PortaSauna exploded onto the Southsea wellness scene back in January with their instantly recognisable black tents popping up along the pebbled beaches of Portsmouth and Hayling Island.
A firm favourite amongst outdoor adventurers and health devotees, the portable wood fire sauna company has radically revolutionised the way we rest and rejuvenate.
From your back garden to the heart of the British countryside, the pop-up tent and stove offer swift and effortless assembly so users can indulge in the warmth and relaxation of the sauna experience without the prolonged wait.
The Start of Something
Drawing groups and people of all ages from the local community and beyond, the UK’s first ever portable sauna tent is something of a Pompey success story built on partnership. Jordan, the proprietor of an online T-shirt printing business, met Harry, a cold water swimming enthusiast when he knocked on his door seeking custom T-Shirts for his swimming club. Initially extremely hesitant due to the TheTShirt Man online only policy, Jordan’s interest was piqued when Harry mentioned his swimming club. Recognising a potential collaboration, Jordan invited Harry inside to introduce him to another project: PortaSauna.
Having a Partnership
What started as a casual discussion inside Jordan’s home office soon turned into a fruitful partnership. Over the following weeks, as Harry’s swimming club received their custom T-shirts, the two discussed the potential of PortaSauna and Jordan’s own challenges with marketing. With Harry’s background in social media and his outgoing nature, he was perfectly suited to help Jordan expand the new business while allowing him to manage operations from the comfort of his home. “This partnership has not only been a professional success but a personal revelation,” Jordan reflects. “It proves that stepping out of your comfort zone, even slightly, can lead to wonderful opportunities.”
Collaborating with Locals
Since then, Portasauna has collaborated with numerous local groups including Sole Sisters, The Recovery Swim Group and Southsea Swim Run. Recognizing the powerful impact of such support, Jordan and Harry saw an opportunity to extend this to mental health clubs across the UK. This led to the launch of PortaSauna X, a venture dedicated to enhancing the well-being of these communities through access to clothing bundles, discounts on the PortaSauna, wellness event collaborations and media exposure.
PORTASAUNA X currently supports 15 groups across the UK, embodying a commitment to mental health and community support. The company actively works to connect these clubs, encouraging collaboration on events and the sharing of ideas with PortaSauna at the centre of these initiatives. This trailblazing network not only provides tangible benefits like discounts and resources but also helps to foster a sense of unity and shared purpose among participants
The Health Benefits
Sauna use comes with a multitude of advantages, including improved cardiovascular health, stress relief, enhanced immune function, detoxification and better mental health. The health benefits of contrast therapy are extensive, aiding in muscle recovery, pain relief, and improved circulation. For skin health, it helps cleanse and tone the skin, enhancing its appearance. Psychologically, it reduces stress, improves mental clarity, and boosts mood. Regular use can also enhance immune function by stimulating the production of white blood cells. Incorporating contrast therapy into a routine can lead to better overall health and vitality.
Harry explains, “Hot and cold therapy, also known as contrast therapy, involves alternating between heat from a sauna and cold water immersion. The heat causes blood vessels to dilate, increasing blood flow, while the cold causes them to constrict, reducing blood flow. This alternation helps improve overall circulation, reduce muscle soreness, and decrease inflammation. It promotes detoxification through sweating and enhances recovery by easing muscle pain and swelling. The cold immersion can also have an invigorating effect, boosting mood and energy levels.”
Harry’s Story
Wellness and health became crucial to Harry last April when personal circumstance led him to Portsmouth in need of drastic life changes. “After finding myself in a rehab centre, I realized I needed to shift my life away from pubs, bars, and clubs. I was told I needed to find meaning and purpose for my life and to survive. It was during this time that I discovered cold water therapy and experienced its profound mental health benefits. This inspired me to start a small swimming club for recovering addicts, which marked the beginning of my wellness journey.”
Meeting Jordan and being introduced to PortaSauna further deepened Harry’s love for wellness as he discovered the incredible benefits of sauna therapy. “The community I’ve encountered along this journey has been amazing, providing me with continuous opportunities to learn, grow, and feel better. This passion for wellness not only supports my recovery and personal health but also allows me to connect with and be inspired by wonderful and motivating people.”
Expanding the Brand
As well as the development of a new website and unveiling an exciting podcast to connect with more people from the wellness community, Portasauna plan to take their products and wellness experiences on the road to reach people directly. Their major initiative #Portasaunaontour will begin in September, kickstarting the company’s official launch event which aims to celebrate and introduce the latest innovations to the public. The team hope to showcase a range of new products, including the PORTASAUNA Hex, a cost-effective full home sauna that doesn’t require planning permission.
Harry says, “PortaSauna perfectly complements Portsmouth’s beach-based and active lifestyle, offering convenient sauna therapy for a vibrant coastal community. Residents who enjoy outdoor activities like sailing, paddle boarding, running and swimming can enhance their recovery with the PortaSauna. Its portable design allows for easy setup at home or on the go, fitting seamlessly into busy schedules.
Moreover, PortaSauna can be used on the beautiful Southsea beach year-round, enabling beach days any time. Also, because of the general size of gardens in Portsmouth, the sauna can be put up and taken down easily, maximizing the small garden spaces typical of the area.”
By Caroline Brennan
