Should I float before or after a race?
Short answer
Most people book after. An hour with no weight on your joints and nothing to react to is a straightforward way to wind down once the event is done. If you want to float beforehand, leave a clear day rather than going straight from the tank to the start line.
Afterwards
The more common choice, and the easier one to schedule. Give yourself time rather than booking immediately after you finish.
Beforehand
Some people like a quiet hour the day before. Floating the morning of an event is not something we would suggest, simply because you will not know how your body responds until you have done it a few times.
Practical notes
Do not shave in the twelve hours before, use the barrier ointment on any fresh scrapes, and drink water afterwards.
Good to know
- If floating is going to be part of your training routine, a package brings the per-float price down.