Sea sickness is a form of motion sickness that can quickly turn a promising fishing trip into a miserable experience. However, with the right preparation and knowledge, you can significantly reduce the chances of it affecting your day out on the water.
In this article, we are going to take a look at what exactly is sea sickness and how you can prevent sea sickness while fishing.
Now, without further ado, let’s get started.
What is Sea Sickness?
Sea sickness is a type of motion sickness that specifically occurs on water. When aboard a boat or ship, the constant motion can lead to a disorienting sensation, primarily due to the conflicting signals sent to the brain by the eyes and the inner ear.
While the eyes might perceive the boat as a stable environment, the inner ear, which is responsible for balance, detects the boat’s movements.
This mismatch of signals can lead to symptoms such as nausea, dizziness, and in more severe cases, vomiting.
What can trigger seasickness?
The primary culprit behind seasickness is the boat’s rocking motion, especially when it’s positioned side-on to the waves.
The severity of the boat’s movements, influenced by the wave’s intensity, can heighten the chances of experiencing seasickness. Other contributing factors include:
The main rules to stay in good shape and prevent seasickness
Following is a list of some rules that you should take care of if you want to stay in good shape and prevent seasickness.
1. Plan Your Fishing Trip To Limit Rough Seas
It’s essential to be strategic about when you decide to head out for your fishing trip.
By checking the weather forecast and choosing a day when the sea is calmest, you can significantly reduce the chances of encountering rough seas, which are a primary trigger for seasickness.
2. Build Up Your Tolerance Against Sea Sickness
If you’re someone who hasn’t spent much time on boats or the ocean, it’s a good idea to gradually acclimate yourself. Start with shorter trips and slowly increase your time on the water.
This gradual exposure can help you understand your limits and build tolerance over time.
3. Eat And Pack The Correct Foods
Your dietary choices can play a significant role in how your body reacts to the motion of the boat. It’s advisable to avoid foods that can upset your stomach.
Instead, opt for neutral foods like bread, grains, and fruits. These foods are less likely to cause discomfort and can even help in settling a queasy stomach.
4. Staying Hydrated Is Essential To Preventing Sea Sickness
Dehydration can intensify the symptoms of seasickness. Ensure you drink plenty of water before and during your trip.
This not only keeps you hydrated but also helps in maintaining your body’s equilibrium, reducing the chances of seasickness.
5. Avoid Drinking Alcohol Before and During the Sea Fishing Trip.
Alcohol can interfere with your sense of balance and also lead to dehydration.
Both of these factors can increase the likelihood of seasickness. It’s best to avoid alcohol for at least 24 hours before your trip.
6. Stay above Deck and Sit in the Middle or Back of the Boat.
The middle or back of the boat experiences the least amount of motion.
By positioning yourself in these areas, you can reduce the intensity of the rocking sensation, thereby decreasing the chances of feeling seasick.
7. Angle Your Boat Into The Waves
Positioning your boat so that it faces the waves can reduce the side-to-side rocking motion, which is often a trigger for seasickness.
8. Pick A Spot On The Horizon And Focus On It
One effective technique to combat the onset of seasickness is to focus on a fixed point on the horizon.
This provides your brain with a stable reference point, helping to counteract the confusing signals it receives due to the boat’s motion.
9. Don’t Stare at the Waves.
While the sight of waves crashing might be captivating, continuously watching them can exacerbate the feeling of seasickness.
The constant motion of the waves can confuse the brain further, intensifying the symptoms.
10. Take Sea Sickness Tablets Preemptively
If you’re aware of your susceptibility to seasickness, consider taking sea sickness tablets before your trip.
Medications like Dramamine or Bonine can be effective in preventing the onset of symptoms. However, always consult with a healthcare professional before taking any medication.
11. Don’t Fish Alone If You Get Seasick
If you’re prone to seasickness, it’s always a good idea to have someone with you. In case you start feeling unwell, having a companion can be invaluable.
They can assist you, keep you hydrated, and even make the call to head back to shore if necessary.
What are the Remedies if You Do Feel Sea Sickness Onboard?
Seasickness can be a daunting experience, but there are several remedies, both medicinal and natural, that can help alleviate or even prevent its symptoms.
Here’s a detailed look at some of the most effective remedies:
Take a Deep Breath:
Fresh air can significantly reduce the symptoms of seasickness.
The oxygen-rich air can help clear your head, reduce nausea, and provide a refreshing break from the confined spaces of a boat’s interior.
If you begin to feel unwell, move to an open area of the boat, preferably the deck. Take deep, controlled breaths, and try to relax your body.
Consider Taking Dramamine:
There are several over-the-counter medications specifically designed to treat motion sickness. They work by suppressing the signals in the inner ear that trigger nausea.
Dramamine is one of the most commonly used medications for motion sickness. It’s effective but can cause drowsiness.
Bring Ginger Root and Treats with You Onboard
For those who prefer a more natural approach or are wary of the side effects of medication, there are several natural remedies that have been known to help reduce the symptoms of seasickness.
Here are a few options:
- Ginger: This root has anti-nausea properties and can be consumed in various forms, including candies, teas, or raw.
- Peppermint: The soothing properties of peppermint can help calm the stomach. Consider sipping on peppermint tea or even just smelling peppermint oil.
- Wristbands: Acupressure wristbands, like Sea-Bands, apply pressure to a specific point on the wrist known to reduce nausea.
Aromatherapy and Herbal Remedy
Aromatherapy, the practice of using essential oils for therapeutic benefit, has been used for centuries to address various ailments, including nausea and dizziness.
When it comes to seasickness, certain scents can have a calming effect on the mind and body, helping to alleviate symptoms.
Essential oils like peppermint, lavender, and chamomile can be inhaled directly, diffused in the air, or applied topically (after dilution) to provide relief.
Their soothing properties can help calm the nervous system, reducing feelings of nausea and unease.
Smell a Slices Lemon or Lime
The refreshing scent of citrus fruits, particularly lemon, and lime, can act as an instant pick-me-up. Their sharp and invigorating aroma can help distract the mind from feelings of nausea and provide a sense of freshness.
Keep a lemon or lime slice in a sealed bag. Whenever you feel queasy, take it out and take a deep inhale. The sharpness of the scent can provide immediate relief.
Get Scopolamine Patch
For those who experience severe seasickness, the Scopolamine patch can be a game-changer. It’s a prescription medication designed specifically to prevent motion sickness.
The patch is placed behind the ear and releases medication gradually. It works by blocking the signals to the brain that cause nausea and vomiting.
Pressure points
The idea of applying pressure to specific points on the body to alleviate ailments comes from traditional Chinese medicine. For seasickness, the pressure point known as the “Nei Kuan” point is of particular interest.
The Nei Kuan point is located on the inner wrist. Applying pressure to this point can help reduce feelings of nausea and dizziness.
How To Not Get Seasick on a Fishing Boat?
Seasickness can be a formidable adversary, turning a promising fishing trip into an ordeal. However, with the right strategies and preparations, you can significantly diminish its impact. Here’s how:
Preparation is the key!
Before you can prevent seasickness, it’s essential to understand its root cause. Seasickness arises from the conflicting signals sent to the brain by the eyes and the inner ear when aboard a moving vessel.
By preparing in advance, you can reduce the chances of these conflicting signals.
Tips for Preparation:
- Drink plenty of water before and during your trip. Dehydration can exacerbate the symptoms of seasickness.
- Consume neutral foods that are easy on the stomach, such as bread, grains, and fruits. Avoid heavy, greasy, or acidic meals.
- A well-rested body is less susceptible to seasickness. Ensure you get a good night’s sleep before your fishing trip.
Prevent Seasickness by Choosing the Right Boat
The design, size, and stability of a boat can significantly influence the intensity of its motion on water.
Larger boats or those with specific stabilizing designs tend to rock less, reducing the chances of seasickness. Here are a few tips for choosing the right boat:
- Larger boats are more stable than smaller ones. If you’re prone to seasickness, consider opting for a bigger vessel.
- Some boats are designed with stabilizers that reduce rocking. If available, consider such boats for your trip.
- Once on board, choose a spot where the motion is least felt, typically the middle or back of the boat.
What is the Best Motion Sickness Medicine?
Motion sickness, whether experienced on a boat, car, or plane, can be a distressing experience.
Thankfully, there are various remedies available, ranging from natural solutions to prescription medications.
Let’s explore the options to determine the best fit for your needs.
Plant-Based Cures:
For centuries, certain plants have been recognized for their anti-nausea properties, offering relief without the side effects of synthetic drugs.
- Ginger is renowned for its ability to alleviate nausea and dizziness. Whether consumed as a tea, candy, or in its raw form, ginger can be a potent remedy against motion sickness.
- Peppermint is known for its soothing properties, peppermint can help calm the stomach. Sipping on peppermint tea or even just smelling peppermint oil can offer relief.
Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy involves using essential oils for therapeutic benefits. Certain scents can have a calming effect, helping to alleviate symptoms of motion sickness.
The calming properties of lavender can help reduce anxiety and nausea associated with motion sickness. Consider using a lavender-scented inhaler or essential oil during your journey.
Over-the-Counter Medicine
For those looking for a quick and readily available solution, over-the-counter medicines can be a good choice. A popular choice, Dramamine helps by blocking the signals in the inner ear that trigger nausea.
However, it can cause drowsiness, so it’s essential to be cautious if you plan to drive.
Prescription Medications
If you’ve tried various remedies and still suffer from severe motion sickness, it might be time to consult a healthcare professional.
The “Secret” To Not Getting Seasick On Your Fishing Trip!
Seasickness can quickly turn a promising fishing trip into a challenging ordeal. But what if there were some “secrets” to help you stay steady and enjoy your time on the water?
Here are some tried-and-true methods that seasoned sailors and fishermen swear by:
Fresh Air
One of the simplest yet most effective remedies for seasickness is fresh air. The oxygen-rich environment not only helps clear your head but also reduces feelings of nausea.
Keep Your Eyes Outside The Vessel
When your inner ear senses motion but your eyes don’t see it (like when you’re inside a cabin), it can lead to seasickness.
By keeping your gaze fixed on the horizon or the stable shore in the distance, you provide a point of reference, helping your body reconcile the motion it feels with what it sees.
Wrist Bands
Acupressure wristbands, like Sea-Bands, are designed to exert pressure on the “Nei Kuan” point on your wrist. This pressure point is believed to help reduce feelings of nausea.
Having the Right Frame Of Mind
Your mental state plays a significant role in how your body reacts to the motion of the boat. By staying calm, positive, and relaxed, you can reduce the chances of feeling seasick.
Munch on Ginger
Ginger has been used for centuries to treat various ailments, including nausea. Its anti-inflammatory properties can help soothe the stomach and reduce feelings of seasickness.
FAQs
Why does seasickness arise?
Seasickness, a form of motion sickness, arises due to conflicting signals sent to the brain. While aboard a moving vessel, the eyes might perceive a stable environment, but the inner ear, responsible for balance, detects the boat’s motion.
This mismatch of signals can lead to symptoms like dizziness, nausea, and in more severe cases, vomiting.
What should I eat before deep sea fishing?
Before embarking on a deep-sea fishing trip, it’s advisable to consume light and neutral foods that are easy on the stomach. Examples include:
- Toast or plain bread
- Bananas
- Rice or plain pasta
- Crackers
- Yogurt
Do I get a discount if I went in early seasick?
Discount policies vary among boat charter companies and fishing trip organizers.
While some might offer partial refunds or discounts for those who cut their trip short due to seasickness, others might not. It’s essential to check with the service provider beforehand and understand their policies.
I’m worried about seasickness. When should I book a trip?
If you’re concerned about seasickness, consider booking your trip during a time when the sea is expected to be calm. Checking weather forecasts and sea conditions can be helpful.
Are seasickness and car sickness the same thing?
Both seasickness and car sickness are forms of motion sickness, but they are triggered by different types of motion. Seasickness results from the rocking or swaying motion of a boat on water, while car sickness is often due to the forward, backward, or side-to-side motion of a vehicle on land.