When you set out on a boat, whether it’s for fishing or for a cruise, your focus probably is (and should be!) on the fun you are going to have. Most often, you won’t think about the possibility of getting sick while out on your boat. However, any good angler knows that it is always best to be prepared for anything, and that includes the possibility of getting seasick. A good strategy is to pack in your travel case these strategies to get you through any bout of seasickness.
Few things put a damper on a fishing trip like feeling seasick. Symptoms of seasickness can range from mild dizziness and an upset stomach to pain, disorientation and vomiting. Not exactly the way you want to feel while out in the middle of the ocean! Luckily, there are lots of techniques that anglers can learn to help manage the symptoms of seasickness. Next time you head out on your boat, pack these strategies in your tackle box alongside your lures and bait.
Mental fortitude
If you’ve ever fallen victim to bouts of seasickness, you know how miserable you feel. The truth is, however, that it is possible to lessen your symptoms with the right attitude. Keeping yourself calm and relaxed, and allowing the motion of the boat to seem more like rhythmic movement than random movement. Even repeating to yourself “I am not seasick. I feel fine” can actually have a positive effect on your symptoms.
Avoid unpleasant odors
Easier said than done while on a fishing boat, right? Well, that may be true, and normally the sights and sounds of fishing won’t bother you probably. However, once seasickness overtakes you, all of these scents can be altogether just too much to handle. Even scents that you would otherwise find pleasant can make nausea worse when seasickness hits. When you do start to feel symptoms, it’s best to try to get away from the source of the smells that are trigger your nausea as best as possible. Take deep breaths of the fresh salt air as much as possible.
Take medicine
It goes without saying that one of the best treatments for seasickness is taking one of the many over-the-counter remedies. If you are really worried, however, you can also get a doctor to prescribe stronger anti-seasick medications for you. Don’t wait ‘til you are on board to take the medications, however – or even until the day of your trip. For best results, start taking the medication up to 48 hours before your trip. This will get the medication built up in your bloodstream to a sufficient level by the time you set sail.
Avoid alcohol and overeating
One thing that can make seasickness worse is having alcohol in your system – or being hungover. Avoid drinking alcohol the night before you go on your trip. Also, be sure to eat light meals. Contrary to what you may think having a full stomach can actually make your seasickness worse.
Stay hydrated
Finally, stay hydrated and avoid caffeine. Drink lots of water and avoid caffeinated coffee and soda.
Now that you’ve got your ducks in a row where seasickness is involved, be sure you have everything else you need for your fishing trip. Companies like Singles Travel Service will have everything you need to get you sea ready in no time.