The below classes are all included in your participant pass. Preregistration is required for some courses due to limited class sizes. Preregistration will become available on January 15th at 5pm. Register by clicking the link and “buying” the free ticket through our ticket portal.
Note: General programming and swimming are not included with the Observer Pass however you may attend all main stage sessions, all merwrangling classes, and accompany any minors in your care to their sessions (but may not participate). See our FAQ for more details.
Instructor: Mermaid Sirenella
1 Hour
Sunday 3 PM – 4 PM
3rd Floor – Classroom A
– No prerequisites. All ages and experience levels welcome.
Between Magic and Mayday teaches mermaids how to stay calm, confident, and effective in real-world emergencies. Learn the essential post-rescue actions every mer should know — from recognizing distress to handling the critical moments before help arrives.
Instructor: Mermaid Ani
1 Hour
Saturday 12 PM – 1 PM
Ground Floor – Main Stage
Observer Passes Welcome
– No prerequisites. All ages and experience levels welcome.
Love celebrating Earth day, but curious what you can do all year to help your aquadic eco system? We will cover Pod pickups, Biological monitoring, and Chemical Monitoring that you can do in your local community!
Instructor: Mermaid Ani
1 Hour
Sunday 10:30 AM – 11:30 AM
3rd Floor – Classroom B
– No prerequisites. All ages and experience levels welcome.
For many merfolk, the greatest limitation to their art is the clock. A single breath-hold provides only a fleeting moment to capture the perfect shot or engage with an audience. Underwater Performance with Air is designed to extend those time constraints, teaching performers how to safely and elegantly incorporate external air sources into their work.
Drawing from the Aqua Native curriculum, and book: Underwater with Air, this session bridges the gap between technical SCUBA skills and the ethereal grace of professional mermaiding. We move beyond basic skills and focus on how to maintain a seamless “Mersona” while utilizing supplied air equipment.
As the mermaid industry grows, the demand for long-duration underwater work in film, high-end photography, and tank performances is increasing. Mastering air-assisted performance is a vital professional “level-up.” It eliminates the need for repetitive breath-holding, increases on-set efficiency, and allows for a level of creative expression that may not be possible on a single breath. Whether you are a professional looking to expand your bookings or a hobbyist wanting to spend more time “home” in the water, this workshop provides guidance to the tools to do so with confidence and grace.
Lead by Morgana Alba
1 Hour
Sunday 4 PM – 5 PM
Ground Floor – Main Stage
Observer Passes Welcome
Join us at the main stage for announcements, raffle drawing winners, announcements, and a first look at next year!
Lead by Morgana Alba
1 Hour
Sunday 0930 AM – 10:30 AM
Ground Floor – Coffee Shop
– No prerequisites. All ages and experience levels welcome.
Early Mer Gets the worm! Have questions about working in the mermaid industry? Meet professional mermaids from around the country for coffee, Network with other industry pros and get advice in this informal settings.
Pre-Registration Required
Instructor: Opal Whiptail
1 Hour
Saturday 4pm – 5pm
3rd Floor – Classroom B
Required Equipment:
– Conch Shell Horn
You may bring your own or purchase one from Opal Whiptail in advance for delivery during class.
– All ages and experience levels welcome.
Embrace the music of the sea a shell out a tune of your own with now rare and wonderous instruments: whelks & conch shells. Learn a variety of sea swelling tunes to add musical magic to your performance. Bring your own shell or purchase one from Opal.
Class will focus on care for your shell, the history of the conch shell, and a set of delightful tunes.
Instructor: Leigh Targaryen
Kids’s Programming
1 Hour
Sunday 3 PM – 4 PM
2nd Floor – Kids Play Area
Required Equipment:
– Wear clothing that is comfortable to move around in
Kick off your flippers and put on your dancing shoes or sport your human bare feet and join Miss Leigh in an underwater dance adventure. Children will start their journey with some gentle stretches and warm-ups while we prepare to delve into the sea to explore the movements of many aquatic friends. There will be dance games, songs, and stories. At the end there will be a mermazing dance party in the Octopus’ Garden. Don’t miss out on this fun and active panel!
Pre-Registration Required
Instructors: Merfolk Nettles
90 Minutes
Sunday 10 AM – 11:30 AM
Ground Floor – Main Stage
Observer Passes Welcome
– No prerequisites. All ages and experience levels welcome.
Join the merfolk of the Appalachian Mermaid Society for an Actual Play underwater-themed adventure complete with audience participation, prizes, and more. For lovers of tabletop games, roleplay, fantasy, and underwater creatures, let’s play together!
Dice in the Deep LIVE! is a continuation of our underwater adventures from the past two years of Dice in the Deep at Mermagic Con. This Actual Play show gives us the opportunity to involve many more participants in our underwater adventure. If you’re a fan of Dungeons and Dragons or other unscripted roleplay performances, this show includes audience participation, prizes, and more!
1 Hour
Saturday 1pm – 2pm
Ground Floor – Main Stage
Observer Passes Welcome
– No prerequisites. All ages and experience levels welcome.
Join a panel of Merfolk from all walks of life for a discussion on the trials, tribulations, and challenges facing the mermaid community today as we all strive to create a more inclusive world.
Instructor: Mermaid Zippy
1 Hour
Saturday 4 PM – 5 PM
3rd Floor – Classroom A
– No prerequisites. All ages and experience levels welcome.
Make your fabric tail last longer with tips and tricks for repairing and taking care of it! Mermaid Zippy will share techniques for maintaining and repairing a fabric mermaid tail: washing techniques, how to patch and repair holes neatly, zipper repair, ways to fix faded spots, and ideas for creative repairs when regular fixes just won’t do.
Lead By: Mermaid Chè Monique
1 Hour
Saturday 2:30 PM -3:30 PM
Ground Floor – Main Stage
Observer Passes Welcome
– No prerequisites. All ages and experience levels welcome.
Join the Society of Fat Mermaids for a fun panel discussion moderated by their founder, Mermaid Chè Monique, discussing their experiences as fat merfolk with have plenty of time for Q&A, so bring your questions.
This panel will discuss what it’s like breaking into the findustry. Their experiences working, how to cultivate a supportive online community, as well as tangible things like tail shopping, getting around on land, and buoyancy control. The conversation will be recorded for the Society of Fat Mermaids podcast, Fat Mermaids Make Waves.
Instructor: Ayla, The Mermaid Maid
1 Hour
Sunday 3 PM – 4 PM
3rd Floor – Classroom B
– No prerequisites. All ages and experience levels welcome.
Want to start your own pod, but not sure where to begin? Already an expert at hosting swim meetups, but want to expand into land meetups? Want to do something environmentally focused with your Mer-Community? Having hiccups trying to contact a “fin-friendly” pool? Then this is panel for you!
We will cover tips and tricks for you to host your own environmental, craft, photography, social, swim, or other fun meetup! Ayla the Mermaid Maid, has hosted monthly meetups for 4+ years for several community pods, and hopes we can work together to provide support for our MerCommunity!
Lead by “The Enchanted Teapot“
Kid’s Programming
1 Hour
Sunday 10:30 AM – 11:30 AM
Pool Deck – Leisure Pool
Splash around with a couple of live mermaids! Take photos and get all your mermaid questions answered during this poolside meet and greet!
Lead by “The Enchanted Teapot“
Kid’s Programming
1 Hour
Saturday 9:30 AM- 10:30 AM
2nd Floor – Kid’s Play Area
Meet and greet with the 2023 version of the mermaid princess! Bring magic to life for your little one with sinagalongs, dancing, story time and photos.
Lead by Ravens Ornaments
90 Minutes
Sunday 9 AM – 10:30 AM
3rd Floor – Classroom B
Pre-requisites:
– Requires use of one hand- requires being able to sit for an hr
– Anyone under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian
Spend a relaxing morning chilling with finfolk while you paint your own mermaid ornament to decorate your grotto and also paint your own temporary taboos to apply on yourself.
Instructor: Leigh Targaryen
Kid’s Programming
1 Hour
Saturday 2:30 PM – 3:30 PM
2nd Floor – Kids Play Area
Prerequisites:
– This class is designed for ages 8 and up
Required Equipment:
– Wear clothing that is comfortable to move around in
– Water bottle and Yoga Mat recommended
Get you fins, phalanges, and flukes ready for the water with this movement and conditioning class. Mermaid Sealeigh will take you through exercises geared to help build the strength and flexibility important for mermaiding.
Instructor: Mermaid Cassie
1 Hour
Saturday 2:30 PM – 3:30 PM
Main Pool – Lanes 1 & 2
Prerequisites:
– Anyone under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. (Poolside/out of water is fine)
– All participants must be strong swimmers, with experience swimming in the attire they participate in
– Must be able to tread water in short bursts (can take a break when needed)
Required Equipment:
– Goggles or Mask
– Tails recommended but not required
Get you fins, phalanges, and flukes ready for the water with this movement and conditioning class. Mermaid Sealeigh will take you through exercises geared to help build the strength and flexibility important for mermaiding.
From the Creators of “The Enchanted Teapot“
Kid’s Programming
1 Hour
Sunday 1:30 PM – 2:30 PM
2nd Floor – Kid’s Play Area
From the magic specialists at The Enchanted Teapot comes this MerMagic Con – exclusive party with interactive nautical activities for the whole family!
Instructor: Mermaid Brizo
Kid’s Programming
1 Hour
Saturday 11 AM – 12 PM
2nd Floor – Kids Play Area
Come on an adventure to discover our Oceans! Mermaid Brizo is inviting Explorers to join her as we learn about her home! Our oceans are vast and full of things to discover. During this one hour show, children will get the chance to play in hands-on activities, sing songs, and read books all with the Barnegat Bay Mermaid! Catch up with Mermaid Brizo before she swims back to the sea!
Instructor: Mermaid Ani
1 Hour
Saturday 2:30 PM – 3:30 PM
3rd Floor – Classroom A
– No prerequisites. All ages and experience levels welcome.
For a mermaid, the water is not just an environment; it is a stage. However, the weight of a tail, the pressure of the deep, and the demand for effortless grace can often lead to “performance tension”—a barrier that limits both safety and aesthetic beauty.
This session introduces the transformative concept of Apnea Flow Diving, a specialized approach that bridges the gap between technical freediving and expressive underwater movement. Drawing from the Aqua Native curriculum, we will dive into the mechanics of “Flow”—a state where movement becomes intuitive, and breath-holding becomes a peaceful meditation rather than a physical endurance test.
Whether you are a professional performer, a photographer, or a hobbyist, mastering “Flow” is the key to longevity and safety in the water. By shifting the focus from holding your breath to existing in the breath, you unlock a deeper level of confidence and a more profound connection to the ocean. Attendees will leave with actionable techniques to refine their underwater presence, ensuring every dive looks as magical as it feels.
Lead by “The Enchanted Teapot“
Kids’s Programming
1 Hour
Saturday 1 PM – 2PM
Sunday 10:30 AM – 11:30 AM
Sunday 12:30 PM – 1:30 PM
2nd Floor – Kids Play Area
Join us on dry land to take a photos with a real live mermaid and do a free craft! Ask all your questions and get some answers!
Instructor: Captain Ironman
INCLUDED WITH THE OBSERVER PASS
1 Hour
Sunday 12: PM – 1 PM
3rd Floor – Classroom A
– No prerequisites. All ages and experience levels welcome.
When you see those pirates, bouncers and hawkers standing by and announcing a wonderful mermaid performer, do you think “I could do that!”. Come learn from two of the most experienced merwanglers in the country on the how to, when to, and why to’s of the job as well as a lot of our not so secret secrets to make it as pleasant and successful as possible!
Merwrangling 101 covers the basics of “icthiosapien” care from two of the talented pirates that have been doing it the longest. Learn what it takes to make a gig go from a slapdash event to a smoothly running machine in this basic class
Instructor: Captain Ironman
INCLUDED WITH THE OBSERVER PASS
1 Hour
Sunday 1:30pm – 2:30pm
3rd Floor – Classroom A
– No prerequisites. All ages and experience levels welcome.
When you see those pirates, bouncers and hawkers standing by and announcing a wonderful mermaid performer, do you think “I could do that!”. Come learn from two of the most experienced merwanglers in the country on the how to, when to, and why to’s of the job as well as a lot of our not so secret secrets to make it as pleasant and successful as possible!
In Merwrangling 201 your favorite “icthiosapien logistics specialists” return for a advanced class of care and feeding of our fishy friends. Building on 101 we discuss persona, professionalism, and how not to kill yourselves while lifting carrying and depositing.
Instructor: MerBeast Irie
1 Hour
Session Options:
Saturday: 9:30 – 10:30
Sunday: 10:00 – 11:00
Ground Floor – Main Stage
Recommended Equipment:
– Water Bottle
– Yoga Mat
– It is recommended you eat before attending
Before mermaid spend their entire day swimming and using more energy than they are used to, it is a good idea to a stretch to prevent cramps or injury.
Join this daily morning stretch that covers a whole-body range of stretches recommended by certified personal trainer, MerBeast Irie. Drop in for as little or as much of these sessions as you like to start your day off on the right fin!
Instructor: Yl’luria Watersong
1 Hour
Saturday 2:30PM – 3:30PM
Main Pool – Lanes 1&2
Regardless of ability or skill, “flying” beneath the waves can often entail some kind of impaired vision. In this fun, interactive (& occasionally silly) workshop, we’ll cultivate a variety of simple, useful, & time-tested techniques to help mers of all experience levels (hobbyist to pro) get around more freely & confidently on land & underwater; in just about any situation!
No pre-reg, tickets or formal prerequisites are required, but participants should be confident swimmers, able to easily swim the width of the pool underwater (with or w/o breaths).
(And don’t forget to bring your water & towel!)Lead by Mermaid Brizo
1 Hour
Sunday 2:30pm – 3:30pm
Ground Floor – Main Stage
Join us for a fun and educational game of Ocean Trivia! All ages welcome. Let’s learn together!
This is a great activity for the whole family. Even if you don’t know the answers, we are all going to learn together. Make a team or a join a team.
Instructor: Dennis Carter Jr.
1 Hour
Sunday 1pm – 2pm
Ground Floor – Main Stage
A Presentation from Dennis Carter Jr of the Crazy Carter Hollywood Museum featuring screen used props and costumes from Hollywood movies and beyond with a nautical theme curated exclusively for Mer Magic Con. See, learn, and even touch original movie, tv, and theme park prop and costume pieces. Hear some interesting and some even bizarre stories about various props and costumes from major films and TV shows including Disney’s Pirates of the Carribean and Steven Spielberg’s Hook
1 Hour
Saturday 12pm – 1pm
Main Pool
Join us as we attempt to get all our mers into a single photo!
Instructor: Blue Planet DC
You MUST Complete both the Diver Medical Form and the Release of Liability and submit them to jen@blueplanetdc.com by February 21st participate in this session.
1 Hour
Recreation Pool A
Session Options:
Saturday:
– 2:30pm – 3:30pm
– 4pm – 5pm
Sunday:
– 2:30pm – 3:30pm
Prerequisites:
– Strong Independent Swimmer
– Ages 13+
-You MUST Complete both the Diver Medical Form and the Release of Liability and submit them to jen@blueplanetdc.com by February 21st participate in this session.
Equipment:
– You will be provided a tailskin and monofin – generously sponsored by Mertailor for use during the class.
– You will need a mask and snorkel. Bring your own or rent one from SOS Diving in the vendor hall
The Discover Mermaid™ experience introduces simple mermaid activities in confined water (i.e., a pool or place with pool-like conditions), shallow enough in which to stand. It is designed as a flexible, informative, enjoyable, and controlled experience centered on letting you discover what it’s like to mermaid dive.
To enroll in a Discover Mermaid experience, you must be at least six years old. You need to be in good physical health and comfortable in the water. No prior experience with snorkeling, skin diving, or freediving is required.
The PADI Discover Mermaid experience consists of two introductory phases. After signing up for the PADI Discover Mermaid program you will listen to a briefing from your PADI Mermaid Instructor to learn the basics about being a mermaid. Then there will be ashallow water session in which you’ll wear a mermaid tail (and depending on the situation, perhaps other additional mermaid costuming) followed by mermaid swimming, going underwater, and games.
Instructor: Blue Planet DC
You MUST Complete both the Diver Medical Form and the Release of Liability and submit them to jen@blueplanetdc.com by February 21st participate in this session.
1 Hour
Recreation Pool B
Ensure you select the correct session for your Merling based on the age they will be at the time of the convention. This is an enforced safety regulation. If your child is outside of the ages for that session they will not be allowed to participate.
Session Options:
Saturday:
– 1pm – 2pm (Ages 6-7)
– 2:30pm – 3:30pm (Ages 8 – 9)
– 4pm – 5pm (Ages 10-12)
Sunday:
– 1pm – 2pm (Ages 6 – 9)
– 2:30pm – 3:30pm (Ages 10 – 12)
Prerequisites:
– Strong Independent Swimmer
– Must be tall enough to comfortably stand with head outside the water in a 3.5′ depth
– Ages 6-12
-You MUST Complete both the Diver Medical Form and the Release of Liability and submit them to jen@blueplanetdc.com by February 21st participate in this session.
Equipment
– You will be provided a tailskin and monofin – generously sponsored by Mertailor for use during the class.
– You will need a mask and snorkel. Bring your own or rent one from SOS Diving in the vendor hall
The Discover Mermaid™ experience introduces simple mermaid activities in confined water (i.e., a pool or place with pool-like conditions), shallow enough in which to stand. It is designed as a flexible, informative, enjoyable, and controlled experience centered on letting you discover what it’s like to mermaid dive.
To enroll in a Discover Mermaid experience, you must be at least six years old. You need to be in good physical health and comfortable in the water. No prior experience with snorkeling, skin diving, or freediving is required.
The PADI Discover Mermaid experience consists of two introductory phases. After signing up for the PADI Discover Mermaid program you will listen to a briefing from your PADI Mermaid Instructor to learn the basics about being a mermaid. Then there will be ashallow water session in which you’ll wear a mermaid tail (and depending on the situation, perhaps other additional mermaid costuming) followed by mermaid swimming, going underwater, and games.
Instructor: Alexis Jennings and Merman Josh
1 Hour
Saturday 11am – 12pm
Ground Floor – Main Stage
Fact your fears and immerse yourself in one of the oceans top dogs: SHARKS! Join the Shark Guardians: Mermaid Alexis & Mermaid Josh in this epic crash course about all things sharks! These 2 shark conservationist will teach you the facts on these gentle giants that tell you about their first hand encounters!
Lead By: Mermaid Chè Monique
1 Hour
Saturday 4pm – 5pm
Main Pool – Lanes 1-2
Join the Society of Fat Mermaids and founder Mermaid Chè Monique for a community swim!
Instructor: Luna Minuit
1 Hour
Saturday 2:30pm – 3:30pm
2nd Floor – Classroom A
For mermaids who find themselves landlocked or simply on land more than in the water, this class will help you work the same muscles you need to support swimming techniques. Through a fun Caribbean Carnival dance-based workout, we will work on core strength and active flexibility to support the entire body before, during and after we don a tail.
Instructor: Leigh Targaryen. – Sealeigh the Blue Dragon Mer
1 Hour
Saturday 11am – 12pm
2nd Floor – Classroom B
Prerequisites:
– Designed for ages 8 and up
Sealeigh has a brand new card game featuring many of the local mers and pirates and would like to share it with you!
Players will pick a pirate and role on the ship to represent them. Each role dictates your beginning play style. Players can thwart other pirates from winning by lying, stealing, and cheating. In the end your goal is to figure out which mer will help you find your sunken treasure, identify what ocean it can be found in and exactly what type of treasure it is.
This game accommodates up to 6 players ages 8 and up.
Tails and Sails is in development and will be available on kickstarter. More information will be available at the event.
Instructor: Kelsee Eggleston
1 Hour
Sunday 2:30pm – 3:30pm
2nd Floor – Classroom B
Curious how to turn a good program into a Magical Program, offer a WOW moment during a swim lesson, Provide a bit of SPARKLE to a special event? Come check out this Presentation and see how you can maximize your OR Companies Sand Dollars
This Presentation will provide you with necessary skills , planning and Information to Incorporate Mermaids into events hosted by you and/or at your facility. It brings the beauty of all water environments together. As a Mermaid I fight to educate critical guidelines of water safety, all while urging human beings to rejoice in their Magical Mer-self!
Instructor: Jalondra A. Davis AKA Dr. Merwomanist
1 Hour
Sunday 11:30am – 12:30pm
Ground Floor – Main Stage
Opening with a brief history of the evolution of mermaids from ancient deities in Indigenous cultures across the world to symbols in popular culture, this course will focus on non-Western water deities and hybrid beings and their syncretization with the figures commonly known as mermaids in contemporary culture.
Pre-Registration Required
Instructor: Mermaid Cetea
1 Hour
Recreation Pool A
Session options:
Saturday 1pm – 2pm
or
Sunday 1pm – 2pm
Prerequisites:
Weight Belt Basics is for any merm or aquatic performer that finds themselves struggling to dive below the surface. In this hands-on course, we will cover all variables you will face when finding neutral buoyancy, how to use a weight belt safely, and help you find neutral buoyancy for your body.
This class is for every body that struggles with floating when they’re trying to sink. The first part of class is going over the variables that make up our personal buoyancy as merfolk and underwater performers, and the second half is weight belt safety and finding your perfect buoyancy.
This is a NO TAIL class for safety purposes.
We will have weights and belts available for class, but if you would like to BYOB (bring your own belt) you need to email mermaidcetea@gmail.com before class to get it approved.
Lead by Morgana Alba
30 Minutes
Saturday 9am – 9:30am
Ground Floor – Main Stage
Welcome to MerMagic Con!! Join us for last minute announcements, tips, and updates!
Instructor: Mermaid Charlotte
1 Hour
Saturday 9:30am – 10:30am
2nd Floor – Classroom A
Never touched a mermaid tail before? Thinking of making your first purchase or upgrading but don’t know which tail to choose? “What’s in a Tail?” is the class for you.
In this class you will learn about the basic anatomy of swimmable mermaid tails, and the differences and similarities of some of the most popular tails on the market. What are the pros and cons of a Spellbound or a Mernation? How stretchy is a Mythic? How stiff is the Fin Fun mono fin? This class answers all your questions impartially and even lets you touch examples of various tails on the market so that you can learn which tail might be right for you.
Instructor: Author Venessa Vida Kelley
1 Hour
Saturday 4pm – 5pm
2nd Floor – Classroom A
Dive into historical romantasy with author-illustrator Venessa Vida Kelley as they share an exclusive excerpt from their highly-anticipated debut novel When the Tides Held the Moon! Q&A with the author to follow.
Venessa Vida Kelley is an author, illustrator, and aspiring mermaid whose illustrations have decorated LGBTQ+ books worldwide. Their debut novel When the Tides Held the Moon is breaking ground in modern publishing as an illustrated work of fiction for adult audiences, blending historical fantasy with epic romance at the turn of the 20th century in an unforgettable New York fairytale of queer identity and found family.
When the Tides Held the Moon splashes into bookstores in May 2025, but attendees will get an advance peek behind the curtain with this live reading of an exclusive excerpt from the novel! The presentation includes a brief discussion of how mer-performance culture helped shaped the fantasy lore depicted in the book, as well as a behind-the-scenes look at the book’s artistic development, and will be followed afterward by 15-minute Q&A session with the author.
Instructor: Mermaid Montara
1 Hour
Sunday 2:30pm – 3:30pm
2nd Floor – Classroom A
You’ve seen other attendees walking around in crowns and sashes but what do they mean? How many different pageants are there? What do you have to do for each of them? Are there prizes? What’s required to enter? And what even IS a Mer Pageant?
Join Mermaid Montara, the new director of Monarch International and participant in Miss Mermaid USA, Mermaid At Any Age, Monarch International, and King and Queen of the Seas, as she compares the various pageants and discusses how there is a place for everyone whether you’re a veteran or just want to try something new or whether your focus is athleticism, beauty, philanthropy, or everything in between.
The below sessions and classes are available at an additional fee to cover materials, processing, and/or advanced instructors. You must have a Participant Pass to attend any of these sessions as well as purchase the specific session ticket. Tickets will become available on January 15th at 5pm.
Purchase a Ticket For This Specialty Class
Instructor: Helena the Mermaid
Length: 1 Hour
Sunday 1pm – 2pm
2nd Floor – Classroom B
Price: $10 Materials fee
We will dip into a different kind of water fun! Paint watercolor jellyfish in a relaxing beginner art class with Helena The Mermaid.
Purchase a Ticket For This Specialty Class
Instructor: Brizo the Mermaid
Length: 1 Hour
Saturday 1pm – 2pm
2nd Floor – Classroom B
Price: $25
If you’ve always loved all things marine science, this is the perfect edutainment program for you. Enjoy learning about our amazing ocean while getting to assemble and take home your very own real pearl jewelry!
So often we say “I want to be a marine biologist…” now you can! In this 1 hour class, learn about the incredible world of oysters, how they are important for our oceans, meet live shellfish, and assemble beautiful pearl jewelry to take home! Not only will you take home real pearl jewelry, but you will be connected with opportunities in your home waters to participate in marine science activities! Best science class ever! Good for all ages of merfolk who can sit through a short educational lecture.
Purchase a Ticket For This Specialty Class
Instructor: Alexis Jennings
Length: 1 Hour
Sunday 11:30am – 12:30pm
Classroom B
Price: $45
Marketing & Content Creation for Mermaids is an in depth class that will teach you how to effectively market yourself in the industry! Whether you want to become a content creator, land more gigs, or just simply figure out where to start! Marketing and social media plays a massive role in the mermaid industry!
In this class you’ll learn marketing strategies and techniques, secret techniques for content creation, how to boost your views and followers, and how to market yourself for big gigs!
Register Directly With Blue Planet DC
Registration opens January 15th at 5pm EST
Instructor: Blue Planet DC
Length: 5 Hours
Session Options
Saturday 1pm – 6pm – Register for Saturday
OR
Sunday 1pm – 6pm – Register for Sunday
Pool Deck – Multiple Locations.
Meet at the Recreation Pool
Price: $250
Prerequisites:
– Ages 12+
– Ability to swim at least 200 yards without swim aids.
– Proper swimming attire required
– Bring your own mask, fins and snorkel (or rent in advance from SOS diving in our vendor hall)
– Wetsuit optional
Your first step toward discovering why freediving is becoming a popular way to explore beneath the waves. No previous freediving course is required.
Freediving is about inward power, discipline and control. If you’ve always wanted to enter the underwater world quietly, on your own terms, staying as long as your breath allows, then freediving is for you. Taking the PADI Freediver course is your first step toward discovering why freediving is becoming a popular way to explore beneath the waves.
This course will include static apnea, dynamic apnea, rescues, and duck dives.
Register Directly With Songbird Siren Productions
Registration opens January 15th at 5pm EST
Instructor: Claire Tate of Songbird Siren Productions
Length: 1.5 Hours
Session Options
Sunday 1pm – 2:30pm
OR
Sunday 3:30pm – 5pm
Main Pool – Lanes 1&2
Price: $175
Prerequisites:
– Ages 11+
– Ability to swim at least 25m/80ft without swim aids.
– Ability to float comfortably at the surface for at least 3 minutes.
– Experience in a mermaid tail is not required.
– Proper swimming attire required
– Bring your own fabric tail or one can be provided for you
PADI Basic Mermaid is a certification course that includes one session at a maximum depth of 10 ft. Getting certified is a great step to becoming or strengthening your existing professional mermaid resume, or learning the skills you need to be a safe hobbyist! Students will learn about breath holding, mermaid equipment, buddy procedures, and proper mermaid diving technique.
Purchase a Ticket For This Specialty Class
Instructor: Merman Andy
Length: 4 Hours, conducted in two 2-hour blocks
Saturday 1pm – 3pm AND Sunday 1pm – 3pm
Main Pool – Lanes 3&4
Price: $350
Prerequisites:
– Ages 15 and Up
– NOT A NOVICE COURSE (PADI Advanced Mermaid or Equivalent Certification/Experience Level)
Required Equipment:
– Scuba mask
– Snorkel
– Weight Belt
– Tail
– Swimsuit
– Towel
– Drinking Water
Immerse yourself in a transformative two-day workshop designed for advanced performers looking to refine their skills for tank and film work. Led by Merman Andy, an internationally renowned underwater artist featured on Netflix’s MerPeople, this experience offers unparalleled insight into the world of professional underwater performance. With years of global experience, Andy has graced the world’s biggest stages, collaborated with top photographers and videographers, and earned titles in prestigious mermaid competitions. This workshop is tailored for performers aiming to elevate their craft and stand out in the competitive underwater performance industry.
Each day includes two hours of intensive, hands-on training. Day one focuses on perfecting the fundamentals of underwater performance, including surface breathing, water entry techniques, main performance, and ascent. On day two, participants develop their own personal underwater style and showcase the skills learned, receiving immediate feedback through video of each dive to track their progress.
Andy works one-on-one with each student to help them cultivate their unique style, ensuring a personalized and impactful experience. Participants must bring their scuba mask and snorkel, weight belt, tail, swimsuit, towel, and water. This class is intended for advanced students with prior experience—ideal for those committed to pursuing a professional underwater performance career
Purchase a Ticket For This Specialty Class
Instructor: Brett Stanley
Length: 45 Min
Saturday 9:30am – 10:15am
2nd Floor – Classroom B
Price: $40
Join award winning Underwater Photographer Brett Stanley as he draws on 10 years of experience to explain all the gear, techniques, and tricks to get the most out of your underwater adventures – and the best way to look great in front of the camera!
A great place to start if you’re having an underwater photoshoot over the convention weekend.
The seminar will include these topics:
– Underwater photography equipment
– Lighting
– Directing models
– Preparing for a shoot (Mermaid/photographer)
– Posing for mermaids
– Buoyancy control tips
– Safety considerations
