WaterWay Mermaid Monofin — Everything You Need to Know Before You Buy
The WaterWay Mermaid and Nemo Mermaid monofins are among the most powerful fiberglass monofins available for mermaiding and recreational monofinning. This guide covers everything: how to size yourself correctly, how to choose blade stiffness, what makes the Nemo different from the standard Mermaid, and how to get the most out of these fins from day one.
There are three categories of monofins — and WaterWay sits at the crossover.
Monofins broadly fall into freediving, finswimming, and mermaid-specific designs. The WaterWay Mermaid and Nemo are technically freediving/finswimming monofins — but they are widely used by mermaids and work extremely well for that purpose.
Mermaid Monofins vs. Freediving Monofins — What's Actually Different
Understanding what sets WaterWay apart helps you appreciate exactly what you are getting.
Mermaid Monofin vs. Nemo Mermaid Monofin — Which One Is Right for You?
WaterWay makes two mermaid-oriented monofins. The blade on both is identical — 70 cm fiberglass, same stiffness options, same performance. The key difference is entirely in the foot pocket design.
Mermaid Monofin — Standard Pockets
Features individual, circular-style foot pockets sized from EU 35 through EU 49 — the widest size range available. Perfect for swimmers who want a precise, dialled-in fit.
Sizes: EU 35–49 (individual sizing)
Nemo Mermaid Monofin — Nemo Pockets
The Nemo pockets fully enclose the foot, distributing pressure evenly across the top and sides. Excellent for wider feet, reconstructed arches, or anyone who wants full coverage and maximum comfort during long sessions.
Sizes: EU 37–48 (grouped ranges)
How to Size Yourself Correctly
Getting the right size is the most important step — follow this process and you will be perfectly set up from the first swim.
Step 1 — Pick your foot size
For the standard Mermaid, match your EU shoe size exactly. For the Nemo, find the grouped range that covers your size. If you are between groups, size up — the Nemo pockets are comfortably forgiving within each range.
Step 2 — Choose blade stiffness by weight
Use the WaterWay size and weight guide. Stiffness 1 (Soft) is great for lighter swimmers and those just starting out. Stiffness 2 (Medium) suits most swimmers. Stiffness 3 (Hard) is for heavier or competitive swimmers who want maximum propulsion.
Step 3 — Start with Stiffness 1 if unsure
When in doubt, Stiffness 1 is the right starting point. It is still stiffer than most mermaid monofins on the market and will give you immediate, noticeable propulsion. You can always upgrade as your swimming develops.
Understanding Blade Stiffness — Soft, Medium, Hard
The WaterWay Mermaid fins are fiberglass — not carbon fibre. Stiffness is controlled through layering during manufacture, giving you three distinct options that grow with your swimming.
Can you upgrade stiffness later?
Absolutely. Many WaterWay swimmers start at Stiffness 1 and move up as their swimming develops. The stiffness range is designed to grow with you — your fin can keep pace with your progress for years.
Using WaterWay with a Mermaid Tail Skin
WaterWay fins can absolutely be used with a mermaid tail skin — when paired correctly, the result is one of the most powerful and stunning mermaid setups available.
Choose the right tail skin
For the best fit and performance, look for a tail skin made by a maker who works with WaterWay dimensions. A properly fitted WaterWay tail setup is incredibly impressive in the water and worth getting right.
The 70 cm blade in a tail
The wide 70 cm blade looks spectacular inside a tail skin. It fills the fluke beautifully and delivers serious propulsion — far beyond what narrower blades can produce in the same setup.
Use neoprene dive socks
Thick neoprene dive socks are recommended for the best experience — they provide cushioning, grip, and warmth inside the foot pockets, making long swims significantly more comfortable.
Not sure about your tail skin?
Contact us before ordering — we can advise on compatible tail makers and help you plan the full setup so everything fits perfectly from day one.
Why Mermaids and Finswimmers Love WaterWay
- 70 cm fiberglass blade — big, powerful, and fast, unlike anything else in the mermaid fin market
- Wide foot pockets accommodate wider feet and reconstructed arches extremely well
- Full heel support for all-day swimming comfort
- Fiberglass construction lasts up to 2000 km — a fin you buy once
- Three stiffness options that grow with your training level
- Travel-friendly dimensions — fits in checked luggage without a dedicated fin bag
Travelling with WaterWay Fins
WaterWay fins are very manageable to travel with. They fit comfortably into checked luggage without a dedicated fin bag. If you prefer carry-on only, the fins thread vertically behind a backpack — most major carriers do not flag them.
WaterWay Mermaid Monofins at Spearfisher Shop
We carry both WaterWay mermaid monofin options — the standard Mermaid and the Nemo. Both feature the same 70 cm fiberglass blade and the same stiffness range. The only difference is the foot pocket design.
Not sure which version to choose?
Tell us your foot size, swimming background, and whether you plan to use a tail skin — we will point you to the right option.
Which WaterWay Is Right for You?
Choose the Nemo if...
- You have wider feet
- You had foot surgery or arch issues
- You want full foot enclosure and even pressure distribution
- You are between individual EU sizes
Choose the Mermaid if...
- You want your exact EU size
- You have narrow to average feet
- You want the widest possible size range (EU 35–49)
- You are using it for finswimming or performance training
Choose Stiffness 1 if...
- You are getting started with monofins
- You swim recreationally
- You are lighter in weight
- You want the ideal starting point
Choose Stiffness 2 or 3 if...
- You train consistently — multiple sessions per week
- You want maximum propulsion
- You are competing or performing professionally
- You are ready to take your swimming further