New fitness class helps you train to be a mermaid

[caption id=“attachment_17071” align=“aligncenter” width=“387”]

Aquamermaid Academy’s mermaid suits. They’re made of stretchy fabric that goes up to your waist, with a plastic fin at the tail with an adjustable strap to hold to your feet in place.

Photo by Teah Lizée Photography[/caption]

[caption id=“attachment_17078” align=“aligncenter” width=“387”]

Marielle Hénault founded Aquamermaid Academy in Montreal in January. Photo by Teah Lizée Photography.[/caption]

A wave of mermaid swimming classes has made its way into Ottawa. Becoming a mermaid in the capital city is now a reality with Aquamermaid Academy offering mermaid swimming classes this September. ** Marielle Hénault ** founded Aquamermaid Academy in January of 2015. Aquamermaid Academy offers classes in Montreal, Toronto, and now Ottawa.

The first step in becoming a mermaid involves putting on a stretchy fabric tail that goes up to your waist. There is a plastic fin at the tail with an adjustable strap to hold to your feet in place.

I had a chance to put on one of these colourful mermaid tails and participate in a mermaid swimming class. A rack of colourful mermaid tails was wheeled into the pool area and I selected a bright orange one.

The lesson began with a quick swim test, and then we slid on our tails. Hénault taught us the basic kicking motions while we sat on the side of the pool and in the water while holding on to the ledge. To properly swim like a mermaid, I learned you must use your hips to move the tail rather than your knees.

[caption id=“attachment_17070” align=“aligncenter” width=“580”]

Photo by Teah Lizée Photography[/caption]

Next we practiced swimming with our tails. We started with the breaststroke, and then we swam completely underwater like a dolphin—or more accurately, a mermaid.

“I see a lot of little girls from seven years old to 13. It’s just their dream come true,” said Hénault. “And I see a lot of girls between 25-35 years old, who are more looking for a fitness activity but they still want to be mermaids and princesses.”

It was certainly a great abs workout. The fins in the tails are weighted, so it takes a little bit more effort to swim, but it gives you incredible speed once you get into the rhythm.

[caption id=“attachment_17067” align=“aligncenter” width=“387”]

Photo by Teah Lizée Photography[/caption]

[caption id=“attachment_17068” align=“aligncenter” width=“580”]

Photo by Teah Lizée Photography[/caption]

[caption id=“attachment_17069” align=“aligncenter” width=“580”]

Photo by Teah Lizée Photography[/caption]

[caption id=“attachment_17075” align=“aligncenter” width=“580”]

Photo by Teah Lizée Photography[/caption]

Once we were comfortable swimming, we began to play some mermaid games. We held hands and swam in synchronization underwater. Then we made an underwater train by holding onto each other’s tails while swimming.

The last game involved a floating square being placed in the middle of the pool. We were holding opposite sides of the square, and the goal was to use our tails to swim and push the other mermaid to the edge of the pool. The games were a fun way to practice the skills being taught.

Hénault said she brought mermaid swimming to Ottawa because of the growing demand.

“People were coming to Montreal from Ottawa,” said Hénault, “and I feel that it’s a great city to be in. It’s not too far from the city where I already operate.”

If mermaid swimming is something you are interested in, classes in Ottawa will begin on September 13 at the University of Ottawa pool. They offer classes for children and adults, birthday parties and bachelorette parties.

Any humans who are ready to shed their legs, can find their tail at Aquamermaid Academy.

( You can see more photos from Teah Lizée Photography here. )

[caption id=“attachment_17066” align=“aligncenter” width=“385”]

Reporter Victoria Klassen takes a break poolside. Photo by Teah Lizée Photography[/caption]