In this week's episode, Zach sits down in person with Ralph Crafty, the founder of Crafty One Customs. Building a fishing rod is one thing, but creating a community is something that not everyone can do. It's safe to say that not only does Crafty One produce some incredible weapons, ready to take on that next bluefin, but also a culture around the people that take to the coast in search of something more than just a fish. It was a pleasure having Ralph on, so crack a beer and tune in! Subscribe ...
Apr 04, 2021•1 hr 33 min
Squid, Jarhead, and Chair Force are all nicknames given to branches of the military and the Coast Guard is no exception; earning the name Puddle Pirate. Yet despite poking fun at the service Chris Edington, a former Coastie himself decided to create a brand around it in order to pay homage to the brave men and women protecting the coast both domestic and abroad. We chat about life in the Coast Guard, his career in a band, and of course how Puddle Pirate came to be. Grab your PFD and tune in! Sub...
Mar 21, 2021•57 min
In this week’s episode, we sit down with Nick Halleran, the founder of the Make and Ride Surf Exchange. It's one thing to buy a surfboard off the rack, but another to build it yourself. So rather than following the crowd, Nick decided to go against the grain and create a surfboard shop that specializes in helping you shape your own board! It was a great time getting to hang with Nick and have a conversation far beyond building surfboards. Subscribe to our newsletter: https://www.alongthekeel.com...
Mar 15, 2021•1 hr 11 min
In this week's episode, Zach sits down with the folks from Hey Skipper. What was once just love for fishing eventually grew into a highly successful Youtube channel boasting over 400k subscribers! Now it has grown into a full-time business creating innovative products such as salted baits and educational tools to get more people out on the water fishing. Subscribe to our newsletter: https://www.alongthekeel.com/contact Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/along_the_keel/ Facebook: https://www.fa...
Feb 21, 2021•1 hr 5 min
Time seems to be the only resource that is reliably going away. What we have is all we have, and what we do with our time on this planet matters. In this week’s episode, we chat with Michael Simms, founder of the Hook and Gaff Watch Company. A brand built by the shores and streams of South Carolina, Michael set out to make a classically designed watch with the purpose of serving the sportsman, and a company that gives back to the community that he knows and loves. Tune in to learn why Hook and G...
Feb 14, 2021•1 hr 12 min
This week I sit down with Captain John from The Capt App a web-based application that connects you with local USCG Captains for any of your boating needs. Whether you are looking to get your vessel delivered or need a boating lesson the Capt App will connect you with a quality captain. John and I chat about his career in the maritime industry, his experience as a captain, and of course how it all came to be. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Feb 05, 2021•50 min
A backpack on a mission! The @gotbag is the world’s first backpack made with 100% ocean plastic. With a team of over 1,500 fishermen around the world collecting ocean plastics, the German company is doing its part to close the loop on plastic pollution. This week I sat down with co-founder Benny Mandos, co-founder of GOT Bag, and Matthias Paisdzior, the head of GOT Bag North America, to talk about how GOT Bag is doing its part in the fight against ocean plastics. Learn more about your ad choices...
Jan 29, 2021•51 min
There are fishermen, and then there are guys like Arthur, Brian, and Pat from Operation Reel Heros. A group of guys who selflessly take out veterans fishing off the coast of Cape Cod and Long Island, doing their part to give back to those that served our nation. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Jan 20, 2021•1 hr
Today I chat with “Mr. Wish I Waz Fishin” himself, Chris Hollingsworth, the man behind Fish Sox USA. Chris has been there and done that, having tried his hand at pro golf, surfing, and fishing, to working as a plumber, and owning an event planning company. The journey of how Fish Sox started undoubtedly has its twists and turns, so stick around and find out how Chris ended up printing your catch on your next pair of socks. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Jan 16, 2021•56 min
Just like peanut butter and jelly, fenders, and a boat go hand in hand. Chances are, on any vessel, big or small, you will find a pair of fenders stowed away. Although important to any boat, they don’t always look great and, in some cases, can create scuff marks on your hull. Adam and Glenn decided to give fenders a bit of a makeover, using high-quality materials, unmatched service, and the ability to customize them. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Dec 23, 2020•54 min
Combine geology, outdoor, living, and Texas; what do you get? You get a curation of high-quality apparel and gear inspired by the landscapes and cultures of wild America. Hunter Harlow and his crew of rag-tag group of industry outsiders. We're geologists, artists, adventurers, friends, and fishin' partners. Are the kind of people you want to sit around the fire and tell tall tales with. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Dec 23, 2020•49 min
Ever wonder how you can get tomatoes out of season on the shelf of your local grocery store? Here in the United States, that’s probably a more manageable task than it would be if you tried in a 3rd world country. Give that problem to guys like James Merril, and he will likely come up with a solution, having done so in his previous career... Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Dec 09, 2020•53 min
Who knew an office Christmas party and baby shower could completely change your career? Well, that is exactly how Art Hill started what would become Rogue Marine Advisors. We dive deep into how Art got his start and discussed the in’s and out’s of marketing in the 2020 marine industry. This is one episode you don’t want to miss! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Dec 02, 2020•1 hr 1 min
You are only as good as your gear rings true when it comes to saving lives. Having tools and equipment that are reliable and there when you need it can be the difference from rescue to recovery. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Nov 25, 2020•57 min
What makes you tick? Is it a backcountry trip in the foothills of Montana? How about a boat ride out to the fishing grounds? For Ben, finding his drift came in the form of an apparel brand dedicated to the outdoor community. In this week’s episode, I had the great fortune to catch up with Ben Shuptrine, the creator of Drift Dog Outfitters. I hope you enjoy this conversation with Ben, where we touch on the importance of the outdoors, his process for creating designs, and of course, what it means ...
Nov 12, 2020•52 min
What happens when four Texans break every outdoor speaker on the market. Well, today I had the pleasure of speaking with one of the co-founders, John McKenzie about how Turtle Box came to be. Given that these friends loved a rugged adventure in the Texas backcountry or sail on Galveston Bay a speaker was always in tow. So, taking to the drawing board and a few renditions later the bachelors and now family men created the most durable, indestructible, and for lack of a better term badass speaker ...
Nov 04, 2020•49 min
Kelp, it’s what for dinner! With the help of companies like Blue Evolution, you might be seeing more seaweed on the shelves of your local grocery store. They are rethinking how humans are farming and interacting with our ocean. I talk with founder Beau Perry to learn more about how the ocean has inspired him to take the leap and change the way we think about our current food system. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Oct 23, 2020•1 hr 4 min
Daringly self-reliant, like most people from Maine, @carlistewart started a one-stop graphic design and decal business after graduating college. Faced with a global pandemic, Carli has set out to design the coast of Maine one boat at a time, creating a name for herself in the industry, all while helping give back to the fishing community. It was a pleasure getting to chat with Carli to learn how she is creating a name for herself in the industry while helping give back to the fishing community. ...
Oct 14, 2020•39 min
I speak with Terry Simms, a pro surfer, coach, and the brainchild behind the Simba Surf Helmet. Terry shares his life story with us about incredible adventures that lead him to create the only surf centric helmet that keeps your melon safe while surfing your favorite break. Terry’s story will leave you on the edge of your seat and is truly a story of perseverance. He certainly does not shy away from adventure, and it was a pleasure being able to share his journey. If you haven’t already, be sure...
Oct 07, 2020•1 hr 3 min
In this week's episode, I chat with Zoe Wilson, the general manager of Ali'i Adventures. Located in Kona Hawaii, the "Adventure Shack" offers once in a lifetime outdoor experiences on the Big Island of Hawai'i. It was great to catch up with Zoe and do some reminiscing about my time on the island and dive into Zoe's unique career in the tourism industry and the story behind Ali'i. This was a fun episode to record, and I hope you enjoy the show! Be sure to check us out on Facebook and Instagram, a...
Sep 27, 2020•57 min
In her past life, this culinary icon was once tasked with creating a secret shark repellent when working for the CIA during WWII. The repellent was being developed for the US Navy, in hopes of saving shipwrecked sailors. Whether or not it worked is a different story, but fast forward to 2020, and Nathan Garrison, the founder of Sharkbanz, has come up with a solution to the age-old problem. The device has been so successful, that it is being used by Navy Seals, pro surfers, and the former command...
Sep 16, 2020•1 hr 23 min
Two brothers are taking a stand against marine plastic pollution by traveling across North America in a renovated blue school bus. To date, Hans and Nick Schippers have educated over 18,000 students on the effects of plastic on our oceans. Dubbed the SCH Road Trip, they are building the foundation for a sustainable future, through community engagement, education, beach cleanups, and much more! This episode has an incredible message, and I’m very excited to share Han’s and Nick’s journey across t...
Sep 08, 2020•1 hr
Ever want to hang in a hammock while offshore or at the sand bar? Well on this week’s episode I catch up with JC, the creator of the low country hammock stands. The only product that allows you to sling a hammock on almost any boat. Tune in because you might be surprised by the origin story of how the “boat hammock” came to be. This veteran-owned and USA made product is a must-have on any boating adventure. Instagram Facebook www.boathammockstand.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megap...
Sep 01, 2020•56 sec
If you're someone that likes to water ski, wakeboard, paddleboard, and want to expand your experience on the water than a Manta Rack might just be the next purchase for your boat. After a day wakeboarding with his son, Tim Wilhelm was tired of having to find a spot to stow his wakeboard after a fun day out on the water. So, like the many others on this podcast, he decided to create one and designed the first version of the Manta Rack while working full time in his “corporate job”. Fast forward t...
Jul 20, 2020•43 min
I was fortunate to be joined by Brian Guadagno and his furry sidekick Doc, during the first-ever live episode of the podcast. Heading down to Narragansett Beach in beautiful Rhode Island, Brian and I sat and discussed the origins of the Waterman Eco-Challenge, an event inspired by his passion for surfing, paddling, and the waterman community. The event takes place annually and brings people from around the United States to one of Rhode Island’s most iconic beaches. It’s designed to challenge the...
Jul 14, 2020•56 sec
After a long day tediously washing a yacht, David was for lack of a better word, "toasted". The heavy, scratch inducing, wash pole that we have all become accustomed to was cumbersome and outdated. So with a hack saw, some duck-tape, and prayer David cut into his expensive carbon fiber SUP paddle and fashioned it to the head of a brush. The idea quickly gained traction and pretty soon Yot Stik went from a way to solve his own personal problem to a company that has outfitted yachts with the carbo...
Jul 01, 2020•57 min
Did you know Humpback whales are found to be altruistic? Me neither, until I sat down with Captain Kelsey Waliszewski the founder and visionary for Moi Moi Market, boat captain extraordinaire, and host of the Talking Story Podcast. Kelsey lives on the Big Island of Hawaii and works as a boat captain for a local charter company, based in the town of Puako. Inspired by the Humpback whale’s altruistic behaviors Kelsey decided that she wanted to do more to help and created the Moi Moi market. A mark...
Jun 25, 2020•48 min
At age seventeen Shari Scisko decided to grab her backpack and book a one-way flight to southern California where she built an extremely successful yacht management company. Shari eventually moved to Kona, Hawaii where she now owns Kona Snorkel Trips, a charter boat dedicated to providing the best manta-ray, whale watching, and snorkeling adventures on the island! This episode is particularly special because I was fortunate enough to work for Shari during my time on the Big Island. It was great ...
Jun 23, 2020•1 hr 5 min
High-performance sailboat builder turned trash can maker. Peter Ceglinski, the co-founder of the Seabin Project, created the only floating rubbish bin made to remove marine debris, pollutants, plastic, and anything else that doesn’t belong floating in our oceans. Deciding he needed a career change, Pete one day decided to jump into the deep end and create a company dedicated to cleaning our ocean, one Seabin at a time. To date, the Seabin Project has collected almost 1,000,000 kgs of debris arou...
Jun 18, 2020•45 min
In today’s episode of Along The Keel I sit down with David Dennis, co-founder, of Ventana Surfboards and Supplies. Along with his business partner Martijn Stiphout, they have created the most environmentally responsible surf company on the planet! Located in beautiful Santa Cruz California Ventana takes a different approach when crafting surfboards. Built from 100% reclaimed wood and materials, David and Martijn’s products are useable pieces of art that are steeped in history and ingenuity. It’s...
Jun 04, 2020•56 sec