We did our first ocean dive today. It was also our first boat dive. Had an incredible time, but would have been much better if I had not gotten terribly seasick. Please help me with any info on what works for you or some one you know.
Thanks for your help,
A very excited rookie.
Yay, another NC Wreck Diver is minted! Congratulations.
Where did you dive? If it is any consolation to you, you are not alone. People who brag about not ever being seasick here are mostly lying. Even most of the captains take Bonine. The issue is not only the waves/waves intervals that you are traversing, but how LONG of a ride it is out to the dive sites. I never have a problem with short rides in Florida or elsewhere.
Because I never know when we are going to have good conditions and when we are not, I always take bonine. Take one the night before. Take one the morning of. And I would advise doing this sometime when you are not diving to see how it affects you before you start doing it as a pre dive regimen. Remember that once you are queasy, it isn't going to work to take it then. I've tried that when the forecast was good and the seas kicked up after we were out, and it doesn't work. Now, since I realize I am not going to be able to predict what happens on any given day, I take it all of the time.
Most of the crew and DMs will tell you not to have protein in the am before you dive. It is harder to digest and if you get seasick, will be more likely to come up than something less challenging to your stomach. So I have oatmeal, toast, cereal, something like that. I also bring salty crackers and a very simple sandwich with just a little protein for the SI, like a PB and J. That plus the bonine problem seems to have worked for me. Oh, and something gatorade like.
I doubt you will have much problem if you do these things, but if you do, see the advice previously given. Also pay attention to whether or not you are sensitive to smells, like diesel fuel. I am. And keep trying to drink even if you are sick as dehydration and deep diving do not mix.
See you out on the wrecks?