Facing three biggest fears

Wayne Armour will pull on a swimming cap, shut his eyes and kick like mad for 30 kilometres.

That is the plan of attack when Armour attempts to swim Foveaux Strait in February, as he aims to become the first Australian and ninth person to swim the strait. The Christchurchbased physio said he plans to make his crossing attempt staring at the back of his eyelids.

‘‘There is no point staring into the abyss for nine hours, so may as well close your eyes,’’ he said.

Armour was drawn to the challenge because three of his biggest fears would be everpresent throughout the swim – sharks, turbulent water and frigid temperatures.

It scares the proverbial out of him. ‘‘I am going to be pretty much terrified the whole time.’’

The aversion to cold could be reflective of Armour’s upbringing in Queensland. After years of competitive swimming in his teens and 20s, the now 33-year-old ‘‘spiralled’’ to about 150 kilograms.

He was doing up to 13 twohour sessions in the pool each week before he stopped.

He lost his passion for swimming once his competition days were over, and said this swim represented a message that he and others could take control of their own lives. ‘‘I will probably cry when I get to the beach.’’

An added incentive to complete the swim is to become the first Australian to do so.

Armour founded a physiotherapy business in Christchurch with his mother, Dawn Armour. Between managing other people’s physical concerns at work, he has been swimming about 55km a week in training.

Preparations were hampered by a broken rib, and he has just received medical clearance after a bout with kidney stones.

Fundraising efforts were going to go towards endangered native New Zealand animal species but Armour has now decided to donate funds to Australian bushfire relief.

And, because he likes a challenge, Armour is doing the swim without a wetsuit.

He plans to take off from Stewart Island on February 2 but weather conditions may push the attempt out to February 3 or 4.