Mermaid hobbyists take part in an open swim during MerMagic convention at an aquatic center in Manassas, Virginia on Sunday. Photo: AFP

Tresses swirled and fins shimmered as thousands of people donned tails to dive into a weekend of all things mermaid at the MerMagic convention in Virginia. Held at an aquatic center in Manassas, in the eastern US, the convention is billed as the world's largest dedicated to mermaids, and attracts enthusiasts from all walks of life.

"It is really for everyone, because you don't necessarily have to swim to be a mermaid, you don't necessarily even have to have a tail," said Morgana Alba, a co-founder of the convention. 

"There's a legend of a different kind of mermaid in just about every society going back as far as history's been recorded, which means there's really no wrong way to be a mermaid."

One group, the Society of Fat Mermaids, were looking to attract more fans of fins.

The society's founder Che Monique said she posts pictures of the group's members swimming and performing tricks in the pool while decked out in their mermaid finest on Instagram to encourage others to think, "Hey, I can do that too."

But some might be put off by the high price tag that comes with becoming a mermaid. Many "merfolk" spend thousands of dollars on colorful and intricate outfits, much of that often going into custom-made tails of silicone or foam and fabric.

On the trade show floor, vendors sold everything from full tails to accessories to decorate and finish a mermaid's look, including headpieces, necklaces, rings and clothing.

"This is definitely not a cheap hobby," mermaid Jasmine Glover told AFP, saying the tail she was sporting at the convention cost "probably between $2,000 and $3,000." Then there are expenses like getting lifeguard and free diving certifications, she added.

AFP