HONORING OUR LEGACY & ORIGINS

Crash Hoefler and John C. Lilly: Pioneers of the Float Tank

Honoring the innovative spirit of Crash Hoefler, Float Lab is dedicated to revolutionizing sensory deprivation therapy. We provide a sanctuary for mind, body, and spirit by providing state-of the art float chambers. Our mission is to continue Crash’s legacy of healing by offering a chemical-free, pure floating experience that promotes cellular health and mental clarity in our fast-paced world. We empower individuals to explore the depths of their consciousness. 

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THE FLOAT LAB REVOLUTION: CRASH HOEFLER’S VISION

Transforming consciousness through isolation.

In 1999, guided by what he describes as divine inspiration, Crash Hoefler abandoned audio engineering to reimagine the sensory deprivation tank. He established Float Lab® in Venice Beach, California—not merely as a business, but as a sanctuary for exploring human consciousness and self discovery.

Crash innovated the tank design to the highest level. Building upon neurologist John C. Lilly's work, Hoefler elevated flotation chambers from experimental apparatus to sophisticated wellness technology. His innovations in design and purification systems established new industry benchmarks, merging scientific precision with contemplative purpose.

As Float Lab's reputation grew, Hoefler developed rigorous health protocols that transformed a fringe practice into a legitimate therapeutic modality. His chambers — stand as testimonials to his uncompromising standards.

"The potential of ones development is limited only by self-imposed boundaries" _____CRASH

"I was able to restructure my identity, and use this device to identify issues within myself that needed to be dealt with and changed and faced. That ability to look at oneself objectively and then act upon the consideration, I think that’s the most valuable aspect a person can get from floating." _____CRASH

HONORING JOHN C. LILLY

The Mind Behind the The Float Tank

Born on January 6th, 1915, John C. Lilly was a neuroscientist and physician whose early work with electrodes and brain research led him to further question the connection between the body and the mind. In 1954 he began developing an environment to isolate the brain from external stimulus, and begin using the first form of the modern sensory deprivation tank. His experiences with this new technology led to a deeper exploration of consciousness and non-ordinary states. Reaching states of greater self awareness he understood the isolation tank to be a multi-purpose tool for human development. Lilly's work in sensory deprivation bridged science and mysticism, his reports of his experiences in the tank tarnished his reputation as a conventional scientist, but earned him greater recognition as a visionary and pioneer in consciousness research.

Lilly's scientific journey traced a remarkable arc—from his foundational neurological research at the National Institute of Mental Health, where he pioneered brain mapping techniques, to his development of the "bavatron," an innovative device for visualizing real-time brain activity. His methodical approach to electrode implantation in anesthetized subjects pushed the boundaries of neuro-scientific inquiry, establishing protocols that influenced generations of researchers exploring the relationship between neural activity and states of consciousness.

"When in my void state -the flotation tank- I become aware of new ex-perience and in-perience. I discovered that the apparent external reality was actually a tapestry of simulations. What stunned me at first was the discovery that our simulations are penetrable by means other than those we experience or believe to be real by our external consensus reality..... I discovered that I am something and someone far greater than my simulation of my Self." ______JOHN C. LILLY, The Quiet Center

"Alone with one's self, alone with one's God, there are no alibi's." ______JOHN C. LILLY, The Quiet Center