Austin Texas based

[JamesGunnels]

I am still currently trying to gather up some cash to make my silicone tail...we'll see how this all goes =/

[Appellativo]

Im new here and would love to have a meetup when things warm up. I dont know of anyplace to meet except perhaps barton springs. Its 68 degree water year round. But its very pretty with super visibility and various depths up to 16 feet. I went in summer and i thought i was going to die, the water was so cold, but once you start swimming, its very tolerable! I just have a fabric tail but Id love to have company! Whoever is up for it, reply here and Ill organize something this summer!!

[JamesGunnels]

62 actually ;-) and they don't allow any kind of monofins or closed ancle swimming etc, but it is great place to meet.

[Appellativo]

WHAAAAT?!? Thats a bummer!! Well where does everyone go swim? For right now Im using a heated rec center lap pool...want to find some nice local spots.

[JamesGunnels]

meh, Hamilton pool doesn't have any kind of rules against it that I know of, but the water there is so murky. Maybe lake Travis? There are a few places in Austin or surrounding areas that we could check out.

[Appellativo]

Lets do it (when it gets warmer). Im sorta shy about wearing my tail cover. For sure will use monofins and freedive fins when im not using it, though! I always forget about Hamilton pool, I need to go there...

[LauraLWatson]

A Texas wide meet up has just been planned for June 6 and 7 in the Corpus Christi area. There is a thread under Pod of Texas called Coastal mermaid meetup. You can find the details as they emerge there. Hope you all can come! I'll be driving through Austin on my way there and back, so if anyone wants to hitch a ride, let me know. Alas, I can't offer a place to stay. I'm staying with a friend and her zoo (kids+ animals= zoo.)

[Mermaid Kiku]

I'm Round Rock area and can travel to just about anywhere in Austin (when work permits). I'm super new but eager to jump in! Maybe we can all gather somewhere to just meet for fun when it won't be so cold out? brrrr~~

[Appellativo]

hi kiku, im Erin. I swim at Clay Madsen Rec Center (heated pool) for $15/month. if you want to meet up and swim in monofins, let me know!!

[Mermaid Kiku]

Thanks Erin! I had no idea that place had an indoor pool! I wish their hours were better suited to my work schedule. I currently go to the NW Austin Lifetime Fitness location because their pools are open 24 hours. They'd be too pricey for me if the pool was all I used.

Since I can't make the Coastal meet-up (even though I really REALLY want to!), I did some research for anyone local to the Austin-ish area:

http://www.realtyaustin.com/austin-swimming-holes.php#3

I don't know if Deep Eddy will let monofins and tails in. Red Bud Isle looks like it might cause twigs to stick us in very uncomfortable places. Twin Falls and McKinney Falls look nice and deep for tails but clear enough that sight wouldn't be too hindered. St. Edward's Park is also within city limits but looks like it might be nicer for a small friendly gathering rather than full-tail fun.

I wish Barton Springs would allow tails. It'd be perfect! The rocks and clear water make it pretty ideal. Maybe we could ask for special times that are less public-heavy that maybe they'd make an exception?

[Appellativo]

What times do you go swimming? Can I get a day pass and join you once? Do you swim in your tail there, or just a fin? I'll have to check out some of those places you mentioned, and also call them. It is frustrating just how many places you can swim that WONT let you have a monofin or tail. Defeats the WHOLE PURPOSE!!!

[Kaila Mermaid]

Also, for Austin are, Krause Springs was the locale of last years meet up and it's gorgeous

[AmbrGlows]

62 actually ;-) and they don't allow any kind of monofins or closed ancle swimming etc, but it is great place to meet.

No where on the site for Barton Springs information does it say monofins are prohibited. The following is the Prohibited List from the webpage (http://austintexas.gov/department/barton-springs-pool) ::
Prohibited Items and Activities

• Coolers, ice chests and thermal bags
• Food
• Smoking
• Glass
• Alcohol
• Frisbees, footballs, soccer balls or other hard balls
• Drinks are permitted but must be in a plastic re-sealable container with a twist-top lid

[AmbrGlows]

What times do you go swimming? Can I get a day pass and join you once? Do you swim in your tail there, or just a fin? I'll have to check out some of those places you mentioned, and also call them. It is frustrating just how many places you can swim that WONT let you have a monofin or tail. Defeats the WHOLE PURPOSE!!!

I've learned it's best to also get permission in written format so you can print it and have it on hand.

[JamesGunnels]

No where on the site for Barton Springs information does it say monofins are prohibited. The following is the Prohibited List from the webpage (http://austintexas.gov/department/barton-springs-pool) ::
Prohibited Items and Activities

• Coolers, ice chests and thermal bags
• Food
• Smoking
• Glass
• Alcohol
• Frisbees, footballs, soccer balls or other hard balls
• Drinks are permitted but must be in a plastic re-sealable container with a twist-top lid

I was told by someone at the spring that we couldn't o_O So unless he was just being a dick, then I dunno why he told me that. I'd love to meet up there if possible. It's one of my favorite places to go.

[AmbrGlows]

If it was just a lifeguard that is possible. I had a lifeguard tell me that once and I told her 1 it's not listed as a restricted item on the water park's website & 2 I have a note from the managers saying I can swim in my tail. She shut up after that. I think sometimes they get bored if they have nothing to do.

[JamesGunnels]

Yeah, it was a lifeguard. I dunno. I am going to order my monofin in about 2 minutes...so, I want to use it there.

[Jade Shadows]

I live an hour from Austin I am by fort hood, this is jennfer mermaid citrine...hope I can get up with you and maybe meet up and see if you can help me out, and mabye work for you as a mermaid for partys etc...I really want to do this I can sew on sequins to my latex tail I just need to know how you do it by had and where do you get the sequins, do they have to be a certain size, and what size, how long does it talk u to do the body part of the tail I do need a monofin and someone to help me put it in between the fluke I have some how and make it thicker, please let me know I am begging for a shot to join a merpod to do fun things with and make some money,,,

[JamesGunnels]

I don't think most people do it for the money...

[Mermaid Enora]

Take a look at the tail making threads in the forums. Tons of info on how to make all kinds of tails.