The difficult life of a mermaid.

[Mermaid Oona]

What is the worse struggle about your life as a mermaid?

My struggle is that I don't have a pool in my backyard to swim at all in so imagine I don't even own a monofin to practice in if I wanted to! I can swim well for the dolphin kick though without a flipper. My sister has video if me swimming but we lost it in her goPro. Not to mention the grand responsibilities that I have now as an adult, and to save up for my tail without telling anyone because I'm scared they'll call me a freak and the long process if saving up for a tail!

And a silicone as my first tail is also risky. I had a great mer on here tell me if I was going to do that I have to carry the weight if the tail until I'm used to it by doing kneel jumps until the weight of it is almost weightless . Then before I even put it on do 3 mins of laps in the pool with a pattern of 1min 30 switching in and out of a monofin and end it without a fin and take a 5 min break from the warm up and drink plenty of water and swim in a public pool with life guards or have a watcher to make sure you don't get in trouble with using your tail.


Everyone on here is so kind and I can talk about mermaid stuff on here without people yelling at me to shut up about it.

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[Mermaid Rubbles]

The pool I used to go to for mermaiding decided they no longer wanted to have people even wear flippers let alone swim in a tail awhile back but luckily another pool in the area essentially encourages it, it seems. But ive been so busy with work theres been no chance to go yet.

Oh gosh same about talking about mermaid stuff! It seems when you try to talk to someone who doesnt have interest in mermaiding they just change the subject or stop listening even if theyre the ones who asked you! im so glad this community exist!

[Mermaid Oona]

The pool I used to go to for mermaiding decided they no longer wanted to have people even wear flippers let alone swim in a tail awhile back but luckily another pool in the area essentially encourages it, it seems. But ive been so busy with work theres been no chance to go yet.

Oh gosh same about talking about mermaid stuff! It seems when you try to talk to someone who doesnt have interest in mermaiding they just change the subject or stop listening even if theyre the ones who asked you! im so glad this community exist!Plus money is an issue too!

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[Mermaid Rubbles]

Plus money is an issue too!

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Yes! Even finfun tails themselves are usually around 60 dollars for adult sizes without a monofin ;;;

[Mermaid Oona]

Yes! Even finfun tails themselves are usually around 60 dollars for adult sizes without a monofin ;;;Merbella's $3,400 not including the shipping

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[TybeeMermaid]

Merbella's $3,400 not including the shipping

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You could always look into getting a Mertailor (https://www.themertailor.com/shop-mermaid-tails/silicone-mermaid-tails/spellbound-silicone-mermaid-tails.html) tail. They start at $1,250 and it's only another $250 if you want to add a custom paint job. They just upgraded their scale sheets and the tails look and feel super nice!

[Mermaid Rubbles]

I also saw merrow fin does 600 dollar tails that are silicone. Im currently making a hybrid tail though ^^;;; but people usually end up liking certain tail makers styles

[Merman Storm]

My struggles are somewhat different.
My first was getting a good monofin that fit. It seems all monofin makers think the only people who use them are either women, or men with small feet. $300 on monofins I cannot use.
Next is getting a tail skin that fits. Same issue: Tail makers do not have standard sizes for larger men, you need to go custom, or make it yourself.
Another issue I have is meeting others in this hobby. It seems all meets are a 2 hour drive away, or more.
Finally, I have a monofin with an extended tail. Getting a skin to fit it has been difficult.

What I've done to mitigate many of these issues:
Monofin fit: the cheap ones from FinFun work for me. For a good monofin, I got a Lunocet, which uses cycling shoes as the foot pockets. Those are available in my size. Also, I made an adapter that allows me to attach bi-fin foot pockets, which are also made in larger sizes. I have also made my own monofins by attaching foot pockets to polypropylene sheets.
Tail skins: I've gotten custom, and made my own.
Meeting others: Ive hosted some meets myself, with occasional success (over half the time, no one else shows up.)
Getting a skin for the Lunocet (its the one that has the extended tail): I made my own skins, and I'm working with Mertailor on a good silicone skin.
As far as swimming spots: I'm fairly lucky to have four. My backyard pool is warm enough half the year, but a little small. The pool at the health club is large, heated all year, but shallow and sometimes crowded. The community pool will allow tails only during lane swimming times, costs money, but it has a diving well. (For "free swim" times no pool toys of any sort are allowed.) And finally, Ventura harbor cove beach. Its warm enough 4 months of the year, but an hour drive away.

[Mermaid Oona]

You could always look into getting a Mertailor (https://www.themertailor.com/shop-mermaid-tails/silicone-mermaid-tails/spellbound-silicone-mermaid-tails.html) tail. They start at $1,250 and it's only another $250 if you want to add a custom paint job. They just upgraded their scale sheets and the tails look and feel super nice!Yea that too but I also like the uniqueness of merbella because they make the tail of your dreams and makes sure your design is perfect for you or even if you don't have a design planned they offer to design for you

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[Mermaid Rubbles]

I need help thinking of a plot for a YouTube mermaid series I am planning. For example, in H2o: Just Add Water, the whole thing begins with Emma, Rikki, and Cleo getting stranded on Mako Island and discovering the Moon Pool that allows the whole series to keep going. I can't think of any unique way for my characters to become mermaids that isn't similar to any other show's idea, and I really don't want to feel like I'm copying it if I'm going to put in the effort to make this series happen. It's getting kind of frustrating XD So far all I could think of was they fell into some under water sand dune or something but I don't even think underwater dunes even exist, and if they do, I don't think you can fall in them.. Any suggestionsMaybe a spells cast on them by a sea witch? Thats all I got lol

[mermaid_kairi]

Yea that too but I also like the uniqueness of merbella because they make the tail of your dreams and makes sure your design is perfect for you or even if you don't have a design planned they offer to design for you

Sent from my [device_name] using MerNetwork mobile appIf you want a Merbella, which they are stunning tails, just be sure you are willing to wait the 2 years to get it after ordering [emoji4]

Merbella this past year only opened up tail spots twice with her choosing the tail concept that most inspired her. So there is not a guarantee you will get a spot the next round. Tails are 100% worth the wait. My friend just got a spot last time they opened and she is thrilled!

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[Mermaid Oona]

If you want a Merbella, which they are stunning tails, just be sure you are willing to wait the 2 years to get it after ordering [emoji4]

Merbella this past year only opened up tail spots twice with her choosing the tail concept that most inspired her. So there is not a guarantee you will get a spot the next round. Tails are 100% worth the wait. My friend just got a spot last time they opened and she is thrilled!

Sent from my [device_name] using MerNetwork mobile appI understand that absolutely. It gives me plenty of time to settle on what I exactly want and not change my mind during the process. Plus I want something that will last for a long time as long as I take care of it ! I just got a raise at my work so more likely getting closer to my goal. Plus me planning on setting up a PayPal so I can start art commissions to help out with the tail fund

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[Ransom]

You might've seen my thread on tail design. I'm brainstorming a few, but every time something that looks like it might be great comes along...

Instagram delivers something that looks almost exactly like it -_-

[mermaid_kairi]

I understand that absolutely. It gives me plenty of time to settle on what I exactly want and not change my mind during the process. Plus I want something that will last for a long time as long as I take care of it ! I just got a raise at my work so more likely getting closer to my goal. Plus me planning on setting up a PayPal so I can start art commissions to help out with the tail fund

Sent from my [device_name] using MerNetwork mobile appI'm definitely rooting for you to get a spot! I completely agree. So worth it!

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[Mermaid Oona]

You might've seen my thread on tail design. I'm brainstorming a few, but every time something that looks like it might be great comes along...

Instagram delivers something that looks almost exactly like it -_-Keep posted I'm gonna show some designs in a couple days. Right now I'm designing a tail inspired by the Pomacanthidae or Marine Angel fish. The design is named "Blue Paradise". And i have 2 more designs in the works. 1. Florida Tropical and 2. "Pacific Wave"

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[Ransom]

Keep posted I'm gonna show some designs in a couple days. Right now I'm designing a tail inspired by the Pomacanthidae or Marine Angel fish. The design is named "Blue Paradise". And i have 2 more designs in the works. 1. Florida Tropical and 2. "Pacific Wave"

Sent from my [device_name] using MerNetwork mobile appYup I'll set up my own polling thread when the time comes. I'm sure yours will look great :)

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[Mermaid Oona]

Yup I'll set up my own polling thread when the time comes. I'm sure yours will look great :)

Sent from my SM-G930F using TapatalkSweet! Hope to see you vote on mine. Look up the fish I mentioned when you have time :D

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[Mermaid Delphinidae]

I have some first world merproblems: It's really difficult to find pools with deep ends these days, and as a result I'm having trouble finding a place where I can practice diving. (whether or not I'm wearing a monofin!) And the few pools that do have deep ends just have them for diving board areas and you're not allowed to linger in those spots. I guess everyone is afraid of lawsuits these days or something.

[Mermaid Oona]

I have some first world merproblems: It's really difficult to find pools with deep ends these days, and as a result I'm having trouble finding a place where I can practice diving. (whether or not I'm wearing a monofin!) And the few pools that do have deep ends just have them for diving board areas and you're not allowed to linger in those spots. I guess everyone is afraid of lawsuits these days or something. Yes! Omg I don't have a mono fin or a tail yet I can't make it to the bottom on my own because of the pressure on my ears and the energy it takes to get down at the bottom. Plus if I where to wear a tail around the pool I'll stay near the deep end away from kids so they can't copy me or hold on to me when I try to swim

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[Mermaid Delphinidae]

Yes! Omg I don't have a mono fin or a tail yet I can't make it to the bottom on my own because of the pressure on my ears and the energy it takes to get down at the bottom. Plus if I where to wear a tail around the pool I'll stay near the deep end away from kids so they can't copy me or hold on to me when I try to swim

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I have ear issues too! I thought that was just me. I did some Googling and found some articles with tips on dealing with that, I'll have to try them out when I can. Not sure when that will be, though.

My big issue with diving is psychological. When I use a monofin, I swim a LOT faster underwater than I do without it, so if I don't mentally prepare myself, I may panic and swim back up to the surface. I'm getting a lot better about it, though, and I'd like to try deeper diving soon. My ultimate goal is to swim with a tail in the ocean but I certainly won't do that before I can do it in a pool!

[Mermaid Oona]

I have ear issues too! I thought that was just me. I did some Googling and found some articles with tips on dealing with that, I'll have to try them out when I can. Not sure when that will be, though.

My big issue with diving is psychological. When I use a monofin, I swim a LOT faster underwater than I do without it, so if I don't mentally prepare myself, I may panic and swim back up to the surface. I'm getting a lot better about it, though, and I'd like to try deeper diving soon. My ultimate goal is to swim with a tail in the ocean but I certainly won't do that before I can do it in a pool!I wish you luck!

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[Ransom]

I have ear issues too! I thought that was just me. I did some Googling and found some articles with tips on dealing with that, I'll have to try them out when I can. Not sure when that will be, though.

My big issue with diving is psychological. When I use a monofin, I swim a LOT faster underwater than I do without it, so if I don't mentally prepare myself, I may panic and swim back up to the surface. I'm getting a lot better about it, though, and I'd like to try deeper diving soon. My ultimate goal is to swim with a tail in the ocean but I certainly won't do that before I can do it in a pool!All the best, Delphinidae! My recommendation is to take a freediving class -- it'll help you hold your breath longer, solve depth issues in a safe way, and build your confidence for open water.

Try looking for instructors in your area? Ideally, they should have qualifications from an organisation like AIDA International.

[TheChimera]

Mermaiding is expensive generally, but not if you're willing to start small. Many of your famous mers started much much smaller than where they are now. Always good to be realistic especially when you're young.

When I couldn't save up enough cash to buy a tail I made my own even though it was semi-functional I loved it to death and still had to keep it a secret from most people because I come from a place where including family would frown on something like an adult swimming in a tail or think it's 'silly' or strange. Luckily I was able to enjoy swimming and feeling connected to the water with or without a tail.
Now many years later I've moved town to the coast, have a new job , have new friends that accept me, have a partner that feeds my passion for mermaiding and even encourages me on bad days to go swim. I've bought my first monofin the Mahina which I love. So for me patience paid off in the end and I'm saving for a Merbella tail as well!! [emoji4][emoji38][emoji38][emoji38] btw Raven's work is exquisite. I practically stalk her on social media for updates lol. [emoji38]


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[Mermaid Delphinidae]

All the best, Delphinidae! My recommendation is to take a freediving class -- it'll help you hold your breath longer, solve depth issues in a safe way, and build your confidence for open water.

Try looking for instructors in your area? Ideally, they should have qualifications from an organisation like AIDA International.

Yeah, I've been wanting to look into diving classes. I'm serving another term in AmeriCorps and my crew leader said I may be able to use the education award for SCUBA or diving classes, so I need to look around when I have the chance. Especially since certification would look good on a resume for the field I want to go into. (underwater archaeology, baby!)

[Mermaid Delphinidae]

Mermaiding is expensive generally, but not if you're willing to start small. Many of your famous mers started much much smaller than where they are now. Always good to be realistic especially when you're young.

When I couldn't save up enough cash to buy a tail I made my own even though it was semi-functional I loved it to death and still had to keep it a secret from most people because I come from a place where including family would frown on something like an adult swimming in a tail or think it's 'silly' or strange. Luckily I was able to enjoy swimming and feeling connected to the water with or without a tail.
Now many years later I've moved town to the coast, have a new job , have new friends that accept me, have a partner that feeds my passion for mermaiding and even encourages me on bad days to go swim. I've bought my first monofin the Mahina which I love. So for me patience paid off in the end and I'm saving for a Merbella tail as well!! [emoji4][emoji38][emoji38][emoji38] btw Raven's work is exquisite. I practically stalk her on social media for updates lol. [emoji38]


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What I did was, I bought just a monofin first and practiced with it for a while. I did attempt to make a tail later but it didn't come out great, ha ha. But you can save money that way if you know what you're doing. Anyway, I got my first real tail just last week. I had some extra money, and my practice with my monofin made it easier to justify buying it. Fin Fun isn't too expensive and wouldn't take long to save up for, they also have sales regularly and a tail giveaway on their FB page every month.

What I recommend is that if there's a certain brand you want to get, buy just the fin for that first, then later when you can afford the tail, you can get it without spending for a whole new fin. My first fin was from Finis and not really compatible with tails because of the shape (one company makes tails that go with them but they're like, $300. I can't justify spending that yet, ha ha) which is part of the reason my homemade tail didn't work out, I wish I just bought a Fin Fun fin from the start, I would have been able to get the tail sooner.