First American Woman Rows Solo to Hawaii | Durham News

Durham News Today | 2 Min News | The Daily News Now! · Jul 6, 2026 · 1m

Kelsey Pfendler just shattered records—becoming the first American woman to solo row from California to Hawaii, clocking in at 43 days, 17 hours, and 55 minutes, possibly setting a new speed record. Starting May 21 from Monterey, she braved 2,400 miles of ocean, sharing updates on social media and even receiving a Coast Guard birthday serenade mid-pacific. Landing in Honolulu on July 3 to a sea of cheering fans, she called the moment surreal—proof of the power of perseverance. As a Grand Canyon river guide, Pfendler’s journey was both terrifying and majestic, and she hopes to inspire other…