Starting with Eduardo Collazos Valle-Guayo (53, Peru, MSF bio here,  @eduardo_collazos_), American Steve Leitch (51, USA, MSF bio here, @stevemobyleitch) took off under the able helm of Captain Kawayama towards the shores of northern Japan.

The conditions were true to the forecast – at first. For the first half of the swim, Tsugaru Channel was tranquil and nearly perfect with low winds, light currents, 20°C water and 28°C air temperatures.

It was smooth sailing.

Leitch recalls, “It was a spectacular day.”

But then, as is normally the path to Oceans Seven, things started going topsy turvy. Right when both Leitch and Collazos were getting comfortable and confident, conditions changed. The battle with the Tsugaru Current had begun…it was game on.

“We were going against the tides on both sides. We also got shot down the coast on the other side. The water dropped to 13°C for the last couple of hours – which was shocking. There was also lots of fog around Hokkaido coastline which made finding a landing spot challenging.”

But Leitch got the job done, finishing in 10 hours 3 minutes.

His joy was overwhelming. “The swim is old world, the people are welcoming, and the new administration made us feel incredibly welcome. This is a very special swim.

[Tsugaru’ is one of the most remote, unpredictable swims on earth. But more than that — one of the most anointed days of my life.

This Tsugaru Strait swim started two years ago with a simple email to Andy Donaldson, a fellow Scot who had just completed the Oceans Seven challenge in one year — finishing with this very strait.

At the time, there was serious doubt that anyone would be able to swim Tsugaru again. Political changes, logistical barriers, and behind-the-scenes confusion had put the swim in jeopardy. I didn’t understand it all — still don’t. But I emailed Andy anyway, and he connected me with Ishii-san, a legendary swim observer in Japan. Ishii-san told me he’d hold a spot for me in June 2025. That felt like a miracle.

Fast-forward to November 2024, and a new administration had taken over the swim. I was told all previous commitments were void. Everyone had to reapply — no exceptions. So I applied… and praise Jesus, they approved me for the June tide.

What followed was months of relentless admin work, paperwork, logistics, language barriers, translation, planning. It didn’t let up until a week before the swim — but by God’s grace, we got it done.

When we landed in Japan, everything clicked. From meeting Herschel in Tokyo to picking up Maya in Aomori — the team came together beautifully. The Nakodomari town administration welcomed us warmly. NHK Broadcasting met us at the harbor, drone in hand, ready to film the mission.

Kelly, Mallory, Herschel, and Maya were all-in from the jump — sharing our faith, our mission, and why this swim matters for Rising Tides Ministry. On June 17th, we had our final meeting and set the swim date for June 20th at 4:00 AM.

No drama. No weather chaos. Just… peace.

On swim day, after a quick prayer and a kiss from my bride, I jumped off the boat and floated — waiting for Eduardo Collazos Valle-Guayo, a brother finishing his final Oceans Seven swim. And okay… I was also waiting because Herschel gets cranky if he misses drone footage.

The first hour was magical — shimmering water, soft lights from the boat. At 6 hours, I had passed the major shipping lanes without issue. I felt strong. No pain. Just flow.

But then…that feeling hit me. The one you don’t want in the middle of the ocean. Something was watching me.

I’d never had that sense before — but for 45 minutes, I stuck close to the boat like a remora fish, just hoping the shadow would hide me. Eventually, the feeling passed and I swam back out — and then I smelled it… cigarette smoke. On the boat. Three smokes while I’m out there swimming. Unbelievable.

As I approached Hokkaido, I thought, This might be an 8-hour finish…until the current said otherwise.

I hit a wall. The island disappeared into fog. The water dropped to 13°C (55°F). For nearly three hours I swam with no visible destination. It felt like circles. The frustration started to build. But Kelly stayed calm. She never let me rattle her … staying focused and calm. I prayed — “Jesus, I’ll go two more hours if You want.”

And then… I saw them preparing the kayak. My heart leapt. Herschel paddled up, emotional, and said, “Follow me” … but he had no idea where to go until the boat whistled and pointed in a direction. We couldn’t see land — just fog. But suddenly, I could see the bottom. Seaweed. Ocean plants.

The finish.

I tried to stand — but my ice-cold legs said, Nope. I considered crawling. Then I prayed again, stood up on frozen legs, and hit dry land. Herschel blew the yellow horn we heard at the start: 10 hours, 3 minutes.

Finished. I was cold, tired … and totally at peace.

Back on the boat, Kelly hugged me for warmth, Mallory joined in, and we all sat there — shivering, laughing, celebrating. Ishii-san, Maya, the captains… it was all love. Then came the port celebration — the town cheering, Japanese ladies grinning ear to ear, hearts full. We did it. By the grace of God.

This was never about checking off a swim. It was always about the message: Jesus changes lives. He gives hope. And He gives purpose to those willing to go when He says “go.”

We swam for Rising Tides Ministry, where we provide mentorship housing for men coming out of recovery — not just to survive, but to thrive. And to become mentors in their own communities. To everyone who prayed, encouraged, gave, and believed with us — thank you.

You didn’t just help me cross an ocean. You helped someone else cross back into hope. Ephesians 3.20.”

Leitch’s journey is multi-layered and deeply meaningful to him and his followers at the Rising Tides Ministry. His voice comes out strongly in his new book and documentary film.

His book, Against the Current: God Created You for a Purpose, Do Not Miss It, was released in January 2024. The Amazon review describes it as “a story of a man whose life is a beacon of hope and strength. Hailing from the historic Edinburgh, Scotland, Steve has woven a remarkable tapestry of resilience, faith, and the transformative power of water. Celebrating over twelve years of sobriety, his journey is more than a personal victory; it’s a beacon of service and hope for others. Now living in Taylors, South Carolina, Steve has intertwined his passion for open water swimming with his unwavering commitment to uplift those around him. He’s not just an athlete; he’s a motivational speaker and a beacon of Hope, using the endurance and determination he’s honed in ultra-marathon swimming to light the way for others.

‘Swim the Seven Oceans Challenge’ isn’t merely a test of physical might; it’s a heartfelt quest to gather support and awareness for the vital cause of establishing long-term sober living homes and mental health counseling, especially for those in the foster community. Steve’s philosophy transcends personal achievements. His life is a testament to the power of creating habits that forge a meaningful legacy—one that offers help, instills hope, and guides others toward a path of recovery, faith, and selflessness.”

Leitch previously was the protagonist of Beyond The Shoreline: The Channel of Bones, a documentary film about his 45 km crossing of the  Moloka’i Channel in April 2023. The 1 hour 28 minute film showcases how he overcame the challenges of addiction, loss, and crisis of faith to use his gifts to swim and serve others.

Last year, the film was nominated as the Best Documentary Feature at the Cannes World Film Festival. Leitch wrote, “We are humbled and honored to participate with so many talented filmmakers and stories on a worldwide stage.”

Herschel Zahnd wrote and directed the film about Leitch’s journey to and across one of the most beautiful and dangerous ocean swims locations in the world. He captured how Leitch was able to overcome challenges of addiction, loss, and crisis of faith to use his gifts to swim and serve others.

For more information, visit beyondtheshoreline.org.

© 2025 Daily News of Open Water Swimming

“to educate, enthuse, and entertain all those who venture beyond the shoreline“

A World Open Water Swimming Federation project.