by Maryann Callaghan

In the near-freezing July waters of the North Channel , Michael Payne ’ s focus was unbreakable . He didn ’ t utter a single word as he powered through the marathon swim , battling icy conditions that would deter the most seasoned of swimmers .

At 21 , Payne from Kurrajong , has just completed back-to-back ocean swims of the North Channel ( July ) and the Gibraltar Strait ( August ).

These swims are part of his quest to conquer the Oceans Seven – a marathon swimming series of the world ’ s most challenging open-water channel swims .

Payne ’ s campaign began in 2022 when swimming the English Channel , a gruelling feat he completed in his first attempt in 12 hours and 50 minutes . He was the youngest and first Hawkesbury person to achieve this and the Independent featured him on our August front covers .

This month ( September ), the local lifeguard and nursing student , is also attempting a fourth swim in the challenge in California . The North Channel – July The North Channel , stretching 34.5km between Northern Ireland and Scotland , is the longest and coldest of the Oceans Seven . Payne ,

who ’ s become the fastest and youngest Australian to complete it , and the 149th person in the world to finish it , set off from Robbie ’ s Point on 30 July .

“ Michael trained for 12 months specifically for this swim , with intense preparation that included cold water acclimatisation , all while studying a degree in nursing at Charles Sturt University ,” his father and coach Steve told the Independent .

“ He swam every day , sometimes twice a day , fitting in open water training wherever he could — in the Hawkesbury River at North Richmond , Lake Wallace in Lithgow … he also prepared in pools and dams in Bathurst and Orange as well as Lake Canobolas .

“ The water was cold at about 4.5 degrees , part of his acclimatisation for the extreme temperatures he ’ d face .”

The challenges didn ’ t stop there . The North Channel is known for its tough currents and Lion ’ s Mane jellyfish with 10m long poisonous tentacles and Payne wasn ’ t spared .

“ He got stung a few times , but he powered through ,” Steve said .

“ Michael was really focused . He didn ’ t speak so he could feed quickly at 45-minute intervals to avoid getting caught by the tide — his feeds lasted just 5-8 seconds for the

10-hour 1-minute swim .”

Payne adding , “ there were reports of whales , dolphins and even a big seal swimming close to me , but I was pretty oblivious to it all . I did sneak a peek at the finish line near the end though , and saw the land getting bigger .”

Payne ’ s mental preparation was just as gruelling . Speaking to the Independent from Spain following the swim he said :

“ You have to acknowledge that stings will hurt and remain focussed , the long training sessions build up your experience and you must have trust in your crew .”

Although the tide pushed him a little off course , Payne remained undeterred .

“ I set off from Robbie ’ s Point . I didn ’ t quite make it to the harbour , I reached rocks nearby underneath a castle , stood up , held my arm up and just took a minute to appreciate what I had just done .”

Payne ’ s determination was clear to the crew and his father .

“ He ’ s good , and I give him a lot of credit . He ’ s tough and follows instructions ,” Steve said proudly .

After the swim , Payne took three to four days to recover , his lungs affected by saltwater vapour . The satisfaction of completing this swim is something he will never forget . “ It feels amazing . I ’ m tired

Hawkesbury ’ s Michael Payne successfully completed the North Channel marathon open water swim .

but thank God I smashed through the fatigue — it was awesome .” The Strait of Gibraltar – August After conquering the daunting North Channel , Payne and his parents Jenni and Steve didn ’ t waste any time , flying directly to Gibraltar , southern Spain , where a rare opportunity awaited to possibly swim the Gibraltar Strait .