Nebraskan becomes first American woman to row solo across Atlantic Ocean
completing the 3,000-mile journey in 46 days, 3 hours and 37 minutes
OMAHA, Neb. (KOLN) - A Nebraska woman became the first American woman to row solo across the Atlantic Ocean in the World’s Toughest Row in January, completing the 3,000-mile journey in 46 days, 3 hours and 37 minutes.
Taryn Smith, a 25-year-old yoga instructor, shared glimpses of her journey and resilience with more than 600,000 followers online during the voyage.
“It was an amazing feeling to represent the states in this race,” Smith said.
Smith lived on her boat for the duration of the crossing, spending most of her time on deck.
“Now I am from Nebraska. I am from the most landlocked state in the country, and so this is not my natural habitat,” Smith said in a video update on Instagram.
The Omaha native was working in Idaho at Redfish Lake when she first heard about the World’s Toughest Row.
“And one day I read an article in Vogue about a team of women that rode from San Francisco to Hawaii,” Smith said. “And I thought, ‘Ocean roaming just sounds like the most amazing adventure. I have to do it.’”
In 2022, Smith pitched this adventure to her parents, Burke and Shelly Smith, who watched her pursue marathons, ice skating, hiking and other large feats.