Best seasickness prevention?

[wannabe75]

Hi all:

Gearing up for our Dec. sailing charter and wondering what preventative measures to take for seasickness... behind-the-ear patches, wristbands, etc.? We've never been seasick before, but we've also never spent several consecutive days afloat, either.

Thanks for the advice!

[TStein]

As a active duty Coast Guardsman, and having spent a lot of time on patrol boats in less than ideal conditions, I can recommend what works for me.
Instead of medications that often have adverse side effects like drowsiness ect..I use the holistic approach of crystalized ginger. I place a piece 'tween the cheeck and gums and I'm good to go. I use it as soon as I get going and it staves off the mal de mer. Off course there are those times when it doesn't work, but then I'm not sure anything would work. After all, tell me somebody who doesn't get seasick and I'll tell you they haven't been in rough enough seas! Bon Voyage.

[Giulietta]

Dramamine, and the litle wrist bands.

Stay outside as much as possible.

Even old salts get sea sick every now and then.

The only problem with dramamine is it make you sleepy.

[TrueBlue]

My wife and I have never gotten seasick on any of our boats - in all conditions. There was one time in Mexico however, when I was a bit green on a charter dive boat during some rough seas . . . but that was attributed to eating the wrong foods for breakfast.

I do agree with TStein's recommendation of crystalized ginger though and always keep some aboard for guests - it reportedly works with a friend, who has been known to be stricken with mal-de-mer. Those ginger confections tastes good too.

[Giulietta]

http://www.sailnet.com/forums/showthread.php?t=20406

[soul searcher]

sit under a tree.
most cures don't work once symptoms appear. I can give you list of what things don't work after symptoms appear.
Shock bracelets
Dramamine
acupressure bracelets
patches
motion ease
what ever the pill was that starts with a B bromine maybe?
looking at horizon
I do think that ginger or soda crackers may help. ymmv
Grandma Betty swears by mint oil. but she is the only person I hav ever seen use it.
I see about 2000 people get sick a year at work and can deffinatly tell you that half of it is mental.
hope this helps

[sailingdog]

Also, avoid greasy foods the day before going aboard and don't let yourself get cold or dehydrated...both make seasickness more likely.

[Cruisingdad]

I am afraid you will get a lot of answers on this but the truth is that it is not the same for everyone.

THe patch does not make me sleepy but works wonders. I love it! However, it requires preparation (24hrs before departure). However, I cannot read at ALL with it on, which makes some aspects of piloting difficult.

On the other hand, my wife swears by ginger. I hate it and it has little effect for me.

It seems everyone is different, so time and experience will help. Go get some ginger beer (it is non alcoholic) and some ginger snaps from the health food store and if you really want to be safe, pop a patch 24 hrs before leaving.

- CD

[Giulietta]

OK...another cure, for next time you're sea sick.......peel a carrot, the largest you can find, wash it nice..

Then find the biggest heaviest mean looking guy ion your marina and show him the carrot.

Tell him these words:

"I am going to insert this in your anus..."

You will see your sea sickness disappears...no drowsiness guaranteed...

[tommyt]

I would agree with the ginger cure. My wife, unfortunately, is very succeptible to mal de mer. She feels the boat moving tied to the dock, so you can imagine how she must love 6-8' seas. She uses the patch(scapolomine) and swears by it. It does dry her out, but it does not make her as drowsy as drammamine, which she uses for airline trips.

You might also try Alex's crew trip. They found out that the seas were not going to scare the hell out of us, so they provided a great Octopus Salad to see if that would help. The second day the salad was even better. Nice try.