Tag Archives: swimming

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Mermaids and the price of tails

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Have you ever wondered what it would be like to be a mermaid? To have all the oceans as your playground?

I’ve been thinking about mermaids recently. The closer I get the more I wonder at them, and at how they have been part of our mythology for so long. Today’s discovery was about modern mermaids, and the eye trouble they’re having.

The idea of ‘real’ modern mermaids took me completely by surprise. I had no idea that there is an activity called mermaiding, where a swimmer puts on a large artificial fishtail (a monofin) and then enters the water as a mermaid. This has become so popular, that in 2020, after joining the United States Artistic Swimming Association, mermaiding was recognised as a sport, and now mermaid training is offered by PADI (the Professional Association of Diving Instructors) who provide certified courses to almost anyone aged 6 or older.

A warning though, apparently the sport is not as easy as the mermaids make it look. There can be eye problems for any who might want to perform in a tank to entertain the public, as the ideal is for mermaids to be open-eyed and goggleless regardless of how chlorinated the water might be. Another issue, according to one website I found, is blisters from the tail.

The good news however, is that the price of tails is dropping. You don’t have to spend a fortune to start, although if you want to go expensive, there are plenty of options for that too.

Copyright Georgie Knaggs & The Phraser 2023

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Questions to a wild swimmer

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On a winter’s morning of wind and gusting rain, I watched a ‘wild swimmer’ come in from the sea. I asked her a few questions. Here are her answers.

“Keeps me sane. It’s my moment. You’re out in nature, and have no idea what conditions are going to meet you. And no-one can get hold of you. You are alone with your thoughts in the water. It’s very meditative.”

How often do you go? Where do you go? When do you go? How do you swim when it’s so cold?

“Once a day at least, every day. Varies according to conditions. In Denmark I swim all year. If it’s icy my swims are shorter. If I’m in good condition and feeling strong, I can do more. I have to listen to my body. One day I can swim far, but the next day if I’m tired, or stressed, or haven’t slept well, or haven’t eaten well, I can’t do it. I like to be in my depth when it gets below ten degrees, and the colder it gets the more mentally aware I have to be. I have to know whether or not I can still touch finger to thumb. When I get out I feel fabulous, but lasts max five minutes, and in that time I have to get dressed and warm. First thing is to put something on my head. Best thing once I’m dressed is to have hot tea so I can warm from the inside out. Sometimes I’m shaking so much I can’t lift the cup to my mouth. I only wear a wetsuit if I’m swimming over a kilometer or in an event. I’m entering an event in January. I’ll only swim 25m.”

Did you do cold water training before you started this swimming?

“No. You pick this info up. I prefer summer swimming, but I enjoy the winter. If conditions are bad I’ll always try to be with someone. I go swimming at about seven in the morning.”

Who else is out there when you go swimming in Denmark?

“It’s fantastic because the age range is from teens to 88 year olds. Anyone can do it, and any shape. It’s a very inclusive sport. Both men and women are out there all through the year. In the long distance swimming it’s a fairly even mix too.”

Do you enjoy it?

“It’s fantastic. I can do it anywhere – the sea, a river, a lake. The best bit is being able to swim from somewhere to somewhere … and that anyone mad enough to do it can join in.”

Copyright Georgie Knaggs & The Phraser 2023