Red Sea mermaids: A Jeddah diving lesson gives a fresh underwater experience

JEDDAH: For those looking to cool down in refreshing waters this summer, a diving centre in Jeddah is providing a first-ever mermaid diving course, inspired by fabled sea-dwelling animals.


Al-Haddad's Scuba Schools International For those looking for an aquatic adventure, scuba diving in the coastal city offers a quirky yet exhilarating experience.

Mermaids are associated with beauty, peril, metamorphosis, dualism, and feminine strength throughout the world. They still serve as an inspiration for modern literature, movies, fashion, and even marine conservation initiatives.

Corinna Davids, an Austrian scuba diving and swimming instructor renowned for her innovative approach to mermaid diving, was interviewed by Arab News. Having mastered swimming and free diving for years, she created the SSI Mermaid Program.

At the age of 18, Davids started teaching swimming and scuba diving at SSI. Since then, she has transformed the diving profession by creating waves with her creative methods and love of the ocean.

She clarified that mermaid diving is an art form that blends an exaggerated, visually appealing movement with the swimming technique known as a dolphin kick. This distinctive appearance guarantees efficiency and safety in addition to being gorgeous.

"SSI mermaids can perform beautifully while maintaining safety protocols by mastering various fun skills and tricks," the spokesperson told Arab News.

According to Davids, all it takes to become a mermaid is a basic trust in the water. "After becoming a mermaid, one needs to complete additional steps to become a mermaid instructor, but the program is easily accessible," she continued.


Without the mermaid suit, the experience of mermaid diving is not complete. High-quality monofins, like the Mahina Monofin, which offers both efficiency and aesthetic appeal, are advised by Davids. The Lycra or scuba fabric tail skin completes the appearance and gives mermaids the self-assurance to shine.

To ensure that instructors can teach mermaid diving to students at all skill levels, Davids hosted the first-ever mermaid diving school for teachers in Saudi Arabia in April. The workshop focused on safety, technique, and instructional strategies. The course includes in-water instruction, lengthy theory sessions, and assessments of teaching proficiency.

"The trainees responded very well to the course, and they made significant progress throughout the program," she stated.


All around Saudi Arabia, the recently trained instructors will be allowed to lead the mermaid diving program.

The main reason for holding this course in Saudi Arabia was to present a fresh, entertaining curriculum that would be appealing to both children and adults. Those who might be afraid to try freediving or scuba diving might have an interesting experience with mermaid diving, according to Davids.

The workshop had four participants from various backgrounds: two scuba teachers (one of whom is a doctor), a free-diving instructor who doubles as an air traffic controller, and a swimming instructor and lifeguard.

Arab News was informed by Ali Ayoub, a scuba instructor and certified mermaid diver from Al-Haddad Scuba, that Saudi Arabia has been going through significant social and cultural changes, with a greater focus on leisure and recreational activities.

"Programs like the Vision 2030 plan, which promote tourism and the development of new recreational activities like mermaid diving, aim to diversify the economy."

Ayoub also mentioned the need for physical health and great swimming skills for mermaid diving. To increase your underwater endurance, he suggested, "practice swimming frequently, work on your breath-holding techniques, and think about taking free-diving courses."


"They can share information about marine ecosystems, the threats they face, and how individuals can help," he continued. "Mermaid divers can participate in educational programs for schools, community groups, and public events." Learning about these difficulties can become more interesting and memorable due to their captivating presence.

 
Coach Ayoub oversaw Wafaa Al-Masry, a 22-year-old Saudi model, as she completed the mermaid diving course. "That was a fun and unique experience," she said to Arab News. I initially believed it would be challenging, but with the help of the coach and the training, I discovered that it was simple and delightful.

She claimed that during the mermaid training, she learnt new abilities that she handled differently, such as breathing exercises, relaxation, and perfecting the fin method. She said, "The trainer did a great job of imparting knowledge, making the experience enjoyable, and giving excellent instruction."

Davids has prepared an extensive manual for anyone hoping to experience the wonders of Saudi Arabian mermaid diving. All the information new mermaids need to keep safe, make wise judgements, and select the appropriate gear is included in the guide.

Al-Haddad Scuba, which has taught over 3,000 divers in the last five years, specialises in unusual pursuits like night diving, deep diving, and snorkelling, offering participants intimate encounters with the lively underwater environment in the company of other ocean lovers.

Source arabnews.com