Inside Float North County
They say in traveling it is all about the journey. What if the journey is inside. What if I told you that you can travel across the Earth in minutes to mythical lands without leaving your hometown. Would you believe me? We had a chance to explore floating at Float North County in Solana Beach California to find out. It was recommended to us that one should float at least 3 times to truly get a feel for it. Over the next week and a half we embarked on an exploration of mind, body, and spirit.
The lobby glowed in a radiant blue light from the wave mural behind the desk. Everything looks fresh, new and ultramodern. We met with Bryan, the night watchman, who led us back to our sensory deprivation tanks. Ed and I selected the Ocean Tanks for our first float since they had 7’ ceilings (re: no chance of claustrophobia). My tank had LED stars on the ceiling, while Ed’s ceiling was quasi-reflective so he could watch his body floating. For the next 90 minutes, we practiced letting go.
The Art of Letting Go
The first thing we noticed was that the water was really salty. In fact, over 1100 lbs of pharmaceutical grade epsom salt is added to each tank which allowed us to float in only 11’’ of water. Floating weightless allowed our spines to decompress, toxins to flow from our bodies and copious amounts of magnesium to be absorbed through our skin. It also was the perfect backdrop for deep meditation and introspection.
Ed and I found our first experience to be quite similar. At first, we were very conscious of lungs expanding and contracting. With each inhale, we rose out of the water and the slid back in with our exhale. It was rhythmic and mesmerizing. So too was the omnipresent beating of our heart in an otherwise silent world. We waited patiently for the magic to happen, reviewing the events of our day and writing articles in our head.
The Hallways of Our Minds
In the quiet of the dark, something did happen. Breath somehow became less necessary. The deep cycles were replaced by something less demanding and more serene; as if our bodies were no longer craving oxygen. Our hearts started beating a slower and deliberate thud, thud thud. I don’t know if this was nirvana but I wish I could find this place diving. I image that I could get a two-hour scuba dive from my 80mm tank if I could only keep this breathing.
Glenn Stokes, owner and mastermind behind Float North County, says “each time you float, you’ll be able to relax your body and mind faster to reach a higher state of meditation because your brain and body will be accustomed to being in the float tank.” On our second visit, we switched rooms and started another exploration. Again, we felt our breath mellow and our heart beat soften. We were alone with our thoughts again.
The Doorway to Your Demons
Sometimes, when you go to meet your inner demons, they are more powerful than you feared. We carried negative energy into the session and emerged with full blown malaise. If nothing else, this experience can serve as a warning and as encouragement. Our first float released the toxins in our bodies. Our second released the toxins in our mind.
We entered our third float with the conscious desire to bring into our focus and session positivity. After setting our affirmation and clearing our mind. I worked hard preparing mentally and physically and for the experience. I focused my years of yoga training on two intentions- “I intend to respond first and then react” and “I intend to be open to success and abundance”. I also had another weapon in my arsenal – Lucia lights.
Our Mind’s Eye
Lucia lights are a powerful LED strobe that flashes nothing but white light. Even through closed eyes, you perceive shapes, patterns, and even colors. The theory is that this stimulates the pineal gland, which is a small endocrine gland at the base of your brain.
Existential interest in this gland can be traced back to 1637 when Rene Descartes stated it was the seat of the human soul. In the late 1900’s, the renowned spiritualist Madame Blavatsky emphatically supported the pineal gland as the physical location of the Hindu third eye. In contemporary times, HP Lovecraft wrote about a machine that could stimulate the pineal gland to produce psychotropic effects in his book From Beyond.
Infrared Sauna
For me, it worked wonders but it took a bit to get used to the intensity. I probably spent the first five minutes shielding my face with my hands at different angles until I was comfortable with the brightness. Once I settled into it, though, I had very clear and creative thoughts that extended through the end of my float session. I also reached my meditative state quicker. As they say, third time’s the charm. For Ed, the lights could have been sent straight from Cthulhu. In other words, not a fan.
It was almost the opposite for the infrared sauna. Ed enjoyed basking in the radiance and intense heat while I felt a little overwhelmed. Ed’s third float didn’t reach nirvana. Perhaps it was the late day coffee or increased metabolism from the IR sauna because Ed reported back post-float that he was literally bouncing off the walls, both physically and mentally. No matter what he tried, he couldn’t center himself in the tank, or his mind.
There is a saying YMMV – Your Mileage May Vary – that we believe sums up our floating experience. The float tanks, fancy lights, and IR sauna are all tools to help you reach deeper into yourself through meditation. It is all about participation, and it is all about the journey. You need to be open and willing to make the trip. There isn’t a magic device that will take you there but removing all distractions seems like a pretty good place to start. It is at that point you have to be willing to let go. Let go of expectations, let go of worries, let it all go…..and just float.
Final Thoughts
If you’re interested, Float North County has a clean and modern facility to help you on your way and we have a few parting tip we learned along our way:
- Hydrate before and after your float. Floating in water that is saltier than the Dead Sea will tend to dry you out.
- Avoid caffeine. This is a relaxation exercise and that go juice isn’t doing you any favors.
- Trust the tank. Feel your body floating and know you’re not going to sink. Also, know that Float North County as the only 7’ tall float rooms in Southern California and industry leading tank filtration technology.
- Let go. Floating is an exercise in absence. The absence of weight, light, sound and sensation can’t force their way through a cluttered mind.
- Enjoy the experience. Don’t go in trying to prove or disprove modern science or ancient spiritualism. Just go to try something new and see where the journey leads you.
- Cuts and shaving. Don’t go rubbing salt in your wounds. Avoid shaving before going in but don’t worry about the little cuts either. Vaseline is provided that will keep the salt water out.
- Getting an earful. Ear plugs and vinegar solution is provided to help keep/get the water out of your ears and they worked pretty well for us.
Have you ever tried floating or want to? Let us know about it in the comments below.
Disclaimer: Although our experience was provided for us courtsey of Float North County, the views and opinions expressed are entirely our own.
This seems like an amazing travel experience. The perfect way to relax and bit and try something new. That feeling of floating must feel so foreign at first it would be hard to let it just happen but I’m sure it felt wonderful after awhile.
It wasn’t as awkward as I would have thought hearing people describe how you have to “trust” the tank. We both settled into floating and the tank size without any real effort. I (Ed) had issues with drifting into the walls, which apparently skill and practice would help with too.
We’ve wanted to try a float tank for some time. The experience sounds really interesting. Its great that you did it several times to get a better feel for it. That sounds like the best plan for trying this out – commit to several visits even if the first ones are scary.
They really recommend multiple visits to get a feel for it. There was a special discount for a three pack visit for new time customers.
This sounds like such an interesting experience! I’m terrible at meditation so maybe a completely immersive experience like this would help me ground myself enough to actually reach that meditative point. It sounds like you both enjoyed it and trying new things is always cool!
If you were great a meditation you wouldn’t “Need” to go. It’s when you’re terrible that you need all the help you can get. and… Yes, trying new things is always cool!
This is definitely one of the most interesting attractions I’ve ever seen. I’ve never seen a place that advertises relaxation like a float spa. I personally love to float so this would be right up my alley. I like how each room drains toxins and negativity from your body for a wonderful experience.
I bet you there’s one in Korea. Drop us a note when you go.
Sounds interesting. I have a feeling they also offer that experience in London. I think I had even considered that but eventually decided to go for an old fashion massage to relax! lol
There are many great ways to relax. What ever works for you. You can’t go wrong with a good massage either.
I’ve wanted to try floating for awhile now.I kind of figured I’d go crazy in my head without any other distracting stimulation, but maybe not. I hadn’t heard of the light or infrared sauna, but that’s intriguing, too. We get to California a couple of times most years, so I will check this out– sounds like a good, clean place to try.
When you’re in San Diego let us know and we’ll grab a bite to eat.
As someone who normally finds it hard to relax, I’d love to try floating and see if it works for me. It sounds like an amazing experience. Especially if you reach Nirvana.
It’s worth a try. We had mixed results but if you find Nirvana it’s worth it.
This is so interesting! I’ve never heard of floating before. I like that it’s a different way to reach a meditative state. I also like the idea of it releasing toxins. Will have to check it out!
You should. It might be just the thing you’re looking for. It’s always good to try something new.
I have never heard of a float tank, so this has spiked my interest. I would love to try it when I am in the US next. I guess it will be a good outlet to calm the mind. Thanks for sharing!
They are popping up all over the place. There might be one coming to a city near you.
I had never heard of floats until i came across your blog. What a relaxing and unique experience.I’m 100% sold on float therapy. I’m very excited to try it out for myself. I always appreciate some me time one in a while.
You’ll have to let us know how it goes. Are you experienced with meditation?
What an interesting experience! I’m very curious about trying floating but the prices in Hong Kong are outrageous. Any idea why you do an infrared sauna after the float session?
We actually did the infrared sauna before the floating. They say it helps relax your muscles and gets you ready for a deep meditation. When you come to San Diego to visit us you can check out Float North County 🙂
These kind of modern day solutions are so important. The daily stress and lack of enough time takes its toil and i am sure more such solutions will crop up around the world as people realise its importance
What an interesting place to visit, I am intrigued to try it! The floating experience made me think of the dead sea but I expect there is more salt in these. Releasing toxins from the body and later from the mind sounds beneficial. I can imagine it would sting pretty bad if you didn’t cover a cut!
The Dead Sea was actually their reference for floating. It’s saltier than the Dead Sea. When I was in the tank I thought of the resorts there too.
This is the first time I heard of tanks and floating. It must be an experience on a different level. Seems like an out-of-this-world tryst, a great way to relax body and soul.
What an amazing experience. I never heard of floats earlier and i am still not sure how it would feel. Your blog does a wonderful job of explaining the experience but i need to research more on this topic. Thanks a lot for sharing something completely new.
You’re welcome. Thanks for story by. When you research floating you’ll find two basic camps, the true believers and the skeptics. You’ll find all kinds of answers in the world.
I’ve actually been on something of a “self-betterment” kick recently and been kind of thinking about giving one of these flotation devices a try. The thing is however, I’m quite claustrophobic and am not totally sure if I could handle it (also fear of ruining the relaxing experience for others). Nevertheless, I’ve had friends who have tried it in the past and swear by it so perhaps I will just have to conquer my fears and give it a try
We really didn’t feel claustrophobia at all. There is really quite a lot of room once you settle in there.
This is interesting. My first time to know about this form of ‘exercise’ and I am convinced this will surely help our body and mind to relax and get great benefits from it. 🙂
They actually claim the infrared sauna burns more calories than jogging. I don’t know about that but the relaxation is real.
They actually claim the infrared sauna burns more calories than jogging. I don’t know about that but the relaxation is real.
Holy God! I so badly want to try this out. Just after reading our your piece and knowing the benefits, I would want to do it. I personally feel that this particular thing can reduce your pain and stress from body. Thanks for sharing this amazing piece. I loved it!
You’re welcome. Glad you enjoyed it. Let us know if you get a chance to try it.
You’re welcome. Glad you enjoyed it. Let us know if you get a chance to try it.
I’ve read a lot about Floating recently but I don’t think any other articles have convinced me I need to give it a go just as much as this one! It certainly sounds like a relaxing albeit quite strange experience, a nice alternative to traditional meditation. I think I may have to do some research and find out if there are any centres near to me.
It seems like floating is making a comeback from the peak in the early 80’s. It’s safe to go back in the water (so to speak).
It seems like floating is making a comeback from the peak in the early 80’s. It’s safe to go back in the water (so to speak).
This seems like such an interesting experience! I would be interested in trying it and seeing if I would be able to relax in an environment like that!
Just go in with no expectations and you will never let yourself down. Actually, true for a whole lot of things but floating to. If you just go to see and experience, everything else is gravy.
Just go in with no expectations and you will never let yourself down. Actually, true for a whole lot of things but floating to. If you just go to see and experience, everything else is gravy.
I have heard of this before but it is great to see a break down of it! I worry I would feel claustrophobic but maybe not if I really relaxed! hehe may need to check this out!
I liked the big ceiling ocean rooms for just this reason. being in the “pod” and lowering the hatch made me feel closed in. The ocean room felt like you were entering another world and, when you are ready, you just turn the lights off.
I liked the big ceiling ocean rooms for just this reason. being in the “pod” and lowering the hatch made me feel closed in. The ocean room felt like you were entering another world and, when you are ready, you just turn the lights off.
I have heard little about the float fad recently, but have been intrigued to give it a try. I am a little skeptical of the enclosed chambers, feeling claustrophobic. I feel it may take me more than three times to fully relax and let my meditative self arise, but you never know. It may just be the thing for me. Thanks for sharing your experience.
They have bigger rooms that could help with that. The key is the ability to have silence and darkness (if wanted). The amount of air above you isn’t critical for the experience. In fact, I have heard of some complaints from other facilities of poor air quality in the tanks (e.g. too much humidity) that the extra air space could help with this.
They have bigger rooms that could help with that. The key is the ability to have silence and darkness (if wanted). The amount of air above you isn’t critical for the experience. In fact, I have heard of some complaints from other facilities of poor air quality in the tanks (e.g. too much humidity) that the extra air space could help with this.
What a unique place! I’ve never heard of anything like it and it sounds so intriguing! We usually get to San Diego at least once a year, so I totally want to check this place out!
When you make it so San Diego you should stop by our place and say hi. We’ll even come out to Borego to see you.
When you make it so San Diego you should stop by our place and say hi. We’ll even come out to Borego to see you.
WOW! This was such an interesting read. I saw you posting about it earlier, but I couldn’t wrap my mind around the fact that you just lay there and float in water, let alone salt water for a whole 90 minutes! What an interesting experience! Would you recommend this for everyone? I would love to try something like this, it seems like such an incredibly unique experience!
The salt water is critical for the buoyancy. Freshwater would make you have to strain to stay floating while the extra weight of the dissolved salts means you have to displace less water and therefore float with ease. The lights were contraindicated for certain sensitivities but the tanks should be generally good unless you are on salt restricted diet. Epsom salt is magnesium based but still it gets absorbed. They list the magnesium intake as a positive but still something to consider.
The salt water is critical for the buoyancy. Freshwater would make you have to strain to stay floating while the extra weight of the dissolved salts means you have to displace less water and therefore float with ease. The lights were contraindicated for certain sensitivities but the tanks should be generally good unless you are on salt restricted diet. Epsom salt is magnesium based but still it gets absorbed. They list the magnesium intake as a positive but still something to consider.
This is a very new concept for me! I wonder how it actually feels like to be in a higher meditative state. It is something I need to experience myself. Can’t wait to check out a float studio in my city!
There a many popping up in cities everywhere. I am not sure if I got to a higher meditative state, but considering I don’t regularly meditated, anything was a good start.
There a many popping up in cities everywhere. I am not sure if I got to a higher meditative state, but considering I don’t regularly meditated, anything was a good start.
I don’t think I’d be a fan of those lights either… is there a way to adjust the intensity? Float houses have gotten really popular in Vancouver these past few years but I’ve never actually tried it because I’m a tiny bit claustrophobic. I thought the sensory deprivation tanks are all tiny but it’s great to know that they have tanks with 7′ ceilings! We’ll have to see if the tanks here come in different sizes and give it a shot.
Jenn was able to effectively moderate the intensity by shielding her eyes with her hands. She was able to uncover more and more until she could handle the lights. You should give floating a go and see how you feel.
Jenn was able to effectively moderate the intensity by shielding her eyes with her hands. She was able to uncover more and more until she could handle the lights. You should give floating a go and see how you feel.
Agreed. You don’t need an epic journey to enjoy a little trip.
Yeah wow I’ve always wanted to try a float. Seeing that you guys write about he pineal gland and altered states of consciousness…this opens a whole other can of worms of conversation. It’s almost too much! So for now I’ll simply rest and see what else comes up on the topic in future conversation!
Tell you what. I am sure we will meet in person someday. We’ll grab a beer and go down that rabbit hole then.