Our 2025 Convention is May 16th - 18th
Underwater Workshop with Medusirena
May 17th and 18th, 2024
This two-day workshop with multi-talented Marina is the chance of a lifetime! Whether you are an professional mermaid, an aspiring pro, or a mermaid enthusiast, the depth (see what we did there) of knowledge at your fin tips from this accomplished mermaid is unfathomable.
Day one will focus on swim technique, buoyancy control, tips and tricks. Day two will feature one on one coaching with Medusirena and Brett Stanley Photography. You will receive one edited image as part of your workshop package.
- This Workshop is formulated for intermediate and advanced mermaid and swimmers
- This class is for students 18+
- Class is limited space, so book quickly!
Workshop FAQ
- This is a two day workshop that takes place on Saturday, May 17th from 10:30 AM - 1 PM and Sunday May 18th from 10 AM - 12:30 PM
- Ticket includes one edited image from Brett Stanley Photography
- Ticket includes Main Entry to the California Mermaid Convention
- Students must be able to safely tread water without holding the side for approx. 10-15 min
- Students must bring their own tails and/or monofins
- This Workshop is formulated for intermediate and advanced mermaid and swimmers
- This class is for students 18+
- Class is limited space, so book quickly!
Workshop Coach
Medusirena - Marina the Fire Eating Mermaid
Medusirena's talents range from Subaquatic swim shows to percussive performances by way of Taiko Drums, Tiki styled variety acts, and even fire acts! This gal says she needs her head examined!
A trailblazer in the field of "Mermaid Performances", she's most famous for her nearly 20 years as the official Mermaid at The Wreck Bar, creating its numerous swim shows both with tails and with dance ensembles. She also teaches fitness and swim workshops to help enhance aquatic skills; making them better performers and artist in their own style.
MeduSirena is also well recognized by the Tiki Community, working as an emcee and a dancer. She's been a Poly Pop entertainment fixture at tiki events all throughout the United States. She's also a founding member of Japanese drumming/ Taiko Troupe 'Ronin Taiko', along with her husband Roy Anderson, and their son, Raiden- creating a unique percussive family business.
Support Medusirena on her Patreon!
PADI mermaid workshop with Mermaid Camille
May 16th and 17th, 2025
The PADI Mermaid program is an excellent certification for mermaids of all experience levels. Whether establishing a baseline of safety, looking to hone your basic skills and get industry tips, or just show potential employers or dive boat operators that you're certified, this class has something for everyone! Mermaid Camille (KelpieDreams) is looking forward to working with you. :)
Course includes:
-Two days of learning (Friday afternoon and all day Saturday) with 6+ hours of pool time
-Elearning (online homework) which must be completed prior to class dates.
-Students will learn or fine tune a wide array of mermaid tricks and maneuvers, get an intro to freediving and improving their breath hold, and will get tips and tricks about performance, modeling, environmental activism, and industry work.
-Students who successfully complete the class will receive the PADI Mermaid certification.
STUDENTS MUST BRING:
-monofin with compatible fabric tail
-MASK and snorkel (NO GOGGLES)
-bifins (regular swim fins)
-weight belt and weights in small increments (can be rented for an additional charge, if you don't wish to buy your own)
Not required but recommended:
-thermal gear (such as rashguard or thin wetsuit)
-antifog for your mask (can be purchased from a local dive shop such as Fisheye Scuba)
-please bring towels, sunscreen, and water!
Workshop FAQ
-Cost for this certification is $350
-This workshop takes place May 16th and 17th, 2025
- Friday 3 pm - 5 pm at Swimstitute and 10 am - 2 pm Saturday at Hagan Park
-eLearning Date is self-scheduled but must be completed prior to class
-This workshop includes one complementary group photo for all students
-This workshop is available to students ages 15+
-Ticket sales close May 10th to accomidate eLearning
Workshop Coach - Mermaid Camille
Mermaid Camille (aka KelpieDreams or Scylla the siren) is a costume artist, kelp restoration diver, professional mermaid, PADI Mermaid instructor, and professional diver local to the Sacramento area. She is passionate about helping others realize what they're capable of, especially when it comes to aquatics and environmental activism. She is also part of the world-famous underwater team at Dive Bar in downtown Sacramento.
Whether it's during her kelp forest lecture, PADI mermaid course, walking in the Launch Party Fashion Show, or stopping by her spooky vendor booth, Camille is looking forward to working with you this MerCon!
PADI Advanced mermaid and Freediving workshop
May 16th and 17th, 2025
The PADI Advanced Mermaid and Freediver courses is the best foundation you can gift yourself in order to take the next step from pool to open water. Tired of chlorine and need more swimming space? Want to go deeper and up your diving and mermaiding game? Taking these courses will help you develop solid freediving skills and give you the best foundation for any merfolk looking to advance their mermaiding. In addition to learning basic freediving principles (breath hold techniques, equalization, line diving to depth, and more) in a confined and open water site, we will also be learning advanced mermaid skills that we will perform in an open water environment. Gain an understanding of aquatic life and how to deal with currents, waves, and other environmental factors specific to open water mermaiding and diving!
The course consists of a self-guided eLearning, a mandatory Knowledge Review via Zoom online (Friday, May 2nd; 5 pm -7 pm PST), a pool session, and an open water session.
· Course Schedule - May 2nd, May 16th-17th
o Friday, May 2nd; 5 p, -7 pm
Zoom lecture online
o Friday, May 16th; 8 am-12 pm and 1 pm -2 pm
Pool session at The Northern California Swimstitute
o Saturday, May 17th; 7 am - 10 am
Open Water session at Sacramento Aquatic Center
No prior experience with snorkeling, skin diving or freediving is required!
· Why take this course?
o Besides wanting to be a freediver and depth diving mermaid, this course allows you to flex your skills in an open water setting and build the necessary diving skills you can take anywhere you go around the world.
o You want to enjoy everthing Mercon has to offer, that’s why this course will begin before Mercon even starts!
This ticket also includes a promotional add-on deal for the convention pass! (Already bought your tickets? Email hello@californiamermaidconvention.com for deals!)
o The Advanced Mermaid course is the next step after earning the PADI Mermaid certification and applies what you’ve learned in an open water setting!
o This course will only have 4 spots. That’s so you can learn in a smaller group setting, which allows the instructor to cater the class to each student.
· What are the pre-requirements to take the course?
o Must be at least 12 years old and can swim 200m without swim equipment or 300m with a snorkel, mask, and fins.
o Must have completed the PADI Mermaid Course (if only interested in the Freediver Course, this does not apply).
o Medical and Liability waiver forms are required to be signed and submitted before class. A parent/guardian must sign for those under 18 years old.
o eLearning is included and must be completed before the Knowledge Review.
o Although not a pre-requirement, knowing how to use and clear a snorkel with a mask is a plus!
· What do I need to bring?
o For the open water: A 5mm two piece freediving suit, bathing suit, bifins, mask and j-snorkel, weights (~12lbs) and a weight belt. Booties and gloves are also recommended.
o For the pool: A 3mm surf wetsuit, bathing suit, bifins, mask and j-snorkel, weights and weight belts.
o Let us know if you need any equipment, we provide rentals if given notice ahead of time – reach out to the.surreal.sirena@gmail.com directly.
· What do I need to do to pass the course?
o Our goal is for you to develop the skills needed in order for you to build confidence and safety. You will have a full year to complete these requirements!
o With that said, in order to achieve:
The Advanced Mermaid certification: you will need to take this course and absorb all that you’ve learned!
The PADI Freediver certification: you will need a 90 second breath hold and 25m dynamic swim, and a depth dive of 10m or 33ft of depth
*Note: Location can change depending on conditions, weather or other factors. See Additional Notes.
Workshop FAQ
- Advanced Mermaid and Freediver Combo: $745
ONLY Freediver Course: $495
-Includes elearning and entry for two days to The California Mermaid Convention on May 17th and 18th, 2025
- Ages 12+
- All students will be covered under DAN dive insurance during this course.
-Any videos or photographs taken during this class will be shared with everyone for their own use, additionally, the instructor retains the ability to use the media for promotional or advertising purposes unless students specifically decline.
-The instructor has the right to move the class date/time if conditions are poor, the weather is not ideal, or there are other factors that could affect the class and will notify students of any changes.
If the secondary date/time/location cannot be met the student has three options:
1.) Request for half of a refund and not complete the open water portion and earn a PADI Basic Freediver Certification if they have completed the 90 second breath hold and 25m dynamic swim in the pool.
2.) Request credit with the Surreal Sirena and complete the open water portion in San Diego at no charge.
3.) Or be given a referral of the completed skills and finish the open water portion with a separate instructor elsewhere.
*The cost of the eLearning cannot be refunded.o Priority will be given to those interested in the Advanced Mermaid and Freediver course. Secondary spots will open to those only interested in the Freediver course
-Ticket sales will close on May 1st to accommodate elearning
Workshop Coach - Sura; The Surreal Sirena
Sura is based in sunny San Diego, California where she teaches freediving year round amongst the kelp and sea lions in the Pacific Ocean. She has an extensive freediving background, instructing people from all walks of life about the science behind apnea and how our bodies adapt to depth. At the same time, she began mermaiding and performed for various events including the Escondido Renaissance Faire and Swim Brayv where she advocates for water conservation and swim safety.
She currently teaches both mermaiding and freediving, taking the best of both worlds and merging the two to educate all of her students about safety, proper technique, mindfulness, but most importantly to believe in one’s own amazing capabilities!
FLEDGLING Fish - BEGINNER Mermaid Workshop
May 18th, 2025
Have you ever wanted to dip your fins into the exciting world of swimming in a mermaid tail? Now is your chance! Join instructor Rachel Smith; Head Mermaid at one of the only mermaid bars in teh us since 2011, as she gives you her trade secretes on tail swimming, safety and the basics of professional and recreational mermaiding. The class will feature 30 min of lecture/dry work, and 60 min of in water work.
Workshop FAQ
This workshop is ONE DAY ONLY
- Location: Hagan Community Center Pool: Workshop Lane
- Ages 15+
- Students must be able to safely tread water without holding the side for aprox 10-15 min
- Students must bring their own tails and/or monofins
- Students may bring their own underwater cameras for photos or video
- Students will receive a handouts and written materials relating to the class
Workshop FAQ
-This class is $60 per student
-You must have a Main Entry Ticket to take this Workshop
-Sunday May 18th, 2025
-12:30 PM to 2 PM
-Participants must bring their own monofins and tails to class (Tail not required, monofin required)
-Intermediate and Advanced Mermaids welcome! Never too late to hone your skills
Workshop Coach - Rachel Smith
Mermaid Rachel is one half of the mother/daughter team of Mermaid and Mom. She has been the Head Mermaid at one of the only mermaid bars in the US since their opening year in 2011. She trains, schedules, hires and performs with that team of mermaids and mermen who swim nightly in a 40ft saltwater aquarium.
Since becoming a professional aquatic entertainer, Mermaid Rachel has traveled through the United States, and internationally, showcasing her skills at corporate events, as an underwater movement and modeling coach, giving lectures at mermaid conventions, and being a featured performer in documentaries and films. Throughout California, she has performed at countless parties and events for children and adults, both on land and in water. In 2019, Mermaid Rachel and her business partner Mermaid Ashley produced, planned and executed the first ever Mermaid Convention in California - The California Mermaid Convention!
Jellyfish Clip Take & Make (with Mirelle of ID Fabrications)
Saturday, May 17th at 11 AM
Release the Kraftin’ with this hands-on crafting experience led by Mirelle of ID Fabrications! In this creative session, you'll design your very own set of jellyfish-inspired hair clips using our Small Ruffled Clam shell set. Learn how to turn these lightweight, hand-sculpted faux shells into magical merfolk accessories you’ll treasure. All materials are included, and you’ll leave with your finished creations.
Space is limited - reserve your spot early
ID Fabrications designs hand-sculpted faux seashells that help you Release the Kraftin’ without harming the ocean. Our shells are lightweight, durable, and priced to be accessible to all, making it easy to honor the sea’s beauty while protecting it.
Sunday, May 18th at 12 PM
Workshop FAQ
-This class is $60 per student
-You must have a Main Entry Ticket to take this Workshop
-Saturday, May 17th at 11 AM and Sunday May 18th, 2025 at 12 PM
-Only 10 seats per class!
-Take home what you make!
Dynamic Apnea Dance
May 17th, 2025
Want to better your underwater performance technique? Dynamic Apnea Dance is a new way to do that safely above water. Learning choreography while integrating breath holds into the dance. It’s fun, and safe for all levels of movement
Class Instructor - The Abalone Merman
The Abalone Merman is an LA native, and dancing in high school when his mentor Jennifer Infante had him step into his first tap shoe for the musical Crazy for You. From there he found his passion, and his dance career took off. He began training at venues such as Peninsula School of Performing Arts, South Bay Conservatory, Millennium Dance Complex, and El Camino College. While majoring in dance at El Co, he performed in several of their dance productions with the resident company Oui Geometor Dance Company as a principal/featured dancer, and even served as choreographer for a show. With his former management company 5th Amendment Entertainment, he danced for many showcases, back up for new upcoming artists, and for several choreographers in Carnival: Choreographer's Ball during its time at the Hollywood Key Club.
Workshop FAQ
-This class is $60 per student
-You must have a Main Entry Ticket to take this Workshop
-Saturday, May 17th 2025
-2:30 PM to 3:30 PM
-Participants must bring their own monofins and tails to class (Tail not required, monofin required)
-Students must be able to safely tread water for 5 min
-Only 10 spaces available!