The phrase is accurate whether you have heard the term sea legs in a movie or experienced instability walking on a boat encountering rough seas. Wave conditions offshore of Georgia, South Carolina, and North Carolina are often tumultuous, causing instability. Inexperienced boaters find it challenging to move about the vessel. Understand what exactly sea legs are. 

How To Understand What Sea Legs Are

The definition of the term is the ability to maintain balance on a rocking vessel while in motion or at anchor. 

The transition from stable land to the motion of a watercraft is troublesome. Vessels that quickly enter wavy conditions present a challenge for novice boaters. The passenger will appear to have had too many adult beverages as they ping pong from object to object and stumble along. 

In the process of obtaining sea legs, a downside is the person is likely to succumb to seasickness. Seasickness is a result of the motion of the boat disturbing the fluids of the inner ear, which affects equilibrium and balance. A seasick person feels dizzy, nauseous, sweating, and vomiting—unfortunately, some boaters don’t become free of seasickness until reaching the land or the water smoothing. 

What Does No Sea Legs Mean

Imagine a salty captain with a raspy voice hollering out in laughter, “get your sea legs.” Being ill-equipped to handle rough conditions is an actual problem faced by novices.  

A person with minimal time in rough seas and land-based is not be equipped with sea legs. Therefore, they will have no sea legs. 

Remember that despite stepping aboard the vessel and becoming challenged to walk steadily about the boat, balance does come in time after being acclimated to the conditions. The body will naturally learn to pitch and weave to the rolling seas while steadily maintaining forward motion. At this point, the captain will no longer consider you green but rather a seasoned boater. 

How Long Does It Take To Get Your Land Legs Back

There is a process of returning to a normal state of equilibrium when back on solid ground. The length varies based on the person.

Land legs will return; however, the time frame varies based on the person. Expect the symptoms to last up to two days when returning from the sea, whether on a small boat or large cruise ship. 

During the transition phase, use caution when bending, showering, and moving about to avoid falls. The motion will be particularly notable when laying down for bed. Don’t worry; you will return to a normal state.

Why Do You Still Feel Rocking After A Cruise

Despite ceasing to being physically affected by the rocking motion caused by the sea, the body does not immediately recover. The inner ear fluids continue to fire balance signals because of the duration of the time spent in turbulent waters. Mal De Debarquement is the name of the diagnosed condition.

Believe it or not, even the most experienced captains and crews feel rocking after reaching the shores. The human body utilizes an internal computer system by firing signals to maximize balance. However, the computer system continues to fire even after returning to land, and as a result, the rocking continues. 

Do You Have A Strong Understanding Of Sea Legs

Whether you are out deep sea fishing or on a pleasure cruise, don’t be surprised to encounter instability when walking in rough sea conditions. Never assume a person has overindulged in alcoholic beverages but rather lend a hand when moving from point a to b. Lastly, a rocking motion is felt even after returning to stable land. Both at sea and onshore, your body will adjust to lessen the uncomfortable feeling.