A touch of whimsy swept through several swimming pools in France this winter, where Christmas traditions met the magical world of mermaids. Imagine for a moment a pool where, instead of the usual clumsy breaststrokes and crawl, about thirty people glide elegantly, united by a single monofin, in an aquatic choreography blending imagination and precision. This unusual activity, which has captivated as many enthusiasts as a chocolate yule log, promises an extraordinary experience to share with friends or family. Combining creativity, sport, and a plunge into a fairytale world, these mermaid-style swimming sessions have already made waves in Binic, La Flèche, and other more unexpected locations. So, why not take part in this aquatic adventure for Christmas?
- In short: Unusual activity: swimming with a monofin to transform into a mermaid this Christmas.
- Sharing and festivities:
- An original moment to share with family or friends, perfect for strengthening bonds. Aquatic creativity: Fun-filled learning that combines swimming technique with a magical imagination.
- Pool practice: Supervised sessions with full gear, including the famous mermaid tail.
- Media explosion: A viral activity, explored in several French cities and documented in video.
How mermaid swimming took over swimming pools this Christmas
While the idea of swimming like a mermaid might initially have seemed reserved for beach outings or water carnivals, it has managed to find its way into the Christmas entertainment program. In La Flèche, for example, an original activity attracted 24 brave souls who transformed into mermaids for a few hours. Equipped with colorful mermaid tails, these participants learned to master monofin swimming, a style that demands coordination, flexibility, and a touch of legendary grace. The event was so popular that registration filled up well before the announced date.
This burgeoning success can be attributed to a unique alchemy between the fun and the refreshing nature of this unusual sporting activity. This inevitably generates enthusiasm among those seeking a memorable experience, far removed from traditional sporting clichés. To see how it works in Binic, with its seawater pools, you don’t need to go far: the event was beautifully showcased in a local video showing the initially shy participants blossoming thanks to expert guidance. Learning to swim like a mermaid isn’t just about putting on a waterproof tail. It’s also about mastering a technique where the body undulates gracefully, a bit like in an underwater ballet. And to perfect this art, some pools have even invited professional mermaids, such as Meggie Dardenne in Rocroi, who not only delights children but also shares her passion and practical advice. All of this contributes to making this activity a true phenomenon, an invitation to dive into fantasy while keeping well-being and shared enjoyment at the forefront. Why your creativity loves monofin swimming and mermaids Let’s move on to the most artistic and unusual aspect: creativity! Put on your mermaid tail, forget the rigid rules of traditional swimming, and let yourself be carried away by this vibrant aquatic dance. Swimming like a mermaid is also about playing with your imagination, breaking free from the daily grind, and allowing yourself whimsical moments in an era where seriousness often reigns supreme.
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This activity isn’t just a simple physical exercise: it encourages you to develop a new relationship with your body and the water. Monofin swimming requires you to coordinate your lower body in a fluid movement, but above all, it inspires you to embody an almost legendary character. Simply wearing a tail creates a world where creativity takes over, blending sport, play, and theatricality. The coaches in these sessions encourage participants to find their own mermaid swimming style, to play with colors and accessories (wings, temporary tattoos, sparkling makeup). Here’s a delightfully quirky way to work on your motor skills while boosting your ability to have fun—a winning combination for self-esteem, especially during the holidays. It’s no wonder we often hear:
“That’s an unusual activity to do together!”
—a heartfelt comment overheard at a popular December event.
Want a little extra magic? Mermaid swimming can be practiced at different levels, from the first learning yawn to expert dives, becoming a true aquatic playground where fantasy blends with performance. It’s also the kind of activity that releases a good dose of positive energy, perfect for sparking conversations after gift-giving night. Swimming like a mermaid is also a great way to strengthen your bonds.
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Beyond its purely playful aspect, this unusual aquatic activity has a little-known power: the ability to create shared memories and foster connection. Christmas, the ideal time to strengthen family and friendship bonds, was therefore the natural setting for introducing people to this unique discipline. Gathering family members or a group of friends around a pool to learn to swim like mermaids together offers a setting that is both sporty and heartwarming.
In many small towns, like La Flèche, participants describe how unifying this experience was. The strange silhouette of the colorful tails gliding underwater quickly transformed the pool into a place of laughter and mutual support. Everyone, even the most clumsy, finds their place in this collective choreography. This inclusive approach fosters camaraderie and can transform an ordinary winter Monday into a memorable experience. And between us, who hasn’t dreamed of being a mermaid in front of their amazed nephews or their wide-eyed friends? This unusual activity fits perfectly into the range of winter entertainment, offering a fun and quirky alternative to traditional socks or scented candles, and proves to be an excellent mood booster and a great way to foster a friendly atmosphere. In short, it’s a gift idea that’s a much more entertaining experience than traditional scented socks or candles.
The technical secret to truly swimming like a mermaid
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If you think putting on a mermaid tail is just a matter of slipping on a big fin and floating, think again. Swimming with a monofin requires a very specific technique that you won’t master on your first try without looking like a fish out of water. In reality, it’s a sport in its own right, even an art form, that intensely works the muscles of the back, abdomen, and legs.
In practice, mermaid swimming consists of undulating movements that start at the top of the body and flow down to the feet, propelling the monofin back and forth with power and fluidity. It’s a bit like synchronizing your spine into a single, sinuous snake, but in the aquatic version. Not easy, but incredibly satisfying once you feel you’ve mastered it.
To help beginners, clubs and swimming pools like the one in Crolles, Isère, offer supervised introductory sessions with professionals who are skilled at teaching and patient, especially with those who overthink or panic at the thought of not knowing how to swim “properly.” This type of support transforms the challenge into a pleasure, boosting self-confidence.
Here’s a small table summarizing the key points of the mermaid swimming technique:
| Technical Element | Description | Practical Advice |
|---|---|---|
| Body Position | Align your torso and legs with the monofin | Keep your torso straight and engage your pelvis in the undulating movement |
| Undulating Movement | Wave-like movement from the shoulders to the feet | Practice flexibility exercises beforehand out of the water |
| Breathing | Rhythmic breathing adapted to underwater swimming | Take deep breaths as your head breaks the surface |
| Coordination | Synchronize your arms, torso, and monofin for maximum fluidity | Practice slow movements before accelerating |
So, ready to discover another way to immerse yourself, blending sport, fantasy, and celebration? For those curious, this introductory video to mermaid swimming shows how some managed to tame the magical tail during an event in La Flèche, which was very popular with locals. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oDODN2qAcHs
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Throughout December, several French swimming pools pull out all the stops to create festive and quirky activities. In La Flèche, Binic, and Crolles, “swim like a mermaid” activities have become a must-do for those who want to combine sport, camaraderie, and wonder. These aquatic events aren’t just about donning a tail: they also offer the chance to explore scuba diving, a return to the roots of human awe in the water. The magic of Christmas is thus combined with an activity that celebrates creativity, offers a delightful mix of new sensations, and, as the icing on the cake (or rather, the icing on the shell), fosters a festive spirit far removed from the saccharine norm of the winter months. To see the proof in pictures, this video filmed in La Flèche perfectly captures the joyfully offbeat atmosphere of the moment. For fans of the deep and monofin swimming in a more athletic sense, specialized clubs also offer diving courses with a fun, playful approach, perfect for preparing budding mermaids (or mermen). This subtle blend of physical performance and aquatic aesthetics creates what some call “mermaiding,” a trend imported from the United States that is gaining popularity in France, particularly in regions like the Drôme.
So, whether you’re more of a mermaid in the style of an underwater ballet dancer or a diver seeking thrills, the holiday season now offers a unique playground to let loose. Alternatively, you can always watch a real mermaid’s performance during a magical session in Rocroi, complete with children’s activities, and dream of your own initiation into this discipline that combines sport, camaraderie, and fantasy. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hnE90yfZif0
Do you need to know how to swim before trying mermaid swimming? No, this activity is designed for all levels. Supervised introductory sessions allow non-swimmers to discover the monofin safely.
Can you swim year-round with a mermaid tail?
Yes, as long as you have access to a swimming pool or safe body of water, mermaid swimming can be practiced in all seasons, even at Christmas!
Absolutely, several aquatic centers offer sessions dedicated to younger children, often led by professional mermaids.
Is it good exercise?
Yes, this activity works the back, core, and leg muscles, while improving coordination and breathing.
Where can you practice this unusual activity in France?
Swimming pools in Binic, La Flèche, Crolles, and other French cities regularly host these unique events. Source:
www.ouest-france.fr
