Siren Tephra (A.K.A) Aurora Benson is the winner of "Rookie of the year" Team U.S.A. as she rose to the top in her first year of competitive mermaiding. She adapted to equipment that was not her own, and was never held back by it!
100 meter speed trial at the surface of the water -coming up for breath allowed -arms are to stay in streamline -all turn styles allowed -athlete is to swim at the surface of the water, no total submerging allowed No arm strokes, only dolphin kick.
2 minute 30 second limit: original underwater dance performance *Performance music licensing required* Required Skills: Duck Dive, Back Flip, Infinity Loop, Front Flip, Barrel Roll, 3 dolphin kicks -Hair Knox allowed -Goggles/Nose clip allowed Swim caps discouraged
100 M submerged mermaid stroke -multiple breath holds are allowed -arms are to stay in streamline -all turn styles allowed No arm strokes, only dolphin kick.
100 M Butterfly stroke with dolphin kick All turn Styles allowed.
100 M Mermaid style Backstroke; streamline arms, chin toward the ceiling. (Face is not submerged unless dunk-checking wall distance) Reverse C-turn required for this stroke No arm strokes, only dolphin kick.
No silicone monofins or tails are allowed in competition. No monofin of Fin Fun will be accepted, Tail skins by Fin Fun allowed. No drawstring waist band tails, no weights, no sharp objects.
No glitter or glass on any equipment (makeup/tail etc.) or part of the body that gets into the pool. Silicone accessories are accepted. Arm bracers, crowns, wigs, are accepted: They must be secured to the athlete or result in deductions if they fall off while performing.
The athlete must hit the touchpad on the pool wall to stop the timer and record your time during the races segment. (one hand or both touching the pad is allowed, it must be touched in a firm manner to register properly.) In the event of a tie, a second race (heat) is required.
Swim caps, nose plugs, and goggles are allowed for artistic swim and racing, no points will be deducted for their use. No snorkels of any kind for racing or performances.
5 Designated figures are expected to be used in the dance. Judges will be in the competition pool to observe and grade athletes. No deductions will be given for multiple breaths taken. Athletes should not push themselves for long breath holds for this performance. There is no order of skills but all of them must be performed.
$60 application fee required Competition Date: May 30, 2026 Spectator tickets Available March 1st, 2026 Through Utah Tech Ticketing Competition fee: $255
Plastic based fin
Rubber based fin
Fiberglass based fin
Natural rubber based fin