The Mercademy

Our sessions are not limited to one age group or gender but are open to everyone. Classes will be divided into groups based on age and skill level. Non-Swimmers and Swimmers, Male and Female, Beginners and Intermediate Mers, Children and Adults- there is a place for everyone at Mercademy!

Non-Swimmers- This is for students who cannot swim the length of the pool without stopping or requiring assistance. They will participate in merfolk training while wearing a U.S. Coast Guard approved life jacket. This is NOT swim lessons, though, and formal swim lessons are HIGHLY encouraged in addition to Mercademy so students can enjoy their tails safely.

Link to YouTube video of Non-Swimmer Class: https://youtu.be/HiNrDzlnwlc

Beginner - These are students who are able to swim 50 yards unassisted using the stroke of your choice and demonstrate proper breathing techniques. This is not swim lessons. This is merfolk training. We will teach you how to swim like a mermaid or merman, which is a skill that builds upon prior swimming ability.

Link to YouTube video of Beginner Class: https://youtu.be/wpeDyMHLnXo

Intermediate - These students are either self taught or have had other merfolk training. They wish to build upon their skills and connect with other mers. They are able to swim the length of the pool using the dolphin kick without stopping or assistance. Safety is always the top priority, but students will be able to test their limits with more tricks, stunts, and an introduction to extended breath holds. Professional working mers, and those who hope to be, are welcome to join at this level so long as they take note of the non-compete portion of the registration paperwork.

Link to YouTube video of Intermediate and Professional Mer Class: https://youtu.be/kcvQxDcSQeI

Mercademy Open House

A one hour introductory workshop ideal for those who want to try out The Mercademy and get to know The MerFriends.

** PLEASE TAKE NOTE **

** Participants may use their own tails but you will still receive a fabric tail. The cost will not be prorated for those using their own tails. Tails made with sequins are allowed so long as very few sequins are found in the pool drain and/or at the bottom of the pool. The Mercademy reserves the right to ask participants to change tails in order to protect our equipment and other participants.

** Professional working mers, and those who hope to be, are welcome at The Mercademy so long as they take note of the non-compete portion of the registration paperwork. Students of The Mercademy will sign a non-compete clause as part of their paperwork that covers 300 miles from all Mercademy locations and spans a period of three (3) years. This means participants and their immediate family members are not allowed to charge money or work in exchange for other goods and/or services as a professional MerPerson. The Mercademy encourages students to enjoy their tails, safely, as a hobby and fitness routine. Should a participant want to work as a professional MerPerson, they are encouraged to apply for work with The MerFriends. Completion of The Mercademy program is not a guarantee of future work with The MerFriends. Outside of the non-compete area and time period, professional Mers have the full support of The MerFriends to pursue their dreams and career goals- safely, believably, and professionally.

All sessions are overseen by Laura the Mermaid, a professional mermaid since 2012 and American Red Cross certified Water Safety Instructor since 1996. She is assisted by members of The MerFriends, all of whom are certified by the American Red Cross as lifeguards and water safety instructors in addition to a minimum of one year experience as a professional mer. Laura the Mermaid will work with each group throughout the session, and each group will have a dedicated instructor with them at all times. Lifeguards will also be stationed around the pool with a 1:5 ratio.