Seasickness can pretty much be classified under motion sickness. Any form of motion sickness uses the same form of mechanism. Be it air, car or sea sickness, they are all the same. All these forms of seasickness take place when the central nervous system and the inner ear/ the labyrinth do not know where the vertical plane is.
Seasickness is set apart by the fact that it is often prolonged. For instance, if you get motion sickness when in a vehicle, you can just stop and get out. In the open sea however, that would be impossible. Many mariners experience this very thing in various ways. Seasickness is usually the strongest during the first two or three days.
Some of the symptoms of seasickness are such as; yawning, having a cold sweat, headache, dizziness, fatigue, nausea and in extreme cases, vomiting. These symptoms may or may not take place in that particular order.
How to Avoid Seasickness
The good news is that there are a couple of ways you can avoid seasickness and be free to enjoy your boat trip. While a Pontoon boat will offer more stability compared to other watercraft, there are medications available that can help to minimise or reduce the level of seasickness experienced while on a boat.
1. Pick the Right Boat for Your Sailing Trip
Boats work in this manner, the larger the boat the less sea movement/rocking there is. Less movement makes it harder for one to feel seasick. There are specialized boats that can help you with seasickness. They are such as:
Catamarans. These types of boats contain two hulls that enable them to rock side to side as opposed to back and forth hence, less movement. These boats are a good choice when you want to avoid seasickness.
Motor Yachts. These types of boats are large in size and contain stabilizers which are helpful in reducing rocking. This is another appropriate boat to enable you to avoid seasickness.
2. Prescribed Seasickness Medications
There are a couple of medications you can take to reduce seasickness. Always consult with your doctor before using these (or any other) medications since they can only be available to you as a prescription medication. They are such as:
Scopolamine which is administered as patches that put behind your ear. It is a standard seasickness medication that is only available via prescription. Take note, however, that this medication has drowsiness and dry mouth as side effects.
Emollients (such as Motion Ease) are also a type of seasickness medication that is administered by rubbing behind your ears. You can acquire this medication over the counter at your local pharmacy or online.
Another form of seasickness medication that is more natural is Ginger. You can purchase Ginger root tablets online via Amazon at a fairly inexpensive price. You can also consume ginger biscuits (as many as you possibly can) right before your boat trip. They actually work!
Other Tips to Reduce Seasickness
1. Stay on the deck
When you stay on the deck in an area where you can clearly see the horizon, you can avoid seasickness since you are in a better position to deal with the sea movement. Staying on the deck of the boat enables you to breathe fresh air as well.
2. Drink a bunch of Colas
Sodas such as Cola and Pepsi contain phosphoric acid that helps you to control vomiting and suppress the effects of seasickness.
3. Participate in steering the boat
While helming, you are able to keep your eyes on the horizon. This helps you deal with the motion of the sea. Steering will also keep you busy which eliminates your chances of getting seasick.
4. Stay at the center of the boat
If possible, avoid staying at the berths or at the front of the boat because these are areas of the boat that rock the most. Too much movement will definitely cause you to be seasick.
5. Avoid alcohol consumption
A hangover will attract seasickness. In any case, seasickness will make your hangover even worse and vice versa.
6. Sleeping position matters
According to first hand information, sleeping on your back will help reduce your chances of being seasick. However, there is no conclusive evidence of this remedy.
7. Eat only healthy foods on board
Before boarding the boat or even during your boat trip, avoid ingesting greasy and sugary foods since this may cause you to have seasickness or further worsen the existing symptoms of seasickness. Spices, caffeine and salt are also allies with seasickness. Avoid them!
8. Stay occupied
Help out on deck by taking part in various activities on the boat while sailing. Reason being, having something to do when you sense the onset of queasiness will help in suppressing your seasickness.
In Conclusion
Seasickness can be a bummer whenever you think about planning a boat trip. That being said, you can implement some of these tips to help you overcome seasickness. Enjoy your boat trip!
