KUALA LUMPUR: As a child, Nazeyra Fadzaauny was captivated by the legend of mermaids. Their freedom, grace and deep connection to the ocean fired her imagination from an early age.
As an adult, she was delighted to discover the world of mermaiding, an activity that lets participants live out those childhood dreams. Wearing a monofin encased in a fabric tail, swimmers glide through water using movements inspired by the mythical sea creatures.
Today, Nazeyra, 40, leads the Modest Mermaid Society, a community that promotes mermaiding in a diverse and inclusive way. It aims to provide a safe space for women who love the ocean but prefer modest swimwear.
“I realised many women were interested in mermaiding but didn’t have a comfortable environment where they could enjoy it while dressing modestly,” Nazeyra, better known as Eyra, told FMT Lifestyle.
“As a mermaid instructor, I get to bring a little of my childhood dream to life while teaching water confidence and safety, and inspiring others to experience the magic of the underwater world.”
Founded in 2023, the society has grown to around 50 members ranging from teenagers to adults.
The group organises regular mermaid training sessions, skin-diving activities, workshops, pool sessions and ocean trips. It also encourages members to develop a greater appreciation of marine conservation and ocean stewardship.
Activities are usually held monthly, depending on the members’ schedules. Most take place at swimming pools, although beaches and islands are occasionally used for open-water sessions.
According to Eyra, some members join because they love the ocean, while others want to improve their swimming skills or simply try something different.
Unlike in fairytales, becoming a mermaid doesn’t require magic or giving up your legs. Participants simply need a mask, snorkel, modest swimwear – and the monofin mermaid tail, of course!
Basic swimming skills are recommended, although newcomers are always welcome.
Inspired by centuries-old folklore, modern mermaiding emerged in the early 20th century and has grown into a global community, complete with dedicated schools and internationally recognised certification programmes.
While professional mermaids may make it look effortless, swimming in a mermaid tail takes practice. Eyra said swimming in modest clothing also requires proper training and confidence, as loose garments behave differently in the water.
Her classes, therefore, focus on helping students gradually build their swimming technique, water awareness and confidence before mastering mermaid skills.
“We believe modesty is never a limitation. It simply requires the right skills, training and experience,” said Eyra, a certified Mermaid Instructor, Mermaid Performer Instructor and Divemaster with the Professional Association of Diving Instructors (Padi).
Looking ahead, Eyra hopes to organise more workshops, ocean outings, certification programmes and marine conservation initiatives for the society.
“I hope to expand the Modest Mermaid Society throughout Malaysia and inspire more women to discover the beauty of the underwater world with confidence,” she said.
“Our mission is to be a positive and supportive community where everyone encourages one another to grow.”
Follow the Modest Mermaid Society on Instagram.
