FLOAT
ABOUT FLOATING
Experience weightless relaxation in one of our four Float Tanks. Each tank is spacious, private and intended to eliminate external stimulation for the deepest mental and physical rest possible. With just ten inches of warm water and over 1,000 pounds of Epsom salt, the salt solution is exceptionally supportive and allows any body to float, effortlessly! Float sessions are 90 minutes.
FLOAT BENEFITS
Aids with:
- Relaxation
- Stress relief
- Physical rehabilitation
- Discomfort during pregnancy
- Structural Alignment
- Mental clarity & concentration
Known to:
- Inspire creativity
- Enhance memory, improve attention & learning
- Trigger flow state
- Be a space conducive to visualization & meditation
Reduces:
- Lactic acid build up
- Blood pressure
- Inflammation
- Joint & muscle tension
Eases symptoms of:
- Jet lag
- Migraine and tension headaches
- Insomnia
- Fibromyalgia
- Scoliosis
- Arthritis
- PTSD
- Depression
- Anxiety
SESSIONS & PRICING
BEGINNER'S GUIDE
Use the tabs below to find helpful tips, outlining ways that you can maximize the your experience and get the most out of your first few floats!
MAKE AN APPOINTMENT | schedule online and be sure you get a confirmation email, text and/or phone call. Have questions? Give us a call and we’ll help you book your appointment!
COME IN EARLY | arrive 15 minutes early to your first appointment for check in and orientation. All first time floaters learn how to properly use the float tanks by watching our instructional video and reviewing our waiver.
WE PROVIDE | towels, shampoo, conditioner, body wash, earplugs, hair dryers, q-tips & lotion.
CONSIDER BRINGING | personal items for after like deodorant and a comb. You’ll float nude so you don’t need to bring a swimsuit. Contact lenses should be removed before floating, please bring a case and contact solution.
SET UP FOR COMFORT | have a light meal before floating, avoid caffeine, and skip shaving the morning of your float. Arrive hydrated and consider limiting liquids 30 minutes prior to floating so you won’t need to use the restroom in the middle of your appointment.
CALL WITH QUESTIONS | for many, floating is a new concept, we’re happy to answer questions!
PLAN TO RELAX | you’ve made time to float, don’t sell yourself short. Be mindful that it can take time to settle in and relax in such a unique environment. Let go and surrender to relaxation.
EXPECT SKIN TEMPERATURE | the salt solution and air in the tank are kept near skin temperature (about 94°), it won’t feel hot, it will be skin neutral. Take a cooler shower or run cold water over your body before entering the float tank, then it will feel nice and toasty while settling in! Close the door to help maintain a warm temperature while floating.
DRY YOUR FACE | you’ll be less tempted to touch your face during your float if you dry your face first. This will help keep salt out of your eyes!
WORK THOUGH DISCOMFORT | any muscle tension you have will be hard to ignore when you first start floating. It should go away, but can sometimes take 30 minutes or more to subside. Neck and shoulder tension are the most common, try adjusting your arm position (raising arms above head) or floating with the head support. Another common discomfort is stinging near small scrapes or cuts. This is due to the high concentration of Epsom salt and typically subsides after 10-15 minutes. Deep breathing will help.
RINSE YOUR EARS WELL | use warm water or an ear rinse solution like white vinegar and water to help rinse away any salt that may have gotten inside your ears. *not medical advice*
MAKE TIME TO SIT | you may feel energized, centered and focused, or you could feel deeply relaxed and even lethargic. Floating can be a bit disorienting, give yourself some time to sit and relax after your session.
FLOAT AGAIN SOON | floating is a practice, just like yoga or meditation, it becomes easier once you are more familiar, and you will find that you relax deeper during subsequent floats.
BEGINNER'S GUIDE
Use the tabs below to find helpful tips, outlining ways that you can maximize the your experience and get the most out of your first few floats!
MAKE AN APPOINTMENT | schedule online and be sure you get a confirmation email, text and/or phone call. Have questions? Give us a call and we’ll help you book your appointment!
COME IN EARLY | arrive 15 minutes early to your first appointment for check in and orientation. All first time floaters learn how to properly use the float tanks by watching our instructional video and reviewing our waiver.
WE PROVIDE | towels, shampoo, conditioner, body wash, earplugs, hair dryers, q-tips & lotion.
CONSIDER BRINGING | personal items for after like deodorant and a comb. You’ll float nude so you don’t need to bring a swimsuit. Contact lenses should be removed before floating, please bring a case and contact solution.
SET UP FOR COMFORT | have a light meal before floating, avoid caffeine, and skip shaving the morning of your float. Arrive hydrated and consider limiting liquids 30 minutes prior to floating so you won’t need to use the restroom in the middle of your appointment.
CALL WITH QUESTIONS | for many, floating is a new concept, we’re happy to answer questions!
PLAN TO RELAX | you’ve made time to float, don’t sell yourself short. Be mindful that it can take time to settle in and relax in such a unique environment. Let go and surrender to relaxation.
EXPECT SKIN TEMPERATURE | the salt solution and air in the tank are kept near skin temperature (about 94°), it won’t feel hot, it will be skin neutral. Take a cooler shower or run cold water over your body before entering the float tank, then it will feel nice and toasty while settling in! Close the door to help maintain a warm temperature while floating.
DRY YOUR FACE | you’ll be less tempted to touch your face during your float if you dry your face first. This will help keep salt out of your eyes!
WORK THOUGH DISCOMFORT | any muscle tension you have will be hard to ignore when you first start floating. It should go away, but can sometimes take 30 minutes or more to subside. Neck and shoulder tension are the most common, try adjusting your arm position (raising arms above head) or floating with the head support. Another common discomfort is stinging near small scrapes or cuts. This is due to the high concentration of Epsom salt and typically subsides after 10-15 minutes. Deep breathing will help.
RINSE YOUR EARS WELL | use warm water or an ear rinse solution like white vinegar and water to help rinse away any salt that may have gotten inside your ears. *not medical advice*
MAKE TIME TO SIT | you may feel energized, centered and focused, or you could feel deeply relaxed and even lethargic. Floating can be a bit disorienting, give yourself some time to sit and relax after your session.
FLOAT AGAIN SOON | floating is a practice, just like yoga or meditation, it becomes easier once you are more familiar, and you will find that you relax deeper during subsequent floats.
FIRST VISIT - WHAT TO EXPECT
1. CHECK IN – Sign waiver and watch instructional video (if not done before hand). Depending on what contact information we have for you, you may have received the link to sign your float waiver in your float appointment confirmation email or via text message.
- Follow the link to fill out, read and sign your waiver.
- Please read each section carefully and determine if floating is right for you.
- Check the box next to each of the three sections as you read
- At the bottom of the waiver, check the box for “I have read and agree”, type your full name, draw your signature and select the green Complete Waiver button.
- Didn’t get your waiver link? Don’t sweat it, you can always sign in store when you arrive.
- Having trouble signing your waiver? If the ‘Complete Waiver’ button is greyed out you’ve likely missed one of the steps, please review the steps listed above to complete any missed steps, once all steps are complete the ‘Complete Waiver’ button will appear green.
2. WATCH OUR FLOAT INSTRUCTIONAL VIDEO – This video will guide you through your first visit to Ripple and can answer most appointment related questions. It demonstrates how to use the float tanks and adjust their settings; plus, you’ll learn important tips that will make your introduction to the peaceful, practice of floating as comfortable as possible!
FLOAT INSTRUCTIONAL VIDEO
Please watch this short video before your first float at Ripple to learn how to use the float tanks and what to do to get the most out of your float session.
3. PICK YOUR LIGHT & MUSIC SETTINGS
Our float systems give you the ability to customize each visit. You can chose a colored light for your float and a soft music track. These can be turned off and on from inside the tank so adjust them the way you’d like or turn them off all together and experience pure peace and quiet! We’ll ask about your preferences when you arrive to your appointment.
4. WE’LL SHOW YOU TO YOUR ROOM
- All amenities are provided for you. (towel, washcloths, earplugs, makeup wipes, shampoo, conditioner, body wash, lotion, q-tips, and hair dryers.
- You’ll shower before floating to help keep oil, debris, and hair and body products out of the tank water.
- You’re in control of the lid, open and close it as you see fit.
- There’s an intercom within the float system to communicate with the front desk should you need anything adjusted during your session.
- Enter the float system carefully, sit down and lay back.
- You’ll bob to the top just like a buoy, you’re floating!
- Try some different positions until you find one that’s comfortable.
- Concentrate on your breath and try to clear your mind.
6. AFTER YOUR FLOAT
Take another shower to rinse the salt of your body. Your skin will feel soft from the Epsom salt and, believe it or not, your skin won’t even be pruned up! We have additional amenities in the ‘Hair Dryer’ room where you can prepare to go about your day. You’ll find hair dryers, q-tips, lotion, contact solution. If you don’t need to hurry off, relax in the lounge and enjoy a cup of tea by Wise Ape Tea!
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Float sessions at Ripple are 90 minutes. Plan to be here for close to two hours, as you’ll shower before and after your float. This can seem like a long time, studies in floating show that the relaxation response begins to set in around the 45 minute mark. It can take some time to learn how to get comfortable in the float environment. Once your body and mind begin to relax, the time passes quickly.
There are no specific preparations necessary, more like things to keep in mind. You’ll want to avoid caffeine and heavy meals for several hours prior to floating as they could make you uncomfortable. Eating a light meal or snack about an hour before your float is recommended for optimal comfort. Also, avoid shaving several hours before your float as tiny cuts will sting for the first few minutes.
NO, you must reschedule your appointment if your hair is newly dyed, there will be no cancellation fees and you will not lose your float credit. All hair dye (especially bright and dark colors, at home box dyes and vegetables dyes) can damage the fiberglass float tanks leaving stains that in some cases have required the float tanks to be drained, resurfaced and refilled. Incidents such as these result in several days of lost revenue and as such are subject to a $1,000 damage and cleaning fee as outlined in the Float Waiver. Additionally, there are no guarantees that the salt in the water will not strip some of the color from your hair. Typically, it’s best to wait at least 48 hours and several hair washes after dying hair before floating. Check that the water running through your hair in the shower at home is coming out fully clear. If some color is still coming out on your towels and clothing, it’s best to wait a few more days or showers. Epsom salt is magnesium sulfate, sulfates are not recommended after keratin hair treatments. You should also wait to float if you have recently (in the past 48 hours) had a spray tan and/or used self tanner.
You don’t need much, bring a case to keep your contact lenses in while you float and a comb if you have long hair. We provide towels, shampoo, conditioner, body wash, ear plugs, makeup wipes, cotton swabs, tissues, lotion, and hair dryers. You float nude, so you DON’T need to bring a suit!
No. If you’ve recently had a professional spray tan, used self tanner, recently had your hair dyed (at home or professionally) and it is still running in the shower, you MUST reschedule your appointment. Please get in touch and we can help you reschedule without penalty.
Yes, and it can help relieve pregnancy discomfort while you enjoy a deep connection with your baby. Please direct medical questions to your doctor, letting your doctor know that you’ll be floating in over 1,000 pounds of Epsom salt dissolved into, body temperature water.
Yes, just use the same protocol as a swimming pool. Please be sure to use a fresh tampon right before your float, no menstrual cups. You may also want to use a new tampon after your float as the salt water can wick up the string during your float and cause slight burning/irritation.
The Epsom salt solution cycles through a one micron carbon filter, it is infused with ozone and treated with UV light as well as Hydrogen Peroxide. This three step filtration process repeats three times between each float. It’s squeaky clean for every float! The showers and high touch surfaces in the float areas are thoroughly cleaned between each float session.
The float rooms at Ripple are BIG (8ft. long x 4.5ft. wide!), with 7ft. high ceilings. Feel free to leave the door to the float tank open a little or completely. Lots of people experience a feeling of floating in space which is quite the opposite of feeling claustrophobic. Although it might sound counter-intuitive to someone who is nervous about claustrophobia, turning the light off can cause the float tank feel more expansive.
No, of course not. We bet you’ll want to though!
No, the water is filtered between each float session. The water cycles through a one micron carbon filter which purifies it to the same quality as drinking water. It is infused with ozone and treated with UV Light as well as Hydrogen Peroxide. This three step filtration process is repeated three times between each float.
Typically, we recommend becoming familiar with floating on your own before floating together. We have three standard size float rooms, which accommodate a single floater and one extra large float room, which can be used by one person or accommodate two people floating together (we don’t recommend floating with another person during your first float experience, as it can be distracting).
We use Superior Float Tank’s Equipment. We have four float tanks total, each in a private room with a shower, three Quest Float Rooms (for individual use) and one Deluxe Float Room (can be used by one person or two people floating together).
No, unlike soaking in a tub or pool, your skin won’t even prune up. Heads up, this could result in silky smooth feeling skin and soft hair! Epsom salt (Magnesium Sulfate), unlike table salt (Sodium Chloride) will not dehydrate you. Your bodies minerals will be replenished while you soak.
No swimming skills are required. The body floats effortlessly in the salty solution. You can even fall asleep and you’ll be safely supported by the buoyancy of the water.
Absolutely. The concentration of salt leaves you no choice but to float.
Some people do fall asleep, the water is so buoyant that you stay afloat and turning over is very difficult. There’s no danger of drowning if you fall asleep. At most, you may wake to the stinging sensation of salt water in yours eyes.
Nope, but there are some extra rules if you’re under 18. Anyone under 18 will need a parent or guardian to visit the store with them in order to review and sign the waiver.
- 12 and under: A parent must stay on site (in the lounge and not in another float tank) for the duration of the first float; this rule is at the discretion of the facilitator thereafter.
- 13-15: A parent must be on site (in another float tank is fine) for the first visit, and can drop off at future visits.
- 16 and up: A parent needs to sign the waiver at or before the first visit, but is not required to stay during the float.
Yes, while we do accept walk-ins, the timing rarely works out. Our float system are all on the same schedule and floats start every even hour from 10am-8pm (last float starts at 6pm). You can see our schedule online and book your appointment or give us a call and we’ll book it for you! 203.404.3260
You may be able to access those credits by logging into your account, if you don’t know your password using the “forgot my password” option should help you gain access to your account. There’s a strong possibility that you have a simple case of a “double account”. Basically, an account was made for you when you bought those credits and you may have accidentally made a duplicate account by trying to log into our booking software, perhaps with a different email address. No biggie… happens all the time, call the shop so we can fix this and help you locate your float credits. Not tech savvy? We can help you book floats over the phone so call us! 203.404.3260
It’s ok to share float credits, the person with the float credit(s) can book the appointment for you online or over the phone. You can book the appointment yourself, but you’ll want to book it by phone and let us know that you’ll be using a friends credit. We may contact your friend to confirm.
So you were on our online booking, but you’re not sure if your reservation went through correctly. Well, immediately after you make your reservation you will be redirected to a page that says “Success! You just made a reservation!”. This page also has a link to important information about your first visit to our float center. About ten minutes after you make your reservation, you will receive an email confirming this (unless you opted not to provide an email address). Two days before your reservation you will receive a text message reminder. The day before your appointment, you will receive a courtesy, reminder call from our staff. Our staff will go over some important tips for your first float and answer any questions that you have, we’ll leave a detailed message if we don’t catch you. If you haven’t received any of these communications, then you’ll want to call the shop. Your reservation likely did not go through properly! 203.404.3260
The Epsom salt solution and the air in the float tanks are warmed to skin temperature (about 94°). It won’t feel hot like a hot tub, but you shouldn’t be cold. For most people, it should be a neutral, comfortable temperature. Being careful not to take too hot a shower before floating will be important. A hot shower can cause the float solution to feel cool in comparisons. A cooler pre-float shower will ensure that the float solution feels warm when entering the float tank. If you become cold during your float, finding stillness and taking a few deep breaths can help to regulate your body temperature.
