hello merpeople!

Welcome to NORSEMAID, Norway's first ever Mermaid education platform! I bet you have a lot of questions...like what IS even mermaiding? Take a deep breath, hold, and I'll let you in on what we're all about. Firstly, mermaiding is a sub group of freediving. So before we get into the nitty gritty details about mermaiding, let's cover the basics:

What is freediving?

Freediving is a venture into the depth of the oceans without awkward scuba-gear, powered solely by your own lungs. It is a journey into the deep, where the world above fades into silence, and the only sounds are the rhythmic beats of your heart and the vibrant life around you. It’s a practice of inner stillness, where the body and mind harmonize to explore the vast ocean with nothing but the power of your breath. Freediving teaches you to trust yourself, conquer your fears, and connect with nature in its most raw and awe-inspiring form. It’s not just about depth; it’s about discovery, of both the world beneath and the strength within.

We also offer AIDA freediving courses here, just head over to our course portal!

what is mermaiding?

Picture this: You're sitting with your butt in the sand, feet in the ocean and working on getting your mermaid tail on. With a tiny bit of a struggle and grains of sand still stuck to your butt, you push yourself into the water, take a deep calm breath and dive beneath the surface. You're met with vibrant coral and fish while you elegantly soar through the water with ease and comfort. All of a sudden you spot a pod of dolphins and swim towards them with fluid movements that resemble their own. They greet you as one of them, take you to their secret dolphin society and... you get the idea.

Mermaiding can essentially be many things: a sport, hobby, artistic expression or even mental training.

Simply put, mermaiding is freediving (the art of holding your breath while diving under water) with a mermaid monofin and tail while doing acrobatics and skills. Sounds like fun, right?

Here at NORSEMAID we run PADI Mermaid courses, meaning you can get certified as a real life mermaid... Anyone? The courses range from intro to advanced, and while they have some requirements they will be specifically tailored to your needs and current level. We also offer additional on land or underwater photography to capture the new version of yourself!

See our courses here

who can mermaid?

Short answer: everyone! We do not give a mermaid's tail about your age, gender (that's right, MerMen), ethnicity, size, background or experience level. Mermaiding is for anyone to enjoy, and is done in safe and supportive surroundings.

Maybe you want to fulfill that childhood dream of being a real life mermaid? Or maybe you want to embrace other sides of you that might not see the light too often? Ooor maybe you just want to be silly and have fun?

Whatever your reason may be (not that you need one), you are welcome into our underwater world.

where can i train?

Norsemaid has a close collaboration with Oslo Freediving Club, an open and welcoming community where you can practice Freediving and Mermaiding with like-minded people. Anyone can join the club, regardless if you are interested in competitive apnea, recreational freediving, mermaiding, or spearfishing.

The club regularly host pool trainings, workshops, competitions, and even trips and social gatherings throughout the year.

By becoming a member you get access to different courses, trainings, and discounts on equipment.

Check out Oslo Freediving Club if you want to join a vibrant community!

FAQ's

Is there an age limit?

The lower age limit is 6 years, and that is for safety reasons. Upper age limit does not exist, and as long as you're in good health you can enjoy mermaiding no matter your number!

Is freediving/mermaiding safe?

Both freediving and mermaiding come with inherent risks, but when practiced correctly in a supporting environment it is considered a safe sport. Always dive within your limits and NEVER dive alone!

I'm nervous about being underwater/holding my breath

Completely understandable and 100% possible to work on. It can be scary and uncomfortable to try new things, and know that you'll be supported through the whole course. We have a huge emphasis on safety and we make it a priority to offer courses for your enjoyment and within your personal limits. Mermaiding/freediving is also a great way to work on mental strenght and resilience in a loving and mindful way.

What are the health benefits of freediving/mermaiding?

Mermaiding and freediving offer unique physical and mental health benefits such as:

Improved cardiovascular health - It can strenghten your heart and improve circulation due to physical exertion and breath-holding, including helping the body to use oxygen more efficiently wich can improve stamina overall.
Increased lung capacity - Breath-holds and controlled breathing expand lung capacity and can improve respiratory function.
Enhanched muscle tone and strenght - The resistance of water engages multiple muscle groups, particularly the core, legs and back, and increases strenght and endurance overall.
Improved flexibility - Graceful and flowing movements that increase flexibility especially in the spine, hips, and shoulders. It can also help with improving posture, especially if combined with yoga out of the water.
Reduced muscle and joint stress - The buoyancy of water reduces strain on joints, making in-water activities helpful for people suffering from joint pain or arthritis.

Stress reduction - Water has a calming and nurturing effect, reducing cortisol and promoting relaxation, also the rythmic movements of swimming can be meditative and soothing.
Enhanced focus and mental clarity - Freediving requires a deep connection to your body, breath and surroundings, improving concentration and minfulness.
Mind-body connection - Freediving and mermaiding offer a deep awareness of your body and breathing, encouraging presence in the moment.
Confidence and resilience - Overcoming challenges such as holding your breath and being comfortable with the uncomfortable builds mental strenght and greater self confidence.
Improved emotional well-being - Being in water and interacting with nature has been shown to boost mood and decrease symptoms of anxiety and depression. Being in a state of flow is also deeply rewarding and an immersive experience that promotes mental well-being.
Social connections - Freediving and mermaiding should never be practiced alone, and practicing with a buddy or in groups can foster a sense of community and belonging. Plus freedivers are the most chill and nice people on the planet!

SEE YOU IN THE WATER!