November 2, 2026 — 03:00 HKT Departure

Swimming 45 kilometers around Hong Kong Island

An unassisted, non-stop solo marathon swim around the island to support marine research and local coastal recovery.

Live GPS Tracker (Opens Nov 2) Support the Cause

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Total Distance 45.2 Kilometers
Estimated Duration 10 to 12 Hours
Expected Water Temp ~23°C
Ratification Rules CSA Standard (No Wetsuit)
Fundraising Mission

Supporting global ocean research and Hong Kong coastal recovery

Every dollar donated goes directly to conservation. All boat charter, crew, and event logistics are privately funded, and 100% of contributions are split equally between two organizations working at different scales of ocean health.

50% Allocation — Global Science

Fondation Tara Océan

Marine Biodiversity & Climate Research

Fondation Tara Océan leads continuous high-seas scientific expeditions to study marine biodiversity and observe how warming waters and microplastic pollution affect plankton and ocean ecosystems worldwide.

Visit fondationtaraocean.org
50% Allocation — Local Impact

Ocean Recovery Alliance

Hong Kong Coastal Protection & Plastic Reduction

Based right here in Hong Kong, Ocean Recovery Alliance develops practical programs to stop urban plastic runoff at the source and restore the coastal waters surrounding Hong Kong Island.

Visit oceanrecov.org
Donate to the Campaign
Preparation

Training Highlights

The final Hong Kong build leading into November: open-water races, coastal swells around the southern headlands, and a 44 km peak volume block before tapering. Click any screenshot to expand.

GPS route of 28.1 km loops in Repulse Bay
Route Map
Strava telemetry for 28,157m swim
Swim Stats
Monday, October 19, 2026 — Peak Volume Block

Repulse Bay 9-Hour Endurance Loops

Distance 28.79 km
Duration 8h 46m 30s
Average Pace 1:49 /100m

Capped off a 44.3 km three-day swimming block with nearly nine continuous hours of loops in Repulse Bay. The final marathon-length session to test mental endurance and feeding rhythm before starting the taper.

GPS route from Big Wave Bay to Tai Tam Bay and Stanley Main Beach
Route Map
Strava telemetry for 12,022m rough water swim
Swim Stats
Saturday, October 17, 2026 — Rough Water Day 1

Big Wave Bay to Tai Tam Bay & Stanley Main Beach

Distance 12.71 km
Duration 3h 47m 48s
Average Pace 1:47 /100m

Opened the three-day volume block down the exposed southeast coast in very heavy swell and chop. Great practice staying composed and holding a line when the sea state gets messy around the headlands.

Final 8-Week Training Block in Hong Kong (Sep 6 – Nov 1)

Final 2 Months Training Volume by the Numbers

141.4 km Total Distance Swum
42h 18m Time in the Water
23 Swims Logged Open-Water & Pool Sessions
45.8 km Peak 3-Day Block (Oct 17–19)
13 Cross-Trainings (Gym, Kiting, Bike, Kayak, Hike)
Behind the Swim

The Swimmer & The Crew

While the circumnavigation is completed solo under unassisted marathon rules, getting 45 kilometers around Hong Kong Island takes a community of dedicated support on and off the water.

The Swimmer

Emeric Payer

Growing up in Hong Kong, the sea has always been my natural playground. Swimming was an early passion, but taking on this 45 km unassisted circumnavigation is about more than personal athletic endurance.

These coastal waters have shaped who I am. Tackling this marathon swim is my way of giving back—raising critical funds and awareness to protect our fragile marine ecosystems through the work of Ocean Recovery Alliance and Fondation Tara Océan.

With Deep Gratitude

The Community & Support Crew

This journey would not be possible without the generous time, guidance, and patience of the people who kept me moving forward:

  • Southside Swimming & Edie Hu: For the constant technical tips, open-water guidance, and community spirit.
  • Training Buddies: Edie, Alex M., Gabs, Gunther, Matthieu, and Terry — notably for making an exhausting 9-hour training not feel lonely at all!
  • Shu Pu: For the organization, logistics coordination, and keeping everything running smoothly.
  • Claire: For essential support-boat presence, spotting, encouragement and nutrition planning during the Clean Half race.
  • Ferdinand Clovis: For invaluable guidance on mental resilience, pacing psychology, and ultra-endurance mindset.
  • Doug (Ocean Recovery Alliance) & Jonathan (Fondation Tara Océan): For partnering on this mission and defending our local and global waters every day.
  • Of course, my Parents: For unwavering belief, unconditional support, and fueling this challenge from day one.
  • And to everyone else who shared a training lane, offered words of advice, or supported this cause—thank you.