Picking a Float

Picking a Float – by Corliss Buenavida

In another post, we were trying to achieve Transcendental Flotation, or more correctly, I dictated in a persuasive manner why I want to inform you of the virtues of getting on a float with a tasty beverage at hand.

If you live by the ocean you might be able to lie on your back and float in the salty water while hoisting a cold one, though consumption might be fairly difficult. For most of us the experience is likely better with a flotation device holding us at least partially above the water surface and ideally in a semi upright position. So what is this device and how do I get one?

Luckily I know someone who has been floating with enhanced beverages for over forty years who is prepared to share some keen insights, me!

I’m going to start with the very basic recreational float practice. Not only is it a good place to begin but also where most practitioners will do all of their floating. So I will assume if you are going to take up floatation then you will at some point have access to a swimming pool, a pond or calm lake. For these wet environs a simple vinyl blow up ring is all you need and I know how much we all love vinyl. Mmm, Polyvinyl Chloride, flexible PVC, such a shiny and smooth polymer; but that is another topic.

Later we can chat about more rugged materials which are required for successful river running and rough sand beaches or just for the longevity of an everyday recreational float and we can even talk about how your flotation device can be an extra piece of furniture for movie night.

Choosing a device? Sometimes this is as simple as what is available at your location at this time, so you will have to go with whatever you can find, because any float is better than no float! However let us also try to find a device with a few extras to help you get to your utopian moments.

Here are the basics of what I feel make a supreme device; a complete circle inflatable tubular ring, which fits your body size. It is even better with a flexible mesh fabric or other material stretched from seam to seam in the centre of the ring. Some floats will place this base at the bottom of the craft which will work for bigger bodies or those who want more of their torso to be in the wet zone. Open holes work too but let’s try to optimise.

Next is a back rest. Not too tall and not to short, again, depending on your body type. I find I will adjust my position depending on my activity so a medium height back rest allows for complete support for a conversational float. In a slightly less upright position it allows me to lay my head back for bird watching or star gazing. If you tend to wear hats then a slightly lower backrest may be for you. For most devices the back rest and main tube have separate valves which give you a chance to inflate to soft or firm as you prefer. This is also a good safety feature if you are floating on open water far from shore and get a leak. One section will at least still hold air.

Third on the ideal list is a drink holder. Most standard floats come with just one holder on the right, but what if I'm left handed! Two is always better!

This is not because I am double fisting but the second recess will serve you well for many reasons. In the southern climes of Nicaragua I have a beautiful tree which tends to drop its pretty flowers on the surface of my pool. An extra drink holder works as a temporary storage point for these or any leaves I might gather during my float. You might use it to hold a vape or cell phone although I recommend a waterproof pouch for the latter or both.

The size of the drink holder holes is also important as it has to fit your beverage of choice whether that is a can, a can wrapped in a koozie, a plastic drink bottle or an insulated cup. Please stay away from glass bottles for everyone’s safety.

One more design feature you will find on most inflatable pool floats are 2 handles located usually where you rest your forearms. These are great for carrying your device to the water but once you are in position I find them uncomfortable, obstructing my arm position for an ideal float. Look for handles which are recessed (difficult to find) or mounted slightly further down the outside edge of the tube. You may also find a waterproof cord wrapped around the float edge. This is good for kids playing who can all grab the edge of a float together but for my purposes I always remove the rope as it is just another uncomfortable unnecessary addition.

There are some other thoughts to consider when purchasing but as I am assuming this is your initial foray into the flotation device market I recommend getting something simple in overall design and cost effectiveness. You are just getting started so you can always upgrade later and offer this purchase to a friend for a future shared float.

If you have already tried a basic round float and didn’t find it to your liking then there are plenty of other options out there such as the old folding lawn chair style with big flotation arm rests, the classic flat pool mattress which you can straddle in a seated position or a large mesh basket seat with ¾ wrap around inflated tube. This last option is a good choice for smaller people who find it difficult to manoeuvre because most tubes hold too much of their legs out of the water. There are fabric hammocks with knee and neck float support or other products with full leg support which are great for cold water as you only get wet getting in and out (and perhaps not if you have learned the rope assist entry/exit technique). You might want a double seat for you and a loved one to share or a giant La-Z-Boy style float or even a Pink Flamingo!

You can also accessorise a basic float with pool noodle leg support and a floating ice chest tethered beside you. You’re definitely going to want a sun hat on those blue sky days and a pair of ‘floating’ sunglasses won’t hurt either.

But Corliss, where do I find such a device?

Retail shopping lets you see the actual product although choices are often limited and in many locations this can be a seasonal product which won’t help if you are going on a winter vacation. Look in the sporting goods departments of bigger stores or try toy stores and pool shops.

Online purchases probably offer the best selection if you have the time to wait and can receive deliveries at your location. Make sure to order well in advance of your required use so you can make sure the floatie fits you well in case you need to send it back.

As stated earlier it might be a case of get what you can get depending upon where you are and that might include locating a classic black rubber inner tube for a vehicle. That’s how I started!

And now the mandatory cheesy sales pitch.

My business consultant says I should monetize my blog so –

*****ChEcK ThIs OuT*****

beerfloat.calm merch

(we’re workin’ on it!)

Happy floating!

Corliss

beer float.calm = beerfloat.net not beerfloat.com