Just about every diver has experienced it. That awful beast that creeps up on you slowly, starting as a slight uneasiness that progresses to a slight queasiness, and before you know it your stomach is churning, your head is spinning and all you have time to think of is what side of the boat the divemaster said you should ralph on. The name of the beast: Sea Sickness.
Sure, after you throw up you do feel better, but for the rest of the day you never fully recover. Getting sea sick is a sure fire way to ruin a perfectly good day of diving.
But you're in luck! There are many ways to prevent sea sickness.
If you have the slightest chance of getting sea sick, we highly recommend following these tips on how to prevent it from happening. Your stomach, dive buddy, and the whole boat will thank you for it!
Tip 1: Take Drugs
Yes, you read that right. If you know you're easily susceptible to getting sea sick, the easiest and most effective way to prevent it is to take an antiemetic drug such as Bonine or Dramamine; both available over the counter. The key to taking these preventative medications is to take them BEFORE you even get on the boat! Read the directions carefully as it will tell you how and when to take them.
Tip 2: Get Fresh Air
In other words, DO NOT go below deck! The absolute WORST place for a person who gets sea sick to be is below deck, in the cabin of a boat. When you cannot see the horizon your equilibrium gets thrown off, making it much easier to get sick. Also, the air is much more stale below deck, and that doesn't help. If you need to use the head (bathroom) do it quickly and then get out! Stay above deck with the wind in your face and keep your eyes on the horizon.
Tip 3: Be Well Rested & Hydrated
Being exhausted increases your susceptibility to getting sea sick so make sure you get plenty of rest the night before. Also, make sure you start hydrating yourself the day before your dive trip so that you are not starting your day dehydrated. Dehydration not only increases the chance that you will get sea sick, it also increases your susceptibility to Decompression Sickness (see our last post on Staying Hydrated). So, in other words, do NOT stay up partying at the bars the night before your dive trip!
Tip 4: Eat Something
BUT, make sure it's the right thing. Having some food in your stomach is much better than an empty stomach but make sure it's not too full. Also, you do not consume greasy foods, acidic foods (such as juices) or spicy foods. Stick with a plain breakfast like a bagel and cream cheese or toast and jam.
Tip 5: Wear an Acupressure Wristband
An Acupressure Wristband is helpful to some people. It puts pressure on a point on your wrist that can help prevent nausea, the main symptom of motion sickness.
Tip 6: Don't Go Out!
There may be some days where you just have to say no. If the swell is big enough, there is no amount of Dramamine that can prevent you from getting sick. Know your limits. If it's a big swell kind of day and you know you get sea sick trust us when we say you will be MUCH happier spending the day lounging at the beach then being tossed around on a boat.
If you've been in a situation where sea sickness has gotten the best of you, we hope that these tips can help you to avoid this awful, debilitating beast in the future. Now pop some Bonine and get diving!
