In the PADI Advanced Mermaid™ course, you'll build on your PADI Mermaid™ certification and apply it to the open water environment. You'll learn the basics of how the open water environment differs from a pool or confined water (larger, deeper, more variable conditions) and be introduced to open water mermaiding techniques. You'll also learn about aquatic life – what to expect, how it can affect you, and how you avoid harm.

To enroll in the PADI Advanced Mermaid course you must be 12 years old or older and have a PADI Mermaid certification (or a qualifying certification from another mermaid organization). You need to be able to swim at least 100m/320ft without swim aids, able to float comfortably at the surface for at least 10 mins and in good physical health.

The PADI Advanced Mermaid course consists of three main phases:

Knowledge development through independent study with the PADI Advanced Mermaid eLearning.

At least two confined water sessions, in which you'll learn to prepare for mermaiding, rescue/problem management skills and the conduct of mermaid dives. You also learn mermaid skills, such as dolphin (butterfly) kicks, C-shape and U-shape side turns, and some skills distinct to mermaid diving, including backward somersault turn, underwater handshaking mermaid bubbles, and back glides.

Open water sessions in a natural local body of water, or purpose-built site significantly larger than a pool, suited to mermaid diving in which you learn and practice the set-up, conduct and execution of open water mermaid dives, including environmentally friendly mermaid diving techniques.

Equipment

In the PADI Advanced Mermaid course, you will use a monofin (i.e. mermaid tail), mask, snorkel and fins. You may also use a wetsuit and weight belt. Using gear designed specifically for mermaiding is best for this level; however, you may be able to use snorkeling equipment you already own. If you are a freediver, some of your gear (e.g. mask, fins, and snorkel) is also mermaiding gear.

• Call Camille Fleming at 916-359-9727 to discuss dates or pay for the course by calling the shop at 916-365-2410, or sign up for a date listed online.
• Complete your PADI eLearning in your own time, anytime before the dives.
• Gear you must own: Mask, Snorkel, Monofin
• Gear Provided for course: Mask, snorkel & Monofin, weight belt, weight, full foot fins, eLearning