Taryn Smith Sets Record as First American Woman to Solo Row Across the Atlantic
February 3, 2026
Taryn Smith, hailing from Omaha, Nebraska, embarked on a remarkable adventure despite a significant initial hurdle.
Surprisingly, she had never been on a rowing boat before deciding to take on this immense challenge.
Credit: World’s Toughest Row
Smith began her voyage on December 14, 2025, aiming to be the premier American woman to participate solo in the World’s Toughest Row, renowned as one of the harshest endurance contests worldwide.
Completing her journey on January 29, 2026, Smith reached Nelson’s Dockyard in Antigua after 46 days, 3 hours, and 37 minutes of persistent rowing, covering over 3,000 miles from San Sebastián, La Gomera, near the African coast.
She achieved fifth place overall in the women’s division and secured the top spot in the solo category for women, an exceptional feat for someone who had never rowed prior to this challenge.
During her solitary journey, Smith actively documented her expedition on Instagram, using Starlink satellite to post videos from the ocean’s expanse. Her posts offered candid insights on resilience, discomfort, and perseverance.
“It’s good for us to be uncomfortable sometimes,” Smith remarked. “I think it’s a part of the human experience.”
Despite being isolated at sea, facing exhaustion and challenging conditions, Smith demonstrated that courage is not about prior experience but about attempting difficult tasks regardless.
Watch her interview below:
“`
