AI Generated Image
First American Woman Rows Solo From California to Hawaii
The New York Times • • nation
Key Points:
- Kelsey Pfendler, a 32-year-old Grand Canyon river-rafting guide, successfully rowed solo from Central California to Hawaii, covering over 2,300 miles in 43 days.
- She docked her 21-foot rowboat at Ala Wai harbor in Honolulu, receiving a hero’s welcome from hundreds of fans and thousands of congratulatory messages on social media.
- Pfendler is believed to be the first American woman, the youngest person, and the fastest individual to complete the solo, unassisted California-to-Hawaii rowing route, finishing in 43 days, 17 hours, 55 minutes, and 59 seconds.
- Her time more than halved the previous record held by the next-fastest woman, who completed the journey in just over 86 days in 2020.
- Supporters onshore guided her arrival with phone lights and cheers, highlighting the community’s admiration for her historic achievement.
