For those who Don't BOAT...the Consequences can be Devastating!

[KoKo]

Offshore boating can be hard to stomach

I’ve never owned a boat and have lived in coastal communities most of my life. Short rides in tidal creeks or even fishing in rivers are enjoyable as long as I can see land.

Offshore? That’s a totally different and not enjoyable experience for me! In my advancing years, I’ve just learned to politely say “NO!” to that opportunity.

I don’t care how many times somebody tells me to just “focus on the horizon,” I’m soon advising them to just “focus on my backside” as I’m leaning over the rail. Being seasick is no joke. Maybe the only thing worse is being around people who aren’t.

And forget the patches, pills and equilibrium wrist bands. The last time wrist bands were suggested, I used them to wipe my mouth the first time I called Ralph and the second time I yelled “Buick.”

The motion of the ocean

I love a sunset at Folly Beach. A boat ride in the Tail Race Canal or kayaking in Shem Creek are terrific ways to enjoy the Lowcountry. Coburg Creek is another lovely spot. The problem begins when you leave the inner sanctum and pass the jetties headed to the great abyss of the Atlantic Ocean. Nobody in their right mind should do that, no matter how big the boat.

My upper lip is starting to sweat just talking about it.

http://www.postandcourier.com/article/20120730/PC16/120739947/1127/peper-column-offshore-boating-can-be-hard-to-stomach

[cbayer]

1. I think that the anticipatory anxiety of getting sick can trigger and exacerbate seasickness.

I live on a boat and still get sick when seas are rough. I've developed my own routines to counter it, but it still happens after all these years.

And I've seen people come onto the boat and get sick immediately, even when we in a slip somewhere.

Worse for me for a time was "land sickness" when going back on land after an extended time on the boat.

Anyway, I totally disagree with his saying that no one in their right mind should head out to the ocean. If you don't get sick, there's no reason not to go.

[NightWatcher]

2. I used to work on ships for months at a time, the only time I got queasy

was when we got hold of some questionable groceries.

I'm convinced that seasickness is a completely random happening, some people get it, others dont. I thank goodness dont

[Angry Dragon]

7. Inner ear ---- balance

everyone reacts differently

[KoKo]

8. I've been told that's my problem, too...

I can paddle around in creeks and such...but, the minute I lose sight of land.......and rolling seas start..I Panic..

I've tried some meds...but, never worked for me......

What's sad is that I love everything about our Oceans and I should be able to deal with this...but, can't.

So, I avoid with excuses and such and feel like a wimp...

[cbayer]

9. Have you tried a scopolamine patch?

Pricey, but definitely the most effective treatment out there.

[KoKo]

11. I did...but panic set in once we went out into ocean.

It's an indescribable thing...for those who don't have this problem. I thought the writer of this article described it well.

It's something about "leaving land..as a touch point" that causes horrible feelings and wretching...and the meds just can't overcome it for some of us.

And what's weird is that I love the Beach/Ocean so much ....but can't deal with the boats that take you out on cruises or sightseeing. I panic beyond what meds/patches or other stuff can do

It's very embarrassing..

but, I'm glad this guy addresses it.

[cbayer]

13. Yep, anxiety makes it much, much worse and he describes it really well.

Still, there's no shame in it and not something you'll probably ever have to do.

I got over a lot of my fear my taking lessons in very small sailboats. We had to turn them over on purpose, right them, rescue our boat mate.

But I still get sick from time to time.

[loves_dulcinea]

3. lives in upchuck

north chas, that is. you do have my sympathies.

knows the places you speak of well. have not yet chummed, thank goodness.

only time i ever came close was when i encountered some child being held on the gunwale by his grandpa. could tell they were related as they had on the same jumpsuit.

i peered into the old man's face to commiserate a moment. saw the tobacco flecked drool in the creases in his jowls, leaned back to in an effort to 'un-see', grabbed the rail which i then noticed was covered in vomit.

closest i ever came to chumming, was right then. yep.

[KoKo]

12. yes...thought the writer of this really did well coming out and stating the panic

and I'm sure he had many nasty replies calling him a wimp. But, I shouldn't say that since I posted the article without seeing replies.

It's sort of like...he's the first person to ADMIT a FEAR he can't control, nor can medications stop and I feel there will be people trying to put him down...as we all know commenters on articles on News Sites are always doing.

I give him huge credit for even bringing it up!

[aikoaiko]

4. Me too, but I've found that shark fishing in the deep sounds in GA can be fun and...

...whiting is a delicious pan fish for eating.

Sharks are tasty too, FWIW

[Atman]

5. Never been seasick.

I grew up on boats. My dad had s sport fishing boat, and we'd long days way out of sight of shore, going for tuna. It never bothered me.

Last summer we made a trip out to Cuttyhunk off the Mass coast, in a 22' open center-console. We hit crazy weather over the reef off Martha's Vinyard during the six mile crossing between the islands. 10' seas, waves higher than the boat's canopy. We literally had to surf the swells with the boat to keep from getting swamped. It was freakin' awesome! Never a hint of sick...just a wicked adrenalin rush!

Boats are fun. I live on a lake now...not nearly as exciting.

[A HERETIC I AM]

6. As comedian John Pinette said....

"If it doesn't have a Casino and a buffet, it isn't seaworthy."

[KoKo]

14. lol's...that's "upchuck time" that you are talking about this!

...but, truly it's real for many of us...and we avoid it if we can.

Different Strokes for Different Folks......Probably.

Glad he brought it out in to open though. Nobody wants to feel like "a wimp" these days..but, obviously some of us love the water...but, just can't deal with leaving sight of the "land."

Does that make us just a wimp...or is it just "a difference?"

[longship]

10. I can barely CAR, and I cannot even PLANE.

But I do know how to VERB.

[Fumesucker]

15. Heh.. Wait until the cook burns some bacon in the galley in rough seas..

If you have any tendency at all to seasickness, that will set it off..

[Warpy]

16. Funny, I always did fine in heavy weather

on a small sailboat, pitching and rolling all over the place.

When the weather cleared and the sea became smooth as glass, those long, slow rollers had me heaving all over the side of the boat. It was nasty.

Same thing on a big party boat when I was a kid. Perfect weather, calm seas? OH, RALPH!!!!

[KoKo]

17. Yep...those "long slow rollers..." Wish you handn't mentioned that....

Get's me the ...whatevr....

It's truly a problem. Even the suggestion of it causes the stomach reaction..

We are very courageous people...just don't get us out there "OUTTA SITE OF LAND" because we turn into .....

[MrSlayer]

18. I love the rolling sea.

The rougher the better. But I have seen people literally turn green from motion sickness. It's no joke and I have nothing but sympathy.

The worst thing is seeing my dad no longer able to go out fishing or ride a roller coaster because of the blood thinners he has to take. It really sucks.

[KoKo]

19. Some has much to do with your genetic makeup, I think

but, in your Dad's case...yes...the drugs he's on to help him go along..probably do make him vulnerable.

But, with many of us..it's just how we are made up. But, we get along in other ways..so I Hope we compensate for our failings when "Leaving Land" and getting "The Heaves."

Still...we wish we could get over it....