Preventing Seasickness While Boating

No one wants to get it, yet everyone is vulnerable: the dread mal de mer, the sickness of the sea. Seasickness is, as you may have guessed, a form of motion sickness caused by your inner ear’s imbalance with what your eyes see.

This ailment is very common in those who are new to the world of boating, but even a seasoned sailor such as yourself can fall ill with nausea and vertigo out of nowhere in particularly choppy waters or even for no reason at all. Here are some strategies to employ to ensure that seasickness doesn’t ruin the day for either you or your passengers.

Don’t Eat Heavily — But Do Snack

Sitting down to a four-course meal right before you weigh anchor is obviously not going to do you any favors, so to avoid sending your lunch over the side of your boat, avoid heavy foods prior to departure. Meats, fats, oils, and excess salt can all contribute to your ill feelings.

However, trying to boat on an empty stomach won’t help, either. Instead, keep things settled with some crackers, granola bars, dried fruit, applesauce, or a banana. Light and easy snacks are the way to go.

Avoid Alcohol

This isn’t just a rule for a responsible boat operator: your passengers should probably avoid drinking if they’re inclined to become seasick. And that doesn’t just mean for the duration of the voyage; due to its dehydrating effects, consuming alcohol the night before your boat trip can still impact you heavily the next day. Try to avoid drinking until you’ve come back to shore and can do so responsibly and without risk.

Try Herbal Remedies

To quell the nausea that so often heralds a bout of seasickness, why not sample some tried-and-true herbal remedies? Both ginger and peppermint are herbs known for their stomach-settling qualities, and even the scent of peppermint can help you to feel better. Stock your console with some candies or even tea to sip.

Seek a Steady Focal Point

Your senses may be all out of whack when you’re on the open ocean, bobbing up and down. To set things right, try focusing on something stable in your view, such as a lighthouse, a rocky outcropping, or even just the horizon. Allowing the fresh breeze to wash over you can also help you more than staying below deck or lying around in the dark of your cabin.

Ready to find a new seafaring (or lakefaring) vessel? Come on down to our dealership near Naples, Maine, to take a look at our fine selection of new and used boats for sale by leading manufacturers. We even provide boat financing options to help you get the most out of your purchase. New England Water Sports serves our Maine customers in Long Lake and Sebago Lake.