From California to Hawaii: A Record-Breaking Row

Written By Captain Taylan Stulting, President of Oar the Rainbow.

Crossing the Pacific Ocean in a rowing boat is no small feat. It is a test of endurance, teamwork, and resilience. For our trio, Julie, Courtney, and myself, the journey was as transformative as it was grueling. Sponsored by Concept2, we took on the World's Toughest Row with our boat Emma. What followed was a once-in-a-lifetime adventure that pushed us to our limits and taught us more than we ever imagined. 

Settling Into the Routine
One of the hardest parts of the row was adjusting to the daily rhythm. During daylight hours, we only had one hour off at a time. That was barely enough to squeeze in boat chores, grab a bite, wash up, and maybe sneak in a short nap. The relentless schedule demanded efficiency and discipline, and it took time to find our groove. 

Weathering the Conditions
The Pacific didn’t make it easy. We encountered numerous squalls, short-lived but intense bursts of wind and rain that left us soaked and scrambling to adjust. Early on, the weather was surprisingly cool, but as we neared Hawaii, the heat became oppressive. Thankfully, cloud cover often gave us brief reprieves from the sun. Still, each shift felt like a new challenge, with constantly changing conditions forcing us to adapt our rowing technique to the waves and wind. 

Wildlife Encounters
We had high hopes of spotting whales, but none made an appearance. Instead, the ocean offered other surprises. In the first half of the row, Portuguese man o’ war surrounded our boat in staggering numbers. At times, swarms of thousands drifted by. Later, flying fish became our nighttime companions, occasionally smacking us in the face mid-row. Watching schools of them glide 100 feet across the water was both eerie and mesmerizing. 

Our most memorable encounter was with a bird that Julie named Emmanuel, in honor of our boat Emma. After a particularly rough squall, Emmanuel landed on our bow cabin and stayed for over 12 hours. Anytime Julie or Courtney tried to enter or exit the cabin, Emmanuel would threaten to bite. One of us had to distract him with our solar panel squeegee while the other climbed in or out. It was a bizarre and hilarious standoff that we will never forget. 

The Human Side
Living in such close quarters under extreme conditions taught us a lot about each other and ourselves. There were moments of fear, tension, and disagreement, but we always came back to our mission statement: Stay true, stay fast, stay friends. That mantra helped us navigate the tough times and cherish the joyful ones. Laughter, shared stories, and spontaneous dance parties reminded us why we were out there together. 

Photo Courtesy of World's Toughest Row

The Final Push and Finish Line
The last 12 hours were brutal. Our autopilot system failed, forcing us to hand-steer much earlier than planned. With only Julie and Courtney rowing while I steered, we battled heavy winds, darkness, strong tides, and relentless squalls. It was, without question, the hardest part of the entire row. 

But we made it. 

Crossing the finish line was surreal. It was a mix of exhaustion, pride, and overwhelming joy. Despite everything, we beat the world record for a trio crossing the Pacific. Hugging our families again was pure bliss. We missed them deeply, and that reunion is a feeling none of us will ever forget. 

Reflections
Our crossing was truly an incredible experience. Yes, we faced sea sickness, broken gear, heat exhaustion, and countless other challenges. But we adapted, overcame, and grew stronger. There were moments of pure joy, deep learning, and unforgettable connection, not just with the ocean, but with each other. 

We are proud of what we accomplished and grateful to everyone who supported us along the way. This journey was more than a race. It was a testament to the power of perseverance, friendship, and the human spirit. 

About Oar the Rainbow
Oar the Rainbow is a U.S.-based ocean rowing team founded on the belief that adventure can inspire inclusion, visibility, and positive change. Led by Captain Taylan Stulting, the crew of Julie, Courtney, and Taylan became the first trio to break the world record for a Pacific Ocean crossing in the 2025 World’s Toughest Row. The team’s mission—Stay true. Stay fast. Stay friends. —guides everything they do, both on and off the water. Through their expeditions, Oar the Rainbow champions representation, mental health awareness, and the celebration of courage in all its forms.