So you didn’t like your first float? That’s ok! And here’s why…

As float centre owners and enthusiasts, you’d expect us to boast about how it’s the most incredible thing to ever exist and that you’ll love every single moment of your experience. As much as we’d love for that to be the truth, instead we’re more interested in being authentic and honest about what you might come to expect and share our expertise in the art of the floating rather than selling you false promises.

Our wisdom and experiences are well-informed. They come from each of as owners floating 100+ hours ourselves, as well as facilitating over 7000 float sessions since we opened in May 2016.  We pride ourselves in creating a sanctuary where you can hang around and bask in the after-effects of your float and we are always around to debrief if you’d like to chat. So when someone comes out of their very first float session, we have pretty much heard it all!

While most people emerge from their first float session feeling some sort of relaxed, calm, at peace, serene and tranquil, that’s not everyone’s experience. Did you get out of the tank early because you were bored? Restless? Physically unable to relax? Nauseous? Anxious? Afraid? All of these emotions are part of the normal range of the human experience and it is absolutely okay to have any one of these (or any other) feelings. Doing anything for the first time will provoke a level of anticipation, uncertainty or nervousness that may impact your experience. Even the calmest of people will find floating takes a bit of getting used to and need to give themselves the opportunity to calibrate. Don’t feel like you’ve failed or that floating is not for you if you didn’t have an epic first float – like anything, floating is a practice. You become better at leaning into the experience the more you do it.

So you might be wondering… how you can increase your chances of having a great first float?

Read through your confirmation email. We send out an email when you book in and we have put a lot of thought into its content. Please read this thoroughly and reply with any questions or concerns you may have before your session. We have also included a link to our Frequently Asked Questions page, which has heaps of information that you might be wondering about. You can also peruse our Your First Float page on our website which has information about what to expect and some of our procedures.

Let go of expectations. It’s normal to feel a tad nervous trying something new for the first time but don’t worry, we’ll take good care of you. You’ll get a thorough orientation to our space and answer any questions you might have before heading in.

Avoid caffeine and nicotine prior to your float. Stimulants will rev up your central nervous system, which is the exact opposite effect you’re looking to achieve while floating. If you must have your morning coffee, try to have it at least 2-3 hours prior to your float session.

Customise your float session. We will walk you through different features you can customise in the float tank so you can get the most out of your experience including lights and music. Do you find darkness relaxing? If so, turn the lights off and float in pitch black; otherwise, keep the lights on and enjoy the gentle changing of colours. You also have the option to play music for the first 10 minutes and last 5 minutes of your session, the whole time or the last 5 minutes only. Consider whether you are comfortable in silence or if you prefer to have soft music playing to help focus the mind.

Try it more than once! We cannot emphasize this enough. Floating is meant to trigger your parasympathetic nervous system, which is all about rest and relaxation. However, trying a new experience requires the brain and body to be more alert and it might take 20-30 minutes for you to actually let go in your first float session. Most people find they can relax quicker and more deeply after their second or sometimes third float. This is why we offer our Intro-3 Float Pack, where you can float for only $60 per float. This is the best way to get into the practice of floating.

We are not offended if you didn’t quite love your float and when we check in with you post-float, we hope you feel comfortable enough to share your honest experience. We are great listeners and appreciate hearing your comments, contemplations and feedback about your experience. If we can do something to make your next float more comfortable or enjoyable then please do not hesitate to let us know. After all, the potential of the tank is limitless…

Keen to give floating a go? Book in online or give us a ring on 04 470 7729.