Mermaid Monday; Mermaid Merlene

Mermaid Monday Sydney Mermaids Mermaid Merlene

March 29, 2021

Mermaid Monday; Mermaid Merlene

1. What inspired you to become a Mermaid?

I LOVE THE OCEAN!! Ever since I was a kid I always felt connected to the ocean and the animals that live in it, even though I lived in a country town 4 hours from the nearest beach.

I started Scuba Diving when I was 15 and went to university and completed a Bachelors Degree in Marine Science and Management. I feel calm and at home in the ocean, it’s my happy place, feel like I was meant to be born with a tail!

2. What do you love MOST about Mermaiding? (ex: community, swimming, lifestyle etc)

I love the feeling I get when I swim with my tail on. Like I said it’s my happy place. Some days all I want to do is lay on top of the water and enjoy the ocean currents, other times I love to see what my fin can do and swim as fast as I can through the waves! I have also been lucky enough to meet some really beautiful, supportive Mers along the way!

3. Where has been your favourite place to Mermaid swim? Where has been your least favourite?

I was lucky enough to go to the Maldives in 2019 with Mermaid Kat and some other beautiful mermaids for Mermaid Week. It was incredible swimming in the crystal blue warm waters with some of my favourite Mersisters. I have also been mermaiding in the gorgeous 30°C Bitter Springs in Mataranka Northern Territory, and in Ningaloo Reef in Western Australia with Whale Sharks!

I don’t think I have a specific least favourite place I have swum, however I am definitely a tropical mermaid and a massive sook when it comes to the cold, so cold water is always a challenge for me.

4. Why did you start Mermaiding? And how did you come up with your Mersona (mermaid name)

I started mermaiding for fun. I always pretended to be a mermaid as a kid, so why not pursue that dream as an adult?

My mersona is Mermaid Lenene (Merlene for short), Lenene is mine and my mother’s middle name. The name was created by my Grandmother, so it is unique and special to me.

5. What are three things you cannot be a Mermaid without?

I cannot mermaid without one of my gorgeous tails, a comfortable/supportive top (I like to swim fast) and a friend!

6. What’s the funniest or weirdest thing that has ever happened to you while Mermaiding?

I was mermaiding down the South Coast of NSW with my sister-in-law. We were a little way out, just beyond the break, and there was a older gentleman on the beach with a look of shock and surprise on his face. He stared at us in utter disbelief! I don’t think he could believe his eyes. He looked like he had just seen a ghost… or a real life mermaid?

We were quite happy not to confirm – or deny – his suspicions!

7. Do you have any favourite Mermaids that you follow?

@gypsea.jess @mslunamarie @mermeow.awn

8. What advice would you give to others who want to be Mermaids?

DO IT! Mermaiding is fun and you will meet some really great people along the way. My advice to new mermaids would be to be yourself! Mermaids come in all shapes, sizes, and ages! It would be boring if all mermaids were the same!! You can be as colourful, or natural as you want, and you can do all the accessorising you wish or just swim with a tail and a smile.

9. What’s next for you? Any big Mermaid plans?

My partner and I are planning another trip around Australia in our campervan. I can’t wait to get my tail out at every opportunity I can, and swim my way around Australia again!

We have also just started a candle making business with all natural, sustainable ingredients, which is based on my Mersona (Merlene Candles), and inspired by our love of the ocean.