From Fantasy to Purpose: My Journey as a Mermaid Sparks a Deep Commitment to Environmentalism

As a young girl, I had an immense fascination for mermaids – enchanting mythical beings depicted in literature and films, and splendid women in aquariums who waved to children and blew kisses.

I longed to be a mermaid, too. I dreamed of swimming gracefully in the ocean with my luminous, flowing tail following behind me in the azure waters.

This year, at 31 years of age, I finally resolved to take action. After all, who claims that childhood aspirations are solely meant for the young?

Mermaiding is effectively freediving while donning equipment resembling a mermaid tail, known as a monofin. It is an endeavor that necessitates training and can serve as recreation, therapy, or a means for marine conservation, among other purposes.

I enrolled in and completed a hyperbaric and underwater medicine course in Singapore this past October, to understand managing oxygen pressure and much more.

Authentic mermaiding demands significant freediving skills, and I was committed to training and conditioning my body to enhance breath-holding and to tolerate pressure variations underwater.

The following month, I successfully checked this lifelong ambition off my bucket list in Phuket, a renowned spot in Thailand famous for its crystalline waters and water sports.

Throughout a week, I learned and executed numerous mermaid tricks, including underwater backflips, front flips, and wall spins. I also mastered holding my breath underwater for over two minutes.

I returned to Singapore with a freediving certification, captivating mermaid videos, and an intriguing new hobby added to my repertoire.

However, I also came back with something I hadn’t sought or anticipated: A renewed sense of urgency to address climate change and environmental degradation.