Ben Pearl ’18

I was immersed in darkness. I felt and heard nothing. My body was completely weightless, distorting my sense of direction. The only thing I had was the comfort and quiet of my thoughts. I was at peace.
If that experience sounds intriguing, then you might be interested in visiting a hidden jewel I found off Main Street in downtown Westport: iFloat, located on the second floor of 163 Main Street, across from Tavern on Main.
iFloat is home to four rooms with floating tubs filled with 93.5 degrees Farenheit water pumped with 900 to 1,000 pounds of epsom salt.
I went to iFloat two days after my football game, so I had soreness all over my body. I had read that floating was a good recovery and relaxation practice. Only one other person I knew had experienced it before and she said it cured her aches and pains.
I must admit, I was skeptical about being naked in a foreign bath tub—I think most people would. But I was willing to give it a shot.
Terri Stangl, the iFloat manager, made me feel comfortable from the start, as she gave tips on every step of the process. There was also complimentary tea, peaceful music and even a lounge in back that helped create a peaceful ambiance.
I was escorted to my iFloat room which included a small changing area, a shower and, of course, the floating tub.
The changing area was tiled and minimalist in its design. There was a wooden bench, and the tile and stone walk-in shower came complete with shampoo, soap and conditioner.
The tub was on the opposite side wof the shower, and was easily accessed by a large, square door. After opening the door, there were a few small lights inside, which, once I was situated in my floating position, I was able to turn off from an easy-to-find button near the door.
I was told before entering that there was no reason to feel claustrophobic, as the door can easily be opened by a handle on the inside and that there would be more than enough room to float. This was exciting for me because my bathtub at home does not allow me to completely lie down.
Prior to entering the tub, I applied the earplugs that were provided and recommended for preventing uncomfortable ear clogging from the water. There was also the option of applying petroleum jelly to any pre-existing cuts or scrapes to prevent the salt water from being an irritant.
As soon as my body hit the water, I realized exactly why it has the name ‘iFloat.’ The tub only holds 10 inches of water, but I never even brushed the bottom as the salt really did its job keeping me afloat. I glided around the tub a little, but I only needed to provide the slightest tap to realign myself into the center of the tank.
I experienced weightlessness for the first time and I could not help but laugh with astonishment and whimsical delight.
After 60 minutes, peaceful music played to signal my time to exit. As I took my post-float shower and got dressed, I could feel a difference in my legs, back and arms. It felt weird to walk again as all of my muscles felt completely relaxed and numb.
I felt both mentally and physically rejuvenated, and I left iFloat with a desire to return. Open seven days a week, from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., and with student prices of $55 per float, my encore will be both convenient and affordable.
As a student who has never-ending work, an athlete who has his fair share of bumps and bruises and a senior who endures the pressures of the college process, I have received massages, gone to yoga, survived hot-yoga and endured ice baths. But in my opinion, no treatment was as satisfying as iFloat. It was a truly unique and effective experience that I highly recommend.