Have you ever dreamed of swimming like a mermaid? With practice, you can learn to move with the grace and power of this mysterious creature. Once you've mastered the moves and feel confident in the water, you can even add a monofin and an artificial mermaid tail to complete your transformation!
Step
Method 1 of 3: Learning the Dolphin Kick
Step 1. Warm up and get used to the water
Before trying to swim, make sure you feel comfortable and confident in the water. Swim a few laps without holding on to the side of the pool or other people, stomp your feet in the water for a minute, and practice floating your front to back and back to front flips.
- If you can't do this warm-up easily, you'll need to practice basic swimming skills before attempting to swim like a mermaid. Dolphin kicks require a lot of force, and you need to be able to hold your breath underwater.
- If you feel nervous or panicky, concentrate on building your confidence in the water before you do anything else. Work with a coach or parent to level up your swimming skills to a level you are comfortable swimming on your own.
Step 2. Float on your stomach and hold your body in a straight line
Your body and head should be parallel to the bottom of the pool.
- Arms may be on either side or stretched out in front of you, arms clasped together like a spear.
- Feet and soles should be close together, and the soles of the feet tapered.
- Don't lock your knees.
Step 3. Press your chest into the water then release
Keep your main body tight, keeping your shoulders and arms still.
Step 4. Press your waist into the water at the same time you release your chest
Legs should follow the waist in a downward motion, knees slightly bent.
Step 5. Release your waist and press your chest back down
Step 6. Stretch your knees as you release your hips, allowing the waves to move past your legs
Step 7. Kick your feet
Your overall movement should be like a whip, with your foot at the end of the whip. This movement must be done continuously, without stopping.
Imagine a wave or undulating motion through your body, from your waist to your toes
Step 8. Repeat the sequence
When you press your chest down, your waist will move up and when you press down your chest will move up. Your legs should follow the movement of the waist.
Method 2 of 3: Swimming with Monofin
Step 1. Remember that monofins are not a tool for beginner swimmers
Swimming in monofin will increase the power of your kicks and will take you into the water farther and deeper than you can imagine. If you're not a good swimmer, don't know how to hold your breath, or are getting nervous or panicky in the water, then monofin swimming is dangerous for you.
Step 2. Find the right monofin
Your safety and comfort depend on finding a monofin that fits and isn't too heavy. Heavy monofins will sink you into the water and cause you to tire quickly.
- Women should start with a fin one level below shoe size; Men should start with the same frog leg size as their shoe size.
- If the monofin pinches, hurts your foot, or is difficult to fit your foot into the hole, try a larger size.
- Sit down and wiggle your feet in all directions. If the frog's legs are twitching, try a smaller size. The frog's legs should be tight (but comfortable).
Step 3. Practice using monofin in the pool
Eliminating the variables of wind, waves, currents and the possibility of coral or seaweed will allow you to concentrate on getting used to your monofin.
Step 4. Perform a dolphin kick using a monofin
Free yourself to get used to the feeling that the frog's feet keep your feet and soles together and add weight to the frog's feet. Watch how far you can propel yourself with one kick.
Keep your arms at your sides or spread them out in front of you in a spearhead shape. Using your arms isn't necessary and it will only make you feel tired faster
Step 5. Practice until you feel confident using monofin
Do not bounce or stand on the end of the monofin, especially if the monofin is bent backwards. You can break a frog's leg
Method 3 of 3: Swimming with a Mermaid Tail
Step 1. Make or buy a mermaid tail
There are many online shops selling mermaid tails in a variety of colors and materials. Make sure you use the measurement instructions before ordering your tail.
Step 2. Practice swimming with a mermaid tail in the pool before trying out on the high seas
You should be completely comfortable moving around with a mermaid tail before using it in a lake or ocean. Build your confidence in the pool before crashing into the waves, currents, and other mix of complications.
- If swimming in a public pool, be sure to speak to the supervisor or pool manager before swimming in a mermaid tail. If you don't want to swim where many children play, ask permission to use one of the lanes for swimming.
- Swim in a mermaid tail under adult supervision.
Step 3. Don't rub the mermaid's tail against a rough surface like the bottom of a pool
You'll want to keep the sharp tip of the mermaid's tail. Rubbing a mermaid's tail against a rough surface can damage it and cause it to tear.
Tips
- Have fun, but be careful!
- Be kind to the mermaid tail.
- Always swim with friends and adult supervision.
Warning
- Make sure you are a good and confident swimmer before trying to swim in a mermaid tail.
- Know your limits as a swimmer, don't push yourself.
- Never risk any water that is unsafe. Mermaids are not immune, and neither are you!
