He Paddled All the Way to Alaska on a Stand-Up Paddleboard

We pass Karl Kruger on the road all the time, just as we do every other Orcas Islander. And just like every other Orcas Islander, Karl has quite a story.

Last summer, Karl entered what’s called the Race to Alaska, or R2AK. Anyone can enter it as long as there is no motor used and no support received along the way. It’s 750 miles of ocean to navigate, begins in Port Townsend, Washington, and ends in Ketchikan, Alaska.

While sailboats and catamarans are the norm, Karl chose to compete on a stand-up paddleboard. A first for the race. Though he runs Kruger Escapes here on Orcas, taking people on sailing, skiing, and surfing adventures, he is passionate about the solo nature of paddleboarding.

After I heard that he finished the race in 14 days, I was amazed and wanted to know more. I’ve been a river guide, a bike tour leader, a kayak rolling instructor, an outrigger canoeist, and a small-wave surfer in the past. But I missed the boat when paddleboarding began. It’s so right up my alley but I was busy having and raising children. There’s a gnawing athlete inside of me that hears stories like Karl’s and wants to know more.

A lot of people must have felt similarly, so Karl gave a talk about it the other evening here in town. Rather than regurgitate in words what he said, you need to see him and what he’s doing. Here you go…

My husband also came across another incredibly inspiring video while researching Karl and the event. This is the story of some paralyzed sailors who entered the Race to Alaska. My husband thinks it should be in our local Wild and Scenic Film Festival…

Boy, would I love to do something like the Race to Alaska someday “when” I’m an accomplished and comfortable waterwoman. I wish I didn’t need to write “Ha!” after that. For now, my dream of someday paddling around Orcas Island is big enough for me at the moment. I have no equipment, no expertise, no navigation skills, and no idea how long it would take. But I do have desire. If you’d like to go with me, maybe we can hire Karl as our guide.

For more information about all of these things, here are some links:

Kruger Escapes

Karl’s Race to Alaska site

Race to Alaska