The dream of becoming a mermaid is coming true

A diving training center located in the Karaburun district of İzmir is offering "mermaid" diving training to increase the interest of underwater enthusiasts in diving.

"Mermaid" costume mono-fin diving courses offered to individuals over the age of 6 continue with practical training following online and in-person theoretical instruction.

The course program can vary between 3 and 5 dives, and also includes a single trial dive. Those who complete the course are awarded a "mermaid" certificate.

"Becoming a mermaid" Women and girls who decide to take training to realize their dream of "becoming a mermaid" swim among the fish in brightly colored costumes and colorful fins, discovering the beauties of the underwater world.

"THIS TRAINING IS VERY FUN FOR LITTLE GIRLS"

Diving instructor Arzu Arslan stated that anyone who knows how to swim can receive diving training.

Stating that they began the training by first demonstrating free-diving techniques, Arslan said, "This course is especially fun for young girls. Thanks to this, they feel like a fairy tale hero. For adults, it turns into a visual feast underwater."

Stating that mermaid diving is a freediving technique performed with a monofin, Arslan noted that the mermaid tail also makes the activity visually more fun.

Arslan stated that the trial dive is a 1-hour program, adding, "It consists of a briefing on the water and the dive itself. Apart from this, we have programs such as mermaid, ocean mermaid, and model mermaid. Although not very common in Turkey, certified mermaid freedivers can easily find work abroad in the advertising and film industries, as well as in shows performed in large aquariums. We expect these types of activities to increase in Turkey," he said.

Arslan added that approximately 350 women and children have received training so far in the program they launched 3 years ago.

"I AM A 2-WEEK-OLD MERMAID"

Trainee Nida Zengin stated that she lives in the Foça district of İzmir and joined the course with the dream of becoming a "mermaid."

Stating that mermaid training is not very common, Zengin said, "I have only been a mermaid for 2 weeks. I am a level one mermaid. I will work to advance to the next levels as well."

Zengin, who also mentioned that she goes scuba diving, stated, "Every girl's dream is to see herself in that mermaid costume. It really makes you feel different. You feel like you are in a different atmosphere, in a different world underwater. That's why I recommend it to anyone who has such an interest. I want to continue."

9-year-old Asya Arslan, who participated in the course, also said that she has been receiving swimming and diving training since she was 2 years old and that she is having a lot of fun.

Arslan stated that mermaid training was very entertaining for her, adding, "There is a very different life underwater, and seeing that life makes me happy."