ANTIGUA — Taryn Smith, a 25-year-old from Nebraska, arrived on the shores of Antigua on Thursday, Jan. 29, 2026, successfully finishing a 3,000-mile solo rowing journey across the Atlantic Ocean.
The 46-day trip began in La Gomera, Spain. Smith’s journey was part of the "World’s Toughest Row," an annual endurance event that challenges participants to cross the ocean in specialized rowboats.
Smith, a human resources manager and yoga teacher, spent three years training for the expedition despite having no previous rowing experience.
Life at Sea
Throughout the 3,000-mile crossing, Smith followed a rigorous daily routine. She rowed for about 10 to 12 hours every day.
The boat was equipped with survival gear, including meal packs and a "water maker"—a tool that turns saltwater into drinking water. The boat also featured a small sleeping cabin in the stern, or the back, where she rested between rowing sessions.
Smith documented her journey through daily social media updates, sharing her progress with more than 620,000 followers on Instagram.
Supporting a Cause
Smith used her journey to support Girls on the Run, a nonprofit dedicated to empowering school-aged girls through physical activity and confidence-building.
A video of the race finish is available on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rwWC7P4jsuo.
