Female US rower reflects on ‘surreal’ record-breaking journey from California to Hawaii

Kelsey Pfendler, a 32-year-old Grand Canyon river-rafting guide, has become the first US woman to row solo from California to Hawaii, completing the 2,400-mile journey in a record-breaking time of under 44 days. She departed Monterey, California, on May 21st and arrived in Honolulu on July 3rd in her 21ft rowboat, Lily. Pfendler's time surpassed previous female and male records. She hopes her accomplishment will inspire other women to take risks and push their limits. Pfendler documented challenges such as blistered hands and sleeping difficulties, alongside moments of awe at the ocean's immensity.

Kelsey Pfendler, a Grand Canyon river-rafting guide, has completed a solo rowboat journey from California to Hawaii. She arrived in Honolulu on Friday night after nearly a month and a half at sea, covering over 2,400 miles in her 21ft rowboat, Lily. Pfendler aimed to be the first U.S. woman, youngest woman, and fastest woman to complete this mid-Pacific crossing. Her journey, launched from Monterey, California, in May, appears to have broken both the previous women's and men's speed records, finishing in under 44 days. Pfendler documented her challenges, including blistered hands and sleep deprivation, as well as her methods for survival at sea. She expressed hope that her accomplishment would empower others to pursue their own difficult goals.

Kelsey Pfendler, a Grand Canyon river rafting guide, has completed a solo rowing journey from California to Hawaii, setting a new record. She arrived in Honolulu on Friday night after nearly a month and a half at sea, having launched from Monterey, California, in May. Pfendler aimed to be the first American woman, the youngest woman, and the fastest woman to complete the over 2,400-mile voyage solo. According to Ocean Rowing Society International records, she finished in under 44 days, surpassing both the previous women's and men's speed records. Pfendler documented her journey on social media, sharing the challenges and logistics of her solo ocean passage.