Mermazing
On July 4, reports have emerged of mystical creatures sighted in St. Andrews. A ‘pod’ of ten mermaids was seen swimming in an inground backyard pool just south of Larter’s Golf Course.
Last Thursday, Michelle Wetton-Salo and Cassandra Bommersbach hosted a Mermaid Pod gathering.
This inclusive gathering of certified mermaids proudly displayed their tails, shells, and beloved accessories during their casual swim a in Wetton-Salo’s pool.
“We are a group of mermaids and mermen who are great swimmers and love the ocean,” said Wetton-Salo.
We meet as a pod several times a year.
“We meet to visit and catch up, but also for exercise and to practise for scuba diving,” said Wetton-Salo.
Mermaiding is a great workout as well. It is a good cardio workout and since you are weightless in water it is really good for your joints. Running and other exercises can be harmful in excess from the force put on your body when your feet hit the ground. You don’t have that problem with swimming!
Mermaid swimming furthers the workout because you have to rely mainly on your core to swim through the water in a tail. You also will work out your thighs, calves, arms, and glutes
Mermaid swimming involves a swim stroke called the dolphin kick, which is what swimmers use for the butterfly swim stroke
Wetton-Salo and Bommersbach are internationally certified mermaid course instructors and stress over and over the importance of swimming with a buddy if and when trying a mermaid fin.
Mermaid tails can consist of a colourful fabric that is zipped over a neoprene monofin at your feet that goes around the legs and stretches from the waist. This fin can be quite heavy and can pull you down in the water over your head. If you are not a strong swimmer or panic it could be dangerous.
But Wetton-Salo and Bommersbach are here to help anyone wanting to learn with the Scuba Schools International (SSI) Mermaid training. Both are certified instructors and can help you obtain your international mermaid certification as well.
For the past six years, Wetton-Salo has been sharing the enchanting mysteries of the waters with fellow Manitobans. She and Bommersbach were among the first to become SSI certified mermaids when the program was introduced in 2019.
The dazzling duo were the first to teach an international mermaid course in all of Canada and are the only certified program in Manitoba.
The popularity of being an SSI certified mermaid is increasing.
Blue Oasis Dive Centre in Winnipeg provides two mermaid courses for individuals seeking to embrace the water lifestyle.
The Try Mermaid is a one-time session designed for swimmers over the age of seven.
Experience the best of mermaid life with Try Mermaid, perfect for those eager to dip their toes and explore the waters.
For more committed swimmers, the full SSI Certified Mermaid Course is available for anyone aged ten and up.
The certification course includes online lessons, on-land and in-water training for those aspiring to become mermaids.
Blue Oasis’ webpage features a list of upcoming courses. You can also schedule an on-demand mermaid course by reaching out to Blue Oasis Dive Centre through their website, www.blueoasis.ca.
Being a mermaid requires strong swimming skills and Blue Oasis Dive Centre recommends the course to swimmers who have completed Level 4 of Red Cross Swim Kids program.
At Blue Oasis’ retail shop, you can find mermaid tails in a wide variety of colours to make your swim truly fin-tastic.
Utilizing your newfound mermaid abilities, you will have the ability to gracefully glide with your enchanting tail through various bodies of water across the globe.
Wetton-Salo explained that she has swam in several lakes and oceans as a mermaid.
One of her most cherished memories was swimming at Grand Cayman Island.
“The mermaid statue, Amphitrite, is right off the coast of the coral reef where I got to wear my mermaid tail and swim around,”
Ever since she first saw Disney’s The Little Mermaid, Wetton-Salo had always dreamed of becoming a mermaid.
Being a redhead herself, “I felt kinship with Ariel,” she added.
Wetton-Salo’s two daughters, 9-year-old Coral and 6-year-old Finley, are following in their mother’s waves and becoming rising mermaids.
For all your mermaid needs, come visit Blue Oasis Dive Centre at 400 Watt St. in Winnipeg and dive into new waters to learn the enchanting art of swimming like a mermaid.
It is important to remember always have companions while swimming and to always offer a helping fin to fellow mermaids.
Record Photo by Lana Meier
