What Does The Term "Get Your Sea Legs" Means?

As exciting as staying and living in a ship sounds, there are several adjustments that one needs to make. And the most important adjustment for prospective sailors and cruisers is to learn ‘how to get sea legs.’

To get your sea legs is a highly popular catch phrase used in the marine lingo, which refers to the ineptness of people to poise themselves while on ships and boats.

Root Origins

The phrase’s roots are actual interpretations of seafarers being unable to hold on stably while the vessel constantly rollicked on water. Over the years, this root origination has been modified to a simpler ‘developing sealegs’ idiom.

Another aspect of the terminology of developing sea legs also refers to getting acclimatised to a newer surrounding, in a generic and non-marine parlance. Similarly, in a unique correlation paradigm, there is also the contextual existence of a medical problem referred to as the ‘Mal de Debarkquement Syndrome.’

The latter being the complete opposite of the sea legs concept, the syndrome refers to the tottering and teetering of sailors on terra firma, because of longer time-duration spent while at sea. Sailors and even the general cruising community, who face this problem, are often misunderstood as being drunk or alcoholic, which is not the case with many credible seafarers.

Characteristics

A very common correlation is drawn up between the concept of developing sealegs and the problem of motion sickness while the vessel’s on water. This is because unless a person is able to withstand the constancy of the rollicking of the vessel, his body won’t be regulated as it needs to, thus giving way to motion sickness.

Observing, interpreting and swaying in accordance of the motion of the vessel is known to help people acclimatise with the unstable surrounding, thus helping to get your sea legs. However, in case the boating expedition is a relatively smaller cruise, the learning experience gets curtailed even before individuals can firmly and fully grasp the concept of getting sealegs. However the advantage of shorter cruising expeditions is that, in the event of individuals grasping getting sea legs thoroughly, the experiencing of jelly legs while back on land, gets reduced substantially.

A person is said to have developed jelly legs if:

He feels an unnatural rollicking of the solid ground

He feels an unnatural rollicking of his entire surrounding

There is an unnatural impulse to clasp to the nearest surrounding firm object to ensure purchase

His walking actions are choppy and lack timing

A distinct non-development of sea legs could cause immense problems to individuals, at times more serious than motion sickness. Considering the relevance of the maritime presence in people’s lives, it becomes necessary that all due precautions and care are taken to learn how to get sea legs.

Do you have info to share with us ? Suggest a correction

About Author

Marine Insight News Network is a premier source for up-to-date, comprehensive, and insightful coverage of the maritime industry. Dedicated to offering the latest news, trends, and analyses in shipping, marine technology, regulations, and global maritime affairs, Marine Insight News Network prides itself on delivering accurate, engaging, and relevant information.