Many of our friends have been wondering how we know Taryn Smith, America’s favorite World’s Toughest Rower. Our story begins in the most unlikely of places—Antarctica.
Solo American Female Snags First Place in World’s Toughest Row
Unless you’ve been napping under an Instagram rock for the past six weeks, @TarynSmithMovement’s epic journey has probably shown up in your feed. Taryn’s daily updates as she rowed across the Atlantic Ocean captured the world’s attention.
When Taryn began her 3,000-mile journey in the Canary Islands, her fans numbered in the hundreds. By the time she crossed the finish line in Antigua 46 days later, Taryn had more than half a million people cheering her on. And that number keeps growing.
Taryn didn’t just cross the finish line on January 29—she crushed it. This Nebraskan was clearly raised on more grit than grain. Taryn is the the first solo American woman to compete in the World’s Toughest Row. She also rowed into history snagging first place among solo female racers.
Meeting Taryn Smith on a Base Camp Expedition in Antarctica
Our family met Taryn two years ago on our Basecamp Expedition to Antarctica. This adventure was special for our family for two reasons: It marked our seventh continent together, and it was our first trip with our new son-in-law along.
For most adventurers, braving the notorious Drake Passage is the pinnacle of ocean crossings. For Taryn Smith, it was just the warm-up act.
Our favorite part of travel is not just about the places we explore but the people we meet along the way. Antarctica, in particular, attracts seasoned travelers. But the people who sign up for a Basecamp Expedition are in a league of their own.
These are the travelers who don’t want to see Antarctica, they want to do Antarctica. Oceanwide Expedition’s Basecamp trips are all about doing: kayaking, mountaineering, polar plunging, and even camping!
So it is no surprise that Taryn Smith was on that journey. And just like she crossed the Atlantic solo, she also ventured to Antarctica on her own.
She wasn’t alone for long, though. At 25-years-old, Taryn sits neatly between Delaney (26) and Riley (24). With her Midwest warmth and girl-next-door charm, we immediately liked Taryn. And she fit right in with our family.
World’s Toughest Row and Girls on the Run
It was on this trip that we learned about the World’s Toughest Row. When Taryn told us her plan to row across the Atlantic in a rowboat. All by herself. With no sails or motor. I was equal parts intrigued, impressed, and incredulous. I offered to help sponsor her, even though we’d just met.
That’s the Taryn effect.
She’s authentic, vulnerable, witty, and wraps everything with a silver lining. That’s the young woman the world grew to love with each day’s update from the middle of the ocean. Taryn recorded a short reel of her highs and lows—her wins and struggles—and we were captivated. Taryn’s mom managed her social media during the 46 days at sea.
As a momma, I don’t know if my heart could endure Delaney or Riley undertaking such a feat. I often wondered if Taryn’s mom secretly hoped she wouldn’t raise the funds.
Not only did Taryn Smith raise the funds to compete in the World’s Toughest Row, she also raised over $40,000 for Girls on the Run, a nonprofit that empowers girls. In six weeks, Taryn has gone from championing girls’ sports to becoming an adventure icon for everyone.
The Passport Project and Other Books that Inspired Taryn
In addition to loving adventure, Taryn also loves literature. One of my favorite parts of Taryn’s daily updates was learning what audiobooks she was listening to.
Taryn was not in the same on-shore group as our family, so we don’t have any adventure pictures together. The one photo I do have is of Taryn relaxing in the lounge as we crossed the Drake “Shake” Passage. She’s reading The Passport Project, while other passengers are puking in their cabins. That was my first clue that she’s not like most others.
a # 1 Best Seller in Young Adult Nonfiction Adventures & Adventurers
“My first order of business is creating a reading list
—Taryn Smith, after completing the World’s Toughest Row
of books I loved as I prepared for the row.
The Passport Project is absolutely on it.”
To say I’m honored is a profound understatement.
Taryn Smith Reveals Her Why
Once the World’s Toughest Row began, my new breakfast routine included watching Taryn’s most recent reel. Delaney, Riley, Dale, or I would frequently reach out in our family text with, “Have you seen today’s reel?!”
It was a real-life thriller, and the stakes were high. A rogue wave capsized one Belgium rower when he was 1,000 miles from shore. He was rescued from his life raft by a tanker ship.
However, my favorite reel of all was Day 46. Just hours from finishing the race, Taryn answers the big question, “Why are you rowing across the Atlantic Ocean?”
“Why not? We are meant to go out in this world and do big things and go on big adventures. And stuff like this is the reason to be alive.”
—Taryn Smith, Day 46 of rowing across the Atlantic Ocean solo
We couldn’t agree more.
Well done, Taryn. We’re so proud of you!
Ready to explore the world? Then check out THE PASSPORT PROJECT and THE ULTIMATE TRAVEL TRACKER to inspire and manage your wanderlust.
Interested in more epic adventures? Check out the following:
- Camping in Antarctica: Everything You Need to Know to Survive
- How to Save Thousands on Your Family’s Galapagos Adventure
- Ten Day Namibia Road Trip: Sand, Seals, and Safari
- How to Plan a Budget Vacation to the Luxurious Maldives
- How to Book an Amazing and Affordable South Africa Safari
- No Regrets: Bungee Jumping in Queenstown, New Zealand
- The Passport Project: A DIY Journey Around the World
Interested in more cultural adventures? Check out following:
- Three Tips for Ethically Visting Myanmar‘s Long-Neck Women
- How to Volunteer at Delhi’s Gurudwara Bangla Sahib Sikh Community Kitchen
- Burial, Cremation, and Reincarnation in Bali
- Learn to Meditate at Truc Lam, Da Lat, Vietnam’s Buddhist Monastery
- Family Travel Idea: Spend the Night with the Embera Puru Indians in Panama
- Don’t be Flashy! Guidelines for Luang Prabang’s Alms Giving Ceremony
- Cambodia‘s Genocide: What I Never Learned in School
Inspirational! Admitting I must have been under a rock apparently but so thrilled to be in the know now, thanks to the McIntyre’s – our favorite travel buddies!
You would absolutely LOVE Taryn!! It’s time for another McBaum adventure. 😄