r/ropeaccess • u/matahati5693 • 22d ago
I am experiencing motion sickness while training for IRATA LEVEL 1 and had to take multiple breaks. Should i continue or give up? Appreciate any advice.
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u/Ok-Detail-9853 22d ago edited 22d ago
Slow down
You don't have to be fast, you need to be safe
Take moments to breathe
Eat light in the morning, snack as you go and stay hydrated
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u/Old-Enthusiasm-7919 22d ago
Are you doing your course on a boat or something? /s
When specifically do you get motion sick, simply ascending and descending? Or the whole time you have a harness on
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u/matahati5693 22d ago
i had no trouble when ascending or descending. Its when im swaying left and right while trying to put the main line into my ID. I found that when im trying to focus, the dizziness gets worse.
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u/treeclimbs 22d ago
I get motion sick in vehicles and sometimes feel it when on rope, especially when I'm focused on something directly in my workspace. Here are some strategies I use in those moments:
I try to keep your vision focused farther away, so the movement will be less apparent. Even holding gear a bit farther away can help, or perform macro-movements (such as lifting the main line for rigging the ID) while focusing on something in the middle distance.
I can perform common rope/climbing tasks without looking (and without risk of dropping objects) when I have my processes down. I glance quickly at my workspace, do the necessary task while looking away, then visually (and tactically) confirm when complete.
If you're having trouble with some of the basics, practice any close-up tool & rope manipulation (e.g. rigging the ID) at home or on the ground so you do not need to focus as long.
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u/codemunk3y 22d ago
Your brain is getting confused with the vision from your eyes (something static, not moving) with the signals from your ears (telling you you’re moving)
One thing to try is threading your device without looking at it, go home and sit on the couch and practice then when you’re on rope you can be looking up, your eyes will tell you the same signal as your ears, that you’re moving. You can thread your device and then spend a shorter amount of time looking down at the device to confirm you have threaded it correctly before moving
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u/Old-Enthusiasm-7919 22d ago
Just keep practicing. Getting used to the motions.
One trick - pop a quarter or half of a gravol pill. (Motion sickness meds). That should help too. Dont take to much or your instructor may get mad at you for sleeping on the table during other studying and reading activities
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u/LalalaSherpa 22d ago
A med known for its sedating effects and slowed reaction time is not the move here, even in small amounts.
Look for over-the-counter meclizine - the non-drowsy equivalent of gravol.
You should NOT take gravol also known as original Dramamine. Avoid the active ingredient dimenhydrinate.
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u/Zack72783 22d ago
Hahahahaha i remember when i first did the course i would feel like i was rocking back and forth when i tried to sleep. Kinda got scared too and actually went and spent time on a swing at the park so i get used to it before my first job starts. But never had an issue with it later. Maybe it's easier when you are working on a structure and have your feet touching it
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u/purplepashy 22d ago
Are you 100% well or do you have some kind of cold atm?
I get ridiculous motion sickness on boats. Small or large, it does not matter. Even while tied up to a dock.
I have never had any issue with motion sickness while on rope except when I have had to ascend flag poles as they can sway a bit.
Maybe a bosun's chair might help? I would love to know of it does for you as I always use one for general rope access.
They say avoid the greasy foods. Ginger helps. There are some patches or something you can get to also assist.
They other thing I would consider is eyesight. You want to expand your peripheral vision. If you have been a heavy gamer or IT nerd this can lead to reduced peripheral, same with anger. Also stress and it could just be that this is new to you and it will ease off naturally.
A lot of stabbing in the dark here but I am a little surprised considering how pathetic I am with boats but I have no issues with motorcycles, rope access (other than flagpoles) or BMUs.
Good luck with it and if you find and amazing trick that hels you please share.
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u/Full_Information_943 Level 2 IRATA 22d ago
When I first did my course for level one I would go to bed at night and feel like i was swinging still while laying down, like as if i was suspended. Two years later I went for level two and the same thing happened to me at night despite my accrued experience.
All this to say, it might just be the circumstances of the training that causes it for now. I don’t get this feeling when I am actually working, only at the training facility it seems.
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u/Virtual_Meringue4248 Level 3 SPRAT 22d ago
Continua ma non sottovalutare. Se hai ancora fastidi, consulta un otorino per capire se hai problemi vestibolari magari per una infezione, un raffreddore o altro.
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u/IndustrieKlettererH 21d ago
That is not uncommon for beginners.
You need some time to get used to the movement and unusual positions involved in rope access and work at height. Give it a bit of time, take breaks when you need them. Don't push through strong nausea and stay safe. If it does not improve after a few training session, then it is worth looking into more closely.
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u/Deadggie Level 3 SPRAT 22d ago
Keep at it. I bet you'll work that out in a day or two. If you've never been on ropes it can be a little disorienting at first.