Overcoming Seasickness While Diving | How Aneron Solved It for Me
Getting to a dive point usually means a boat ride, and plenty of divers struggle with seasickness on rough days. I'm someone who's extremely prone to motion sickness myself, but taking the over-the-counter drug "Aneron" beforehand has let me stay comfortable even on the boat. Here's that experience, plus non-medication tips.
In short, even if you're prone to motion sickness, taking a seasickness remedy 30 minutes to an hour before boarding lets you stay comfortable on the boat.
What's the Relationship Between Diving and Seasickness?
Most dive points are located offshore, reached by a boat ride of anywhere from tens of minutes to about an hour from port. On a rough day, or on a small boat, the rocking can be significant enough to make even someone who normally doesn't get motion sick feel unwell. It defeats the purpose if you burn all your energy on the boat ride there and back when what you actually wanted to enjoy was the dive itself.
Did the Over-the-Counter Drug "Aneron" Actually Solve It?
I've always been extremely prone to motion sickness — there was a time when just getting on a boat felt genuinely dreary. As a countermeasure, I started always taking the seasickness remedy "Aneron" before diving, and since then I've been able to stay comfortable on the boat without feeling unwell. Now, taking it beforehand without fail on any day I have a dive planned has become a habit.
What's the Right Timing to Take It?
Most motion sickness medications work best when taken about 30 minutes to an hour before boarding. For diving, thinking through the whole flow — meeting at the shop, traveling to the port, then boarding the boat — it's a good idea to take it early during your morning prep. Since how long the effect lasts varies by medication, if you're planning multiple boat rides or dives in one day, check the dosage instructions on the package.
What Non-Medication Options Help With Seasickness?
- Sit somewhere with less rocking motion: the center and lower parts of the boat tend to rock less
- Look at the distant horizon: staring at something close, like your phone screen, tends to make motion sickness worse
- Avoid alcohol or overeating the day before and the day of: putting strain on your stomach makes you more prone to sickness
- Get fresh air in a well-ventilated spot: staying on deck is often more comfortable than staying below deck
- Avoid sleep deprivation: not feeling well physically directly increases how prone you are to motion sickness
Summary
Even if you're prone to motion sickness, a seasickness remedy beforehand plus a few small adjustments on the day can make the boat ride to and from your dive comfortable. Since I started taking Aneron myself, I've been able to focus purely on the diving itself without worrying about seasickness. If motion sickness has been holding you back from diving, it's well worth giving a try.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. When should I take motion sickness medication?
A. Most motion sickness medications work best when taken about 30 minutes to an hour before boarding. Taking it early during your morning prep gives you peace of mind.
Q. Are there side effects to motion sickness medication?
A. Some medications can cause drowsiness or other side effects. If you have a pre-existing condition, are taking other medications, or are pregnant, consult a pharmacist or doctor before use.
Q. Are there ways to prevent seasickness without medication?
A. Sitting somewhere with less rocking motion, looking at the distant horizon, avoiding alcohol or overeating the day before and the day of, and getting fresh air in a well-ventilated spot can all help.
Q. What if I'm boarding the boat multiple times in one day?
A. How long a medication's effect lasts varies by type, so check the dosage instructions on the package and adjust the timing of an additional dose if needed.
Q. Can even experienced divers get seasick?
A. Yes. If you're prone to motion sickness, rough-water days can get to you regardless of how many dives you've logged. Sticking with measures that suit your own constitution matters.