Seasickness is a reality that even experienced seafarers must contend with. Having worked in the maritime industry, I’m well aware that seasickness is just part of life on the ocean. Despite all the preparation and knowledge, the constant motion of the boat can still take a toll — especially in the first few days at sea. As a solo rower, managing seasickness is essential, because there’s no one else on board to take over when I’m unwell.
Here’s how I plan to tackle seasickness during my Atlantic crossing.
Understanding Seasickness
Seasickness occurs when your brain gets mixed signals between what your eyes see and what your inner ear feels. On the open ocean, this mismatch between the boat’s constant movement and your body’s balance system can cause nausea, dizziness, and fatigue. For me, seasickness is something I expect, especially in the first few days of the crossing when my body is still adjusting to the relentless motion of the waves.
Preventative Measures
- Acclimatisation: One of the best ways to prevent seasickness is to let your body adjust to the motion of the ocean. I’ve been out on the water as much as possible during training, allowing my body to get used to the rolling and swaying. While this helps, I know that the first few days on the Atlantic will likely still bring some nausea, especially if the weather is rough.
- Hydration and Nutrition: Seasickness can worsen when you’re dehydrated or underfed, so I’ll stay on top of my hydration from day one. I’ll be using electrolytes to ensure I’m replenishing lost fluids and minerals, which will help with both seasickness and general energy levels. In those early days when I might struggle to keep food down, I’ll rely on nutritional replacement meals that I can drink — making sure I’m getting as many calories and nutrients as possible, even if my appetite is low.
- Medications and Remedies: I’ll also be prepared with seasickness medications, which can make the initial adjustment period more manageable. I’ve experimented with different solutions during training to find what works best for me, whether it’s motion sickness pills or natural remedies like ginger. These will be part of my routine in the early days when I’m most susceptible to seasickness.
Managing Seasickness at Sea
Even with the best preparation, seasickness is likely to hit once I’m out in the middle of the Atlantic. Here’s how I’ll manage it while maintaining progress:
- Focus on the Horizon: A well-known trick for managing seasickness is to keep your eyes on the horizon. This helps synchronise the signals between your inner ear and your eyes. While rowing, I’ll do my best to focus on the horizon or another stable point, which can ease the dizziness and nausea.
- Rowing and Resting: My 3 hours on, 1 hour off rowing routine will allow me to balance effort and recovery. When seasickness hits, I’ll row through it when possible, but if the nausea becomes overwhelming, I’ll adjust my pace or rest more frequently. If I push too hard during a bout of seasickness, it could lead to exhaustion, so I’ll listen to my body and make sure I’m managing both my energy and my symptoms.
- Nutrition While Nauseous: In those moments when seasickness is at its worst, eating solid food may not be an option. That’s where the nutritional replacement meals will be essential. These drinkable meals will allow me to get the calories and nutrients I need without the difficulty of keeping solid food down. I’ll focus on light, easily digestible options in the early days until my body adjusts to the motion of the sea.
- Fresh Air and Positioning: When I’m off the oars and taking a break, I’ll make sure to get plenty of fresh air and lie down flat if the nausea is bad. Being in the open air often helps settle my stomach faster than staying inside the cabin. The goal will be to find stable positions to allow my body to recalibrate and avoid worsening the seasickness.
Dealing with Seasickness Mentally
Seasickness isn’t just a physical challenge; it’s a mental one too. It’s frustrating when you’re trying to push forward and your body isn’t cooperating, but staying mentally resilient is crucial. Having worked at sea before, I know how to manage these low moments, and I understand that seasickness typically passes once the body gets used to the motion.
In the first few days of rowing, I’ll remind myself that the nausea is temporary. My body will adapt, and soon I’ll be able to focus fully on the journey without worrying about the queasine
ss. Accepting that seasickness is part of the process will help me stay mentally grounded when it hits.
Final Thoughts
For me, dealing with seasickness is all about preparation, experience, and adaptability. Having spent years in the maritime industry, I know that seasickness is something I’ll face, but it’s also something I’m prepared to manage. With a combination of hydration, electrolytes, nutritional replacements, and preventative strategies, I’ll minimise its impact as much as possible — particularly in those crucial first few days.
Seasickness may be just another wave to ride out, but by staying ahead of it and keeping my body fueled and hydrated, I’ll ensure it doesn’t slow me down on this incredible journey across the Atlantic.
