By Capt. Quinlyn Haddon
Luckily, I have never personally been seasick, but I can confirm that when it gets someone, they look like they legitimately want death. Watching people board the boat in the morning full of personality, and quickly turning into a quiet, helpless version of themselves breaks my heart every time.
It’s funny, I’ve taken people five miles out in flat calm seas and watched them turn green within an hour, while others can ride out a choppy twelve-hour swordfish trip without a single grimace. Seasickness, or motion sickness, isn’t about toughness. It’s about biology, and knowing how to outsmart it can mean the difference between the trip of a lifetime and one you’d rather forget.
At its core, seasickness is your brain throwing a fit over mixed signals. Your inner ear, which controls balance, feels the constant motion of the boat. Your eyes, however, might be locked on the deck or a smartphone, telling your brain that you’re not moving. This mismatch can confuse the body enough to trigger nausea, cold sweats, dizziness, and that unmistakable “I need the rail” moment.
The good news is that you can do a lot to keep it from happening, or at least keep it from ruining your day.
Start the night before. One of the biggest mistakes I see people make is showing up tired, dehydrated, and with nothing in their stomach. Lack of sleep makes your body more sensitive to motion. Drink plenty of water the day before and have a balanced dinner, nothing too greasy or heavy. And go easy on alcohol, nothing gets people faster than being hungover.
Eat before you board. An empty stomach is not your friend at sea. Eat a light breakfast with complex carbs and protein; think a bagel with peanut butter or scrambled eggs with toast. Skip the spicy breakfast burrito…you’ll thank me later.
Pick your spot wisely. The closer you are to the boat’s center, the less movement you’ll feel. On smaller boats, this often means staying near the console or midship. If you’re anchored or drifting, facing into the wind can help you get fresh air, and fresh air is one of your best allies. Whatever you do, don’t lay down and close your eyes, no matter how much you’d prefer to be in the fetal position, this is your enemy.
Keep your eyes on the horizon. Your inner ear is telling your brain you’re moving, and your eyes need to confirm it. Locking your gaze on the horizon gives your brain consistent information and can stop the mixed-signal meltdown before it starts.
Avoid the downward spiral. Once seasickness takes hold, it can be hard to shake. If you feel that first wave of queasiness, act fast. Get to fresh air, keep your head up, and focus on a fixed point.
Know your aids. There are plenty of over-the-counter and prescription remedies, from Dramamine and Bonine to scopolamine patches, but timing matters! Take them before you step aboard, or even get them in your system the night prior to a trip. Ginger candies, wrist acupressure bands, and peppermint gum can also help.
Respect your limits. If you know you’re prone to seasickness, tell your captain ahead of time. We’d much rather work with you to make your trip comfortable than see you suffer in silence.
Lastly, if you do need to heave, please try to do it downwind of the captain. I don’t care if it’s all over the boat, but truly, I have been puked on more times than I’d like to admit. To the client who got me right in the mouth from 10 feet away on a windy trip, 10/10 for accuracy, but I’d rather not be handing out those awards.
Seasickness is nothing to be embarrassed about as even seasoned captains have had their moments. The key is to prepare, listen to your body, and take action early. The ocean is an incredible place, and a little planning can make sure you enjoy every second of it, without clinging to the rail.
Capt. Quinlyn Haddon guides with Sweet E’Nuf Charters out of Marathon, The Florida Keys. (504) 920-6342. www.captainquinlyn.com; IG: @captainquinlyn