Bad Experience with a Trainer
I had a VERY bad experience with a popular trainer and mermaid in the community. It’s been three years since I attended a course with them, and I haven’t spoken on it until now. It’s very intimidating as this company has 5 star reviews all around and this mer is very well known. I feel insane having been the only person with this experience it seems and I wonder if anyone else has had something like this as well within the community and are too scared to come forward.
I attended a retreat held by a mermaid club with about 7 people total. I hadnt met anyone beforehand, but was excited. I drove a few hours to the location and was greeted somewhat warmly. It was basic mermaid training with optional offerings as well. Everyone knew each other and the club’s leaders got on pretty well with the instructor. This turned out to be a huge reason why I was injured, left in open water, and ignored most of the training.
Beginning with being uncertain on how to attach gear, and did not receive any help. Instructor was chatting with the leaders. I tried to get the attention of the instructor but was unable as all the girls were already heading out into the water. I managed to figure it out and followed. From there, I paid attention to the things being taught, made a buddy, and made it through most of the day just following what I could see/hear from others. I didn’t get a chance for any 1:1, feedback, or any coaching at what I was doing from the instructor as they were with the leaders of the club all day. Most of the time I heard them speaking about social media. I felt I had accidentally attended a networking event lol.
On one of the last things taught, an underwater upside down turn-like thing, I was with my buddy, another attendee, not a member of the club either. It was just the two of us in the area we were in, all others in the group besides us two had completed this portion. When it was time to show I could do this maneuver, the instructor was 30 yards away chatting with the club leaders. (I am not even sure how they would have known if I did this correctly, but whatever). I guess they would have just believed me if I told them?
I attempted it, and pinched a nerve in my neck immediately. Thank god my husband was nearby while I did this day of training and had arrived back as we were set to wrap up shortly. I swam to the entrance of the water, and he helped me up and I found a spot in the dirt to lie down. I cried from pain and being confused and disappointed. The instructor came over eventually and asked if I was okay. I said no, I had injured my neck. They said some Tylenol would help, then everyone else was out of the water and chatting/getting changed, etc.
Nobody else in the group talked to me 😅 just vibed in the dirt. Everyone headed out and had planned to do dinner together or something I think.
I was lying down after everyone left, for about half an hour until I felt okay to move around. The instructor came back, seemed annoyed, and said I left gear in the water on a dock. I apologized and explained again that I had been injured and couldn’t retrieve it at the time. I felt bad for not offering to go back in to get it but I physically couldnt. She walked past myself and husband and swam the few feet to grab it, and walked past us without saying anything else. I didn’t get the certification since I didn’t finish. (There were one or two things left maybe? Idk).
listen, I signed the waivers. I get it. But ive never been around such mean girl energy. I have no idea how this company has such rave reviews as fundamental aspects seemed unsafe, and people in the course were ignored if they didnt have social media questions to grow their pages.
It felt good to finally share this, and while I think other experiences would help me feel better, id feel best to know nobody else went through this.