Seasickness while scuba diving can be extremely awful, we know. Especially if the seasickness comes up suddenly and leaves you in complete despair. So we thought of writing an article to give our readers some easy tips to apply so as to curb the feeling of being seasick.
A fact that may surprise you is that even dive professionals get seasick. After all it is the ocean and we humans are nothing compared to her. But that does not mean we cannot curb the nauseas feeling, we most certainly can. The aim of this article is to highlight that seasickness is not something to be embarrassed about and it happens to everyone at some point, which includes us!
So here are 5 tips to manage sudden seasickness while scuba diving:
#1 Hydrate
If you are busy puking your guts out, we understand that consuming anything can be difficult. However, taking in small sips of water can really helping with fighting off the feeling of nausea.
Staying hydrated is extremely crucial. Not just when you feel sick but throughout the day if you choose to go scuba diving. Drinking enough water can prevent your throat from feeling dry and itchy during a dive and can also prevent severe headaches from staying in the hot sun.
So if you happen to get sick, drinking enough water can prevent you from getting dehydrated and you will not have to deal with any other issues with regards to dehydration.
#2 Inform Somebody
As we mentioned earlier, there is absolutely nothing to be embarrassed about getting seasick before your dives. It is very natural. Many times because of this embarrassment divers avoid informing how they feel. However, it is important to inform your buddy or your instructor or your dive leader how you are feeling. They happen to be more experienced in the field and would know how to help you feel better so that you can enjoy your dive to the fullest.
#3 Try To Stay In The Water As Much As You Can
The reason we get seasick is because of the distortion between the eyes and the brain when we are on a boat that is swaying to and fro. This is when we tend to feel extremely seasick and might even vomit. One of the easiest and best ways to completely curb the feeling is by simply jumping in the water. By getting in the water the nauseas feeling stops. Which is why whenever newbie divers get sick we make sure they enter the water as soon as possible so that they do not have to spend much time on the rocking boat.
#4 Look At The Horizon
If for whatever reason you cannot get in the water, then your next best bet is to watch the horizon. Looking at the horizon and breathing in and out deeply gives your brain something to do which can play as a temporary distraction. But if this does not help and you have to throw up, then that is okay too! As we like to say ‘better out than in.’
#5 Pressure Points
Did you know another way to control seasickness is by pressing your pressure points? Yes! Pressure point P-6, also called Neiguan, that is located on your inner arm near your wrist can help you with your nausea. By simply pressing it! Or you can be well-prepared and purchase pressure bands that do the job for you!
We understand the irony of loving the ocean yet getting seasick can be extremely frustrating. But there is good news! The more you go out diving and the more time you spend on the boat, your body starts to get used to it.
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