It can happen to anyone: that sudden dizzy, weak feeling that leaves you nauseated and pale as you gaze out over the waves and struggle to fixate on the horizon. Seasickness, or “mal de mer,” as the French called it, is a very common malady and even the saltiest sea dog can experience it without warning. In order to prevent it from ruining your next boating adventure, try one or more of these prevention strategies.
1. Avoid Alcohol
Drinking and boating really don’t mix, and this is true even if you’re not the one at the helm. Try to avoid drinking a few days before your trip and definitely don’t crack open a beer on the boat! Alcohol is dehydrating and it also makes you dizzy and nauseated on its own, so combining it with the motion of a boat is a recipe for disaster.
2. Eat Lightly
It’s not wise to try and eat a feast made for a king before or during your boating adventure. However, it’s also not helpful to eat absolutely nothing for hours on end; your nausea will only get worse if you do this. Settle your stomach with some saltines or other bland crackers. Keep ginger ale and ginger candies handy, as ginger is a known nausea panacea. Try eating some applesauce or a banana. If you have something in your stomach, this helps to neutralize the acids that can make you feel like vomiting.
3. Try Aromatherapy
This may not work for everyone, but some people find certain scents calming for their nausea and vertigo. Avoiding very strong aromas is also helpful, as these can make anyone feel sick. Try a spritz of a lavender essential oil on your wrists or make a cup of peppermint tea and inhale the scent wafting from it as you sip it.
When you’re ready to buy a new boat, visit our dealership in Chubbuck, ID, to see what we have in stock. RVs and Boats For Less serves greater Idaho Falls and Pocatello.
