Ocean swims: swallowing salt water and combating nausea?

I don't think the tums would help. I wouldn't mess with the motion-sickness medication either. I'm not saying it wouldn't work but it could make you drowsy.

I would try some ear plugs, they've really worked well for me. I always wear them now. Also, try to get in some more rough-water swims and practice extending your rotation so that you get a good breath. Bi-lateral breathing is not the cure for everything but being able to breathe equally well on either side is a great tool to have. If the swells are coming from your right, breathe to the left (for example). You don't have to always alternate.

Thanks. I was thinking that dramamine non-drowsy couldn't hurt (?) but wanted to check here and with my doc prior.  Interesting about the ear plugs... I've heard that they help with the dizzy factor.  Seems odd to me, but I'm definitely willing to give it a try.

Thanks to a fellow BT member, I got in contact with a tri swim coach in my area. First lesson is tonight.  I'm going to inform her of my ocean OWS ambitions and hope that she provides me with tips on the technique necessary to breathing with the direction of the swell, riding the waves, etc. 

ugh, i've been fighting similar things as you ... i grew up in the midwest, swimming in the great lakes and other freshwater lakes.  i moved to california a little more than 2 years ago.  started tri training out here and saw that a lot of races had ocean swims.  (go figure!)  i just thought, ok, a little salt, maybe a wave or two - no big deal, right?

oh lordy - salt water.  i can NOT get used to it.  the taste makes me want to vomit.  it burns my nose.  my lungs hurt.  it irritates my eyes if it seeps into my goggles even the slightest.  seeing as how i can't seem to get used to it (still working on being able to stomach that 'gargle some of it first' thing,) i don't have many tips on that.

i do better with the motion sickness and difficulty with bilateral breathing in waves by just deciding to breathe only to the side where the waves AREN'T coming from and deal with sighting a little more often to keep course.  it helps, but i'm no dolphin, that's for sure.

you're not along - sorry i don't have much advice; just wanted to empathize.   good luck with the coaching!