It’s Local Season at Float Harder
The Harder Family Photo by Amanda Huebner Photography
James and Amy Harder, owners of Float Harder, built a business rooted in care for their community and a deep belief in the power of disconnecting and finding calm.
Building a business in Maine
In 2026, Float Harder will celebrate ten years in business. Getting there took a copy of Small Business for Dummies, guidance from a local SCORE mentor, and a remarkable amount of heart. James and Amy first discovered floating while living in Colorado. Later, after moving back to Maine to hike the Appalachian Trail, they realized just how much they missed it. Spotting a gap in the local market, fueled by a passion for wellness, and the determination to build something meaningful, Float Harder was born.
Since opening its doors, the business has grown from a float center in Portland to servicing personal float tanks for high-performance athletes, including members of the Boston Celtics and the New England Patriots (yes, even Tom Brady).
While a loyal community of regular floaters keeps Float Harder busy through the winter months, the couple is candid about the realities of small business ownership in Maine. James says that economic downturns and seasonal challenges are part of the story, but being surrounded by a strong, interconnected community makes the burden feel easier to carry. There’s comfort in knowing you’re not alone.
The benefits of floating
Ask them what helps counter the heaviness and stress so many people are feeling today, and the belief in the restorative, meditative benefits of floating is palpable. They believe floating creates a ripple effect, the sense of calm you achieve in the tank spreads to those you interact with including family, friends, and your community. Many people rarely give themselves permission to truly turn off. Floating offers that chance. As James puts it, you can’t be physically relaxed and mentally anxious at the same time. When the body relaxes, the mind naturally follows.
For those new to floating, the team at Float Harder offers reassuring guidance. They want you to know that, first and foremost, you’re in control. Many first-timers worry about claustrophobia or the need to exit the tank early. At any point, you can open the tank and step out. That said, the team gently encourages people to stay with the experience. Around 45 minutes is often the sweet spot when you begin to settle into deeper relaxation. Focus on your breathing and stick with it, they encourage. If something’s been weighing on you, the float tank can be a powerful place to process.
Their local reason recommendations
There’s also something to learn from James about embracing winter in Maine. When he’s not working, you’ll find him running along the bay on a crisp, bluebird day, sledding with his daughter at Payson Park, or catching a show at one of Portland’s many local venues. He and Amy’s advice to fellow Portlanders is simple, don’t wish winter away. Embrace it. Slow down. Take it all in.
When asked why supporting local businesses matters during Local Season, James and Amy point to what makes Portland special in the first place: its independence. They say the small business community here is a big part of the city’s character, and seeing those businesses thrive is something worth protecting. But they added that only happens with continued, year-round community support. We couldn’t agree more.
Need a winter warm up and calm down? Add Float Harder to your local season agenda.
