Guiding First Time Floaters
I enjoy working in the spa environment. In 2015 and 2016 I worked at Ladywell’s, a women's-only hydrotherapy spa in Seattle’s Greenwood neighborhood. There I guided women through the facility much like my spa tour poem. I showed them the therapeutic rooms and provided tips from traditional Swedish practices on how long to stay in extreme heat and how to tell when your body needs rest. Since Ladywell’s was an openly nude spa, I answered as many questions as I could to ensure everyone felt comfortable.
In 2018 and 2019 I worked at Life Float, a float spa in the South Lake Union area of Seattle. After years of tours, I’ve accumulated some tips for first-time floaters on what to bring, how to float, and how to ease back into reality.
What to Bring
It’s good to call ahead but usually, you are not required to bring anything. I remember many Amazon employees would stop in for a float and go back to work or some guests brought their own shampoo and earplugs. When I did the 100hr practice, I brought a spa bag with a change of clothes, bath and beauty products, my notebook, and a water bottle. Your float experience and self-care routine are up to you.
The Tour
I would start my tour by asking my guests if they’ve ever floated before, what they know about it, or how they feel about their first time and this would gauge the degree of brevity or elaboration. In each room at Life Float, there was a shower, toilet, sink, and a 6’ x 8’ tub that was open to the room. We kept the air and water at 98° so you can imagine it was always quite warm working there. We provided earplugs and little packets of petroleum jelly for any cuts. Shampoo, conditioner, and body wash are pretty standard at every float center but most tanks have different button set-ups. During a float when it’s pitch black and you get salt in your eyes, this can be a mini emergency. To help my guests succeed, I would help them remember the two buttons by saying “the button closest to the doorframe is for the lights, and the other is for the music.” Some tours can be full of details so if you miss anything, feel free to ask.
The Float
There is no one way to float, the time there is yours. If you feel like getting out early and taking your time to get ready for the rest of your day, that is perfectly welcomed. The mission of the float is to relax the mind and body.
Post Float
After your float, it can be weird to ease back into normal life. Your float guides know this and are there for you.
Sometimes I don’t want to talk to anyone right after a float. I spent an hour or two with my thoughts and all I want to do is write it out and try to remember the phrasing I had pieced together. When I’m in this mood, I sort of head right for the couch with my notebook. Float guides are familiar with this zone and know to give you some time.
Sometimes I feel chatty and by the way I stroll up to the front desk, my float guides know to open with “what epiphanies did you discover this float?” and then I dance around, unleashing my streams of consciousness.
Most float guides have a strong vocabulary for emotional intelligence, metaphysical concepts, and modalities of alternative healing so the conversations often blossom into rich friendships.
My first float was part of the interview process at Life Float. I don’t remember the details of my tour except feeling well-informed and excited to try it and I hope this post does the same for you.
November 30, 2022
