How to Prevent and Cure Sea Sickness

I have tested all of the seasickness prevention and cures shown in this video so you can learn from my experience. Seasickness is no fun and it can ruin a a boating adventure. While no single method works for all I am sure you will find something in this video that will help you prevent and cure your seasickness.

[davedavids]

I used to get sea sick within 5 min after the boat I was on would leave port. That lasted for several years and must say that I have been immensely sea sick, literally hanging over the railing and throwing up until nothing came out.
Then I bought my first boat, went out at sea and I still don't know why, but I got over my sea sickness. No matter how rough the sea now is, I won't get sea sick anymore.
The one thing I always tell anyone onboard my boat is the moment they start thinking they get sea sick is to step forward and start steering the boat. 90 % of them don't have time to get sea sick anymore.
Your suggestion to start breathing deeply is something I can attest to. When I was a military pilot we had this secret remedy for back seater who got air sick. Switch to 100 % and take deep would solve their problems.
But I agree, if you are one of the people who get sea sick I feel for you, I know what you are going through, I experienced it myself and it is the most horrible feeling there is.

[amooseish]

Seasickness is the body’s response to being poisoned. The confused inputs of visual cues versus inner ear orientation cues mimics the effects of many poisons. So the body acts to eject the poison - vomiting.

[jamescobrien]

Sea legs fixed me. When I sat still, while getting rocked by the waves, I would get sick. Then I was told by a captain about sea legs, like going opposite way the waves are rocking. This stopped me getting rocked by the waves and shaking my stomach. When the boat goes up on your right side first lean into the wave, when it goes down the other side to your left side, lean into the wave again. This keeps you verticle at all times, your stomach stabilized, instead of the wave rocking you. This is how captains keep from getting seasick. You can sit and do it too, just keep your torso verticle at all times.

[AnnexF]

All great tips! When I got sea sick yesterday, I threw up. Felt better instantly. Make sure to stay hydrated.

[JamieStallingsworth]

Sea sickness not only physically scars you, it mentally scars you. I went out on a boat this morning off of the Gold Coast in Australia and I got violently ill. The vomiting doesn't stop. It is by far the worst thing that has ever happened to me.

[jimjames]

Thumbs up for including the ear plugs...best and easiest remedy for sea sickness

[checkle]

I really like the whole preventative section. It's all very accurate from what I've found as a marine biologist and a commercial fisherman. I would take it to another level though and say anything that might slightly upset your stomach on land will dramatically upset your stomach at-sea, if you're not used to the sea at the time (so after a day or so you can start doing these things). When I'm headed out to sea, I will not touch alcohol the night before, I will eat bland foods before the trip, and I will have maybe 1/3 of the caffeine that I normally have. But after the first day, I will start adding in fat and whatnot to my diet. You DO get used to it after awhile.

[robertroark]

A weird way for me to not get sea sick is jumping in the water for 5 mins. If I’m feeling sick I jump in and after that I’m perfectly fine. I’m on a boat all day long working as a commercial diver. That always helps for me. Or keep my eye on the horizon, not the water! This video was very informative thank you!

[timpsensky]

I was a sailor in the US Navy in the 80s and 90s and I got sea sick my first time out. We were still in the Chesapeake Bay and the weather was calm. I did have a big greasy breakfast with lots of eggs. I have about 4 1/2 years of sea time and that was the only time I got really sick. There were a few times in the North Atlantic or going around the tip of South America when I would start feeling queasy or start getting a headache, but usually going above deck for fresh air and looking ahead as you said took care of that. Laying down in your bunk or doing the breathing exercises also helps. You would be surprised how much a 565 foot Cruiser that displaces over 9000 tons gets tossed around in big seas.

[kmgy]

Hold your eyes on the horizon and allow your body to naturally stay perpendicular to that point. I do this for 30 minutes or so in rough seas. Works for me.

[jpstygar]

I learned, that seasickness in most cases comes together with high levels of histamine, i.e. due to meals with cheese, tomatoes, wine, beer. To counter them, you can use high levels of vitamin C. I always have a box of vitamin C powder on board and take about 300 mg per day with mineral water. It seems to work.

[mint-o]

I only get sea sick when I think about getting sea sick! I was fine before I knew what sea sick was wtf lol

[EvilUnderTone]

I've always found the best solution to motion sickness is to be hydrated and to eat sensibly. I do suffer from motion sickness but if I make sure I am fully hydrated before going to sea I don't suffer.

[nheeren]

Great video! I tried the heavy drinking the night before, and lots of coffee in the morning trick. Worst day of my life. Wouldn't wish on anyone. Staying below with diesel fumes helps as well. :) Smooth sailing.

[DrShout]

My wife gets seasick on an inner tube on a lake. We went out on an evening gambling cruse in February (hard weather month). I bought her the ReliefBand. A electronic device worn like a wrist watch. She was on the slot machines when the weather turned on us and she started to feel sick… she turned the band to setting 2 (settings 1-5 on the band), 5 seconds later she was back on the slot machine having a great time. As we left the casino deck on our way up to the dance deck, the corners and dining deck were all occupied with people seasick.
I like to solo sail and there is never a good time to get seasick, so I take the ReliefBand with me just in case.

[NHL]

Great ideas. Dramamine can be as bad as sea sickness itself. In Australia the best product we have is called “travel calm”. I’m keen to try the ear protection.

[videog]

Captain Lang, thank you for this. One of your best videos yet. Please keep them coming.

[WILSON.]

I use the old English method. Drink a bottle of rum each night. The next day, you'll be throwing up for about an hour and won't be able to tell whether you're sea sick or hungover.

[Nbody]

They dont want to do deep breaths because they are probably afraid of puking.. yet the reason they will puke is a constricted diaphram which the breathing exercise relaxes. Guess they dont realize that when you tell them about the exercise. Good video. I didnt know about the earplug trick.. i dont get sea sick but my wife does. Gonna have to test it on our first cruise. Love the vid.

[lowelltackett]

I learned this simple trick almost 7 decades ago, sailing aboard the Kia Loa out of Waikiki Yacht Harbor - the boat's skipper, a Mr. James Black, quickly handed my 12-year-old self a small glass of beer when I became ill one afternoon. IT WORKS! 'Nuff said...