how to become a mermaid in real life

Not only are mermaids real, it's easier than ever before to become a mermaid (or merman). Mermaid tails are available for all ages and body types, and mermaiding communities are popping up around the world. Read on to learn how to step up your mermaid game, meet some famous mermaids, and learn about mermaid job opportunities.

Everything you've ever wanted to know about becoming a mermaid is coming up!

padi mermaid centers — *Image courtesy of PADI AmbassaDiver Adam Sellars*

To truly become a mermaid, the first thing you learn is how to adapt to the underwater world. The two main options are: learning to freedive, or learning to scuba dive.

Option One: Learn to Freedive

Freediving is the best option as it fits the mermaid aesthetic. As a freediver, you'll be able to glide through the underwater world just like fish do, silently swimming alongside fellow marine creatures. In the PADI Freediver™course , you'll learn basic breath hold techniques and get your feet wet with freediving gear. You'll start with a breath hold goal of 90 seconds, and work towards holding your breath for three and a half minutes in the Master Freediver course. these might sound like long times to breath hold but with the proper training, you'll be amazed by what you can achieve!

Option Two: Learn to Scuba Dive

If breath holding isn't for you, or if you'd like to spend more than a few minutes underwater world, the PADI® Open Water Diver course is an excellent choice. As a PADI Diver you can explore the seven seas with more than 6,500 dive centers and resorts worldwide.

Option Three: Take a Mermaid Class

Did you know that there are now PADI Mermaid Programs? These new PADI programs are designed to provide water-enthusiasts an additional outlet for exploring their underwater passion.

PADI Mermaids Programs are stand-alone programs like the PADI Freediver program. They don't require scuba or freediver ratings as an underlying certification. The new Mermaid Programs consist of four student and three instructor level ratings:

PADI Mermaid Student Levels

PADI Discover Mermaid Experience – no pre-requisites.
PADI Basic Mermaid Course – ability to swim at least 25m (82 feet) and float comfortably at the surface for at least 3 minutes.
PADI Mermaid Course – ability to swim at least 50m (164 feet) and float comfortably on the surface for 5 minutes.
PADI Advanced Mermaid Course – ability to swim at least 100m (328 feet) and float comfortably on the surface for at least 10 minutes.

PADI Mermaid Professional Levels

Basic Mermaid Instructor – can teach Discover Mermaid experience and Basic Mermaid course.
Mermaid Instructor – can teach Discover Mermaid experience, Basic Mermaid course, Mermaid course and Advanced Mermaid course.
Mermaid Instructor Trainer – can teach Mermaid Instructor course and orientation.

Next Step: Get a Mermaid Tail

One of the best reasons to become mermaids is to get a fantastic tail. Mermaid tails are available on Amazon in child and adult sizes in a variety of shapes, styles and a rainbow of colors. Choose one with a monofin designed for swimming.

For mermaids who plan to work professionally, check out The MerTailor (aka Eric Ducharme ). The MerTailor has created tails for the famous Weeki Wachee Mermaids, Lady Gaga, Disney, etc.

Mermaid Careers

With the right skills and a proper tail, it's possible to get work as professional mermaids or mermen. Hannah Fraser describes herself as a "freelance mermaid" and has appeared in numerous films, was featured by Cosmopolitan magazine and gave a TEDx talk about her work.

PADI AmbassaDiver™ Dada Li is a Freediver Instructor Trainer in addition to mermaiding. Follow her adventures on Instagram @dadali27 .

The best of the best can join the Weeki Wachee Mermaids. These legendary sirens have been performing in the Florida springs daily since the late 1940's. Mermaid training camps for kids and adults are offered each summer, but sell out quickly.

If you know any aspiring mermaids, invite them to participate in PADI® Women's Dive Day . PADI Dive Centers and Resorts around the world offer special diving and Discover Scuba® Diving opportunities for women and girls to experience the underwater world. Find a Women's Dive Day event near you .