Kelsey Pfendler begins historic solo ocean rowing trip from California to Hawaii
Pfendler is raising money for the Whale Foundation while trying to break Lia Ditton’s 86-day, 10-hour, 5-minute solo crossing record.
- On May 21, 31-year-old ocean rower Kelsey Pfendler departed Monterey aboard her boat Lily to row solo across the Pacific to Hawaii, aiming to become the first American woman to complete the more than 2,400-mile journey.
- Pfendler brings substantial water experience from her 2024 team completion of the same route in 40 days, 22 hours and 14 minutes, plus eight years guiding Colorado River trips and competition on Team USA at the 2022 World Rafting Championships.
- Early voyage challenges emerged quickly: blistered hands marked day two as she battled offshore currents and headwinds, though day three brought a major milestone crossing the continental shelf.
- If successful, Pfendler would become just the third woman to row to Hawaii unassisted while setting records as the youngest and fastest; her expedition also raises funds for the Whale Foundation supporting the Grand Canyon river community.
- Pfendler targets breaking Lia Ditton's standing record of 86 days, 10 hours and 5 minutes, with her prior team journey in 40 days, 22 hours and 14 minutes suggesting significant time compression is possible.
28 Articles
28 Articles
Woman begins historic solo ocean rowing trip from California to Hawaii
A 31-year-old ocean rower aims to become the first American woman to row solo from California to Hawaii and also set the record as the youngest and fastest woman to complete the challenge. Here's her story and how to track her progress.
Kelsey Pfendler begins historic solo ocean rowing trip from California to Hawaii
A 31-year-old ocean rower aims to become the first American woman to row solo from California to Hawaii and also set the record as the youngest and fastest woman to complete the challenge.
American Woman Is Rowing Solo From California to Hawaii
Stock image by PT STOCK/Getty Images Kelsey Pfendler is currently on a quest to become the first American woman to row solo and unsupported across the mid-Pacific Ocean, from California to Hawaii. She’s just under a week into her journey so far, and she’s already facing some tough hurdles, including weather and fatigue, due to lack of sleep. Pfendler is rowing not just for the street cred but also to raise funds for The Whale Foundation, a netwo…
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