Mermaid Certification: How to Train, Tail Up & Swim Like a Pro

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Have you ever watched a mermaid glide effortlessly through the water and dreamed of joining them? The world of mermaiding is more accessible than ever, and mermaid certification programs can turn that dream into a reality. 

These courses are not just about wearing a beautiful tail; they are a fantastic way to build water confidence, learn essential safety skills, and connect with the ocean in a magical new way. Whether you are a curious beginner, a performance artist, or simply looking for a fun new hobby, getting a mermaid certification is the first step toward embracing your inner mermaid.

Ready to dive in? Check out the courses below to find the right one for you.

Which Mermaid Course Is Right for You?

SSI's mermaid courses provide a fun, comprehensive, and safe pathway to becoming a certified mermaid. They are designed to be accessible to a wide range of people, from children as young as six (with a parent or guardian's consent) to adults. The courses are structured to build your skills progressively, starting with the basics and moving on to more advanced techniques. 

1. Try Mermaid

The Try Mermaid program is a perfect entry point for those who want to experience what it is like to swim with a monofin and tail in a controlled environment, such as a pool. It is a fun, single-session experience designed to introduce you to the basic mermaid movements and the thrill of using the equipment. 

2. Mermaid

The next step is SSI's full Mermaid certification. This course typically involves a combination of online academic learning and in-water sessions in a pool or confined water. The online portion covers essential knowledge like equipment, safety procedures, proper breathing techniques, and the history of mermaiding. 

In the water, you will learn the fundamental skills of a mermaid certification, including dolphin kick, duck dives, and C-shape and U-shape side turns. The training also focuses on essential safety skills like buddy practices and how to safely enter and exit the water while wearing a tail.

3. Ocean Mermaid

For those who want to take their skills beyond the pool, the SSI Ocean Mermaid upgrade is the next logical step. This course prepares you to safely use your equipment in open water environments like lakes or the ocean, where you might encounter different conditions such as currents or varying visibility. 

This advanced mermaid certification builds on the foundational skills and is perfect for people who want to explore dive sites or perform in natural settings.

Want to take your mermaiding to the ultimate level? Here is: How to Become a Professional Mermaid 

Essential Skills and Safety Every Mermaid Learns

Safety is a cornerstone of any quality mermaid certification program, and SSI places a strong emphasis on it. In an SSI Mermaid course, you will learn that swimming with a tail is a different experience from traditional swimming, as your legs are held together in a monofin.

Because of this, mastering breath control and understanding buoyancy are critical. You will learn how to hold your breath safely and practice proper ear equalization techniques to manage pressure in your ears and sinuses when descending. 

A key component of the training is learning how to deal with issues like cramps in the water and how to rescue a buddy while wearing a tail. Every SSI course teaches the importance of the buddy system – you should never mermaid alone.

Beyond safety, the courses focus on cultivating grace and efficiency in the water. The core skill is the dolphin kick, a fluid, undulating movement that propels you through the water. You will practice various drills to refine this technique, along with graceful movements, underwater flips, and bubble kisses. 

You will also learn practical skills like how to put on your tail and monofin on land, how to enter and exit the water, and how to maintain a streamlined posture to reduce drag and increase your efficiency.

Mermen deserve a tail, too! Check this out: 7 Great Reasons Mermaiding is not just for Girls 

What Gear You Need (and Freediving Benefits Too)

The gear required for a mermaid certification is surprisingly simple: a mask or goggles, a snorkel, and, of course, a mermaid tail with a monofin. 

While some training centers will provide equipment for the duration of your course, many aspiring mermaids eventually invest in their own gear. SSI courses provide guidance on choosing the right equipment, from flexible monofins that mimic the movement of a real tail to fabric or silicone tails that can be a stunning expression of your personal style.

The skills you learn in a mermaid program have a direct crossover with freediving, making a mermaid certification a perfect gateway into the world of apnea diving. The dolphin kick is the primary propulsion technique used in freediving. Moreover, the breath-holding and equalization skills you develop are foundational to both disciplines. 

For anyone considering taking an SSI Basic Freediver course, mermaiding is a fantastic way to develop the comfort and breath control needed to progress. It teaches you to be relaxed and confident underwater, which is a core tenet of freediving.

LEARN MORE: How to Choose the Perfect Mermaid Tail - Tips on Durability & Comfort

How to Choose the Right Training Center

When choosing where to get your mermaid certification, look for a training center with certified SSI Mermaid Instructors. You can easily find one using the SSI Center Locator on the MySSI app or the SSI website.

When you reach out, ask about the class size; smaller groups often allow for more personalized attention. Consider asking if they offer in-water photo or video sessions as part of the course - it is a great way to capture your progress.

A friendly, supportive atmosphere is also key, especially if you are new to mermaiding or feel a bit shy. The instructor and fellow students in your class will become your "pod," and learning in a group fosters a fun and collaborative environment. 

This supportive community helps build body confidence, allowing you to feel beautiful and empowered in your tail regardless of your shape or size.

How to Become an Eco-Conscious Mermaid

Mermaiding is not just about graceful flips and shimmering tails – it is also an opportunity to become an ocean ambassador. As you train, you will likely develop a stronger connection to the sea and a desire to protect it. 

Many certified mermaids go on to champion marine conservation, raising awareness about issues like ocean pollution, coral health, and endangered species.

SSI's mermaid programs support this by promoting responsible interaction with marine life and introducing key environmental practices through the SSI Blue Oceans initiative. 

From choosing reef-safe sunscreen to reducing single-use plastics, eco-conscious mermaids learn to align their underwater adventures with care for the planet.

By learning to move through the water with awareness and breath control, you will gain more than just mermaid skills – you will see the ocean through new eyes. And that perspective can turn you into a powerful voice for the sea.

Your Mermaid Journey Starts Here

Completing your mermaid certification is an empowering experience that strengthens your body, builds confidence, and invites a deeper connection to the water. Whether you want to fulfil a childhood dream or take a rewarding step towards a new career, mermaiding offers something truly magical.

So, if you are ready to embrace your inner mermaid - as a performer, ocean advocate, or just for the joy of it - take the first step today.

Find an SSI Mermaid Training Center near you and start your journey.