Sea Sickness

After my last post, I was asked.. “what are your recommendations for sea sickness if I didn’t purchase the wrist bands?”

I’ve had sea sickness once myself in September 1985 when returning to New York from Bermuda. I’ve also been on a catamaran excursion searching for large sea turtles off the coast of Maui in which 4 of our friends and other passengers experienced extreme sea sickness.

Through those experiences here is my advice:

First off, Sea Sickness- a discrepancy between what your eyes see and your body feels. Any inconsistency between the motion your eyes detect and the movement your inner ear pick up will confuse your brain.

 Stay well fed, but avoid overeating.

Stay well hydrated

Steer clear of alcohol, caffeine and smoking before travel as well as spicy, acidic or fatty foods.

Take a ginger supplement an hour before hitting the water.

 Stay positive-Seafarers, Sailors, and/or Pirates have a saying, ‘if you proclaim you don’t get seasick, then you won’t’. I personally can’t vouch for this but it certainly can’t hurt. I do believe that positive thoughts receive positive energy.

 If it’s too late, then get down below. Get at water level or down to the belly of the boat/ship or at least mid ship.

Take in Ginger. Ginger as in ginger ale or ginger supplements or eating some ginger root.

Peppermint- suck on mints, or place mints or mint gum in your cupped hand and inhale, deeply several times.

Get fresh air

Avoid getting overheated.

If possible, look at land ahead or in the distance

Minimize moving sights, sounds (such as loud active music or a bunch of people talking/laughing). Minimize strong smells; i.e. fish, gas grills, strong liquor.

Probably shouldn’t read while moving, i.e. boat or car, catamaran, etc.

Before sailing, there are a variety of Over the Counter meds /antihistamines to ward off motion sickness. Ask you pharmacist.

I wish for you calm seas and good sailing!