Sydney’s first-ever mermaiding fitness classes open at the Des Renford Leisure Centre, Maroubra

MERMAIDING is more than living a childhood fantasy and looking beautiful — it’s a fun form of fitness training, too and it’s taking off in Sydney.

MERMAIDING is more than living a childhood fantasy and looking beautiful — it’s a fun form of fitness training, too.

Chief mermaiding officer Michaela Werner, 37, has started Australia’s first mermaid fitness academy, No Ripples, where children and adults can experience the joy of being a mythological creature while exercising.

The leading mermaid school is coming to the Des Renford Leisure Centre, Maroubra, on September 11.

“Mermaiding is an exciting new water activity that combines fitness and fantasy in a unique way,” Ms Werner said.

“We teach children and adults how to use the monofins correctly and safely to efficiently move through the water.

“Swimming with a monofil is much faster than conventional swimming, so you can experience a completely new way of swimming, which is exciting and exhilarating.”

Southern Courier journalist Kimberley Caines tries mermaiding at Mahon Pool, Maroubra. Picture: Craig Wilson

The mother-of-three has more than 20 years’ experience in the aquatic industry as a lifeguard, surf lifesaver, swimming instructor and competitive freediver.

She said mermaiding made her feel happy, energised and fit.

“I have always been obsessed with the water, and with mermaiding you swim like a dolphin,” she said.

“I call it the fifth stroke but it’s not serious. You have fun while working the core.

“Kids love to look and swim like a mermaid. For those who cannot swim yet or are a little bit afraid, it motivates them to learn how to swim. When mermaiding is done properly, it is the most enjoyable water activity, with many health and fitness benefits.”

Mermaiding classes are for children aged seven to 14 and adults who can confidently swim 25m.

Classes begin with a talk on water safety, followed by mermaid yoga and then a lesson in the pool.

Southern Courier journalist Kimberley Caines. Picture: Craig Wilson

Michaela Werner and Southern Courier journalist Kimberley Caines at Mahon Pool, Maroubra. Picture: Craig Wilson

Ms Werner said participants in the classes don’t wear a mermaid tail as it was seen as being unsafe.

To book, visit noripples.com.au

SAFETY WARNING

Ms Warner said mermaid fins for children should only be used from ages seven and up, under strict adult supervision and after attending lessons.

She said children should be confident swimmers before using the fins and classes were necessary to teach children how to swim safely with them.

“Public swimming pools are worried about safety and the best way to overcome this is to educate people,” Ms Werner said.

“The fact is, thousands of people buy mermaid fins for Christmas. It becomes dangerous when children don’t know how to use them. If they use the fins properly, it can build their water confidence and, through play, the kids can get into more serious water sports like monofining or freediving when they’re older.”

No Ripples will start mermaiding classes at Maroubra.