Karl Krüger is an American adventurer, sea captain, and paddler whose life is deeply rooted in wilderness, spirituality, and exploration. Taught to paddle by his father at age three, he went on to windsurf at 12, teach sailing by 17, and today holds a U.S. Coast Guard 100-ton Master’s License with sail and tow endorsements.

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In 2017, he became the first person to complete the Race to Alaska on a stand-up paddleboard (SUP), covering 750 miles of the Canadian Pacific coast in just over two weeks. By 2023, Karl had shifted his focus to polar exploration, paddling 877 miles along the Canadian Arctic coast, unsupported, as part of his multi-season Northwest Passage journey.

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Karl is the founder of Krüger Creative, a nonprofit dedicated to wilderness exploration, personal growth, and environmental awareness. Under its umbrella, Krüger Expeditions offers day sails and multi-day “sail-to-ski” or “sail-to-surf” journeys aboard SV ANIMUS, a 64’ steel cutter, immersing guests in Karl’s world. These adventures draw on his 20+ years of west coast charter experience and over 40 years of water and wilderness expertise, with all proceeds supporting the nonprofit’s mission.

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Karl’s work goes beyond adventure: he sees wilderness as a space for growth, healing, and renewal. His expeditions reflect the deep connection between humans and nature and draw on his personal history and life experiences.