The Mermaid's Mirror by L. K. Madigan is aimed at teens but readable by adults.
Lena (short for Selena) has just turned 16 and wants to learn to surf. Her father refuses. Lena's desire increases after she sees a mermaid in the surf at Magic Cove.
Lena has some issues. She sleepwalks and even fainted, just from being in a high-rise building. Apparently this is tied to the mermaid, assuming that she really exists (spoiler: yes, she does).
The book is essentially in two parts, the first part is highly realistic with details about Lena's friends and boyfriend. A lot of time is spent explaining how to surf and what to do when you fall off.
The second part follows what happens after Lena finally makes contact with the mermaid. This part is much less detailed, almost dreamy which matches Lena's state of mind but is still a little jarring.
The mermaids in the book breath air and have to surface occasionally for air. They communicate telepathically and live in small settlements. Much of their culture is through song which matches primitive human cultures.
One oddity of the book is that the mermaids carry sealskin cloaks like silkies. They do not change shape with these but they use them to appear to be seals and sea lions to humans.
The book left quite a bit of room for a sequel.
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