Rest assured, very few sailors have never experienced seasickness. Even the greatest have, at some point, ended up leaning over the bucket!
Here, I share simple and practical tips to help you avoid seasickness. They come from my own experience at sea and from the many sailors I have had the chance to sail with.
Tried, tested, and approved.
The causes of seasickness
Seasickness, or naupathia (if you want to impress at dinner), is a form of motion sickness caused by a disturbance of the vestibular system. This system, located in the inner ear, is responsible for balance and the perception of movement.
When we are on a boat, the motion of the sea is transmitted to the vestibular system. However, our eyes do not perceive this movement in the same way. This creates a mismatch between vestibular signals and visual information.
This sensory conflict is what triggers the symptoms of seasickness: nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and fatigue.
Seasickness can ruin your crossing to Corsica or your Caribbean cruise. Fortunately, there are effective ways to prevent it.
Rule #1: Relax!
Chances are that if you think you are going to get seasick… you probably will. This is called self-suggestion.
Relax. Truly. This is the fundamental rule that governs all the others.
Board the boat in a calm state of mind and leave negative thoughts behind. Focus on the present moment, on what is happening around you… this way, you give yourself the best possible chance of enjoying your time on board.
Rule #2: Don’t sail on an empty stomach
This rule goes hand in hand with Rule #1. If you already feel anxious at the idea of getting on a boat, you will probably skip eating — or eat very little. And you know how that usually ends…
Take the time to have a proper meal a few hours before departure. A normal meal — not the kind you’d have at your uncle’s 50th birthday party…
Rule #3: Stay hydrated
Just as eating before boarding is important, staying hydrated is equally essential (with water — I’d rather make that clear, for the same uncle’s birthday reasons).
Do not start your trip dehydrated. Your body needs water to function properly. And here, we are aiming for optimal conditions.
Rule #4: Be well rested
Have you noticed how fatigue can make us sluggish, tense (see Rule #1), and less responsive? This is exactly what we want to avoid, because your eyes, inner ear, and brain already have enough trouble adapting to the strange movements of the sea. Let’s not make things harder.
A good night’s sleep — or even a short nap — will only help.
Rule #5: Get some fresh air
You have probably noticed that seasickness appears much faster (sometimes instantly) when you stay inside rather than outside. This is perfectly normal: your eyes and inner ear are receiving conflicting information.
So go on — outside! Don’t wait for symptoms to appear. Breathe the sea air from the very beginning.
Rule #6: Dress warmly
This rule is important because:
- You want to stay outside as much as possible, whatever the weather (see previous rule).
- Cold increases discomfort — and remember Rule #1: you want to stay relaxed!
So wear a jacket and a hat. That way, you’ll also look like a real sailor.
Rule #7: Get involved!
Staying active is an excellent way to apply Rules #1 and #5.
On one hand, it keeps your mind busy instead of listening to negative thoughts. You stay engaged. You move forward.
On the other hand, it naturally keeps you outside.
Help with manoeuvres, take the helm, take an interest in navigation. And if you are on a ferry heading to England? You can always try spotting whales or nearby ships.
Rule #8: Let go of your phone
Staring at a tiny screen (compared to the vastness of the ocean) will not help the eyes / inner ear / brain team at all. The same applies to books — but something tells me that a 21st-century human will reach for the phone more easily than for a novel.
Look into the distance. See how beautiful the sea is 😊
What about medication?
We have to talk about it, since it is the most common solution. But if you are reading this, it may be because medication has not fully met your expectations.
Personally, I am not a big supporter of anti-nausea drugs at sea. They can sometimes make you drowsy, knock you out, or leave you in a lethargic state — which can be dangerous while navigating.
I also feel that seasickness often lasts longer with medication than without.
Just my personal opinion.
Bonus
I hope these tips will help you enjoy many great moments at sea. And you know what? These rules can also help you enjoy life on land: live in the present moment and let yourself flow.
If seasickness fascinates you (you’re a bit strange, but no judgement 😉), I invite you to read the study Epidemiological factors of seasickness: a case-control study in the French Navy in Brest, conducted by a PhD candidate. Enjoy!
Questions? Let’s talk in the comments 👇