Kelsey Pfendler Gives Interviews as She Rows the Pacific

Kelsey Pfendler has been guiding trips for Hatch River Expeditions since 2017. Today, she is in the middle of the Pacific ocean, a little over halfway to Hawaii from the coast of California. She is attempting to make the journey solo—as only the third woman and the first American woman to do so—and to break the women’s world record in the process.

Kelsey Pfendler on NPR’s All Things Considered

In a June 16th interview with NPR’s Ailsa Chang on All Things Considered, Kelsey talks about the emotional highs and lows of her journey so far, her love or rowing, and what she gets out of putting herself out in the wilderness where she isn’t in control of what’s happening around her.

Listen to the interview or read the transcript on npr.org.

Kelsey Pfendler on NPR’s All Things Considered

In an article for Outside Online, updated on June 18th, 2026, Kelsey tells Abigail Wise about the challenges she faces while rowing from mundane tasks—like basic bodily maintenance—to maintaining the right mindset. Kelsey also gives a shoutout to the Whale Foundation, the organization she is supporting with her row. 

Read the interview on outsideonline.com. 

EDITED 6/18/26 to include Outside Online interview in addition to All Things Considered.