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Sea sickness happens when your brain gets mixed messages from your eyes, inner ear, and body. The fastest fixes are fresh air, eyes on the horizon, a steady head, and if you’re prone, medicine taken before you cast off.
Why boats make bellies turn
Even seasoned captains can feel queasy when waves keep shifting underfoot. Researchers estimate that about one‑third of all people are highly susceptible to motion sickness, while most of the rest will only feel ill in very rough conditions.
When the deck rocks, the balance organs in your inner ears scream “we’re moving,” but your eyes, especially if you’re below deck – say, “we’re still.” That sensory mismatch triggers a part of the brainstem that controls nausea and vomiting.
Know your personal risk
- Age & sex: Children 2‑12 and women feel it more often.
- Migraine or vestibular disorders: These conditions lower the sickness threshold.
- Sleep deprivation, strong odors, alcohol, and reading screens can cause symptoms to develop faster.
Understanding your triggers allows you to plan the right counter‑measures.
How to stop sea sickness once it starts
Get air moving
Head to an open deck, loosen tight clothing, and breathe slowly from your abdomen. Cool, fresh air calms the nausea center and reduces clammy sweating.
Lock your gaze on the horizon
Pick a distant, stable object like land, clouds, or the ship’s bow and keep it in the center of your vision. This “resets” the visual‑vestibular mismatch.
Stabilize your head and core
Sit mid‑ship near the waterline where pitch and roll are mildest. Rest your head against the back of a seat or lie flat on your back if possible. Studies show lying flat cuts seasickness severity even in heavy sea conditions.
Sip and nibble
Take small sips of cold water or ginger ale and nibble on a dry cracker. Empty but not starving stomachs tolerate motion better.
Distract, don’t doom‑scroll
Chat with a crewmate or listen to music. Reading or scrolling on your phone amplifies the sensory conflict.
If vomiting strikes, lean over the leeward side, stay hydrated, and consider medication (see next section).
How to prevent sea sickness
Pick the right spot on board
For a smoother ride, sit near the vessel’s center of gravity, close to the mast on sailboats or by the wings on ferries. Although folklore says lower cabins help, an old study found cabin location alone didn’t change risk once passengers could lie down.
Eat smart
Make sure to eat light, non‑greasy meals the night before and morning of departure. Try avoiding spicy foods, caffeine, and alcohol, which can irritate the stomach and dehydrate you.
Sleep and hydrate
Arrive rested and drink plenty of water 24 hours prior to your trip.
Long‑term fixes for frequent cruisers
Gradual exposure
Spend short periods on calm water, then lengthen trips. Your brain can “train” to reconcile the motion conflict.
Vestibular & physical therapy
Specialists run habituation drills like head turns, eye tracking, and use balance boards, which have all shown to cut symptom intensity over weeks of therapy training.
Lifestyle tuning
Regular cardio, core strength, and yoga improve proprioception and balance, making you steadier on shifting decks.
When to ask for help:
Ship infirmaries list seasickness among their top reasons for passenger visits, right behind respiratory infections. Don’t hesitate to radio for assistance if a crewmate can’t keep fluids down. Serious complications are rare but possible.
A calmer course with Sea Tow
Feeling confident and prepared reduces anxiety, a hidden trigger that can accelerate nausea. With a Sea Tow membership you have the peace of mind knowing that professional Captains are just a call away Whether you need a jump start, fuel delivery, or a tow, being a Sea Tow® member means there’s one less thing for your stomach to worry about. Enjoy the ride, keep your eyes on the horizon, and let us handle the unexpected.
Sea Tow Team
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