Oh, the Waves! My Go-To Guide for Beating Seasickness

Hey fellow ocean lovers! Let’s be honest, as much as I adore being on the boat heading out for a dive around Koh Tao, there’s one pesky thing that can sometimes try to ruin the fun: seasickness. Yep, that queasy, dizzy feeling is no joke. Over the years (and a few green-faced moments!), I’ve picked up some tricks that really help. Here’s my personal go-to guide, keeping it simple and real:

First Thing’s First: Why Does This Happen?

Think of it like your ears and eyes are having a disagreement. Your eyes see the steady boat, but your inner ear feels the rocking. This mixed message can make your tummy feel… unhappy.

My Tried-and-True Tips (No Fancy Talk Here):

• Look at the Horizon (Seriously!): This is my number one trick, and it’s what the old salts always say. Staring at the steady horizon helps your eyes and ears agree. Find a fixed point in the distance and just keep your gaze there. It works wonders for me!
• Fresh Air is Your Friend: Get up on deck where the air is moving. Being stuck inside with the smell of diesel and other people can make things way worse. Let the wind hit your face – it’s surprisingly soothing.
• Stay Hydrated: Sip on water throughout the journey. Dehydration can make any kind of sickness feel even worse. Avoid sugary drinks though; sometimes they can upset your stomach more.
• Snack Smart: Don’t go on an empty stomach, but also don’t eat a huge, greasy breakfast right before the boat trip. I find that plain crackers or dry toast can settle things down. Ginger biscuits are also a good shout (more on ginger below!).
• Ginger Power!: This is a classic for a reason. I always have some ginger candies or ginger tea with me. It really helps to calm my stomach. You can find ginger tablets too, which some people swear by.
• Keep Busy (Distraction is Key): Sometimes, focusing on something else can take your mind off the rolling waves. Chat with your dive buddies, help get your gear ready, or just look forward to the dive.
• Stay Calm: Getting anxious can actually make seasickness worse. Take deep breaths and try to relax.

Traditional & Folklore Remedies (Worth a Shot!):

• Lemons or Limes: I’ve heard some old fishermen say sucking on a lemon or lime wedge helps. The tartness might cut through the nausea. Haven’t tried this one a ton, but some people swear by it.
• Green Apples: Similar to lemons, some folks believe that eating a green apple can ease the symptoms. Something about the pectin in them, maybe?
• Acupressure Bands (Sea-Bands): You wear these wristbands that press on a specific point on your inner wrist. A lot of people find they help, and they’re easy to use. I usually keep a pair in my dive bag just in case.
• Smelling the Scalp: This is an interesting one I’ve heard from some local folks around Koh Tao! The idea is that the smell of your own scalp, particularly right at the crown of your head, can somehow help to reset your senses and ease nausea. It sounds a bit odd, I know, and I can’t say I’ve personally tried this one a lot, but it’s a traditional remedy that gets mentioned! Maybe something to try if you’re feeling desperate?

What the Navy Knows (They Spend a Lot of Time on Boats!):

Funny enough, the Navy has done a lot of research on seasickness. Here’s what often gets recommended:

• Scopolamine Patches: These are prescription medications, so you’d need to chat with your doctor. They work by blocking some of the nerve signals that cause seasickness. They can be pretty effective, but they can also have side effects like drowsiness.
• Antihistamines (like Dramamine or Bonine): You can usually get these over the counter. They work by blocking histamine, which is involved in the vomiting reflex. The non-drowsy formulas are usually better if you want to stay alert for your dive. Important Note: Some of these can make you drowsy, so always read the label and maybe try them out before your dive day to see how they affect you. (If you are diving, talk to your doctor before taking any medication!)
• Ginger: Yep, even the Navy recognizes the power of ginger!

My Personal MVPs (Most Valuable Players):

For me, the horizon trick, fresh air, and ginger are the top contenders. They’re easy to do and usually do the trick for mild seasickness. For longer or rougher boat trips, I might pop a non-drowsy antihistamine before I start feeling sick – prevention is often easier than chasing the feeling away!

Listen to Your Body:

Everyone’s different, and what works for me might not work for you. The key is to try a few things and see what helps you feel better. Don’t suffer in silence – let the boat crew or your dive buddies know if you’re feeling unwell. They’ve likely seen it all before and can offer assistance.

Don’t let a little seasickness keep you from the incredible diving around Koh Tao! With a few simple strategies, you can hopefully keep that green feeling at bay and enjoy every minute of your underwater adventures. Happy diving!