On March 23rd, Callum Eade (@callumaeade, MSF bio here) is a 52-year-old New Zealander who overcame testicular cancer. After overcoming his health challenge, he went on to complete 16 Ironman Triathlons, over 30 Half Ironman races, and 5 of the 7 Oceans Seven  channels (including the English Channel, the North Channel, the Cook Strait, the Catalina Channel, and the Strait of Gibraltar.

Last month, he attempted his sixth channel crossing of the Oceans Seven.

This is his story of the Ka’iwi (Molokai) Channel.

The Setting

Eade’s started on the island of Molokai at 6:27 pm under the watchful eyes of escort pilot Michael Twigg-Smith, kayakers Charlie Evans and Tim McAlpin with the feeding support of Steve Corbett.

The swim was held under clear skies with very little moonlight. It was dark with variable winds to 15 knots. The ocean was calming with 3-foot rolling swells and no white caps with a water temperature of 27°C and a current from the north.

Charity Swim

Eade was making his second attempt at the Molokai Channel as a fundraiser for Channelling a Cause: www.channellingacause.com.

Background

The Ka’iwi Channel spans 45 km between Molokai and Oahu in the state of Hawaii. Due to strong winds, currents, and shipping activity, Eade’s swims were completed mostly during nighttime hours. The Ka’iwi Channel is known for its whales, dolphins, turtles, cookiecutter sharks, tiger sharks, and box jellyfish along with the usual sunburn, exhaustion, and hyperthermia.

His support team recalls many humpback whales were seen breaching and blowing during the boat trip over to the start on Molokai Island.

Swimwell Australia

Swimwell Australia have worked with Eade for more than 5 years and has supported his journey to reach goals others could only imagine. He has attended numerous training camps, squads, and has undertaken a training regime hitting all his targets. His lead into the event was strong with emphasis on strength and nutrition. The crew was confident of a successful crossing, given the near-perfect weather and sea conditions, and his renowned resilience in the face of many physical and mental challenges during his lifetime.

Those that know Eade will understand the health challenges that he and his family have faced – and are still facing.

Some will wonder why a challenge on the scale of crossing the Molokai Channel was even considered at this time. His kayaker Evans says, “I can tell you, that until you are faced with a similar scenario, it is impossible to make judgment. We all move through life in our own way, none of us really know what’s coming next. Callum lives life large and doesn’t waste a breath.”

The Crossing

Evans recalled the crossing, “Callum’s swim began with a Haka lead by his mate Steve at which point Mother Ocean and all that travel on and through her were acknowledged. The location is sacred to the native Hawaiians. This loomed large over us all in the dusk light. Callum was finally on board after flying over in a chopper. This is his preferred mode to reduce boat fatigue. It then took ten minutes to motor to the starting point, a secluded sandy beach with crashing 7-foot waves.

Callum immediately swam to shore, stood up with arms high and presented a huge smile. Signals were sent and we were away as Callum negotiated his way under and over the two or three lines of big surf. I was waiting for him behind the breakers in a rustic plastic tub, a short and fat 2.7 meter kayak.

Our first hour was glorious as we settled into the rhythm of the sea. We felt welcomed and comfortable in her presence. Callum’s stroke rate per minute was around 55 and his form was smooth and confident. The escort vessel would travel 300 – 400 meters ahead, beam up, and present herself as a lovely clear sighting aid with the last glimmer of light behind her. A silhouette of Callum’s mate Steve was clear and strong.

Darkness came quickly. Lights went on and the ocean turned to an inky and oily black. The wind was variable, but dropping and there was a sense of silence, only punctuated by the distant breaking surf on the island, now well behind us.

Our feeds were to plan without a hiccup. I made my first radio call to the skipper and crew, ‘Swimmer in good spirits, stroke count a consistent 55 with good form.’

Callum and I had discussed every possible scenario, including fear. Nothing, however, really prepares you for an inky black ocean at night. Callum has swum many and was not inexperienced in the craft. This one was to be different. Callum is honest and emotionally capable.

But none of us expected what came next.

‘I’m out. I’m scared,’ he said.

This statement cut me like a knife.

I was scared too. We were all scared, but no one was ever going to show it. Callum was brave enough to say it out loud. He realized that the risk he was putting he and his family under was far greater than he was prepared to gamble on that night. We were given no opportunity to negotiate, no ability to extend out a little longer. The swim was simply over. There were tears. There was immense disappointment and loss, but Callum – and Callum alone – made the right decision.

Three hours later we were back in port.

Please don’t for one minute, feel pity or imagine that our attempt was a waste. The things we learned, the bond we felt, and the friendships we cemented were all worth every effort. Open water swimming is not simply a sport’ it is a platform to learn, feel joy, and test yourself on every level. On that basis, our trip was a success, and no one can take away our memories.

To learn more about Callum’s journey, visit www.channellingacause.com and consider donating if you are able to.

Deep Gratitude and Heartfelt Appreciation

Eade writes, “Well, firstly, that channel, Ka’iwi, is something very special. That really is one incredible body of water.

This journey has been incredible. I have travelled the globe and seen and experienced things in the ocean that people only dream of. I’ll hold those memories close and recount them forever. To you Gravity, as well as Timmy, Pete, Pip, and the entire Swimwell team, thank you so much. You are all a big part of why I have this affection for this sport.

Now how about we all just go for a nice swim. Thank you for being here.

To Sarah, Soph and Charlie, I hope it’s nice to have Dad home. He’s a champion who speaks of you a lot. You are his main motivation and the clarity around that was clear on the night of the March 2023. I know you are all celebrating being together again.”

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