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I'll never forget my first float tank.... 29/04/2008 Surprised that float tanks still existed, I booked my boyfriend and I in for a "2 hours of Bliss" package. 1 hour in the tank followed by 1 hour of massage. When we first walked through the door it was like stepping back in time. Think Swiss Alps chalet with a slight resemblance to a 70s porn set. Pine panelling on the walls, shag pile carpet and an aquarium in the reception.
We are virgin floaters, so are pleased the receptionist gives us a full run down on what to do. When the door opens onto the float room, we aren't exactly in awe by the decor, but more intrigued by the two capsule like tanks, slightly bigger than coffins. I am wondering whether claustrophobia will get the better of me. Or worse will I drown?
I am still not totally convinced this is my thing as I step into the warm water which is about 50cm deep. I am suddenly overcome by pain. Word of warning – salty water is not such a good mix for freshly shaved legs. I try to get past the intense stinging, sit down and roll down the shutter.
Now in complete darkness I lie face up in the water. The sensation is amazing. Not having been on a recent expedition to the moon, I can only imagine that this is what it feels like to be in zero gravity. Your whole body is completely weightless and floats effortlessly almost right out of the water due to the extremely high salt concentration. I am relieved that drowning will no longer be an option and surprisingly don't feel claustrophobic at all. Whale music plays softly in the background. Pretty much all my thoughts literally float away and before too long, I have fallen into a deep deep sleep.
The next thing I am aware of is Norah Jones singing sweetly in my ear at an increasing volume. Slightly disorientated and totally groggy, I feel like I have been asleep for a year. The brochure says that one hour in the float tank is equivalent to 6 hours of sleep. At this point it seems very true.
We shower to wash off the salt, put on the fresh bath robes and stumble to the massage rooms which again are nothing flash. But with your head stuck through a whole cut into a padded plank of wood, who cares about the room. I ask the masseuse for a firm massage and he is spot on. At the end of the hour (which comes about all too soon) we head out into the waiting room to reacclimatise to the outside world. We leave still slightly drugged by the experience and have trouble locating the car.
My first time in the float tank was completely satisfying and the massage the icing on the cake. I can't remember ever feeling so relaxed. The 2 hours was truly total bliss, even the bill - $100 each. Incredible value and even better when the health fund kicks in (finally those monthly deductions are starting to seem worthwhile).
Now a complete convert, I vow to revisit at least once a month to catch up on that lost sleep. I don't ever dare ask how often they change the tank water. But with all that salt, I feel content enough not to ever know.
