Preventing & Treating Seasickness While Boating

Nothing ruins a day out on the water quicker than seasickness. Nausea and lightheadedness make it all but impossible for you to enjoy activities like watersports or fishing. That is why Rhode Island Watersports has created this guide to help you protect yourself from seasickness.

What is Seasickness 

Seasickness is a physiological reaction that occurs when the motion of the boat creates a gap between the motion your brain expects and what actually occurs. Essentially, the data from your eyes and inner ear are misinterpreted, with one saying that you are moving and another saying that you are not moving. Seasickness can strike anyone under the right conditions, even the most experienced of sailors. 

Stare At Fixed Objects That Are Far Away

Staring at fixed objects in front of you like a book or a compass will lead your brain to interpret them as stable, which creates confusion when your brain has to reconcile that stability with the constant motion of the boat. Instead, keep your eyes turned to the horizon and your actual surroundings until you adjust. 

While many people choose to go below deck when seasickness hits, it is actually better to instead focus on a stable object in the distance, like the horizon. This will help you regain your balance more quickly. Staying on the deck will also expose you to fresh air and let you feel the wind on your face, which is good for seasickness. 

Avoid Seasickness Triggers

Motion sickness has many triggers, so learn what they are and try to avoid them. For example, strong smells or the sight of other people vomiting often makes people feel nauseous. Drinking alcohol or consuming heavy meals full of rich food is also not recommended. Do what you can to avoid dehydration. 

Medicinal Solutions

If your seasickness is particularly bad, you may choose to seek out prescription or over-the-counter medications to help deal with them. Please note that these medications should be taken well before boarding, and should not be taken by children below the age of twelve. A home remedy like peppermint may also be used, if only for the placebo effect, so long as the remedy has no side effects.

We here at Rhode Island Watersports hope you have a fun and relaxing time on the water. For more information or to view our selection of new and pre-owned models, visit us at our dealership in Oakland, Rhode Island. We welcome guests from communities like Providence, Rhode Island, and Boston, Massachusetts.