Sometimes figuratively and sometimes literally, but either way it
is in your head.
I do have a background in biology but am certainly not a doctor.
My expertise on the subject of seasickness comes from spending a big part of my life at
sea---either operating or working on a seagoing tug, running a shrimp boat, or out there
fishing for fun. Over four years of my life (that is the 24hrs a day type years) has been
spent at sea on floating objects.
In the literal sense, the problems are caused by the fluid in our
ears which allow us to balance (equilibrium). These fluids, put simply, work somewhat like
a carpenter's level in sending messages to the brain about the status of our body.
At this same time, of course, our eyes are also sending messages
to the brain that relate our "balance" status---ie. Hey stupid, you're leaning!
Fix it!
These systems work great under normal conditions, but tend to get
overloaded on a rocking boat and the brain begins to get confused and dizzy. Nausea comes
next.
But perhaps what is in our heads in the figurative sense is far
more dangerous. Over the years I have actually seen people throw up in the parking lot
before they ever got near the boat because they had worried themselves so severely over
seasickness. Actually I've seen it several times.
Newcomers have the fear of the unknown to add to their concerns,
and often those who have been offshore and seasick in the past have the dread of their
memories.
Either way, both of these "head" factors must be
addressed if you expect to have a good trip!
Though I personally am not a big fan of them, there are hoards of
"motion sickness" remedies and each has a following. The most common is
dramamine or a chemical equivalent. There are also the patches that fit behind the ear.
Then there are wrist bands, and on and on.
By all means use these methods if you desire---just don't buy
them ten minutes before you get on the boat. Many recommend starting dosages the day
before the trip. Follow any instructions and dosage level precisely!
Probably the most common advice given to newcomers is to not eat
breakfast at all or to eat something very light like crackers. Sounds good but doesn't
work. Seasickness is in your head---it only affects your stomach later.
My advice is to eat whatever you normally eat for breakfast so
your stomach is not down there wondering what the hell is different about today. Don't
stuff yourself just to invite disaster, but eat a normal breakfast that satisfies.
(Off the record---"tying one on" the night before is
not a good idea. You're sick both mentally and physically even before you start!)
Spend your morning talking "fishing" with anyone that
will stand still and listen. Don't even think about the boat ride as it will gradually
control your mind and you won't be able to think about anything else. Just be happy you're
going fishing. Notice your surroundings and the other people.
Once you are on the boat, try to stake out a spot for yourself
closer to the stern that has some sort of support you can hang onto while standing.
There is a little known secret about seasickness---if you can
ride a horse in a dead run without getting seasick, you shouldn't get sick on the boat.
The concepts are virtually identical.
Ever notice an amateur horseman bouncing around uncomfortably.
Then along comes a pro that looks like she's grown to the horse and smooth as glass.
The idea of standing near something to hang onto is very similar
to the horse. During the boat ride you are NOT going to grip it for dear life and hug to
it tightly and end up bouncing around every time the boat moves. You ARE going to let your
body ride the boat just like a horse, and this light handhold is only there to keep you
from falling over with a freak wave. If you are getting white knuckles, you're hanging on
way too tight!
The reason you are near the stern is that the stern is the least
"bouncy" part of the boat. May as well play every card you've got.
Done correctly, the above will leave your head in almost the same
place in space no matter what the boat does. Up and down movement is not a major problem.
It's the swaying that gets you.
During the ride, and ESPECIALLY after the boat stops, consciously
avoid focusing your eyes on anything inside the boat. (remember those eye and inner ear
signals?) Look into the distance at the horizon but don't stare. Even when you are talking
to someone else, which is highly recommended during the ride, avoid focused eye contact
with them. Simply don't look at anything for more than a couple of seconds and you'll do
fine. If you have to tie on your own leader, look only long enough to hit the eye of the
hook and then do the improved clinch knot by braille.
When choosing your location on the boat, try to avoid an area
that will put you in the exhaust fumes---especially diesel. This adds the olfactory sense
to that eye/ear mix.
Do not sit down and do not go inside the cabin of a big boat if
you are the least bit nauseous!! After all these years I can go inside and sit down and
chase my lunch plate around the table as the boat rocks, but most newcomers probably
should avoid that. The reason is simply that indoors you don't have the option of
"not focusing" and sitting down you don't have the option of "riding the
boat"
I am continuously amazed that most people instantly head inside
the cabin if they feel the tiniest bit nauseous. This is guaranteed to make it worse.
You'll also notice that many slightly nauseous people tend to take on an unusual
fascination with their shoe laces. They fix their eyes on their feet and commit themselves
to certain seasickness.
Concentrate totally on fishing when it is time to put lines out.
Study how deep you're fishing, talk to other people, etc. Nausea goes away almost
instantly in most people when a fish bites.
Avoid sick people. The only time I have ever thrown up in my life
on a boat was once when a guy I was talking to let fly on my feet. He had focused on my
eyes and it just hit him instantly. And, sure enough, I was right in there with him.
Avoid things that would make you nauseous anyway. A five gallon
bucket of freshly thawed bait is pretty gross. Don't look in there.
If you get hungry, eat something. Drink plenty of liquids, with
gatorade being a great choice. Alcohol is not a good choice for any but the more
experienced who simply want a beer or two during the day.
And then there's the toilet, involving bad smells, confined
space, and sitting down in the case of ladies. I recommend peeing over the side of the
boat if at all possible, even for those ladies who are not too shy. (My wife has told
plenty of men to look the other way in her lifetime!) For those who MUST go into an
enclosed toilet there are a few rules. First, don't waste time in there. Second, though
you are enclosed, do not stare at anything. Third, with your feet flat on the floor, do
the best you can to "ride" the toilet like a horse. Fourth, don't even glance
into the toilet---someone may have left their lunch in there.
I've probably missed a few important parts, but this will likely
get you through the day enjoyably.
Over the years I have had many hundreds of amateurs on boats I
was operating and have always given the above lecture. I then watch them closely to see if
they are following instructions and almost without fail I can tell within ten minutes of
when someone is going to throw up. Many followed instructions and are now old hands at
this stuff and have never been seasick in their lives. A few of them frequent this site.
The system works and if you don't allow your subconscious to
start injecting doubt, it will work for you.
Have fun and catch a mess of 'em!
