Erden Eruç is a Turkish-American adventurer who became the first person in history to complete an entirely solo and entirely human-powered circumnavigation of the Earth on July 21, 2012. His adventures have garnered him 16 Guinness World Records and numerous honors including the The Explorers Club Citation of Merit.

At the age of 41 he left the corporate office world, allowing him all the time he needed to pursue a dream of far-flung outdoor adventures. His new occupation was educating and inspiring others, especially children, through the pursuit of entirely human-powered travels around the world. He is now a sailor and delivery captain, holding the credentials of USCG 50GRT Master with sailing and towing endorsements and RYA Yachtmaster Offshore.

Mr. Woodring is the Founder of Ocean Recovery Alliance, a non-profit organization which is focused on bringing together innovative solutions, technology, collaborations and policy to create positive improvements for the health of the ocean. Doug was recently awarded the 2018 Prince’s Prize for Innovative Philanthropy from Prince Albert of Monaco. He is a United Nations Environment (UNEP) Climate Hero, and Google Earth Hero for his efforts, and has been on the advisory board of the XPrize, and The Economist’s World Oceans Summit. 

Mr. Woodring has worked in Asia for over 25 years, including four years in the asset management industry, where at Merrill Lynch Asset Management Hong Kong in 1998, he proposed the company’s first global environmental technology fund.  In 2019 he was inducted into the International Marathon Swimming Hall of Fame for his innovative contributions to the sport, and was also named as one of the top 50 “watermen” in the world.  

Born in Northern California, Mr. Woodring has a dual master’s degree from The Wharton School (MBA) and Johns Hopkins University, School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS) in Environmental Economics.  He has BA from the University of California at Berkeley.