The truth about seasickness: 5 ways to beat it! - Sailing Q&A 31

[@davidascher7927]

The outtakes!! Crying.

[@tonysmario817]

it's a rare and valuable piece of the experience...you see how much energy goes into sharing their vlog with their subs. since the info was mostly of no value, i thought the real value was in the genuine nature of the 'delivery'...that was worth watching the poor information! hahahaha and the final bit of outtakes was the best part! cheers!

[@Kampup]

"bollox" :) lol

[@jmayuk]

I regularly use the one earplug method and it is by a long way the most effective (for me anyway). It can be either ear, not just the opposite of your dominant hand. It works on the same principle as the horizon. You basically interrupt the signal that your ears are receiving, thereby tricking your brain into overriding the motion information coming from the ears and your eyes become the "trusted" information. I was in my forties before I learned this and it has worked a treat every time.

[@ronbakker6241]

Totally agree with you! I also had that problem. When I started using a earplug(s) (also in planes) I never had a problem anymore.

[@SoCalFreelance]

Yes, using your legs to stay vertical and looking at the horizon is a lifesaver. Also slowly breathing in through your nose and out your mouth helps. Feeling hot and sweaty exacerbates motion sickness so remove clothing and find other ways to stay cool. Keep your hands open as they act like natural radiators keeping your blood cool as it circulates and offering maximum surface area for evaporative cooling. And I've found after several days of rock'n and rolling on the high seas your body eventually adapts (you get your sea legs) which is a huge relief for someone like myself who is easily susceptible to sea sickness. If you do have to go down below to sleep find the low center point where the ship pitches and rolls the least. And when trying to sleep a fan blowing on you to stay cool feels great to reduce sea sickness. Also I found music helps when going to sleep to drown out the sloshing and creaking sounds that amplify the sensation of pitching and rolling. Obviously, you don't get sea sick when you're asleep (unconscious) so it's an option for riding out a storm, hopefully wake up to calm seas.

[@jacksprat3009]

Some years ago I was on the the last troop ship going from New York to Germany. We encountered a pretty big storm - deck roped off, seas crashing over the sides. We were stationed down below and everybody was sick. There was a 50 gallon barrel in the middle of the floor where troops would heave their guts if they could get to it along the floor made slippery from those who didn't make it. After a day of contributing to the barrel, I got word to eat saltines which i did by the handsful. i also went up on deck where it was freezing and not dry, but the fresh air and saltines did the trick. i spent 90% of the storm wet and cold, but not sea sick. Went below only to sleep a few hours before the sickness came back. Up on deck,, saltines and as you Brits like to say "right as rain" and just a s wet too. Thanks for you r honest tips.

[@Stevah00]

Thanks, I'll remember the saltine cure. I did read that an old salt said to eat bananas. The reason being is that they taste just as good on the way up as they did on the way down.

[@jacksprat3009]

@@Stevah00 LOL!

[@davidbarrett7424]

What a lovely fun video:-) Love the gentle banter between you, Liz's "acting", and Jamie's shirt!

[@geraldtonjjeeper]

Hi guys, Roger from Australia here. I spent many years at sea as a professional seaman and have only been seasick once. That was in a very small boat, cleaning fish on the bottom of the boat. Otherwise I have never had a problem! Other crew members would retire to their bunks for at least the first 30 hours of our swing at sea! (That may well be due to excessive drinking on leave!) Everyone seemed to be affected at some stagee from the Captain to the greaser! The rest of the time appetites were huge and food was varied. Otherwise seasickness affected my mother in law during WWII. She was sick for 3 weeks on a troop ship and hospitalised on arrival! So I have always known seasickness is real but have no solutions for it! Thanks for your video.......I have picked up some remedies! Great video!

[@SVImpavidus]

Spike Milligan "There is only one cure for seasickness, Sit under a tree" LOL. Best cure we have found is to put the victim at the helm. Wristbands have worked well on Impavidus for some. We would only add that a full skippers briefing with particular emphasis on the robustness of the boat and the safety systems has a physiological and sociological effect. A cool and cal xxm skipper helps the affected too. Sail Safe. Ant, Cid and the pooch crew. xx

[@followtheboat]

Good advice on the skipper's brief, chaps. Staying positive helps. Hope the Med isn't as choppy as the Indian Ocean (which I know it is!).

[@MarionBlair]

The patches worked great for me. A little small patch put just behind the rear. I don't know what the chemical was but I had to get a doctor's prescription for it but this was a while back. Maybe they are available over the counter now? (US)

[@pavleperlain5092]

One thing what is working for me. Stand up and move your body with boat(little bit like surfing ) and head straight as much as you can. This way you can navigate heavy seas without any sign of ss.

[@followtheboat]

Yep, that's a good one, Pavle. We sail like this frequently.

[@brucefletcher6179]

This is by far the best method. I always stand clipped in, one hand on the helm binnacle, let the autopilot do the steering so not tempted to look at the compass, and pay attention to the wave train. Learn to anticipate the boats motion, see out of the corner of your eye the quartering sea, anticipate the sterns lift and roll, then the fall back and opposing roll as it passes under the keel. Becomes second nature to "feel" the motion, then later when laying in the bunk, you can still picture in your mind the motion, matching the inner ears sense of motion and fall asleep untroubled.

[@jamtree9746]

works for me.

[@drakeParagon]

Lovely video guys and, unfortunately, a topic very dear to my heart. I think I've tried just about every remedy out there over the years, and have finally found some seasickness medication that works for me. I do find that setting up everything I may need on a voyage before we ever leave is extremely helpful. I have snacks parsed out in individual containers and water already filled in several bottles, all within easy reach. Extra changes of clothes are set aside in a place where they can be grabbed in an instant which cuts down on any time down below. This sounds a bit silly, but I'll also often close my eyes if I'm going down below to use the head or grab something quickly. I know the boat like the back of my hand and it seems to help as long as I don't stay too long. Ultimately, I find that remedies for seasickness are a very personal thing and what works for one does not necessarily work for another. Ha, I guess that is why there are so many of them! Cheers and fair winds to you! (✿◠‿◠) ⚓-Monique

[@followtheboat]

Hi Monique. Sorry to hear you get a bit queasy. I think you're right though, judging by the comments here the solutions are many and varied and it depends on one person to another. Hope you guys are well. Peace and fair winds to you.

[@Joostmhw]

This is quite interesting, haven't experienced sea sickness myself quite yet but just in case this knowledge might be useful

[@davouchi1]

Love the bloobers 😂. Thanks for those tips. I've been out to sea more than I could count. I think no matter what, you always feel a bit queezy. What helps me from not vomiting is that prior to boarding a boat or jetski is eating a very little breakfast or none at all. I will only eat dry things like Jatz crackers, biscuits, lollies, and soft drinks like a fizzy lemonade or heavy sparkling water. Also, don't just sit and count the waves. Keep yourself busy doing anything, and you'll feel better.

[@p147789]

Good videos. Nicely done and the little funny stuff

[@mobiltec]

For some reason I have never gotten sea sick. Nor air sick or car sick. No train sickness either. Nothing seems to make me sick as far as motion is concerned. Not even amusement park rides. Love the out takes..

[@followtheboat]

You're a lucky guy! I was sick only that one time - never on any other mode of transport. But LOTS of people get sick, including my mum throughout her life and my brother when he was a kid. Liz x

[@mhspear]

I have been a commercial driver so it is my habit to always look ahead. The only time in my life on a boat or car I got sick was on the Chesapeake bay ferry. It was rough, I went to the upper deck and was watching all the jellyfish in the water, they were so thick you could almost walk on them, looking at the water, sick, sick, sick. In a car, now that we're semi-retired, my husband gets motion sick if a passenger, I hate being a passenger. To keep marital bliss, he drives and I have found shooting pics with my camera out the windows keeps me occupied. It's amazing what you can catch on a picture at 75 down an interstate. So far, so good.

[@HowiesGirls1]

Before an offshore fishing trip, I tell everyone to eat a light non greasy dinner and breakfast, don’t get pissed, go to sleep as if an upcoming early work day and take one full Dramamine before bed and a 1/2 when you wake. Follow with 1/2 every four hours to keep in your system but not beat you with lethargy. Also, stay on deck, stay busy and hydrated and never speak of seasickness again while on the trip to keep the anxiety levels from tricking your mind further. We spend 2-3 nights out at a time on a sportfish and these tips help almost everyone.

[@prestonsjourney]

Thanks for the recommendation! I appreciate you!

[@michaelfarid814]

Very informative video.. I found that getting a good sleep beforehand is very effective against motion sickness, also if u feel cold or having a flu or just got from a similar illness, u should never get on a boat, as influenza/cold/flu or even covid mostly affects ur inner ear directly and it worsens the case.. Happy sailing

[@bgauthi1]

When I was a kid sailing on Lake Ontario I used to get sick a lot. But I found over time that looking at the horizon helped but mostly it was staying busy. So I would drive my dad nuts by constantly adjusting the sails while he was at the tiller. Once I figured this out I almost never felt peaky at all. If someone isn't feeling well you can have them take the tiller/wheel and their concentration on doing that task their mind stops thinking about feeling bad. But when you are sea sick it is the worst. One minute you are afraid you are going to die and the next minute you are afraid you won't. :) Great video and topic. Thanks!

[@pnwesty7174]

First video as a new patreon supporter, and I didn't get to see it early. Go figure. :-) Always a fun video - whatever the topic. Cheers.

[@followtheboat]

Hey Shawn! We posted it on Patreon before we published to the public. With our weekly episodes this is normally seven days before but this one was published 24 hours before (it's an 'extra' so it doesn't count). Did you tick the box in Patreon to get email updates? PM Liz if you get stuck. Anyway, glad you enjoyed the video. Always good to have you with us

[@ABeriault]

Twice taken a moving boat at night with no light, twice seasick until daylight..... That tells me that indeed a fixed horizon is a big help, because usually I am never seasick in big waves! Cheers and Godspeed

[@followtheboat]

Cheers, André

[@ditassaplan]

What stopped my motion sickness was to always make sure I am looking where I am heading. If I cannot see the front then I look at the horizon. Never look at something close by. If it isn’t possible to do any of these, I close my eyes and relax. Never had motion sickness after I did my remedy. 😁 Oh, the wind on your face also helps a lot.

[@iantyler3398]

Loved your little spat at the end! I swear by Stugeron. 30mg (2 pills) at least a couple of hours before and the 15mg (1 pill) every 8 hours. After a day or so you will forget and then realise you're not seasick et voila! One word of warning - Stugeron comes in 15 mg tabs GOOD and some ludicrous dosage like 100mg BAD! Eating is also vital - cheesy oatcakes, ginger nuts, TUC, whatever - just never get hungry but don't stuff your face! Drink water and/or anything else that appeals fairly regularly. Final tip - I'm told pineapple is good as it tastes as nice on the way up as it did on the way down.

[@mack_solo]

Your thumbnail for the video is excellent! :D well done!

[@followtheboat]

😁

[@carolynquinnreisman829]

I am not lying - I have never gotten seasick or even queasy on a boat, even in high seas. My husband on the other hand, well. Thanks for the tips!

[@paulsmyers203]

I am highly susceptible to motion sickness and it really is a major drag on my active lifestyle. Especially now that I captain a 43' sailboat! For me it starts with a headache that builds to near migraine. My body goes through a series of hot and cold flashes, my stomach begins to turn, then I projectile vomit. It's happened on a variety of boats, in cars, in airplanes, and very quickly after certain roller coasters. In controlled conditions I know now to stop when the headaches start. For our sea-going passages my near perfect solution has been Dramamine. I start 2 to 4 hours before I anticipate "uncomfortable conditions". I've tried a variety of ginger solutions and wrist bands, but that never seems to have any affect what-so-ever. Dramamine does make me drowsy, but only initially, and only for a brief period while my body adjusts to the drug in its system. My wife takes one of the first shifts and lets me nap in the cockpit. After about 3 hours I'm good to go for the duration of the trip, on continued Dramamine meds (I take 24h version). It doesn't make me super human - I can force sea sickness while on Dramamine if I do dumb things like watch an action movie on a phone in my lap. But for regular activities like fixing a meal or messing with the chart plotter I get no ill feelings. There are non-medicated solutions that work for me, which you mentioned. Being in control of the vessel, whether it's a car, boat, themepark ride, or aircraft, if I'm the one in control my motion sickness is almost instantly resolved. Also, just having ANY JOB clears my head quite quickly. I was sent to work on a ship in their electronics room below water line. Everything was fine while we were at the dock, but they went out for sea trials without informing the contractors on board. I was upside down with my head in a cupboard looking at the ceiling when suddenly ... something wasn't right. I ran to the nearest dayhead, discharged my lunch the same way I consumed it. But because I had a job to do I was able to instantly return to work, completely clear head. This happened about every hour for the four or more hours we were on the sea trial, and I guzzled water after each time knowing it would come around again eventually. Between sessions I felt find other than slowing building fatigue from all the convulsions, but I was fully functional getting work done. Thank you for making this video - and I'll be sure to tell my wife about the Facebook group she needs to check out!

[@leylak.5994]

You mentioned about ' good skipper' and immediately I remember the skipper on our 29ft boat during North Atlantic crossing few years ago from Toronto to Majorca. Me and another crew were sick most of the time , however ear patches, checking horizon and sleeping on deck ( harnessed to boat well) helped a lot. Seasickness were our last concern. We almost became MOB victims because of drug user skipper. Drug helped skipper to stay awake and cure his seasickness but almost killed us. I hope I write small story about this oneday...

[@rosalynmartin519]

Don't know if I should laugh or cry for you, but I definitely would want to hear more about your story.

[@leylak.5994]

@@rosalynmartin519 Thank you for your comment. I wrote the book and editing now. I hope it will be ready by 2020. I decided to write my book after reading Klaus Hympendahl books: - Der Fall Apollonia and Pirates aboard. I am glad we did not have a gun in the boat.

[@rosalynmartin519]

@@leylak.5994 I can't wait read it. Praise God you are safe.

[@denniscollins2032]

I am one that does not get sea sick. I remember when I was a kid a couple miles off shore fishing and towards lunch my Uncle pulled out a sack of lunch for me and it was my favorite; a baloney sandwich on white bread and mayonnaise. An orange pop to wash it down. When I turned toward the rest of the crew they looked at me and all heaved over the side. I was ordered to turn my back to them down wind. Funny the difference. Need to get plenty of vitamin C while sailing of course and citrus has all the bioflavanoids. I personally believe that if you are active then less chance of illness.

[@AgentRafa]

Great video. Of course smoking weed helps a lot against seasickness. Thanks 4 sharing. Stay safe and fair winds to ya:-)

[@followtheboat]

✌️😜

[@AmeriMutt76]

Like Seaweed? 😯 Sent from High In Colorado

[@stevenfogerty2110]

Works for me!!

[@tomharrell1954]

etikkboksen Marijuana is an awful sea sick cure To much drowsiness, loss of common sense

[@rosalynmartin519]

You guys are absolutely awesome. Your sense of humor is great. Thanks for your videos. My mom had a boyfriend with a boat when I was a kid. I remember being sick the entire time I was on it. I later married a Navy man, and on family days on the ships, I stayed seasick. Now my bestie wants to do a birthday cruise. Hopefully your top 5 list will help me. Thanks for posting

[@codyray3344]

1. scopolamine (the patches) works very fast and works wonders. short of that, i take meclizine which is a prescription motion sickness med, also works fast (take 30min before) and is much stronger than dramamine which doest do anything for me. 3. the Sea bands worked well for me, i use them for all manner of motion sickness inducing activities, i've been told that they are also helpful with morning sickness for pregnant women. the accupoint btw is located 2 finger widths below the wrist. keep in mind though that they are a passive rather than active means of combating motion sickness. meaning you have to put them on beforehand and then keep them on. 4. laying down has always helped me. soo, take the standing up advice as a case by case basis. another thing that helps me when down bellow or out of sight and such is try to get a feel for the motion and imagine the vehicles motion in your mind, i do this in conjunction with laying down, works wonders.

[@nobody46820]

Yeah, been sea sick. Used to get sea sick a lot before I turned 14, after that not so much. Was in a heavy storm on a crew boat and the bathroom was occupied and people were outside in the storm tied to the rails puking. The inside of the boat had inches of vomit that sloshed all over everything and everyone. But, I didn't get sick.

[@Bradley_Clark]

All duly noted. Thanks for sharing. Thumbed!

[@alanfasbury]

Brill video. Reading helps me and other people being sick causes an epidemic of puke its to be avoided. I'm a 10% er never feel seasick, but as you say i do get quezzie so get busy is the thing to do. Reading a great book takes me to another land. Alternatively move about find things to do. Thanks you two...living your dream 💖

[@peterspam1583]

Nice video, can agree to all of this, I am sailing a lot and have sometimes difficulties with seasickness. Usually I do not have breakfast, only a cup of coffee in the morning. When going onto a boat I am trying to have a very mellow apricot or something like that - makes a big difference. What you did not mention and influences seasickness a lot is confidence. If you do not have confidence into your crew/boat, fear weather conditions it can make seasickness worse.

[@followtheboat]

Yes, completely agree with this. Liz does mention that some of this is possibly psychosomatic and not having confidence is going to bring it on for sure.

[@SeanRWilson]

A former Astronaut I occasionally chat with admits that it's quite common for them to experience motion sickness when first becoming weightless. Military pilots can occasionally suffer from it as well so it's not just us mere mortals who suffer. As you mentioned in the video, it's a good idea to avoid alcohol, make sure you're well rested before setting out and if you're going to take dramamine/gravol or any other anti-puking meds, be aware that they can cause you to become drowsy which is a problem for shorthanded/singlehanded sailors. Other than that, my experience is that everyone will get a bit green from time to time. Some people will recover quickly while others can become completely bedridden/useless for a few days. Your best defence is to experiment and find what works for you and to maybe have some of the remedies mentioned in the video available incase one doesn't work that particular day for you or your crew.

[@maxlemesurier]

I have always had motion sickness since I first took the plane at 12. I have experimented with many many things. What worked for me: pressure point bracelets as long as you place them properly over the correct point. Those same bracelets help with insomnia also since that same pressure point relieves anxiety. Fresh ginger or dried ginger capsules helps a lot. Dramamine works but makes me very drowsy and gives me a headache. As far as boats, it takes a while for my brain to get used to it. If I don't use some of the methods above I can be very sea sick but eventually, after a day or so, my brain adjusts and things are a lot better. It does help for your brain to be able to make sens of the motion your ears are sensing. That is why I rarely get motion sickness when I am driving a car because my brain knows and anticipates every motion. When I am a passenger and don't know when the driver is about to brake or turn, I can get motion sickness. On a boat, if you face forward and can see the waves coming, you brain deals with the motion a lot better

[@jasoncooper1970]

I can imagine that tapping will help of EFT -Emotional freedom technique might help you to focus what tapping on the pressure points. Ginger and peppermint is an all-around solution it will help - ginger tea for a quick remedy - Close your eyes and mediate

[@muratnazikoglu4700]

It may be too late to add a comment on this video but eating roasted chickpeas really works a lot. this is one of the first thing that we put to our shopping cart at the shopping just before sailing here in Turkey.

[@fahadalissa]

Very useful tips The marine content you provide is very cool Thank you so much

[@landsea3682]

Patches behind your ear seem to work well for me. I say 'seem' because I don't know if I had been sick had I not put on the patches... but everytime I put on patches I did not get sick. I tend to be very sensitive to seasickness normally. You can put them on an hr before you know the sea will get rough and will be effective shortly after. Tablets upset my stomach. Patches work directly on the area that needs to be calmed down. Highly recommended.

[@mack_solo]

i get seasick faster with sideways motion versus one from the head-on waves, but it is the opposite for sleeping due to bunks orientation in regards to the hull - side to side motion has less upsetting effect on stomach traveling up and down. this was particularly evident on commercial ships. in addition, as you mentioned, the location on the boat/ship matters too - especially on multidecks - the higher you are the more of the angular sway, same for the fore/aft position. on a sail boat the only thing that works for me is to get outside and get busy. also to minimise the unwanted side effects on the first day, i don't eat for about 4 hours prior to sailing off ("go hungry" was the advice i had), and then have snacks as i go along. i'm a fan of mint tea. as for the alcohol i knew some older guys, who spent 40-60 years working at sea, and they would drink whenever not on duty - pretty much most of their waking hours - their reasoning was that the brain had no way of distinguishing between chemical and physical input while under the influence of alcohol so for them moving horizon was a state by default :D - the real seamen! ;op

[@danknox9986]

Thanks for posting that. I used to get seasick all the time and I still do in bad swells but I find that it has gotten much less likely as I sailed more. And helming the boat really helps. Racing’s helps too as you are more focused. However singlehanded ocean racing when you are seasick takes a special kind of crazy person. 😊⛵️

[@tonysmario817]

couldn't have said it better.

[@johnbspringer]

Whenever need to go into the cabin, I close my eyes and feel my way around and occasionally open and close them really fast so as to take a mental picture of the area. I do the same thing when plotting course on paper maps. With my eyes closed, I fetch my tools, estimate where they go and how they should be aligned and I take a quick "eyes open/shut" mental picture of the area to check my plotting tools or compass. Takes me about 5 times longer this way - but it works for me. Also, keep head level and do not look down

[@lyfandeth]

No one believes the electric Relief Band really works, but it works (US FDA approved for morning sickness!) almost as well as scopolamine. With no drug effects, and the ability to take it off or turn it off immediately. If it if *positioned* properly and used as directed? Damned effective. The new models are waterproof and USB-rechargeable, the older ones used coin cells, And now there's even a company cloning them. I've tried everything over the years--and if you want my ReliefBand you'll have to pry it from my cold dead fingers.

[@followtheboat]

They get good reviews on Amazon too, Lyfan.

[@captainheather]

I too use a relief band now when I have to go below and work on the engine or cook and it keeps me down there with the heat and the smells till I’m through whereas I used to have to take lots of breaks to come up and either watch the horizon or puke! (And I’m a professional captain)

[@MetalDetectingwithCZkidd]

The Quarter sea rumble twist that gets me chumming the blue. Transderm Scōp works well. I don’t get the super dry mouth like I did when I was a kid, but a few days on it, my eyes are out of focus. Plus at sea for a couple days most of us get our sea legs. Dramamine works well to, but I always considered it sleepy fishing.

[@Cedandkikisailing]

Great advice and concur staying on deck and watching the horizon is best. Loved the outakes.... shows you are guys are ordinary humans 😝

[@alchik1]

Horizon always works for me when I do get queasy. Don't drink alcohol and avoid eating heavy meals while sailing is a formula that works pretty well for me. Good info! Fair winds guys!

[@normanboyes4983]

Well done. Keep busy, do not go down below and make sure you eat.👍

[@michaeltillman1147]

My favorite way of avoiding see sickness is flirting. It's hard to be sick and randy at the same time... 😎

[@tonysmario817]

but when it goes bad, it goes REALLY bad.

[@bencarroll6491]

I use a device called Relief Band. It is a electronic device that looks like a FitBit. It has electrodes that send an adjustable pulse of current to the nerve that goes to the brain. I have used it several times now including during the Atlantic crossing. Never been sick with it. Prior to using it I had a 100% chance of being sick the first day. Swear by it now. I even carry a spare to share with others or to make sure I always have one charged up. It is also used for Chemo Patients to prevent the nausea caused by the chemotherapy.

[@mathewdavis-adventuresandd6643]

I have a daughter that is prone to motion sickness. I'll have to try some of these ideas on her.

[@Fundean]

You guys are so fun! Great vid

[@HopeOfJoe]

GReat info presented in a fun way. I am also one of those that seldom get seasick, Way offshore and big rollers can, as you say, cause a mu=ild uneasiness. B.R.A.V.O. !!

[@BillyTzENDURO]

Well.. a kinda counter intuitive way for me is if I get to the point where I'm really sick just go puke... Dont know if I'm the only one but every time I got sick, after I puked the feeling of sickness just disapears magicaly in a couple of minutes! trying to hold it in definetly doesnt help!

[@markthomas6794]

My question is how long does sea sickness typically last under reasonable conditions? As I've gotten older I'm more prone to motion sickness, but I want so badly to eventually try the live aboard lifestyle that I'm willing to deal with a few days of sickness to get my sea legs. A few years ago I was on a snorkeling tour in Hawaii (on a big commercial catamaran). The tour company said that the swell was too high to go to the normal spot so they motored all the way around Molokai from Maui. The boat was motoring into ~6' waves and my wife and I were absolutely wrecked. The cheerful staff on the boat had to keep an eye on our kids. It was brutal. Nearly all of the adults onboard were busy filling buckets or deep in concentration to keep it together. The lunch that was included with the tour was completely untouched, except for my 5-year-old son who was hanging around eating all the cookies. To top it off the snorkeling location sucked...and then we had to motor back -- which wasn't as bad, but still wasn't great. That experience totally freaked me out enough to cancel another sailing tour I had scheduled (the thing I was looking forward to the most on the entire trip). It caused me to wonder if it's possible or even reasonable to imagine that I can power through those conditions and eventually feel normal at sea.

[@ga651]

But have you actually tried any remedies? I went sailing recently for the first time in decades and knew that I’d likely get seasick. Third day the wind and waves picked up and my hopes of feeding the fish once or twice and carry on as normal were smashed. It was awful. Used a scopolamine patch that night and took the helm for a 6 hour and 9h sail the next couple of days in rough conditions (at least I think they were: 3m waves, force 7 winds). No sickness at all, just awesome sailing :-) So it turned out to be a very positive experience and encourages me to continue sailing and experimenting around seasickness, when do I get if, what prevents/cures it, how long does it last / when do the sea legs grow - I’m certain they will!

[@lydiaajohnson]

Man, when sea sickness hit me, everything that goes in my mouth comes right back up even a tiny bit of water. I just have to lie flat and keep my eyes closed. I will try the face tapping for sure. Just love the wisdom you two bring to the sailing community.

[@arturasstatkus8613]

Anti sea sicknes medicine tablets is the best.

[@edrymes3653]

I have to add this piece of preventive advice: Always try to stay upwind and preferably out of earshot of the upchucking crew. Misery loves company and some folks can ride out the queezy until they get a whiff of their neighbour's used lunch.

[@followtheboat]

Absolutely, Ed. I think it's one reason why you get so many people being sick on ferry crossings.

[@SkylinersYeti]

every one is different. My wife must read a book to keep from becoming car sick. Love your channel.

[@sharonbradley9011]

I get motion sickness badly and I've found peppermint Altos work once motion sickness starts, but Meclizine 12.5mg one tanlet and hour before going on a boat works wonderfully to prevent sickness without drowsiness. Scopolamine patches take time, cause dry mouth and drowsiness. Ginger doesnt work well for me.

[@the-fiddling-fox]

I do dinghy sailing and always take a Kwell before getting in the boat. I’ve suffered from motion sickness as long as I can remember so I don’t take any chances lol. I used to work for a ferry company in the Med and found that the first few days on the boat, I always felt sick but after about four days I was fine no matter how rough it got so the saying about getting your sea legs is real. We were advised not to drink much of anything when feeling sick and to stay at the back of the boat as much as possible and it seemed to work. I had a memorable bout en route to the Falklands on a cruise ship a couple of years ago. Unfortunately this was the first day on the boat so no sea legs and the next two days of stormy weather were abject misery lol. Nothing worked. Crackers, consommé, pills, horizon....couldnt stand up long enough to look for it! 😂 But a few weeks later when we hit another storm, I was fine.

[@vincentswerkes8637]

I generally get sick on ocean passages, I'll start taking medication 2 to 3 days before departing. If you do this, by the departure day the body is use to the medication and the side effects are less or none existent. Also canned peaches are good to eat as they taste as good coming up as going down. If I do get sick I find keeping busy helps and looking forward to day 3 as that's when the interna battle is over and all is well for the rest of the trip. Good sailing. Vincent

[@the-selfish-meme7585]

The couple of times I was seasick when sailing - I was instantly cured by the appearance of a ferry about to run us down - and once when an unfeasibly large fish took my lure... adrenalin seems to work for me... panic seems to be the best way to cure seasickness..

[@rob4b]

Gave up sailing i loved it but couldn't get over being violently sea sea sick all the time, you guys just talking about it is now making me ill as it brings back all those memories. It's now so bad I avoid any kind of floating craft even a jetty or canal barge. Thank you anyway for tips I'm unfortunately a lost cause.

[@MonkPetite]

The ear-patch type seasick suppressors work well.. We use them and on many people and all are ok with it. Stand at rudder and look at the horizon is one fix and if the ear patch is applied too late. And so plan ahead on the route so you don’t not have to do that when rolling. Eat light ....No crease and or sweat stuff. But not to much.

[@catherinehackett7722]

I use seabands that use the acupressure point on your wrist. I don’t often get seasick but if it’s going to be rolly and I’m not going to be on the helm these seem to help. Also ginger tea.

[@stevengagnon4197]

hahaha -- the last 15 seconds are your true selves -- Love it!! :)

[@followtheboat]

Twenty minutes of that could be a bit too much though, Steven 😂

[@hughsmith4008]

I have to fly from Africa to the States. So I take Damamine and works great. Pop these in a few hours before getting on the plane (With a neck Brace) and you will be out like a light. I wake up thinking I had been in a time machine. But I never asked my travel mates if I snored........

[@danniellagray2416]

The bit about the weed was hilarious lol I love a little dooby while out dinghy sailing but not on my sailing cruiser lol

[@Nerd3927]

For me it is related to what I know I can handle and what the ship can handle. Not much relation to what I have been eating before. I am the engineer on MLV Castor, a museum Navy ship. If I am the only engineer on board I am always fine. As soon as I have a backup, I get sick during my break on deck :-) I prefer not to leave the engine room. Nice low in the center of the ship and always warm. I do have a dangling rope as a reference for the motion. It helps looking at it when the ship moves different then expected. Oh and fight that first fatal puke as hard as you can! Eventually the nervous system learns to move with the waves and then you know you are fine. In Confusing seas that will not happen :-(

[@captainmike808]

I am on the water almost everyday but some days... 🤢. Being at the helm works for me.

[@TheGorignak]

I only get carsick if I'm not driving.

[@haywood12]

A Faroese tip: a good meal washed down with a beer or 2. I've tried it and it works for me, the only time I got sick on the 3h ferry was after not eating in a Force 6-7. But fresh air is important as you say

[@Zarih67]

I used to suffer really bad. And it didn't go away until the boat was still. However, after a few years. It got better. I was just really really tired. Tried medicine and that worked. I prefer being drowsy than nauseated. Why I worked on ships I do not know. :) Last time we were out with our boat, I got really really tired. But that's it. I have, however, chased a woman on the cruise ship, who wanted to jump overboard. So it can be life-threatening. People do crazy stuff when they panic. And one can panic if the seasickness doesn't go away. My advice is if it isn't getting better, get off the boat. Being sick, losing water is not good for your health. Stay safe out there!

[@thecrazymanfromireland]

A very interesting video fantastic channel keep the videos coming 👍👍👍👍

[@clairepapadatos1116]

Hallo my dears, and Millie! 3 decades ago , I had to leave Greece with my 2 sons! We took the ferry from Patras to Ancona. We left Greece in the evening, in amazing sunshine! We had a terrible experience on the back deck, when we were the only ones outside, and they'd locked the doors, because of an oncoming 'storm'! As the wind picked up, and I could see a sort of 'oncoming curtain' of blackness, I had to run around, to let someone know that we were still outside! We finally got in (there'd been no announcements over the tannoy😈), and rushed down into our cabin! The boys fell asleep immediately, and we were sharing the cabin with an absolutely brilliant German woman, who promised to look after them, while I went up to the bar to get us a couple of triple Mataxas! When I was at the bar, the crew were drinking Metaxa, and I got ours for free, as the amazing captain was steering us between 2 water spouts! They actually gave me half a bottle, and 2 glasses, whilst securing everything, and I returned to the cabin. The boys were fast asleep, we were both shit scared, and had to keep awake until we were through the 2 water spouts! It was an 'incredibly wobbly experience', and I really thought that this could be our last night! We, thankfully, survived, but the carnage to fishing boats,etc even sent my cousin (who we were staying with) into 'panic mode', cos in those days, you had to find a public phone, to let everyone know that you were ok! Sorry for the drivel, but......! All love, and best wishes, Claire and the girls, Berlin 😘 😘 😘 ✌ 👍 💓

[@followtheboat]

Ahhh, Greek ferry crossings. That's asking for it!

[@markrickel1632]

Love all your vids this one was really good and helpful for so many. And even though I’m judging myself for it. I did laugh at Jamie’s bad joke at the end. Keep them coming.

[@followtheboat]

Thanks for the positive feedback, Mark 👌

[@luissanchez7498]

I suffer from seasickness in a car easily and the best medicine I have used for sailing is Bonine, over the counter sell, doesn't put you sleepy like Dramamine. I take a pill the night before sailing and in the morning the day a set sail for the first time, and that is all, it works perfectly. I suggest all my crew to do the same and nobody as ever gotten seasick!!!!

[@bringit3164]

Thanks, I'm going to take a Bonine the night before and the morning of my trip. I think I'll add the one ear plug too.

[@brennonwilliams9181]

Lot's of people find the horizon works but other will still be sick, possibly because they are 'thinking' about being or feeling sick. I get crew to concentrate on spotting fishing buoys (even if there are none) with a "we're screwed if we hit one" to up the concentration level and keep them looking out and around towards the horizon and for the first few hours of passage, rotate the helm every 10-15 mins, no auto pilot. Another thing to think about is that anytime you stick something in your mouth that is not fluid, your brain thinks food is coming and releases acid into your stomach. So stay away from chewing gum etc. As for me, have never had it touch wood, but feel for those who do.

[@followtheboat]

Hey Brennon. Making the crew concentrate on something like that is a good distraction, just a long as they don't get sucked in to the motion of the waves.

[@williamking1654]

I never get seasick, but watching this episode made me queezy.

[@susanvallarino7222]

THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR ALL YOUR HELP! HAPPY SAILING AND HAPPY 2020! MAY GOD CONTINUE TO BLESS YOU AND ALL YOU DO!

[@BitcoinNewsTodayLive]

"A sure fire cure for Sea sickness is to sit under a tree." - Spike Milligan

[@Stevah00]

When I had it I was feeling significantly nausea the next day also (on dry land).

[@user-dd5kx5md5o]

Thanks, very much enjoy the dry humour.

[@rustysteel8714]

Rarely have motion sickness in a car, train, or in the air.....but put me on the water and I will "paint the sides" of any vessel. ;-) Tried every remedy in the book, with intermittent success. Never heard of the 'one earplug', so add to my list. Thanks.

[@followtheboat]

Those acupuncture wrist bands get good reviews too, Rusty.

[@bren106]

So have you got a better chance of Dramamine working if you put the patch over one eye. 😁😁

[@HugoHugunin]

My method: 1) Stay *far* away from diesel fumes 2) Take a Tagamet® (Cimetidine) before sailing or *immediately* at the first sign of _mal de mer_ as it reduces stomach acid and calms the muscles of the stomach 3) Go topside 4) *NEVER* eat an avocado sandwich before sailing (or trying to pilot a plane in turbulence!)

[@followtheboat]

🤣🤣

[@scottysscandinavia5793]

Take up aerobatics. Cured me. From flying thousands of people upside down I've found the following: 1) Try to avoid talking about feeling ill before getting tossed about 2) Keep your blood sugar up. Nerves and lots of activity burns a lot of energy, blood sugar drops and you feel sick (surgeons see the same thing with nervous people feeling sick on their way into surgery) 3) Look out 4) Keep yourself occupied

[@paulwyand6204]

Under a palm tree? I find after being out in sporty weather the "land sickness" can be worse than sea sickness. So it may not work, at least not after a rough passage. I have felt sea sick, but have never been terrible. They say the folks who had frequent ear infections can be far less susceptible to seasickness due to inner ear damage. I don't' remember having ear infections though so I am not sure one way or the other.

[@jonlane9886]

Staying busy in weather works. I have been in hurricanes and plenty of bad weather and have found that when I feel sick that is a signal for me to do something .. cleaning or whatever. At the helm I focus on performance of the vessel. In a nutshell, don't let a upset stomach take you into being debilitated from the mission. It's a "hell no!" attitude that works best.

[@mickyp9517]

Superb presentation! Thank you!!!!

[@tonybell8752]

Great advice. I listened closely. To help others of course, although diesel fumes to make me feel ill. Absolutely loved the outtakes hahaha.

[@Gazzahable]

Thank you for this video , Ive got terrible sea legs and aiming to join a yacht in a few weeks and i'll be on the water for months ! Help SOS whatever it is

[@graceday7203]

I wore the "patch" while on a Navy ship one time, and though it helped with the sea sickness, it made me incredibly thirsty. So lots of water (it was warm and gaggy) and then lots of time in the loo; then more water, and so on and so forth. The patch pretty much ruined the trip for me. Now I use the wrist bands... always have a set in the boat, but keep some at home to put on ahead of time (when I remember.) After a day and a half on the water I am usually ready to take them off with no problem. I have never been sick when wearing the Sea Bands.

[@robertpowell2012]

My dad was on a multi day fishing trip in heavy seas. Everyone was seasick. The cook told by Dad to eat crackers and sip on a beer all day. He got over the seasickness and caught the largest fish of the trip.

[@Roddy1965]

When I was a grad student in oceanography, I once had to log data from a CTD onto a laptop from a smallish boat (40ft?). We had to stop on station and deploy the instrument and bring it back on board and log the data. We were stopped on a fine day, but with a solid swell. I was just fine, until I had to go into the cabin to start typing away on a laptop which was on a bench, to get the data, and then kneel to keep my balance, AND then the Diesel smell. I went from just fine to feeding the fishes. My wife did N. Atlantic fisheries research at sea for years on proper ships. Her advice is to avoid acidic foods if you're prone to seasickness. It's hard on the throat and the teeth.

[@followtheboat]

Exceptional advice! Liz

[@lessd685]

I go to the bow and enjoy the up and down motion and occasional splash. Only way for me to actually stop that feeling. Once when I was doing aerial photography, I took Dramamine which has gone bad over the summer in car clove box. Needless to say, the plane door was off and I ended up spraying the whole starboard side of the plane. The pilot made me wash it all off once we landed. That cured me from using Dramamine ever again and the thought of having to wash the right side of the plane had its positive effect as well. Fair winds...

[@gotomt]

Best ending ever!!! You guys just made my day better! I’m going to smile all day😃

[@Jimbojenkins]

I worked on a boat once and was told to keep my stomach full to curb my seasickness. It worked sometimes but not all of the time

[@followtheboat]

We should clarify the 50% - 90% statistic. Given extreme circumstances over a sustained period, 90% of people will eventually get some kind of motion sickness. The stat is not specific to seasickness but what is interesting is the amount of people who get motion sickness under 'normal circumstances', are you one of these people? Do you get seasick? Do you have any remedies? Let us know in the comments!

[@Bruin4Life]

I am one of the 90% who suffer seasickness as I ha ve suffered through 5 ruptured eardrums from sports and swimming. What works for me is taking a meclizine tablet about 3 to 4 hours before going aboard a boat or using a patch. I never suffer any seasickness when following that protocol. I do not suffer motion sickness in cars, planes or trains.

[@MetalDetectingwithCZkidd]

Sailing followtheboat yes. I get sick on wet grass. It’s real bad. I must be the driver n a car, or its dooms day, everything else I have to be medicated.

[@brucefletcher6179]

Try to avoid scopolamine for prolonged use. Put on a patch hours before first heading out, don't replace it when it falls off. Pills, taper off after a day or two. Why? Google scopolamine induced schizophrenia, or ask any physician who works on cruise ships and gets the old ladies gone crazy after three days on a patch. Yes, if you are young and have a great liver, it's unlikely. But if you are getting up there in years with a well used liver, watch out.

[@followtheboat]

Good advice, Bruce, cheers.

[@janesmith2416]

The RX Scopolamine patch is a wicked thing! it made me so disoriented, wildly dry mouth, and destroyed my vacation. The wristbands also did not work for me. Cruising in 14 days and have bought so homeopathic patches I will let you know if they worked for me.

[@followtheboat]

Keep us posted, Jane 👍