I think I have found a new obsession. Let me start off first by saying that I’ve been interested in floating in an isolation tank for a couple of years. I was introduced to this concept by listening to Joe Rogan talk about his experiences in an isolation tank. To hear a little bit about what Joe’s view on sensory deprivation tanks, check out this YouTube video:
After listening to Joe for years, I began to search for places that offered float tanks… there weren’t any. I should clarify that by saying, that there weren’t any offered by a place of business. Most tanks in town were in someone’s home and they rented it out to people. I wasn’t to comfortable with that concept so I figured I wouldn’t experience floating.
That is until Float On came along…
Float on is a 4-tank float center located on Hawthorne Blvd. in Portland, OR [UPDATE 11/2012: They have 6 tanks]. They are largest float tank center on the West Coast and yet, they have only been open for about 11 months [UPDATE 11/2012: They are the largest in the U.S. and have been opened 2 years]. They’ve grown quickly through a couple of Groupon / Living Social deals. Once those deals were redeemed, people were hooked and had to come back for more (I can’t blame them).
The people at Float On are awesome! They are very warm and welcoming to everyone who sets foot in their facility. They love talking about the benefits of floating and are great at giving orientations to beginners on floating. Read more about them on their website. They are wonderful people to get to know.
I have visited Float On three times now in the past week and every experience was different from the last. For people who are skeptical about floating or may be claustrophobic, they recommend floating in one of the Ocean Rooms. I jumped right in and experienced my first float in their Oasis tank. (pictured below)
All of their tanks have are comprised of approx 850lbs. of epsom salt in about 11 inches of water (you’re guaranteed to float in that no matter who you are). The water is heated to the temperature of your skin so after a bit you can’t tell where the water ends and you begin. Each float is 90 minutes and it goes by in the blink of an eye. At first your mind races with all sorts of internal dialogue. A non-stop chatter because it’s only you and your brain in this tank. You can’t see or hear anything (except your breath can be heard). After about 40-60 minutes of your brain racing you begin to relax. Like I’ve said, I’ve had different experiences each time. Generally I’ll think of some things, black out, and I come to and begin thinking about a different topic. A few times, I’ve come up with some pretty nifty ideas.
I’ve tried each of their styles of tanks now. I think I like the Oasis tank the best. For those curious, here is a pic of the Ocean Room tank:
So why should people float?
The answers are numerous and almost everyone can find some benefit to floating. The most important benefits that I seek are: reduction of stress, ease of pain, reduce depression, replenishing magnesium levels, reducing cortisol, athletic performance, allowing my mind to relax, increasing creativity, exploring thoughts that are created through floating, reducing anger, among others. I can seriously go on and on about all of the benefits.
Personally I feel refreshed after 90 minutes. The effects of floating last a day or two afterwards. I seriously have had trouble getting mad at things since floating. I recommend everyone to try it at least once, but to truly understand what you can gain in an isolation tank, I recommend multiple floats, closely scheduled.
If you are in the Portland area, check out Float On or visit their website FloatHQ.com.
Because I’m a social media nerd, I have to mention their Facebook and Twitter pages should be given the respective “Like” and “Follow”. They are pretty active in social media (which is always nice to see).
If you’re out of the Portland area and want to find a float place near you, check out FloatFinder.com
If you have any questions on floating or want to discuss my experiences with me, just ask. I’ll be glad to share.
Thank you for reading about my new found love for floating.