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 network of support services designed to support the Grand Canyon river guiding community. She notes in a social-media post that this foundation has played an important role in her life, and this is her way of giving back.
[RELATED: Four Men Prepare to Row From Washington State to Hawaii]
Notably, Pfendler has taken this route before, and she completed the row from California to Hawaii with three other women back in 2024. However, this time, she’s doing it all by herself. Only two other women have done this route solo and unsupported so far, and Pfendler intends to be the third. If she does, she’ll become the first American woman to accomplish this feat.
Follow along with Pfendler’s journey here.
Watch the latest updates to her TikTok page below:
@yourowkelsey With big conditions coming soon, there is a chance we will not see content from Kelsey coming in as often. She has plenty of eyes on her though, making sure she is safe and moving forward. You can also track her through YB Races, which sends an updated location every 4 hours. Kelsey is rowing to raise funds for The Whale Foundation an organization whose mission is to support, restore, and celebrate the health and well-being of the Grand Canyon river guiding community. Links to learn more and donate are in our bio. @Concept2 @Recpak @insta360 official
♬ original sound – YouRowKelsey
@yourowkelsey Preparations for big weather happen early. The boat is specially built to self-right in the event of a capsize, but every item on deck needs to be secured so nothing is lost. That also means charging batteries, getting some extra sleep, and making water in case those things cannot be done later. Kelsey is rowing to raise funds for The Whale Foundation an organization whose mission is to support, restore, and celebrate the health and well-being of the Grand Canyon river guiding community. Links to learn more and donate are in our bio. @Concept2 @Recpak @insta360 official
♬ original sound – YouRowKelsey
@yourowkelsey The first big wins of the row! Crossing over the continental shelf and getting some sleep. You can track her progress through YB Races (linked in bio). Kelsey is rowing to raise funds for The Whale Foundation an organization whose mission is to support, restore, and celebrate the health and well-being of the Grand Canyon river guiding community. @Concept2 @Recpak
♬ original sound – YouRowKelsey
@yourowkelsey These are the realities of rowing an ocean. Little sleep, big waves, and blistered hands. All things that Kelsey is very familiar with, but it doesn’t make them easier. Kelsey is rowing to raise funds for The Whale Foundation an organization whose mission is to support, restore, and celebrate the health and well-being of the Grand Canyon river guiding community. Links to learn more and donate are in our bio. @Concept2 @Recpak
♬ original sound – YouRowKelsey
@yourowkelsey First updates from Kelsey are coming in! She is 12 hours into and feeling great. Shoutout to the Costco pizza for helping keep the stoke high. Kelsey is rowing to raise funds for The Whale Foundation, an organization whose mission is to support, restore, and celebrate the health and well-being of the Grand Canyon river guiding community. Links to learn more and donate are in our bio.
♬ original sound – YouRowKelsey
Header stock image by PT STOCK/Getty Images
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