Your Float

• What to expect

• Float Center Walkthroughs

What to expect when you arrive…

When you arrive for your float you can expect to be greeted by a friendly float host in a lobby or waiting area. They will introduce you to some of the specifics of their float center. For your first float at any particular float center you will likely be asked to fill out some paperwork and perhaps sign a release, so it is a good idea to arrive fifteen to twenty minutes early. They will very likely have water, tea, or other caffeine free beverages for you to enjoy. This is usually a very calming space with soothing music and a comfortable ambiance.

What to expect when you go into the float and therapy area…

The float suites and other treatment spaces are likely to be behind a closed privacy door. You may be asked to leave your coat and shoes in a transitional space. Your host will likely give you a tour of their facility and perhaps introduce you to some of the other services they provide. They will make sure you know where the restrooms are located and encourage you to use them before your float.

What to expect in your Float Suite…

Your host will then show you to your Float Suite and introduce you to it’s features. This private room will typically have a changing area with seating. There will be places for your clothing and personal belongings. Everything you need for your float will be there for you; towels, earplugs, makeup remover, petroleum jelly, and a robe with slippers in case you need to use the restroom or other facilities during your stay. There will be a shower that is just for you with soap, shampoo, and conditioner provided. A few extras that are commonly provided are a small face towel or fresh water spray bottle in case you get salt on your face, a float halo or other floating support, and drinking water.

What to expect as you prepare for your float…

After your host introduces you to your float tank (our descriptions of different float tank styles) and it’s features it’s time to float! If you choose to use earplugs you will want to apply them before your shower while your ears are dry. Earplugs are optional, there is no harm in floating without them if you choose to, do what is most comfortable for you. The most common provided earplugs are a swimmer’s style plug that you apply to the surface of your ear canal rather than inserted like traditional earplugs. You will also want to apply the petroleum jelly to any exposed cuts or scrapes to protect them from the salt and remove any makeup. Your pre-float shower is a thorough cleansing shower; you want to remove body oils and products so they don’t enter the float tank with you. It is advisable to take a neutral temperature shower, if you take a hot shower the float water will seem cold when you first enter your float.

What to expect in your float…

Before you enter the float tank make sure your face is fully dry so you aren’t tempted to wipe it with a salty hand. I like to hang a small hand towel somewhere inside the tank (usually on a door handle or grab bar) or just outside it in case my face gets wet or I perspire and want to wipe my face during the float. Once you lay down in the tank your body will be fully supported by the float solution, floating will be completely effortless.

Often the most difficult part of the body for people to relax as a new floater is the neck; we have been trained from infancy to protect our heads from water and it takes some time to settle in and allow your head to float naturally by releasing you neck. There are a variety of aids available and your float center will likely have them available for you. The most common is the floatease halo, a foam ring that acts as a pillow while you float making it easier and more comfortable to relax your neck.

There are as many different positions to float in as there are floaters. Over time your body will find the positions that are most comfortable for you. I’ve found that while I have some favorite positions my body just naturally goes to the right position when I get in the tank, and that position may be completely different from float to float. A few of the most common positions, including some with neck aids, are presented in the accompanying photo grid.

Traditional sensory deprivation floating is done in complete silence and darkness, but many modern float tanks have options for you to find your optimum comfort. Some tanks have mood lighting controlled by the floater; sometimes star lights above, sometimes colored lights in the water, and occasionally both. Some tanks will offer the option for music, or even guided meditation, to play through underwater speakers during your float. I find the dark and silent floats the most satisfying, but there is no right or wrong way to experience floating so feel free to experiment!

While you are floating you may find yourself moving around within your tank. If you find yourself bumping against the walls try to resist pushing off; that will simply send you towards the opposite wall. Your body will very likely find it’s center on it’s own if you allow it to, you can also steady yourself with a foot and hand on the bottom in the center of the tank to aid the process. You may also hear mechanical noises during your float, this likely means your head is very near a wall or speaker and centering yourself in the tank will restore silence.

What to expect when your float ends…

Most tanks will indicate that your float is ending by fading in music and/or turning on in tank lights. You will want to move out of the tank carefully, sometimes the reintroduction to gravity can be a bit challenging, trying to balance with relaxed muscles. Shortly after you leave the tank the cleaning and filtering cycle will likely begin, so be aware there may be some noise associated with that. Your post-float shower can be a rinse or a thorough cleansing shower. You want to remove the salt from your body and use the vinegar ear wash to rinse your ears if you did not wear earplugs. Some people like to avoid soap after the float to allow the magnesium on your skin and in your pores to remain there. Remember that there is likely another floater in the time slot after yours, so you want to shower and dress quickly enough to allow your suite to be cleaned for the next guest. Some centers will have a separate space with mirrors, blow dryers, and supplies to get you ready for the rest of your day.

It is a great idea to have a few things ready for after your float. I always want a glass of water after a float, water is rarely any more refreshing than it is right after a float! If I’m going home after my float, especially an evening float, I like to have comfortable clothes to wear home (sometimes even pajamas). No matter when I float I always like to have clean socks and underwear for afterwards.

Float Center Walkthroughs…