Mythological mermaids have shaped our perceptions throughout history due to the captivating impact of the numerous mermaid films produced in Hollywood. They have been around for ages. Mermaids are making news again in the twenty-first century, and thankfully, imitating a mermaid has never been simpler. The solution is finding a mermaid tail for girls. Read on for all the juicy details on how to become your favorite mono-finned character.

What is a mermaid tail for girls?

Okay, how do you become a character who can walk on land and swim in the sea? Naturally, by sporting a monofin! Most mermaid tails for girls are made up of either a monofin at the base of the tail or a form-fitting sleeping bag-style garment. This fin can also be purchased separately without the scaled oversuit.

Essential aspects of picking a mermaid tail

Selecting a mermaid tail for your child is similar to choosing the perfect poolside costume. Let’s explore the options:

Types of mermaid tails

• Fabric tails: These are carefree, enjoyable tails for kids. Because of their elastic, swimsuit-like material, they’re ideal for novices or recreational swimmers. These are the “everyday wear” of mermaid tails; they are lightweight and come in a variety of designs. Consider them the elegant yet comfortable option for your child.
• Silicone tails: These are the most impressive. They are the best bet if authenticity is important to you and your child is already a good swimmer and can carry additional weight. They are strong, supple, and have a second-skin feel. They are perfect for kids ready to engage in their aquatic aspirations and who take their mermaid character seriously.
• Hybrid tails offer a combination of materials. They combine silicone’s elegant aesthetics with the usefulness of fabric. They’re the ideal compromise for someone who wants the best of both worlds—not too professional or casual.

Choosing the ideal fit

• Fit: The hips should be comfortably snug with the mermaid tail.
• Materials: The materials ought to be waterproof or water-resistant.
• Features include an easy-to-put-on and take-off broad tail and a flexible fin.
• Fins might be plain, frilled, stiff, or flexible; the options are endless. 

Mobility and comfort issues

A mermaid tail needs to be helpful, not simply decorative:

• Weight: Fabric tails are ideal for longer swims because they don’t cause one to feel heavy. Though beautiful, silicone tails are heavy and may require some acclimatization.
• Flexibility: It is important to twist, twirl, and do the mermaid act without feeling constrained. Verify that the mermaid tail is not overly tight or loose for your child.
• Breathability: Select materials that are breathable, particularly for fabric tails. Comfort is crucial for underwater adventures.

Your checklist 

Picking a safe mermaid tail is important, as numerous varieties are available. Despite their claims to be “mermaid tails for swimming,” most mermaid tails are not meant to be worn in the water. Use the following checklist to choose the best mermaid tail for your child:

• Two separate foot pockets on a mermaid monofin: Having two distinct foot pockets with considerable room between them is crucial to avoid the ankles rubbing against one another. Otherwise, your child may experience discomfort when swimming and lose focus in the water.
• Ensure that no neoprene covers the monofin. Neoprene promotes buoyancy, so it floats and continually rises to the water surface. Wearing a monofin covered in neoprene will result in a continual pulling of the feet toward the surface, making it more difficult to raise the head above the water to breathe.
• Having two different heel straps for a secure fit when swimming is crucial. There are mermaid monofins with two holes in a neoprene cover or piece of cloth for the feet to go through. It takes more energy to swim with these designs than with good monofins. For instance, it is tiring when the feet slip out while swimming. Moreover, the feet typically separate from the fin when kicking. Because of this, swimming wastes a lot of energy and loses efficiency.

Is a mermaid tail suitable for every girl?

The wearer needs to be a skilled and proficient swimmer. It is best for kids to practice using mermaid tails and fins in a shallow pool with an adult present. They must skillfully float on their front and back and position their bodies upright while sporting the tail or fin. 

Additionally, they must be able to autonomously free their feet from the fin and proceed to a safe area, such as the shallow water, the pool’s edge, or the ladder. For those new to dolphin kicking, it could take a few tries before they feel thoroughly competent and secure enough to swim with the fin or tail.

According to information provided by The Royal Life Saving Society Western Australia, when wearing mermaid tails, kids shouldn’t try disorienting movements like handstands, somersaults, or passing under or through submerged objects. Children under the age of 7 or those who are not swimmers should not use mermaid tails in the water.

What risks do mermaid fins and tails present?

Like any aquatic toy, playing in and around the water requires safety precautions. Swimming with fins and a mermaid tail should only be done under constant, vigilant adult supervision. Note that certain types of mermaid tails for girls have fully enclosed tails and fins from the waist down, which essentially join the legs. 

According to recent studies also indicated by The Royal Life Saving Society Western Australia, children with mermaid tails and fins that bind their legs together can have a 70% reduction in their swimming capacity. They may also find it more challenging to balance and support themselves when standing or swimming in a pool, which increases their risk of drowning. Children should, therefore, never be left alone near water and should always be closely supervised when swimming with mermaid tails. Also, consider selecting mermaid tails that can be easily removed and do not tie the legs together.

Which setting is ideal for using monofins and mermaid tails?

Mermaid tails for girls are best used in supervised, adult-only settings, such as a swimming pool. They are not advised in open water settings, where currents, waves, and rips can be unpredictable and raise swimming risks. 

Conclusion

Ensure you choose a high-quality mermaid tail for your child to ensure utmost safety during the sport.