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 20th 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 thier sessions. See our FAQ for more details.
Instructor: Mermaid Izriella
1 hour
Saturday
1pm – 2pm
2:30pm – 3:30pm
4pm – 5pm
Sunday
1pm – 2pm
2:30pm – 3:30pm
Prerequisites:
Intro to Mermaiding for Adults is a beginners class that teaches the basic dolphin kick form to assist in efficient and graceful swimming through the water in a mermaid tail and monofin. In addition to this we will also go over general practices used by the Circus Siren Pod on how to surface, hold and breath while swimming to avoid any choking upon surfacing or panic in the event of sinus flooding.
Reserve your class spot by “buying” the free ticket for your preferred time-slot.r
Instructor: Merman Isura
1 hour
Sunday
1pm – 2pm
One of the most beautiful things about being a merman/mermaid of color is the empowerment that comes from very rich cultures.
With love for mermaids/mermaiding, there is an internal struggle. We all know Ariel is an icon and before her, Daryl Hannah. These characters created such a magic onscreen that it was hypnotizing. However, it was also problematic.
Whether we want to admit it…. Through these wonderful movies, a smokescreen swarmed around us and created a narrative that has contributed to a falser idea: who can be a mermaid and who can’t.
Where do our ethnic mers fit in? Today, ethnic mermaids and mermen are stifled and lost within this life long conundrum and never bothered to investigate. Achieving understanding is imperative. The magic of mermaids is global and that limitless magic is harnessed through understanding. This creates an accepting and more diverse mermaid community.
Greek mythology is easily accessible and the popular rhetoric so its an understandable go to. However, this class aims to take the time to flesh out the ethnic mersona by understanding history and the wealth of abundant mermaid folklore associated with it. Mermaids are real but they can’t be if we are continuing to perpetuate a cycle created to wash away our individuality as mermaids and mermen.
Lead by Morgana Alba
1 Hours
Sunday 4pm – 5pm
Join us at the main stage for announcements, raffle drawings, Merlympics winner announcements and a first look at next year!
Lead by Morgana Alba
1.5 Hours
Sunday 10am – 11am
Early Bird Gets the worm! Have questions about working in the mermaid industry? Meet professional mermaids from around the country for coffee (provided) and network with other industry pros in this informal session in the main stage area
Instructor:
Prerequisite: Strong independent swimmer
1 Hour
Sunday 2:30pm – 3:30pm
Learn how to approach creating choreography for use in performance by drilling mermaid skills and connecting them into larger sequences and performance pieces.
Instructor: Leigh Targaryen
Children’s Programming
1 Hour
Saturday 11am – 12pm
Sunday 1pm – 2pm
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! (please wear clothes that are comfortable to move around in)
1 Hour
Saturday 1pm – 2pm
Join 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.
Presented by Performance Tails
Instructor: Michelle Mozdzen
1 Hour
Saturday 4pm – 5pm
Prerequisites:
Refine your dolphin kick, the most fundamental swimming technique for all mermaids! Learn how to perfect your underwater undulation to move gracefully and efficiently through the water.
Instructor: Mermaid Chè Monique
1 Hour
Saturday 11am -12pm
Join the Society of Fat Mermaids for a fun discussion moderated by our headliner 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.
Presented by Performance Tails
Instructor: Michelle Mozdzen
1 Hour
Saturday 2:30pm – 3:30pm
Prerequisites:
Want to swim your way to abs of steel? Or maybe you are looking to improve your core strength? I will briefly cover proper form and technique (to minimize risk of injury and maximize the range of targeted muscles!) and then we will jump in to a fun, energetic, and undulation-filled workout! My objectives in this class are to
1) give you a great workout! 💪2) teach the basics of proper form to avoid injury;
and 3) give you workout moves that you can take with you and perform at your home pool in tail!
Due to space constraints and to avoid injury to other participants, class attendees will be limited to using SOFT monofins only or NO monofin. This class is included in your access pass to MerMagic Con and pre-registration for this class is NOT needed!
Instructor: Mermaid Charlotte
1 Hour
Sunday 1pm – 2pm
When something goes wrong with your tail, do you know what to do? Join Mermaid Charlotte as we discuss some the most common tail injuries and how to fix them. This class will demonstrate how to approach and repair common tail injuries, such as:
– attaching or reattaching torn fins
– waist seam splits on silicone tails
– reattaching lost scales
– patching or repairing fabric tails
– working with pigmented silpoxy to repair paint scuffs
It is recommenced (but not mandatory) that you take this course before attending the “Tail Repair Clinic” which follows immediately after and in which you may actively repair your own tail.
Join us for aquatic-themed arts and crafts appropriate for all ages and included in your Merling Pass
Pre-Registration Required
Instructor: Mermaid Izriella
1 hour
Saturday:
1pm – 2pm
2:30pm – 3:30pm
4pm – 5pm
Sunday:
1pm – 2pm
2:30pm – 3:30pm
4pm – 5pm
Prerequisites:
Intro to Mermaiding for Kids is a beginners class that teaches the basic dolphin kick form to assist in efficient and graceful swimming through the water in a mermaid tail and monofin alongside basic safety for endless fun in fins.
Tails to borrow for the class will be provided at the convention. All students must be strong swimmers comfortable in the water and may be required to complete a small swim test and skill demonstration to ensure readiness for this class.
1 Hour
Saturday 4pm – 5pm
Meadow Perry’s Bubble Magic show takes the rules of Bubbles outside the box! Join Meadow as she blends bubble artistry and magic for a truly unique show that never fails to blow the audience away. Meadow’s Bubble Show is an interactive experience that will delight all ages.
Meadow Perry has performed for top organizations like Amazon and Princeton University as well as consulted as a bubble expert for Bioré US. Meadow regularly makes appearances at regional theaters and festivals along the East Coast.
Children’s Programming
1 Hour
Meet and greet with the little mermaid! Bring magic to life for your little one by having them meet their famous mermaid. Those in attendance will have the opportunity to take photos and hang out with a mermaid until the end of the allotted time.
Lanes 12-14
1 Hour
Saturday 1pm – 5pm
Are you ready to swim your heart out for prizes, glory, and most of all, fun!? Compete in the annual MerMagic Con Merlympics and show off your underwater skills.
The Merlympics are open to all attendees 5 years old or more with a Merling (kids) pass or Participant pass. Those with an Observer pass are not eligible to compete.
Participants may use the tail, goggles, monofin, mask, weight belt, or any other swim equipment of their choice as long as you are in a mermaid tail.
Children’s Programming
1 Hour
Meet and greet with a mermaid! A story of a little mermaid will be read by the mermaid herself. Then those in attendance will have the opportunity to take photos and hang out with a mermaid until the end of the allotted time.
Main Stage
1 Hour
Saturday 9:30am – 10:30am
Have a top that isn’t quite “you” anymore? A tail you’ve outgrown? A crown you no longer wear? Are you looking for a new piece for your mersona?
Meet on the main stage for a Mermaid Swap meet! See what treasures other mermaids have brought and make a deal!
Unique, individually owned, previously purchased, second-hand, items only. Absolutely no vending of original products allowed. Maximum 5 items.
Instructor: Tranquil Ashes
1 Hour
Saturday 2:30pm – 3:30pm
Are you a complete beginner and want to be able to apply your makeup with confidence? or are you an experienced mer but want to learn about products tips and tricks to apply fantasy makeup for your mermagic adventures! This class will cover the basics and will include info on all skin tones!
Instructors: Captain Ironman
INCLUDED WITH THE OBSERVER PASS
1 Hour
Sunday 1pm – 2pm
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 too,when too, and why too’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
Instructors: Captain Ironman
INCLUDED WITH THE OBSERVER PASS
Sunday 2:30pm – 3:30pm
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 too, when too, and why too’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.
Lead by Graceanne Taylor
1 Hour
Sunday 11:30am – 12:30pm
As mermaids there is no question that we love water and our blue planet, but can you answer all the trivia questions? Everyone of all backgrounds from beginners to marine scientists and general fact nerds are welcome to join in. Teams will be created randomly upon arrival to the activity. Teams will compete to answer trivia questions all about our amazing oceans, aquatic animals, and environmental education. Don’t worry if you’re not sure you know any correct answers-teams will work together to determine the answers and if you get it wrong we can only learn together!
Learn more about our blue planet through a friendly game of Ocean Trivia! Merfolk will work in teams so everyone beginner to expert is welcome to play and learn!
DEEP END
1 Hour
Saturday 12pm – 1pm
Join us as we attempt to get all our mers into a single photo!
Lead By: Becky Hawk
1 Hour
Sunday 2:30pm -3:30pm
Discuss the ins and outs of woking with silicone with notable makers from the industry.
Instructor: Luna Minuit
1 Hour
Sunday 10am – 11m
Mermaiding is a full-body performance art and while swimming is very important, we can’t always make it to the pool! This dry class is focused on physical conditioning and flexibility for the core, shoulders and hips to supplement water-based training. The instructor will use dance and rhythm-infused strength training to popular songs from the Caribbean islands. Yoga mat or towel is recommended, but not required.
1 Hour
Prerequisites:
Learn how to properly execute a variety of mermaid tricks with a strong focus on proper technique to execute interesting moves in tail
Instructor: Jessica Gramc
1 Hour
Saturday 1pm – 2pm
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.
Class is capped at 10 spots (5 groups of 2).
Reserve your class spot by “buying” the free ticket for your preferred time-slot.
Lead by Morgana Alba
30 Minutes
Saturday 9am – 9:30am
Welcome to MerMagic Con!! Join us for last minute announcements, tips, and updates!
Instructor: Mermaid Charlotte
1 Hour
Saturday 11am – 12pm
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: Yame Bador
1 Hour
Saturday 9:30am – 10:30am
This workshop will cover:
> A light warmup sequence that synchronizes breath and movement, warms up muscles and mobilizes joints. This is perfect for the morning of a gig or performance and/or right before getting in tail, and can also used as a warmup for the active sequence.
> An active sequence to build the strength, mobility, and endurance we need as mermaids.
This is intended as a regular exercise practice that will yield benefits over time.
> A calming recovery sequence intended to counter-balance the movements and effects of swimming, diving or sitting in a mermaid tail for extended periods. This sequence will end with some restorative poses and relaxing breathwork. This is perfect after a gig or performance—either immediately after, or the night or morning after, when the body feels tight and sore.
> 3 categories of yoga breathing exercises intended to improve the way we breathe, so we can optimize our lung capacity in day-to-day life, potentially improving our breath holds under water.
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 20th at 5pm
Instructor: Aurelia the Deep
Blue Mermaid – Anna Capps
Prerequisites: Please be advised that many skills in this course require kneeling. If you have adaptive needs, please contact Anna directly.
You MUST complete the online pre-work prior to the in-class portion of this certification courser. Failure to complete the pre-work may result in cancelation of your spot (at instructors discretion) with no refund given.
Length: 2 hours
Sunday 9am – 11am
Price: $150
Become a safety siren!
This course will prepare you to recognize and care for a variety of first aid, breathing, and cardiac emergencies involving adults and children.
Registration for this course includes:
(1) Access to the online classroom via direct link
(2) Two hour instructor-led skills session
(3) Digital copy of certification card (to be delivered upon course completion)
This is a blended learning course including an online portion and an instructor-led classroom skill session. Upon successful completion of this course you will receive a digital certificate for Adult and Child First Aid/CPR/AED from the American Red Cross. Certification is valid for two years.
Instructor: Meadow Perry
Length: 1 hour
Sunday 11:30am – 12:30am
Price: $12
Meadow Perry demonstrates how to incorporate bubble artistry into your mermaid performance to create an engaging act even when you’re land-bound! Learn how to create bubbles with your hands, bubble tricks and some magic to wow patrons and audiences!
Open to all ages.
Instructor: Merman Andy
Length: 1 hour
Saturday 1pm – 2pm
Price: $30
Learn tips and tricks to make high quality content on an ever changing platform. Merman Andy will guide you through his creative process in making merfolk magic.
The way that people engage with social media is changing at a rapid rate. Now, more than ever, short videos are becoming the industry standard. Professional photography has been a staple of mermaid culture since its beginnings, so it can seem daunting as it now gives way to live videography. Merman Andy will guide you through a step by step process of making your vision into cinematic masterpieces. Become a more independent content creator, and learn the tools to make your dreams a reality.
Topics Covered:
Instructors: Don Markham
Don’s Academy of Diving
Prerequisites:
Length: 1 Hour
Sunday 1pm – 2pm
Price: $125
The NAUI Worldwide Introduction to Scuba Diving course is a “resort” style course that gets non-divers under the water for the first time. This is a non-certification class conducted in closely controlled conditions. The participants will learn how to do basic skills underwater with full Scuba gear. At the completion of the course, the students will receive a digital participation recognition that is available in the NAUI App. This course can be used as credit towards a NAUI Open Water Scuba course if completed within 6 months. Experience the fun and excitement of the underwater world as a NAUI Scuba Diver!
Instructor: Rebecca Hawk
Length: 2 Hours
Saturday 9am – 10:30am
Sunday 9:30am – 11:30am
Price: $50
Ages 12+
In this class students will get to work with every mermaid’s favorite crafting material, Dragonskin silicone! Skills learned will include; mold prep, coloring silicone with powder pigment, casting in pre-made flat molds as well as tips and tricks along the way. A live silicone hand painting demo will be included if time allows. (No airbrushing due to fumes.)
Each student will dye, pour, and cast their own dragonskin silicone scale wristband with sea-life accessories to be assembled by the end of class.
Instructor: Anatoliy Pak MermaidArtisticSwimming.com
Prerequisites:
Length: 1 hour
Price: $20
Saturday 2:30 – 3:30pm
Mermaiding is a lot of Fun. But if you don’t follow simple yet important rules, it can quickly turn into a stressful or even dangerous experience. Come and learn a minimal set of mermaid safety skills that will make your underwater swims safe and truly FUN.
The class covers basics of safety for underwater swimming borrowed from freediving Dynamic Apnea Discipline. The focus of the class is on buddy support and rescue skills. By the end of the class participants will
– Be aware of signs of a distressed mermaid
– Be able to prevent blackout development
– Be able to provide support for compromised mermaid
Instructors: Don Markham
Don’s Academy of Diving
Prerequisites:
Length: 2 hours
Price: $150
Session Options:
Saturday 2:30pm – 4:30pm
Sunday: 1pm – 3pm
The NAUI Mermaid level 1 course teaches Mermaids the entry level skills needed to safely swim in a pool or confined water environment. Learn to efficiently dive underwater and perfect your dolphin kick. Gain important knowledge needed to safely swim and mitigate the risk of injury while enjoying this fun water sport. This two hour course in the pool also includes an academic portion where your knowledge of mermaiding and safety practices will be enhanced and tested. The internationally recognized NAUI Mermaid program will make the perfect addition to your professional portfolio.
Instructor: Aurelia the Deep
Blue Mermaid – Anna Capps
Prerequisite: 200m swim test (not timed)
Minimum age: 15 yrs old
You MUST complete the online pre-work prior to the in-class portion of this certification courser. Failure to complete the pre-work may result in cancelation of your spot (at instructors discretion) with no refund given.
Length: 4 hours
Saturday 1pm – 5pm
Price: $299
Unlock inner power and find inner peace with the PADI Basic Freediver Certification Course! This pool-only certification course is the first step in your freediving journey. You’ll learn proper techniques for breath-hold diving, as well as safe buddy procedures (including LMC and blackout rescues). Upon meeting the performance requirements and completion of the course, you will earn a PADI Basic Freediver certification.
Includes PADI Freediver eLearning & One, 4hr pool session:
– Learn proper breathing techniques for apnea diving
– Equipment ins and outs
– Static Apnea and Static Safety
– Dynamic Apnea and Dynamic Safety
– LMC and Blackout
Course Performance Requirements:
– 90sec static apnea
– 25m dynamic apnea
– Demonstrate proper buddy procedures
– Demonstrate proper rescue of a simulated blackout diver
Required Equipment:
– Mask
– BiFins (NO MONOFINS) – Snorkel
– Wetsuit
– 3mm or 5mm recommended for static
– 1.5-3mm recommended for dynamic
– Rubberized weight belt
– Hard Weights in 1-2 pound increments
Rental Equipment may be available upon request. Contact Deep Blue Aquatics Directly to discuss.
Instructor: Mermaid Charlotte
Length: (up to) 2.5 Hours
Sunday 2:30pm – 5pm
Price: $25
Does your tail or top need some love? Bring your fins to this hands-on repair clinic where you will receive a take-home repair kit as well as personal instruction on how to mend your tail, top or other accessory. Mermaid Charlotte will provide a personal consultation for all repairs, big or small, and more minor repairs may be possible during the clinic session under her supervision and guidance.
All tail types are welcome. Your materials fee goes towards in-class materials and covers your take home kit. This kit will include basic supplies for silicone, fabric and hybrid repairs.
While there are 2.5 hours set aside to allow everyone ample time to complete repairs, your individual work may not take the full time and you are free to leave whenever suits your schedule.
Instructor: Brett Stanley
Length: 75 Minutes
Saturday 3:45pm – 5pm
Price: $45
Are you unsure how to get started in underwater photography, or wondering what the best poses are for a stunning mermaid photoshoot? In this seminar Award Winning Underwater Photographer Brett Stanley will outline the best ways to take quality images using affordable equipment, and also cover the best techniques for directing mermaids during the photoshoot. The seminar will include these topics:
– Underwater photography equipment
– The physics of underwater photography
– Lighting
– Preparing for a shoot (Mermaid/photographer)
– Posing guidance
– Safety
– Simple photo-editing
