- Anyone can become seasick. Though some are more susceptible than others. It's not a sign of weakness, so don't feel ashamed.
- Bigger is better. Bigger, and especially wider, boats have a slower roll than smaller ones.
- Stay on deck. It helps to be able to see the horizon, possibly because your eyes then agree with what your middle ears are saying - that your body is rocking and pitching. One theory is that nausea is caused by mixed messages when, below decks, your eyes report that all is stationary.
- Don't try to read. Focusing your eyes on an apparently stationary target makes them even more convinced that your middle ears are wrong.
- Close your eyes if you must go below. You may have to go below and lie down, in which case close your eyes so they aren't giving a no-motion message to your brain.
- Be rested and sober. Even a mild hangover can easily degenerate into seasickness, besides increasing various diving risks. Likewise, fatigue predisposes you to seasickness.
- Eat something. Opinions vary on this one, but most people feel better with a little bland food in their stomachs. Bread, bagels, pancakes, etc. are better than eggs and bacon. Coffee and orange juice are acidic and may irritate your stomach. Eat a little, not a lot; don't stuff yourself.
- Anxiety contributes. Those who are frightened by the water and movement of the boat, or anxious about the diving later that day, are more likely to become seasick.
- Early signs: chills, headache, frequent burping. Now is the time to go on deck, or move to the lee rail if you're already there.
- If you feel the urge, go to the rail on the lee (downwind) side. You'll feel better almost immediately. Prolonging the inevitable only prolongs the pain.
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