Page 130 - Q01-2021 Fins Magazine

Merman Steven

The Traveling Merman

Mermen are not always easy to find, especially in
Malaysia. A background in graphic design and
toursim, Merman Steven’s story is inspirational.

Starting with a fear of water, Steven had a lot in front
of him to become a merman. He did what most of
us would do and looked for education.

“I was happy to find out” there was “one mermaid
school in my country but disappointed to know they
only accept female students. I didn’t give up. I did
some searching online and learned to swim from
YouTube.”

Fast forward three years, Steven now has multiple
certifications in freediving and owns his own
mermaid school in Kuala Lumpur.

His focus on supporting others to acheive their
dreams of becoming a mermaid/merman is evident
in his mermaid school. There are no limitations in
regards of gender. His school teaches theory and
skills of swimming as a mermaid, as well as tools to
build their own mermaid branding. They also work
on skills in different types of mermaid performing,
from competitions to performances to underwater
talents.

mermaid instruction for his own learning, he went
In 2019, Merman Steven attended the World on build his own school so future mermen would
Mermaid Championship in China. have the opportunities he didn’t.

“It was my best mermaiding experience. I was Merman Steven gets what being a merman is all
happier to be crowned with the Friendship Award about!
BY PATRICIA PASTRANO title than winning the competition. I am thankful
because I showed Malaysia’s hospitality to the world Watch our interview with Merman Steven on the
as Malaysian. The competition also opened my Fins Magazine YouTube channel.
MERMAN or merman.” Learn more about Merman Steven:
mind to think beyond what we can do as mermaid
STEVEN It isn’t always easy to keep going, especially when mermansteven.wordpress.com

@merman.steven
there are obstacles in your path. Merman Steven
exemplifies the merman spirit. While incorporating
inclusivity, support, acceptance and flexibility,
he transformed and progressed in challenging
environment. Overcoming lack of educational

130 131