Help please..

[Ikaros]

I am going to be making custom tails for myself and my younger brother who can't wait but I need some help he is only 9 and I don't wanna use something that is gonna make him sink so which is best for a Fabric tail for him should I use neoprene, spandex or what? Also since I am having trouble finding out where to get a full tail printed on fabric what paint should I use? And how do I get the scales to look real that's really all he wants is for it to have scales...

[Mermaid Catherine]

I believe neoprene floats....

[Merman Storm]

Neoprene does float, but it will float the legs up, not the trunk. Also, it interferes with freedom of movement to a small degree.
Spandex is so close to weightless under water that it will not weigh him down at all. Its also lower cost and easier to work with.

[Ikaros]

Thank you!

[Kwilena]

How is his swimming ability? I would make it a condition of his getting the tail you're so considerately making him that he can swim 50 metres without touching the ground at all. This is the swim test at my local pool for anyone over 12 who wants to use a tail. No one under 12 is allowed to!

[The Water Phoenix]

I agree with Kwilena, see what his swimming ability is. I made mermaid tails myself at age 9, but that's because I was a proficient swimmer from doing surf life saving. Only get him a tail if he's used to swimming with his legs bound and he can get out of it if something goes wrong.

[Kwilena]

It's certainly a great incentive to improve swimming ability. :-)