Kraków · Mermaiding course
Discover the mermaid world
Mermaiding courses in Kraków and underwater photo sessions — learn to swim in a mermaid tail, from your first breath underwater to a spectacular performance.
"Water doesn't ask if you're ready — it simply opens its arms. I'll teach you the rest."Elżbieta Cierlak
About me
Elżbieta Cierlak — Mermaiding instructor in Kraków
Certified SSI and PADI instructor
About me
"Beneath the surface the world slows down — only breath, movement and a touch of magic remain."
Hi, I'm Ela — I teach swimming in a mermaid tail and create underwater photo sessions. Water has always been part of my life, and mermaiding let me combine two loves: movement and imagination.
In our sessions I'll show you that mermaid-style swimming is more than a striking tail. It's breath work, calm and conscious movement underwater — I teach it step by step, at your own pace and with care for safety.
Whether you simply want to have fun or dream of a professional performance — I'll help you feel at home in the water.
Deepspot & open water
The underwater world
Shots from deep pools and open water
Offer
Become a mermaid
Mermaiding is swimming in a mermaid tail with a monofin — a blend of freediving, body control and underwater performance. I run sessions from a trial lesson, through a pool course, to open water and photo sessions. We arrange dates individually.
With me you'll make your first tail strokes, and if you catch the bug — we'll go further. All in an intimate atmosphere and at a pace that suits you.
I teach adults and children who can already swim and are in good physical shape.
For beginners · from age 6
Your first dive in a mermaid tail
You will put on the tail, learn the mermaid wave and find out if mermaiding is for you.
No experience, no certificate
All you need is to be able to swim. We swim in a shallow pool and I am right beside you the whole time.
BookCertified courses
SSI or PADI — which one?
- Both are equally good — they are the two largest international training organisations. SSI and PADI certificates are recognised worldwide, and you learn very similar skills on the course.
- For children PADI certifies from age 6 (Basic Mermaid) and 10 (Mermaid). The SSI Mermaid course is from age 12.
- Open water the next step after the pool course is with SSI (Ocean Mermaid).
- Certificate you get it in the organisation's app — MySSI or the PADI App — so it is always on your phone.
Photo session · Outdoor / deep pool · od 800 PLN
Ask about a datePool tickets depend on the venue and are paid separately.
I run every course in a small group and individually — so it's safe, calm and attentive to your pace.
See you in the water!
Shop
Accessories
Crowns, headbands, tops and extras for your mermaid look.
Scale Top
A top covered in shimmering scales, matched to your tail colour.
Gift idea
Vouchers
Give someone their first moments in a mermaid tail.
Course voucher
A trial lesson or a mermaiding course to give as a gift. We will set the date together with the recipient.
Order a course voucher
Gift voucher
You choose the amount, and the recipient decides what to spend it on.
Order a gift voucherContact
Get in touch
Have questions about courses, want to book a date or arrange a photo session? Fill in the form or write to me directly — I'll get back to you as soon as possible.
Email: elza.cierlak@gmail.com
Frequently asked questions
What is mermaiding?
Mermaiding is a discipline that combines elements of freediving with underwater performance. It involves swimming in a mermaid tail (and monofin) with body control, breathing techniques and building an aesthetic image underwater. It can be a form of recreation or a professional water sport.
Do I need to know how to swim to start?
Yes, swimming ability is required. Before training there is a short swimming assessment covering swimming and floating on the surface. The course requires good physical condition.
Can children take part in the sessions?
Yes — I run sessions for adults and children aged 10 and up. The child must be able to swim and be in good physical condition. Participation of minors requires the written consent of a parent or guardian.
Where and when do the sessions take place?
Basic classes take place in pools in Kraków, advanced ones at Deepspot (the deep-diving pool in Mszczonów near Warsaw) or in open water. We set dates individually — usually at weekends.
What do I get after the course?
An international SSI or PADI certificate, the ability to swim independently and safely in a mermaid tail — and a place in a community of mermaids with whom we train and support each other. The certificate is recognised by schools and dive centres worldwide, so you can keep swimming and training abroad too.
Do you offer photo sessions?
Yes — I run underwater and outdoor photo sessions in a mermaid tail. Details and dates are arranged individually through the contact form.
Social
Take a peek into my underwater world