At a Glance
- Taryn Smith launched a solo Atlantic row on Dec. 14 2025 after two years of training.
- The voyage, originally projected for 60-85 days, is now expected to finish in about 50 days.
- Smith’s journey has drawn over 600,000 followers, with her mother posting updates.
Why it matters: Her story shows how determination and preparation can turn an ambitious dream into reality, inspiring others to pursue bold challenges.
Taryn Smith, a 25-year-old from Omaha, Nebraska, announced she would row solo across the Atlantic after reading about an all-female team that sailed from San Francisco to Hawaii. The idea sparked a drive to push herself beyond any prior experience, leading her to leave a career in human resources and yoga instruction.
The Spark
In the summer of 2022, Smith read about a female crew that completed a trans-Pacific row. “I just remember thinking it sounded like the most amazing thing in the entire world,” she told News Of Los Angeles exclusively. Within months she had committed to a larger challenge: a solo Atlantic crossing.
Training and Preparation
- Left HR job in June 2023 to train full-time.
- Spent two years preparing, including nearly seven weeks living aboard her boat in England.
- Focused on building endurance, strength, and mental resilience for life at sea.
Smith’s training regimen involved daily rowing drills, weight training, and simulated sea conditions. The extended stay in England allowed her to practice maintaining a vessel while dealing with isolation and limited resources.
Launch Day
On Dec. 14 2025, Smith set sail from a port in the United Kingdom. The journey was expected to take 60 to 85 days. However, favorable currents and weather have shortened the timeline.
“I’m looking at about 50 days now,” Smith said. The reduction means she will arrive earlier than initially planned, but the physical demands remain intense.
Daily Life at Sea
Smith rows 10 to 12 hours each day, mostly during daylight. The remainder of her schedule is divided among:
- Boat maintenance and repairs.
- Position checks and navigation.
- Meal preparation and cooking.
- Rest and sleep.
“There’s stuff to do all of the time,” she explained. The routine keeps her body and mind engaged, preventing monotony in the long voyage.
Physical Challenges
Early on, Smith experienced muscle fatigue in her knees, core, and lower back. Over time, her body adapted, and she reported:
“My muscles have felt really strong throughout the journey. My arms and back are strong now, even if some things have changed.”
The continuous rowing has built significant upper-body and core strength, while the isolation has forced her to manage pain and recover without external help.
Mental Resilience
The solitude of the Atlantic has been the greatest test. Smith noted:
“There have been some really difficult moments, but I’ve also felt so much peace and happiness being out here by myself. The expectations I used to feel have kind of disappeared.”
She described the mental shift as liberating: “The only chatter in my head now is my own.”
Sharing the Journey
Smith’s mother posted videos and updates on Instagram, allowing the public to follow the expedition. The account grew to over 600,000 followers.
She said, “I am not posting on Instagram – I haven’t logged on at all. My mom is posting for me. I think it went viral around the day 27 update.”
The day-27 post was a vulnerable recount of a stressful, scary day. The authenticity resonated, boosting engagement and spreading her story.
Reflections and Impact
When she imagines returning to land, Smith anticipates physical fatigue but also emotional connection:
“I think my legs will give out, and then I’ll just want to hug my parents.”
She reflects on how the journey has reshaped her view of possibility:
“It seems impossible that a girl from Nebraska could do this, but everything is more within reach than we think.”
Smith encourages others to embrace big challenges, even when alone:
“I hope people understand that you should take on your biggest challenges, even if it means being alone. Even if it’s scary. You can do it – and you probably won’t be alone for very long.”
Timeline of Key Milestones
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| Summer 2022 | Inspired by all-female rowing team article |
| June 2023 | Left HR job to train full-time |
| Dec. 14 2025 | Set sail for Atlantic crossing |
| Day 27 | Viral Instagram update from mother |
| Expected arrival | Roughly 50 days after launch |
The story continues as Smith approaches her destination, offering a real-time glimpse into the endurance, isolation, and triumph of solo ocean rowing.
Key Takeaways
- Preparation and determination can transform a daring idea into a tangible adventure.
- Physical and mental resilience are both crucial for long-duration solo expeditions.
- Authentic storytelling can inspire a global audience and bring attention to personal achievements.
Taryn Smith’s Atlantic row demonstrates that with commitment, one can break barriers and inspire others to pursue their own bold dreams.
