The Float Shoppe — Attraction in Portland

I had visited the Float Shoppe earlier in the week to ask all of my questions, which Johnny (at the front desk) patiently and enthusiastically answered, for nearly 30 minutes. One of the owners was around and was offering tea to guests who had just arrived and were removing their shoes to soak their feet in the foot bath before their float. I was keen to the idea that you can hang out there before and after your treatment- just like a spa. In this residential setting, the waiting area is very cozy- you're sharing a living room with the others who will be floating at the same time in their tanks (there are 4). I opted for the Infinity tank because as a first-timer, I felt that the claustrophobia might get to me, & it was just a tub in a light-sealed room. I showered as instructed & stretched out in the tub to understand how my body would float. I moved around & tried to relax my neck. Deep breaths: I hit the light & fell into darkness. For the first 15 (?) minutes, my mind was very active- the usual whats-the-worst-that-can-happen thoughts that occur when you're feeling vulnerable. I thought about the Cascadia Subduction zone, an intruder, dying naked, suffocating, & never waking up. I held my own hand & really worked to put each idea to rest. I laughed at myself & applauded my overactive imagination & started listening to what was there- my heartbeat & my breath. I realized how comforting and reliable those sounds are; I smile now thinking of it. At this moment, I know that I am okay. Just okay. I keep opening & closing my eyes because nothing changes between the two views: it's just black, & it's astonishing. I am reminding myself I'm awake, I am here, this is my body, and I realize that this is my body (!!) & I love my body for this experience. I feel a wave a gratitude & shudder in the water. I move back & forth to feel the dense water tug my hair. I think about how I just made myself feel okay. I make a mental note to remember how to do that. I keep listening, blinking, & amazingly, I continue to feel awe. The last thing I thought was: I wonder how long it has been & whether I can make it for 90 minutes. Then I allow myself to truly rest- to do no work, no processing, no praising or shaming myself, just relish in the feeling of being okay.

And then the music comes on, indicating that my session is about to end. I am slightly stiff from the salt where the water evaporated, and I reenter the world with a new sense of trust in myself. Worth...

This is my first time visiting. I will admit being black sometimes I feel uncomfortable going to certain places. But when I get the courage to go I end up always feeling welcomed. This was the case. I used a Groupon coupon. It was easy to redeem. I pulled into the lot and I was so happy it was a parking spot available because I would be nervous trying to find a park on the street. The shop was cozy and inviting. I was greeted by Silas. He told me to have a seat and get comfortable. I was offered tea and a chance to soak my feet. I wasn't quite comfortable to soak my feet but I got some tea. It would be nice if sugar was available but it was still okay without. He got the room ready while I relaxed. A few minutes later he brought me back and took his time explaining everything to me. The shower was lovely. Everything was lovely. I can't explain the experience. I had so much time to think and pray with silence. It was so lovely. My body was tense and in pain. To have my body float and relax was unbelievable. The float was big and I enjoyed the dim lights. I used the head piece to keep your head afloat. Everything you need they have. You don't feel rushed at all being there. Silas checked on me to make sure I was okay. After my session Silas asked how my experience was. He was so welcoming and sweet, great service. The scheduling was easy as well and the young lady I spoke with was helpful and nice. I would definitely recommend this place to others. I came from Hillsboro and would do the drive again. UPDATE: Went again and took my husband this time. I used a Groupon code again. Scheduled over the phone and Groupon was redeemed over the phone made it even easier. Parking available again Yay!!! Silas assisted us both again. Met Kevin the employee in training. Wonderful experience again. I was in the float upstairs with the beautiful lights. 5 stars again....

One of our adventures after the holidays was to try something new - and I'd always wanted to try floating so we signed up! The Float Shoppe is located at the far end of NW 23rd, where there tends to be a bit more street parking, although they do have a tiny parking lot in front of their building. A converted home, the float tanks are currently located upstairs (downstairs they are under construction), which seems to have some shared space with massage and family therapists.

The staff were very friendly, and welcomed us in with a hot tea bar and a foot soaking "pool". There were comfortable chairs and couches, along with books, towels, and relaxing music playing.

The staff gave a very thorough description of what to expect for first time floaters, and led us to our rooms, which both had a private shower complete with shampoo, soap, and vinegar water for rinsing salt off. The restroom is in a separate room upstairs at the end of the hall, but they provide you with robes in case you need to use it before, mid, or after your session.

The one drawback I experienced in my room was that the door neglected to latch all the way (it is an older house with ill-fitting doorframes due to age and paint) without me realizing it, and it popped open mid-soak. It was hard to get back into the mindset of dreamworld/zen after that - but otherwise, the experience was really amazing! I'll definitely try...