Taryn was born and raised in Omaha, Nebraska. She loves the cornhusker state but after graduating from Nebraska Wesleyan University with a bachelors in Political Science, began working at Redfish Lake Lodge in Stanley, Idaho. Taryn lives in Stanley for the summer months and spends the winters traveling the world.

Taryn’s first solo adventure began January 14, 2022 with a season in the French alps. She took a break from skiing to become a certified yoga teacher under the instruction of Mariza Smith in Chamonix, France.

Later that year she read an article in Vogue about four women rowing the Pacific Ocean. Captivated by a sport that combines physical endurance and boats (she grew up sailing, a love inherited from her grandfathers), Taryn signed up to race in the World’s Toughest Row while sitting in the airport on her way down to Patagonia, a few days after running the NYC marathon.

In 2023 Taryn traveled the world before diving into ocean rowing. She visited every continent by herself but found great joy in building community along the way.

February, 2024 Taryn began training for her 3,000 mile, unsupported solo row across the Atlantic which begins December 12, 2025.

“Taryn Smith Movement” is a landing place for her personal and professional passions of creating community and seeking grand escapades around the world. She is always curious and relishes any chance to learn something new.