close
close
Saudi Arabia focuses on global economy at G20 development meeting

Saudi Arabia focuses on global economy at G20 development meeting

JEDDAH: Inspired by mythical sea creatures, a diving centre in Jeddah is offering a unique mermaid diving course for anyone looking to splash around in cool waters this summer.

Scuba Schools International in Al-Haddad Scuba in the coastal city offers a playful yet exciting experience for anyone looking for an aquatic adventure.

Around the world, mermaids represent beauty, danger, transformation, duality, and feminine power. Today, they continue to inspire literature, film, fashion, and even marine conservation efforts.

Ali Ayoub, Al-Haddad Scuba, certified mermaid diver

Arab News spoke to Corinna Davids, an Austrian diving and swimming instructor known for her groundbreaking approach to mermaid diving. She developed the SSI Mermaid Program after years of expertise in freediving and swimming.

When Davids was 18, she started working as a swimming and diving instructor with SSI. Since then, she has revolutionized the diving industry, shaking things up with her innovative techniques and passion for the ocean.

HIGHLIGHTS

• In April, Corinna Davids gave the first mermaid diving course for instructors in Saudi Arabia.

• The course consists of extensive theory sessions, in-water training and teaching skills evaluations.

Mermaid diving, she explained, is an art form that combines the dolphin kick technique used in swimming with an exaggerated, aesthetically pleasing movement. This unique style not only looks beautiful, but also ensures efficiency and safety.

“By mastering various fun skills and tricks, SSI mermaids are able to perform amazing feats while adhering to safety protocols,” she told Arab News.

Saudi model Wafaa Al-Masry said the mermaid diving course was “a fun and unique experience.” (Supplied)

Davids says that to become a mermaid, all you need is basic confidence in the water. “The program is very accessible, and to become a mermaid instructor, you have to complete additional steps after you become a mermaid,” she added.

The mermaid diving experience is not complete without the mermaid costume. Davids recommends using high-quality monofins, such as the Mahina Monofin, which offer efficiency and aesthetic appeal. The tail skin, made of Lycra or dive fabric, completes the look and gives mermaids the confidence to shine.

In April, Davids taught the first mermaid diving instructor course in Saudi Arabia, focusing on safety, technique and teaching methods to ensure that students are able to teach mermaid diving to students of all levels. The course consists of extensive theory sessions, in-water training and teaching skills assessments.

Initiatives such as the Vision 2030 plan aim to diversify the economy and promote tourism. This includes developing new recreational activities such as diving with mermaids.

Ali AyoubAl-Haddad Scuba, certified mermaid diver

“The course was overwhelmingly positively received by students, who showed significant improvement throughout the program,” she said.

The newly certified instructors will be able to teach the mermaid diving program throughout Saudi Arabia.

“The primary goal of teaching this course in Saudi Arabia was to introduce a new, fun program that would appeal to both children and adults. Mermaid diving offers an exciting experience for those who may be hesitant to try scuba diving or freediving,” Davids said.

Corinna Davids, a respected diving and swimming instructor known for her groundbreaking approach to mermaid diving. (Instagram/corinna.flowrebels)

The course was attended by four participants from different backgrounds, including a swimming instructor and a lifeguard, two diving instructors (one of whom is a doctor) and a freediving instructor who is also an air traffic controller.

Ali Ayoub, a certified mermaid diver and diving instructor with Al-Haddad Scuba, told Arab News: “Saudi Arabia is undergoing significant social and cultural transformations, with greater emphasis on leisure and recreational activities.

“Initiatives such as the Vision 2030 plan aim to diversify the economy and promote tourism, which includes the development of new recreational activities such as mermaid diving.”

Ayoub added that diving with mermaids requires strong swimming skills and good physical condition. “Practice swimming regularly, work on your breathing techniques, and consider taking freediving courses to improve your underwater endurance,” he advised.

He added that mermaid divers can participate in educational programs for schools, community groups and public events: “They can share information about marine ecosystems, the threats they face and how individuals can help. Their engaging presence can make learning about these issues more interesting and memorable.”

Wafaa Al-Masry, 22, a Saudi model, took the mermaid diving course under the supervision of coach Ayoub. She told Arab News: “It was a fun and unique experience. At first I thought it would be difficult, but with the training and the guidance of the coach, I found it easy and fun.”

She said breathing techniques, relaxation and mastering the fin method were new skills she mastered in a different way during the mermaid course. “The instructor was excellent at giving instructions, making the experience fun and providing valuable information,” she added.

Davids has written a comprehensive guide for those interested in discovering the magic of mermaid diving in Saudi Arabia. The guide provides all the information new mermaids need to stay safe, make informed decisions and choose the right gear.

Al-Haddad Scuba has trained over 3,000 divers in the past five years and specializes in unique activities such as snorkeling, deep diving and night diving. Together with a group of other ocean lovers, the dive center offers immersive experiences of the vibrant underwater world.