Kelsey Pfendler - Record-Setting Solo Pacific Ocean Rower
Completed solo rowing expedition from California to Hawaii across the Pacific Ocean, documented through media coverage, tracking data, and expedition reporting.
Covered by independent media outlets and expedition reporting platforms.
Solo Pacific Ocean Rowing Expedition from California to Hawaii
Kelsey Pfendler completed a solo ocean rowing expedition across the Pacific Ocean, traveling from California to Hawaii.
The expedition involved extended time at sea in open-ocean conditions, requiring independent navigation, endurance rowing, and continuous self-sufficiency throughout the crossing.
This page serves as a central record of the expedition, including verified media coverage and public documentation.
Kelsey Pfendler Ocean Rowing Society International record page.
Expedition Highlights
Solo unsupported ocean rowing across the Pacific
Multi-day open-water crossing
Continuous at-sea navigation and rowing effort
Completion of California–Hawaii route
After 43 grueling days at sea, Kelsey Pfendler rowed into Honolulu Harbor on Friday night, marking the end of a record-breaking solo journey. The professional Grand Canyon river guide departed Monterey, California, in May, navigating her 21-foot boat, Lily, across more than 2,400 miles of open ocean. Pfendler, who aimed to become the first American woman to complete the crossing, went even further by setting a new speed record that eclipsed both previous men's and women's benchmarks. Her journey, tracked by the Ocean Rowing Society International, became a viral sensation, drawing a massive crowd to greet her at the finish line.
Expedition Facts
2,400+ Miles
Pacific Ocean crossing distance
43 Days, 17 Hours, 55 Minutes
Total time at sea
California → Hawaii
Solo Pacific Ocean rowing route
21-Foot Boat “Lily”
Vessel used for the expedition
Solo Crossing
Independent navigation and rowing across open ocean
New Speed Record
Record-setting completion time for the route
Kelsey Pfendler completed a solo Pacific Ocean rowing expedition from Monterey, California, to Honolulu, Hawaii, covering more than 2,400 miles of open ocean. After 43 days, 17 hours, and 55 minutes at sea, she arrived in Hawaii after setting a new speed record for the crossing.