US rower Kelsey Pfendler completes historic solo California-to-Hawaii journey

Kelsey Pfendler, a Grand Canyon river-rafting guide, has made history by becoming the first U.S. woman to row solo across the mid-Pacific, completing a record-breaking journey from California to Hawaii. Hundreds gathered to welcome her as she arrived at Honolulu harbor on Friday night aboard her 21-foot rowboat, Lily, after an arduous voyage lasting 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 (3,900 km) solo crossing. Her journey captivated hundreds of thousands who followed her progress on social media, where she shared candid videos detailing the highs, lows, and unique experiences of her solitary trek on the vast ocean.

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I just love boats in the middle of nowhere.

According to records maintained by Ocean Rowing Society International, Pfendler appears to have shattered both the previous women's and men's speed records for the route. Her finish time of just under 44 days significantly beats the former comparable female record of 86 days and the male record of 52 days, as recognized by both the society and Guinness World Records.

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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.

Pfendler's video diaries offered a raw look at the logistics and survival aspects of her voyage. She openly discussed challenges such as blistered hands, difficulty sleeping amidst strong winds, and the constant mental and physical battle against unfavorable currents. She also detailed practicalities like cooking, sun protection, laundry, and water purification at sea.

Nearing Oahu, Pfendler reflected on the significance of her accomplishment. "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 in a recent video. She encouraged others to pursue their own daunting goals, adding, "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."

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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. I’m going to go finish my big, hard scary thing.