Protocol
THE PROTOCOL: RULES OF ENGAGEMENT
If you’ve never been in a wood-fired sauna, leave your expectations at the door. This isn’t a gym steam room. This is a ritual of fire and ice. Follow the protocol, or don’t come in.
1. Hydrate Like Your Life Depends On It
You’re going to lose a liter of water in twenty minutes. If you show up dehydrated, you’re going to have a bad time. Drink 16oz of water before you arrive. Bring a bottle. No glass.
2. The Kit
- Swimwear: Something you can move in.
- Two Towels: One to sit on (crucial for hygiene and not burning your backside on the cedar) and one to dry off with after the plunge.
- Footwear: Sandals for the walk between the heat and the snow/water.
- The Mindset: Leave the ego and the smartphone in the car. We don’t do digital distractions.
3. Respect the Stone
Only the Forge Master or an experienced hand touches the water bucket. We don’t “splash” the rocks; we “bless” them. When the steam (Löyly) hits, respect it. If it’s too much, move to the lower bench. Don’t be the person who ruins the heat for everyone else by leaving the door open. Get in or get out. Fast.
4. The Cold is Mandatory
The heat is only half the story. To get the “Forge High,” you must embrace the cold. Whether it’s a snow bank, a cold tub, or the Atlantic spray, you finish the cycle. This is where the tempering happens.
5. Social Friction
Talk to your neighbor. In the Forge, everyone is equal. We don’t care what you do for a living or who you know. If you’re in the heat, you’re part of the community.
6. Know Your Limit
This is a challenge, not a competition. If you feel dizzy, lightheaded, or like you’ve hit your wall—exit. We want you tempered, not melted.