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Zach Rollins | Along The Keel Podcast | Tom Rowland Podcast Ep. 421
When a boat captain and Olympic weightlifter walks into a podcast studio, you know the conversation is going to meander through unexpected waters. Zach Rollins grew up practically living on the ocean—from Laguna Beach to Florida to Hawaii—before COVID forced a return to Rhode Island where he now runs Along The Keel, a podcast dedicated to the real stories behind marine and outdoor brands.
Presented by Star brite
Star brite has been the trusted name in marine care for decades—keeping boats and gear protected from salt, sun, and corrosion.
Growing Up on the Water: From California to Florida
Born in Laguna Beach, California, Zach spent his childhood where the ocean was a backyard. Then his family moved near St. Augustine, Florida. By the time he was a teenager, the water was his teacher. At 12, he was washing boats for pay. By high school, he was managing a marina. At 20, he earned his captain's license.
Hawaii, COVID, and the Geography of Opportunity
Zach moved to Kona, Hawaii to run charter boats. When researching which island to move to, he looked at the gyms—because he was building a serious Olympic weightlifting career. Then COVID collapsed tourism overnight. The decision to return to the mainland was practical and necessary.
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From Bodybuilding to CrossFit to Olympic Lifting
Zach's mother was a semi-professional bodybuilder. He started with bodybuilding, then CrossFit (nearly making the teen Games), then powerlifting at URI, and eventually Olympic weightlifting. Stats: 245 lb snatch, 330 lb clean & jerk, 430 lb front squat, ~480 lb back squat at 5'6" and 208 lbs. Coaching lineage: Anthony Iannaro, Dr. Michael Pepin, Dave Etheer at Providence Barbell Club, and Jared Smith.
Along The Keel: Storytelling for Brands That Matter
COVID catalyzed Along The Keel podcast (originally "Beyond the Buoy"). The mission: tell the real stories behind marine and outdoor brands. Featured brands include Rugged Seas, Jetty, Post Fly, Bad Fish, and Crafty One Customs.
5 Ideas Worth Stealing
- Geography shapes opportunity differently than you think. Zach chose his Hawaiian island partly based on which had the best gym.
- Authenticity compounds in the attention economy. Brands that solve real problems stand out.
- Olympic lifting requires patience. "We literally program a year in advance."
- Recovery is the invisible half of training. "You gotta train hard and you gotta recover harder."
- Multiple identities reinforce each other. Maritime discipline, barbell mastery, and storytelling share a core value: respecting craft.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Along The Keel podcast about?
Along The Keel tells the real stories behind marine and outdoor brands, featuring founders of companies like Rugged Seas, Jetty, Post Fly, and Bad Fish.
What are Zach Rollins' weightlifting numbers?
At 5'6" and 208 lbs: 245 lb snatch, 330 lb clean & jerk, 430 lb front squat, ~480 lb back squat.
Where is Zach from?
Born in Laguna Beach, CA; grew up in Florida; settled in Rhode Island. Lived in Hawaii running charter boats before COVID.
Sponsors
Zach Rollins — Boat Captain & Along The Keel Podcast Host
Location: Rhode Island
Weightlifting: Providence Barbell Club under Dave Etheer. 245 lb snatch, 330 lb C&J, 430 lb front squat.
Social: @along_the_keel on Instagram
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