Ask a Professional Mermaid
You had a look around the website of professional Mermaid Kat but you still have some questions? Have a look in our frequency asked questions and we hope you will find your answer. You can’t find your answer on this page? No problem, just ask a mermaid directly! Send us an email and Mermaid Kat is happy to answer all your mermaid related questions.
Q: How did you become a real life mermaid?
A: Since I was a young girl and watched Disney’s “The Little Mermaid” for the first time, I dreamed of turning into a real-life mermaid. About 20 years later I became a scuba diving instructor and spending so much time underwater made me remember this childhood dream. I signed up for freediving classes and learned to hold my breath for several minutes. I also practised the mermaid swimming movement and underwater modelling. Then I built my first mermaid tail and “Mermaid Kat” was officially born in May 2012.
Q: How do you stay fit?
A: Mermaiding is a full body workout which makes you use many different muscle groups. Additionally, to swimming in a mermaid tail, I practise yoga 4-5 times a week. These are great ways to exercise. Also when I’m travelling I make sure to keep my body moving even with simple things like going for a walk. I have a step counter on my phone and make sure to achieve a minimum of 5,000 steps every day. With the support of my plant based diet, I feel very fit and strong.
Q: As a mermaid, do you follow a special diet?
A: In 2012 I changed my diet to a vegetarian diet because of my love for animals and our planet. Since 2019 I follow a diet which is about 99% plant based. I love drinking my chai latte with oat milk and feel the goodness energising my body and mind. Being plant based doesn’t just give me a clearer conscious about animals and our environment. It is actually a great way of life and supports my mental and physical strength. Many athletes are archiving much better training results after changing to a plant based diet. If you’re interested in finding out more, I can highly recommend watching the documentary “The Gamechangers”. Since 2022, I try to implement Medical Medium protocols by Anthony William, such as starting my day with half a liter lemon water, followed by half a liter freshly made celery juice, half an hour later. As a vegan I cut out any meats, eggs and dairy anyway. I also try to avoid consuming canola oil, gluten, corn and soy. My health is just incredible and also my hair, skin and nails are in a much better condition than before. The Medical Medium recommendations have helped so many friends and family members to heal their illnesses.
Q: How much does your Mermaid Tail weight?
A: The fabric mermaid tails I use weight only about 1 – 2 kg. My professional silicone mermaid tails on the other hand weight up to 15 kg.
Q: How do you get into a silicone mermaid tail?
A: To get into a silicone mermaid tail can be a bit tricky. The secret is to use a lubricant. I like to use a natural oil such as coconut or olive oil. You can also use shower gel or hair conditioner instead of the oil. Be aware of fingernails! This video shows you the whole process of getting into my silicone mermaid tails.
Q: How long can you Hold your Breath for?
A: While relaxed, I can hold my breath for close to 4 minutes. During underwater shoots, my breath hold will be effected by various factors such as the water temperature or currents. When I get to swim with marine life such as dolphins or sharks I get super excited. Therefore, my body uses more Oxygen, which effects my breath hold times.
Q: Are Mermaid Tails safe to use in the Water?
A: Mermaid tails are no swimming devices and should only be used by experienced swimmers who can swim in deep water without any assistance. You should only swim in your mermaid tail with an experienced buddy or under direct supervision. As your legs are tight together, you are at higher risk of injury as a self-rescue might be more difficult in an emergency situation. Mermaiding is exhausting! Train your way up and get used to your mermaid tail before you use it in open water or deep water swims. We also recommend to visit a mermaid school that teaches you the proper use of your mermaid tail. Make sure you get a high quality mermaid tail, not all tails available are safe for children. If you want to purchase a mermaid tail for your children check out my top 10 tips.
Q: How can I become a Professional Mermaid?
A: When I started working as a mermaid, there were no mermaid schools or places that would teach mermaiding. In August 2012 I opened the world’s first mermaid school “Mermaid Kat Academy” and since then, my team and I have turned over 10,000 students into mermaids and mermen. Before you become a professional mermaid, make a decision on which fields you are willing to work in. Do you want to work as a mermaid entertainer at dry events, as a singing mermaid on stage or as an underwater mermaid model? There are endless jobs out there, it all depends on your skills and abilities. If you want to become a mermaid performer or mermaid model, freediving and underwater modelling skills are just as important as an outstanding portfolio. My international Mermaid Retreats are specifically designed to train these abilities and create a breathtaking portfolio filled with underwater content.
Q: Can you share a funny story, when things went wrong, or something unexpected happened?
A: Oh yes. There is one particular problem that most mermaids and mermen would know about. When you enter the water, air is escaping from the inside of your tail. This could make it look like you just farted. If this happens during events it can be quite embarrassing.
Q: Have you ever been featured on TV or Film?
A: Oh yes. I have been interviewed for TV in Australia, Malaysia, China, Germany, Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia and more. I featured in numerous films and movies in Germany, France and TV shows such as “Goodbye Deutschland” and “Byron Baes” in Australia. I have been featured in several TV commercials such as for PHILIPS in France GRÜNBECK in Germany and a LEXWARE commercial in Germany. Feel free to check out my credentials and YouTube Channel.
Q: What did your first mermaid tail look like?
A: My first mermaid tail was made from neoprene, latex and a monofin. It was black and red coloured.
Q: What Type of Mermaid Tails do you use?
A: I use the professional mermaid tails made by Mermaid Kat Shop. For training I often use the fabric mermaid tails and during events and underwater photo- and video shoots I swim in the highly functional and super realistic looking silicone mermaid tails.
Q: What Make Up do you use Underwater?
A: There are many different brands out there that make waterproof make up. For me it’s important to choose cruelty free, vegan cosmetics, ideally when they are not packed in plastic. Usually, I only use waterproof mascara and lipstick. If you don’t touch your face, non waterproof eye shadow, foundation and blush stays in place.
Q: How do you swim with our eyes open?
A: Unless the water quality of a swimming pool isn’t maintained properly, it is quite easy to keep my eyes open underwater. Saltwater might sting a little bit but after a short time of practice you’ll get used to it. Keep in mind, that you won’t be able to see clearly without a mask. Depending on the light and visibility you might see shadows, shades, shapes and colors. This might take some time to get used to.
Q: How do you avoid Water entering your Nose?
A: Mermaiding looks much more glamorous than it actually is. Saltwater and chlorinated water entering the nose and sinuses is just part of the job. Some mermaid performers may use masks or nose clips to avoid this. Otherwise, it’s just something you have to “suck up”.
Q: How important are freediving skills as a Mermaid?
A: It really depends on what kind of mermaid you are. If you are entertaining at dry events or maybe splash around with kids in a pool at birthday parties, freediving skills are not the most important skills to have. On the other hand, when teaching mermaiding or performing as an underwater model or at underwater shows, your freediving skills are very important. You need to be able to fully relax while performing underwater. Otherwise you might not look realistic to your audience. Freediving will help you to relax, extend your breath hold and understand your body’s abilities and limits. Personally, I would recommend to join at least a basic freediving course and more if you like.
Q: Is being a Professional Mermaid a Glamorous Job?
A: Working as a professional mermaid is a job that surely has some magical moments. Making a birthday girl smile when she sees you in your tail is definitely a wonderful moment. Swimming alongside sea creatures like wild dolphins and sharks are experiences you will never forget. But being a professional mermaid is not always as glamorous as it looks like. You need to be able to hold your breath for several minutes and still be able to look natural when salt and chlorinated water gets into your eyes, nose and sinuses. It is important that you are completely relaxed in the water even though you work mostly blind, without a mask or goggles. Sea sickness, hypothermia, ear infections and sinus infections are basically part of your job when you work as a professional mermaid.
Q: Do you do Mermaid Shows in Aquariums?
A: As a total animal lover, I don’t support any campaigns, projects or events that encourage abuse or killing of animals. I don’t perform at zoos or aquariums that keep animals in captivity for the sole purpose of human amusement and entertainment. Exceptionally, I support events, campaigns or projects, if these have a specific purpose to create awareness for animals or the environment. Therefore, I performed at “Underwater World Pattaya” in Thailand for the “Clean Ocean Campaign”. I also swam in the shark tank of “Aquaria KLCC” in Malaysia for the “Save our Fins” campaign and took photos at “Sea Life” in Germany for a “SharkChance” photo campaign.
Q: Kids must ask you tons of funny questions, want to share some of those?
A: I love working with kids, they are hilarious. Usually they ask me where I live, how old I am, what I eat, how I came on land and other similar questions. You really need to get your story right and be prepared for everything. I performed at a school in Australia a while ago and one of the kids asked me how mermaids have babies. I replied “the same way as dolphins”. Then she asked how dolphins have babies and at that point luckily the teacher stepped in and said that they’ll cover that topic later.
Q: How do people react when they find out that you’re a “mermaid”?
A: When I first turned myself into a mermaid, people wouldn’t take me seriously. I mean to be honest – would you? But after I turned into “Mermaid Kat” and turned mermaiding into my full time professional and a successful international business, people’s reactions changed. Today they take me seriously and appreciate the hard work and training I put into my unusual career. But telling someone that you are a mermaid is never a quick thing to do. Be aware that more questions are coming your way.
Q: When did you start Mermaiding?
A: I started mermaiding in May 2012. My first mermaid performance was at “Bliss Beach Ball” for the foundation “Phuket has been good to us” in Thailand. It was a beautiful event with a wonderful cause. At first I started mermaiding as a hobby but it developed quickly and turned into my profession. In August 2012 I opened my mermaid school (Mermaid Kat Academy). Since then I have taught mermaid courses in over 12 different countries and have hosted several international mermaid retreats.