Daily Inspiration: Meet Kelsey Pfendler

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kelsey Pfendler.

Hi Kelsey, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I’ve been a professional river guide for about 14 years, working on the Arkansas River and the Colorado River in Grand Canyon. I have always loved rowing. In 2024 I formed an all women’s team of 4 the rowed 2,800 miles from Monterey CA to Kauai Hawaii as part of the worlds toughest row. During that row I felt so sad to know that the row and the process would soon be over. I quickly began planning my next row after our landing in Kauai. I am preparing to row from Monterey to Oahu this spring, Solo. I will be the first American women, the youngest and I am attempting to break the current women’s world record, which is 86 days.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
No! When I bought my first ocean rowing boat from the Netherlands for the first team row, it arrived in bad shape. I spent 5 months rebuilding that boat ahead of our 2024 launch. I struggled, failed and learned a lot. During the row we capsized, and many things broke. But I felt much more prepared because of the time I spent fixing the boat.
This row is different, I don’t need to build a team, and I know more of what i’m getting into.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I’m a professional river guide, on the Arkansas and now primarily multi day trips in Grand Canyon. I also work as an EMT in the Salida ER as I’m getting my nursing degree.

Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?
I don’t live in Denver, I live in Chaffee County, but I come to Denver often. My favorite part of Denver is the food scene. There is incredible food here, and I love food. My least favorite is the traffic.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://YouRowKelsey.com
• Instagram: @YouRowKelsey
• Facebook: YouRowKelsey

Image Credits
Worlds Toughest Row