Hey guys!
My name is Diego.
I’m one of the surfguides aboard Praya Seriti.
I’ve sucessfully completed hundreds of surftrips to Mentawais.
But there is something about me that nobody knows.
I suffer sea sickness.
Quite a lot, actually.
Over the years I carefully developed a series of proceedings and techniques to avoid it.
So I’m here today to share them with you.
And helping you avoid seasickness from ruining your dream vacation.
1. Think Preventively
Take a Dramamine the night before boarding the boat.
Than one ½ hour before first crossing.
And another one prior to any long crossing.
Keep communicating with the surf guide to know when the big crossings will happen, so you can preventively take your medication
2. Drink Plenty of Water
Dehidration can make you dizzy and cause nausea.
You are going to be surfing a lot and spending a lot of energy.
Take a water bottle with you and keep it always full. Fresh potable cold water is free on our boat, make the most out of it.
3. Avoid Drinking Alcohol
Alcohol causes dehidration and nausea.
Avoid it at all cost.
4. Eat Right Before Heading Out
Bread and other grains, apples and bananas are all good choices.
Avoid anything greasy or acidic, specially before first crossing.
Coffee is a no go.
Boat trip operators have the tradition of pizza night right before first crossing, that never worked for me.
5. Find a Spot on Board Where Motion is Least Noticeable
The inner-middle part of the boat is my favorite place when things get a little more rocky.
6. Stand
If you feel queasy, stand.
Sitting or lying down can increase nausea.
7. Keep Eating
This one is a bit counter intuitive, but has always worked for me.
Suck on hard candy or eat dry crackers to help nausea in check.
8. Get Good Sleep
Getting to Padang or Sibolga one night before boat’s departure date surely helps.
If you are tired or stressed, you are much more likely to have problems.
9. Eat Ginger
That’s right. I have no clue why, but it helps a lot. Even taking ginger pills will help
10. Don’t Sit Backwards
Don’t sit or stand backwards. You wanna face the direction of travel.
