I’m probably alone in this, but I don’t like getting seasick. By admitting this fact, I’m also admitting that I’m prone to seasickness, which probably makes me less of a man, right? Bull — no matter how tough you are or think you are, you ain’t tough enough to not get seasick. Some people seem to have a natural immunity, which makes me more than a little envious. But if you’re like me, there are a few things you can to help minimize or even eliminate your unintended chumming.

If you’re not sure what seasickness is, you’ve never been seasick. It can come on gradually or quickly, and the sea doesn’t have be particularly rough. In fact, there have been times when I’ve been on rough seas and felt fine with no chemical assistance at all. Seasickness is caused by the brain getting its signals crossed: The balance system in your inner ear says you’re moving around, but your eyes say the environment is stable (or at least more stable than what the ear says). The confused brain sends out a red alert, which makes things much, much worse.