Grand Canyon Guide Becomes Fastest Solo Rower Across Pacific

Kelsey Pfendler, a 32-year-old river guide, rowed solo from Monterey to Honolulu in 44 days, setting the fastest time for any solo rower on the California-Hawaii route. She finished July 3 after departing May 21, surpassing the previous female record of 86 days and the men's record of 52 days. Ocean Rowing Society International and Guinness World Records registered the achievement. Pfendler, who has guided Colorado River rafting trips for eight years, is the first American woman to complete the crossing.