Kelsey Pfendler, a Grand Canyon river rafting guide, has completed a solo rowing journey from California to Hawaii, becoming the first American woman to achieve the feat and setting new speed records. Pfendler arrived at a Honolulu harbor Friday night in her 21-foot rowboat, Lily, after a voyage of nearly a month and a half.
Launched from Monterey, California, in May, Pfendler aimed to be the first American woman, the youngest woman, and the fastest woman to complete the more than 2,400-mile crossing solo. Her journey garnered significant attention, with hundreds of thousands following her progress on social media, where she shared daily experiences.
According to records from Ocean Rowing Society International, which adjudicates ocean-rowing achievements for Guinness World Records, Pfendler appears to have surpassed both the previous women's and men's speed records. The society's online records indicate her finish time was just under 44 days, significantly faster than the previous comparable female record of 86 days and the male record of 52 days.
Pfendler documented the challenges of her voyage through video diaries, detailing issues such as blistered hands, difficulties sleeping due to strong winds, and the mental and physical strain of navigating unfavorable currents. She also shared practical aspects of her journey, including her methods for cooking, sun protection, laundry, and freshwater generation.
Reflecting on her accomplishment as she neared Oahu, Pfendler expressed hope that her journey would empower others. "If any part of this made at least one person feel a little bit more powerful in their own skin, I couldn’t ask for anything else and I’m happy," she said. "Think about trying to find your own big, hard, scary thing. You might not think that you are strong enough to finish it right now, but you’re definitely strong enough to start it, and you’ll find everything else along the way."
Pfendler has been a professional raft guide for eight years, leading trips on the Colorado River in the Grand Canyon. While local media reported she was expected to address the press, an immediate response to an interview request sent to her team was not available.