Just thought I'd say hi
Live near London/Surrey in the UK, although I count myself as half Welsh (hence the name I've choosen, Myrddin, the Welsh form of Merlin) - I lived in/near Wales for several years, and my Mum was born in Wales, so feel a strong connection.
Love the outdoors, and have always loved watersports (sailing, kayaking, scuba diving, camping being some of my many hobbies). Used to love doing swimming when I was at school - got back into it about 6 or 7 years ago when I became interested in outdoor swimming, and now swim quite regularly (including taking part in the Brownsea island swim, doing a channel swim relay last year, and the polar bear swim challenge end of last year/start of this year!).
Have always been interested in fantasy-type things (e.g. Lord of the rings, magic, dragons, etc), so I think that's part of the appeal of mermaiding/mermaning to me, and another reason behind the name I've choosen - have been swimming with a (fabric) tail/monofin for a few weeks, and finding it really good fun as well though!
Originally came across the idea of mermaid/merman swimming when someone posted back in February in an outdoor swimming group that I'm a member of to ask if anyone would be interested in doing a mermaid/merman session. That never happened unfortunately due to lockdown, but I was still curious about it, so ordered a monofin/tail online to have a go with, and have taught myself the dolphin kick and learning a few other things bit by bit.
Been tail swimming outdoors in a few different places now, and gradually building up my confidence (both in the actual tail swimming, and in getting used to people seeing me swimming!). Been finding lots of information in various places, including here and various youtube channels which has been very useful.
Currently have a 'uramermaid' monofin and two tailskins to go with it. (Also have a really cheap monofin and tailskin that I brought early on as well, but I gave up on those after finding the uramermaid one so much better quality!)
Am considering getting other monofins to try as well - the Finfun AMP, and the Mahina monofin are two that I've been wondering about after reading reviews, but open to recommendations.
I quite like the look of the Finfun AMP as the uramermaid fin is the same shape, but the AMP has a few improvements such as the reinforcement between the feet and reinforced tips. Unsure about if it would fit my feet though (am size 10.5/11 in UK sizes), and also wondering if there is anywhere closer to the UK that sells it (or anywhere closer that sells the Mahina) to save on postage.
Look forward to getting to know everyone!
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