Kelsey Pfendler, a 32-year-old solo paddler, is nearing the end of her more than 2,400-mile journey from Monterey to Hawaii and continues to push ahead to break the overall course record. Pfendler’s arrival will be broadcast live on social media. Pfendler began her journey on May 21, sailing from Monterey. Almost 44 days later, she crossed the finish line at 11:54 pm PST on July 3 in Hawaii. Pfendler completed the journey in an attempt to become the youngest and fastest woman to row solo from Monterey to Hawaii. The previous women’s record was held by Leah Ditton, who completed the journey in 86 days, 10 hours and 5 minutes in 2020. Overall, Pfendler became the third woman to achieve such a feat. By completing the journey in just 44 days, Pfendler broke the previous women’s record. She also appears to have beaten the previous overall record of Rob Eustace of the United Kingdom, who completed the journey in 52 days, 13 hours and 17 minutes in 2014, according to Guinness World Records. Pfendler said her journey is about more than just endurance. She also strives to raise awareness and money for The Whale Foundation, an organization that provides health and wellness services to Grand Canyon river guides. Since Pfendler began her journey, more than $30,000 has already been donated directly to the organization, according to The Whale Foundation. The group said the amount is enough to provide more than 334 free consultations to Grand Canyon river guides in need of support. The foundation said donations are still coming in through Pfendler’s fundraising account and the matching Hatch River Expeditions fund, and fundraising totals are expected to be announced in the coming weeks. The Whale Foundation said every dollar donated goes directly toward programs and services, including free mental health counseling, educational scholarships, health insurance scholarships, and annual health insurance. fair, health financial resources and mentoring. The organization said its mission is to ensure that every Grand Canyon river guide has a place to go when they need support, health, guidance and care. Pfendler said the Whale Foundation has a long history of supporting the river community, and she hopes her trip is a way to give back. To follow her journey online, click here.
Hawaii –
Kelsey Pfendler, a 32-year-old solo paddler, is nearing the end of her more than 2,400-mile journey from Monterey to Hawaii and continues to race to break the overall course record.
Pfendler’s arrival will be broadcast on social media.
Pfendler began her journey on May 21, sailing from Monterey. Almost 44 days later, she crossed the finish line at 11:54 pm PT on July 3 in Hawaii.
Pfendler completed the journey aiming to become the youngest and fastest woman to row solo from Monterey to Hawaii.
The previous women’s record was held by Leah Ditton, who completed the journey in 86 days, 10 hours and 5 minutes in 2020. Overall, Pfendler became the third woman to achieve this feat.
Finishing in less than 44 days, Pfendler broke the previous women’s record.
She also broke the previous overall record of Rob Eustace of the United Kingdom, who completed the journey in 52 days, 13 hours and 17 minutes in 2014, according to Guinness World Records.
Pfendler said her journey is about more than just endurance. She also paddles to raise awareness and money for The Whale Foundation, an organization that provides health and wellness services to Grand Canyon river guides.
Since Pfendler began her journey, more than $30,000 has been donated directly to the organization, according to The Whale Foundation. The group said the amount is enough to provide more than 334 free consultations to Grand Canyon river guides in need of support.
The foundation said donations are still coming in through Pfendler’s fundraising account and the matching Hatch River Expeditions fund, with fundraising totals expected to be announced in the coming weeks.
The Keith Foundation said every dollar donated goes directly to programs and services, including free mental health counseling, educational scholarships, health insurance scholarships, an annual health fair, health care financial resources and mentoring.
The organization said its mission is to ensure that every Grand Canyon river guide has a place to go when they need support, health, guidance and care.
Pfendler said the Whale Foundation has a long history of supporting the river community, and she hopes her trip will be a way to give back.