concern that this trend or fad is watering down the mystique of the craft I think everyone else is right to focus on what makes you unique and what you love about it. :)