Grand Canyon rafting trips in July and August amazing—here are 5 reasons why! Perhaps our most asked question in the Hatch office is:...
5 reasons Grand Canyon rafting trips in July and August are so worth it!
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Kelsey Pfendler, Hatch River Guide, Breaks Ocean Rowing Records
Kelsey Pfendler Sets Multiple Ocean Rowing Records
EDIT 7/10/26: Watch Kelsey’s latest interview on SportsCenter with ESPN.
Kelsey Pfendler’s Journey Across the Pacific
On July 4th at 12:54am Arizona Time, Kelsey Pfendler completed her journey across the Pacific Ocean from California to Hawaii. She completed the nearly 2,400 mile journey in only 43 days, 18 hrs, and 12 minutes, becoming the fastest person to row solo and unsupported across the Mid-Pacific. She also became the first American woman as well as the youngest woman to complete the journey.
Along the way Pfendler, who has been professionally guiding Grand Canyon river trips for Hatch River Expeditions for nearly a decade, recorded her journey and shared it via social media. Her adventure caught the attention of millions of followers, and her triumph has featured prominently in the news:
- Hawaii News Now: Record-breaking solo rower Kelsey Pfendler arrives in Hawaii
- Outside Online: Kelsey Pfendler Rowed a 132-Square-Foot Boat Alone for 43 Days. She Broke Multiple Records.
- ABC News: American rower Kelsey Pfendler speaks out after making history
- The New York Times: First American Woman Rows Solo From California to Hawaii
Part of the reason Pfendler gave for sharing her journey was to raise money and awareness for the Whale Foundation, an organization that provides mental health and other services to Grand Canyon river guides, and that has personally benefitted Pfendler through her own difficult time.
Hatch River Expeditions Matches Donations to the Whale Foundation
In the spirit of boosting support to the Whale Foundation, Hatch River Expeditions began a donation matching program on June 25, 2026. The company committed to matching up to $5,000 in funds contributed directly to the Whale Foundation before Pfendler completed her journey.
In all, supporters provided Hatch with donation confirmations totalling $8,607.47—exceeding the matched amount by over $3,600. (The foundation itself has recorded an even higher total number of donors who noted that they were contributing because of You Row Kelsey and the Hatch match.)
Read more about the Whale Foundation:
Watch the videos of Kelsey Pfendler’s 43 day journey across the Pacific Ocean on her social media channels:
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