American Kelsey Pfendler crossed the Central Pacific Ocean alone The 21-foot (about 6.4 meters) rowing boat “Lily” isThe journey from California to Hawaii took less than 44 days. According to preliminary data, she broke the world speed record for this route in both the women's and men's categories, reports the Associated Press.
Kelsey Pfendler is an experienced Grand Canyon guide with eight years of experience leading multi-day rafting trips on the Colorado River, writes Hawaii News Now.
Setting off from Monterey, California, in May, Pfendler planned not only to cross the ocean over 2,400 miles (approximately 3,860 km), but also to make history as “the first American, youngest and fastest woman” to complete a solo crossing of the central Pacific Ocean.
Pfendler arrived at Honolulu Harbor in Hawaii on the evening of Friday, July 3, as hundreds of people gathered at the Hawaii Yacht Club to congratulate her on her successful arrival.
Along the way, Pfendler recorded videos in which she shared details of her experience. She told her Instagram followers about blisters, difficulty sleeping during wind storms, and the constant physical and mental stress caused by currents and adverse weather conditions. Pfendler also talked about daily worries – she described her diet, which consisted of powdered milk, carbohydrate mixtures and ready-made camp meals, explained how she washes clothes, protects her skin from ultraviolet radiation and boils water.
In an interview with Outside, she noted that the most difficult part of everyday tasks is caring for the body. She had to apply cream every few hours to prevent chafing and protect her skin from water and sun exposure. To distract herself, Pfendler listened to music, podcasts and audiobooks. In particular, she said that she included J. R. R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings and a historical novel about Hawaii in the background.
With her swim, Pfendler aimed to raise funds for the Whale Foundation, a non-profit organization that supports the financial and physical well-being of guides working in the Grand Canyon area.
“This transition is not only a physical challenge. “I will be paddling to raise awareness and funds for the Whale Foundation, an organization dedicated to supporting the health and well-being of Grand Canyon rafting guides,” Pfendler wrote.
Pfendler's results appeared on the website of the Ocean Rowing Society International (ORS), which collaborates with the Guinness Book of Records. Data suggests she has already surpassed Britain's Leah Ditton, who completed a similar trek in 86 days in 2020, and has also broken the men's record, which was set in 52 days. It took the American 43 days and approximately 18 hours to complete the entire journey.
This isn't Pfaendler's first big trip—in 2024, she skippered the Hericane Rowing team, which had five women, including herself, successfully sail from Monterey to Kauai in 40 days.
