HONOLULU — American ocean rower Kelsey Pfendler has completed a record-breaking solo voyage from California to Hawaii, becoming the first American woman to row the mid-Pacific route alone while also setting the fastest recorded time for the crossing, according to records maintained by Ocean Rowing Society International.
Pfendler arrived at Honolulu's Ala Wai Boat Harbor on Friday evening after rowing more than 2,400 miles (3,900 km) from Monterey, California, in just under 44 days. Hundreds of supporters gathered to welcome her as she brought her 21-foot rowing boat, Lily, into the harbor.
Ocean Rowing Society International, which adjudicates ocean-rowing achievements for Guinness World Records, indicated that Pfendler's crossing surpassed both the previous women's record of about 86 days and the previous overall men's record of about 52 days for the comparable solo route. The organization had not immediately responded to media requests for formal confirmation of the achievement.
Pfendler, a professional Grand Canyon river guide, launched from Monterey in May with the stated goal of becoming the first American woman, the youngest woman and the fastest person to complete the solo California-to-Hawaii crossing. Her progress attracted hundreds of thousands of followers on social media, where she regularly posted video updates documenting the physical and mental demands of the journey.
In those updates, Pfendler described coping with blistered hands, sleep deprivation, shifting winds and currents, and the logistical challenges of living alone at sea for more than six weeks. She also shared details of daily routines, including making fresh water, preparing meals, maintaining equipment and protecting herself from prolonged sun exposure.
According to information published on her website, Pfendler has worked as a professional rafting guide since her late teens and has spent the past eight years leading expeditions on the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon. She previously participated in long-distance ocean rowing as part of a team before attempting the solo Pacific crossing.
Shortly before reaching Hawaii, Pfendler reflected on the significance of the expedition in a video message, saying she hoped her accomplishment would encourage others to pursue difficult personal goals. "You might not think that you are strong enough to finish it right now, but you're definitely strong enough to start it," she said.
Local media reported that Pfendler was expected to speak publicly after arriving in Honolulu. As of Saturday, the record-setting voyage stood as the latest confirmed milestone in one of the world's most demanding ocean-rowing routes.
