I had the same problem during a triathlon Sunday. I was about 3/4 through the swim and I began to feel nauseous. I tried resting and changing my stroke, but it became so intense that a kayaker had to tow me in. They took my timing chip and I was out.
It took me about an hour to recover. Food and caloric beverages helped settle my stomach. The race physician followed me around, certain that I was having a heart attack, or had bonked.
I have a terrible tendency to motion sickness. I got sick years ago while trying to swim in from a snorkel trip and hit wind and waves. The more my body tossed around
(like a surfboard or driftwood
), the sicker I got. I almost didn't make it in.
This was only my second sprint. The first, a half-mile, in a lake, I had no nausea.
This race was 1/3 mile, in the Hudson River. I forgot my earplugs. I don't know if that contributed to the intensity of motion sickness, but I doubt it.
As strange as it seems, I know I didn't get sick for any other reason
(lack of sleep, poor training, breakfast
) than motion sickness.
As for ways to prevent it . . . Hmm. I'm just going to keep trying. I suspect I will not fare well in the ocean. Lakes shouldn't be a problem. I don't know about the river. I will not forget my ear plugs again. I will make sure to eat more. I will also try to find more open water to practice.
Good luck. Let me know how you feel during your next competitive swim.