Tides of Becoming: The Magic of Mermaiding
By Coral Koi
There is something ancient woven into the human heart – a longing older than memory, older than myth. Across every coastline, in every language, we find whispers of beings who slip between worlds: mermaids. Guardians of the in-between, they exist where boundaries blur. They move between air and water, earth and dream, human and spirit. They call to the deepest parts of us. The parts that ache for freedom, for wonder, and for the home we almost forgot.
Mermaids are not bound to one ocean or one story. They shimmer across the world’s myths and memories, from the seductive sirens of Greece to the sacred water spirits of African traditions like Mami Wata. In Japan, they are ningyo, mysterious beings who bring misfortune or blessings. The Celtic selkies wear seal skins and shift between land and sea, caught between the lives they choose and the ones they long for.
Each tale is different, but the current beneath them all is the same. These beings are bridges. They are symbols of transformation, desire, and the wild beauty of becoming. Mermaids have always been more than legends. They are reflections of our own boundless spirit, creatures who live between definitions and beyond expectations. To hear their call is to remember the deep water within. The tides of longing, the shimmer of possibility, the voice that says you are more than you’ve been told.
Modern “Mermaiding”
Today, that magic endures. The art of mermaiding – swimming in mermaid tails, practicing breath control, movement, and character performance has grown from a niche hobby into a global billion dollar creative movement. Some discover it through fantasy or cosplay, others for fitness, freedom, or artistic expression. Mermaiding draws from dance, storytelling, aquatic skill, and play. It is often practiced in pools or open water, and is accessible to all ages and body types. In recent years, social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram have helped mermaiding surge in visibility, showcasing the joy, beauty, and empowerment that lives in the act of becoming a mermaid. For many, it is more than a hobby. It is an act of reclamation. A return to wonder. A way of saying, “This world is mine to swim through in my own way.” Imagine this:
You slip into the pool, and the world softens.
Sunlight dances in ribbons across the surface. Your tail fans out behind you like a whisper, and your body moves not with effort, but with grace.
Laughter echoes through the bubbles – not just your own, but from others who know this feeling too.
In that moment, you are not pretending.
You are a mermaid.
And the water remembers you.
How to Begin
Becoming a mermaid isn’t something you have to earn. It is something you remember. If you have ever felt drawn to the water, the myths, the magic – you are already closer than you think. Here are a few gentle ways to begin:
Join a local pod or community. Check social media for mermaid meetups in your area, or find local pods through Facebook or the Finfolk Pod Directory.
Try on different tails and monofins. Many pods, like ours, can help with loaner gear to try. For personal purchases, brands like Mertailor, Fin Fun, and Finfolk Productions offer beginner-friendly tails.
Learn water safety. Always swim with others, and get familiar with proper breath-holding techniques. Courses like PADI’s Mermaid Certification or NAUI’s Mermaid Program offer training for all levels.
Explore your mer-sona. Are you a siren, a sea witch, a gentle water spirit, or something entirely unique? The magic is in the self-expression.
Connect with merfolk online. Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube are filled with inspiration and education. Some creators even share tutorials on safe swimming, breath work, and underwater performance.
The Nashville Mermaid Pod is a vibrant community of hobbyists and performers who gather to celebrate mermaiding in Tennessee and beyond. We host monthly swim meets for all experience levels, inviting dreamers and doers alike into a space of joy, movement, and magic.
Beginners are always welcome. In fact, we encourage you to come to a meetup before purchasing any equipment. I personally bring a collection of tails and fins so you can explore what works for you. Sometimes, you need to feel the magic before you know where it lives in your body. Our pod is supported by a passionate team that upholds our values of transparency, growth, and play. Whether you are drawn to performance, connection, expression, or simple curiosity, there is a place for you here. Come swim with us. Come find yourself. Come home.
Wishing you warm tides and wilder dreams,
President, Nashville Mermaid Pod
Find the Nashville Mermaid Pod on Facebook and Instagram, or send us an email at nashvillemermaidpod@gmail.com
Want To Play Mermaids With Us?
Join Coral Koi, Nordic Siren, and LadyWolfHart at Nashville Fantasy Ball’s “The Siren Swim: A Mermaid Pool Party” on August 8th, 2025.
